J. K. Rowling ​

Joanne "Jo" Rowling, writing under the pen names J.K. Rowling and Robert Galbraith, is a British novelist best known as the author of the Harry Potter fantasy series, which has won multiple awards and sold more than 500 million copies to become the best-selling book series in history.

Quick Facts ​

• Wrote the Harry Potter fantasy series, which have won multiple awards and sold more than 500 million copies.
• Making her one of the best-selling fiction authors in history.
• She also writes crime fiction under the pen name Robert Galbraith.
• Her work has been adapted for both film and stage productions.

Background ​

Rowling was born on 1965, in Yate, England. She attended Exeter University, where she studied French and Classics. After graduation, she moved to London to work as a researcher for Amnesty International. In 1990, she moved to Portugal to teach English. While living in Portugal, she married Jorge Arantes and had a daughter named Jessica. The marriage ended in divorce in 1995, and Rowling returned to the United Kingdom with her daughter.

In 1997, Rowling finished her first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. The book was published under the name J.K. Rowling (her publisher thought that boys would not want to read a book by a woman) and became an instant bestseller. It was followed by six more Harry Potter books, which were also hugely successful. The books have been made into eight movies, the first of which was released in 2001

Writing Style and Impact ​

Rowling's writing style is characterized by complex plot lines, vivid settings, and well-developed characters. Her work has been praised for its ability to transport readers into a believable and magical world, and she has been credited with revitalizing interest in the fantasy genre. She has also been commended for her use of diverse and inclusive characters.

Notable Works ​

• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (1997)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1998)
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (1999)
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2000)
• Harry Potter and Order of Phoenix (2003)