Joanne Rowling, known by her pen name J.K. Rowling, is a British author and philanthropist, best known for creating the globally celebrated "Harry Potter" series. Born on July 31, 1965, in Yate, Gloucestershire, England, she grew up with a passion for storytelling, penning her first tale, "Rabbit," at the age of six. Her early education took place at St Michael's Church of England Primary School in Winterbourne, followed by secondary education at Wyedean School and College. She later pursued a Bachelor of Arts in French and the Classics at the University of Exeter.

The concept for "Harry Potter" emerged during a delayed train journey from Manchester to London in 1990. Tragically, her mother passed away from multiple sclerosis later that year, a loss that profoundly influenced her writing, especially in depicting themes of mortality and loss. Seeking a fresh start, Rowling moved to Porto, Portugal, in 1991 to teach English as a foreign language. There, she married Portuguese journalist Jorge Arantes in 1992, and they welcomed a daughter, Jessica, in 1993. The marriage ended shortly after, leading Rowling to relocate to Edinburgh, Scotland, with her daughter.

Facing financial hardships as a single mother, Rowling continued to develop her manuscript, often writing in local cafés. After multiple rejections, Bloomsbury Publishing accepted "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," releasing it in 1997. The series, spanning seven books from 1997 to 2007, achieved unprecedented success, selling over 600 million copies worldwide and being translated into 84 languages. The books also inspired a major film franchise, theme parks, and a vast array of merchandise.

Beyond the wizarding world, Rowling explored other literary avenues. In 2012, she published "The Casual Vacancy," a novel for adults delving into social and political themes. Under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, she authored the "Cormoran Strike" series, starting with "The Cuckoo's Calling" in 2013, showcasing her versatility in crime fiction.

Rowling's contributions to literature have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2000 and the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH) in 2017 for services to literature and philanthropy. Her philanthropic efforts are notable; she established the Volant Charitable Trust in 2000, supporting causes related to poverty and social inequality, and co-founded the charity Lumos in 2005, aiming to end the institutionalization of children worldwide.

In her personal life, Rowling married Scottish doctor Neil Murray in 2001, and they have two children together, David and Mackenzie. The family resides in Scotland. Rowling has also been an active voice in social and political discussions, notably expressing her views on various issues, which have sparked public debates and discussions.

REFERENCE: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._K._Rowling