JK Rowling, born Joanne Rowling near Bristol, grew up in Gloucestershire, England, and later in Chepstow, Wales. Her father, Peter, worked as an aircraft engineer at Rolls-Royce, while her mother, Anne, was a science technician at the local school Joanne attended. Books were a central part of Jo’s childhood; she has said, “I lived for books.” Despite personal challenges, including her mother’s diagnosis with multiple sclerosis and eventual passing before Harry Potter was published, Jo found solace and inspiration in reading. Reflecting on the power of literature, she once said, “Books are like mirrors: if a fool looks in, you cannot expect a genius to look out.”
This quote underscores the idea that books reveal as much about the reader as the story itself. They reflect one’s understanding, perspective, and capacity for insight. Just as a mirror shows what is in front of it, literature rewards those who approach it thoughtfully, offering lessons, wisdom, and reflection that go beyond the surface.
JK Rowling and her passion for writing Jo Rowling’s passion for storytelling started early. At six, she wrote her first book, a simple tale about a rabbit titled Rabbit, and by eleven, she had completed her first novel about seven cursed diamonds and their owners. She studied at Exeter University, where her wide reading beyond her French and Classics coursework once earned her a £50 library fine, according to her website, jkrowling.com. Her knowledge of Classics later inspired some of the spells in the Harry Potter series, many of which are based on Latin. A year spent studying in Paris became one of her favourite experiences, shaping her worldview.
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After graduating, she moved to London and worked in several roles, including as a researcher at Amnesty International, where she handled letters from people risking imprisonment under totalitarian regimes. She described the experience as humbling and inspiring. The idea for Harry Potter struck in 1990 while she was on a delayed train from Manchester to London. Over the next five years, she meticulously planned all seven books, writing mostly in longhand and scribbling notes on scraps of paper.
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