Early Life and Education
Joanne Rowling was born on July 31, 1965, in Yate, Gloucestershire, England. She grew up in England and Wales, and showed an early passion for writing, composing her first story at the age of six. She attended the University of Exeter, graduating with a degree in French and Classics in 1986.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Success
Rowling conceived the idea for the Harry Potter series in 1990 while on a train journey. At the time, she was working as a researcher and bilingual secretary for Amnesty International. Following her mother's death in 1990, and after a difficult first marriage, she moved to Edinburgh, Scotland, with her daughter, Jessica. It was during this time, while living on welfare, that she wrote much of the first Harry Potter book.
The Harry Potter Phenomenon
The first book in the series, *Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone*, was published in 1997 and became an immediate success. Six sequels followed, concluding with *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows* in 2007. The books have been translated into 84 languages and have sold over 600 million copies. The series spawned a global media franchise, including blockbuster films, theme parks, and merchandise, contributing significantly to Rowling's wealth and influence.
Key Business Strategies
Rowling's success stems from her strong control over her intellectual property, including involvement in the film adaptations and other ventures. This has allowed her to maintain a significant share of the profits from the Harry Potter franchise. Additionally, she has expanded her brand with the *Cormoran Strike* crime fiction series, written under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, and other projects.
Philanthropy
Rowling has been actively involved in philanthropy throughout her career. In 2000, she established the Volant Charitable Trust, which supports causes related to social deprivation, particularly for women and children. She also co-founded Lumos, an organization that works to end the institutionalization of children globally. Rowling has donated an estimated $250 million to charity over the last 20 years.