J.K. Rowling's Milestones

J.K. Rowling is a British author best known for creating the Harry Potter series, which transformed children's literature and inspired generations, while also supporting numerous philanthropic causes.
1965

Birth

Joanne Rowling was born in Yate, England, to Peter and Anne Rowling.

Family July 31, 1965
1970

Early love of reading

Developed a passion for reading and writing stories as a child.

Other January 1, 1970 - June 1, 1982
1983

Attended University of Exeter

Studied French and the Classics at the University of Exeter.

Education September 1, 1983 - June 30, 1986
1986

Worked for Amnesty International

Worked as a researcher and bilingual secretary for Amnesty International in London.

Career July 1, 1986 - June 30, 1990
1990

Idea for Harry Potter

Conceived the idea for Harry Potter while on a delayed train from Manchester to London.

Achievement July 26, 1990

Mother's death

Her mother's death from multiple sclerosis deeply influenced her writing.

Family December 30, 1990
1991

Moved to Portugal

Moved to Porto, Portugal, to teach English; married Jorge Arantes.

Location November 1, 1991 - December 1, 1993
1993

Birth of daughter

Her daughter Jessica was born in Portugal.

Family July 27, 1993

Divorce and move to Edinburgh

Separated from her husband and moved to Edinburgh as a single mother.

Other December 1, 1993 - December 1, 1994
1995

Completed first Harry Potter manuscript

Completed the manuscript for 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.'

Achievement January 1, 1995
1997

First Harry Potter published

Published 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.'

Achievement June 26, 1997

Major literary awards

Received multiple literary awards for the Harry Potter series.

Achievement July 1, 1997 - July 1, 2001
1998

Subsequent Harry Potter books

Published the remaining six Harry Potter books, achieving global success.

Achievement July 2, 1998 - July 21, 2007
2001

Film adaptations

Harry Potter books adapted into a successful film series.

Achievement November 16, 2001 - July 15, 2011
2007

Final Harry Potter published

Published the final book in the Harry Potter series.

Achievement July 21, 2007
2010

Philanthropy and new works

Became a major philanthropist and continued writing novels, including 'The Casual Vacancy' and the Cormoran Strike series.

Other January 1, 2010