J.K. Rowling – the author behind Harry Potter

When you hear the name J.K. Rowling, most people think of a young wizard, a magic school, and a scar on a boy’s forehead. Those images come from the Harry Potter series, a set of books that changed how many of us saw reading. But there’s more to the story—how she got there, what she does now, and why the books still matter.

Early life and career

Rowling was born in 1965 in Yate, England. She loved stories as a child and spent a lot of time writing short tales. After university, she worked as a researcher and bilingual secretary, jobs that gave her time to think about characters. In the early 1990s, while on a delayed train from Manchester to London, the idea for a boy who discovers he’s a wizard popped into her head. She started scribbling notes on a napkin and soon had the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Getting the book published wasn’t easy. She faced multiple rejections before a small London publisher, Bloomsbury, took a chance. The book hit shelves in 1997 and quickly sold out. Within a few years, the series grew to seven books, sold over 500 million copies, and was translated into dozens of languages. The success turned Rowling into a household name and launched a huge franchise of movies, theme parks, and merchandise.

Why Harry Potter still matters

The magic of Harry Potter isn’t just in spells and flying broomsticks. The books tackle real issues—friendship, loss, prejudice, and the fight between good and evil. Readers often say they feel a personal connection to the characters because the problems they face feel familiar. This emotional link is why new readers keep discovering the series, and why schools use the books to discuss themes like courage and tolerance.

Rowling also uses her platform to support causes she cares about. She set up the charity Lumos, which works to end child homelessness, and has donated millions to various health and education projects. Even after the main series ended, she kept writing, creating adult novels like The Casual Vacancy and exploring the wizarding world through the Fantastic Beasts film series.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just curious, understanding J.K. Rowling’s path gives you a glimpse into how a simple idea can become a global phenomenon. Her story shows that perseverance, imagination, and a little bit of luck can turn a napkin sketch into something that inspires millions.

Harry Potter attraction under review in Vancouver as park commissioner weighs contract cancellation

A Harry Potter-themed event planned for Stanley Park is under review after a Vancouver Park Board commissioner raised concerns about reputational risk tied to J.K. Rowling’s views on transgender rights. Commissioner Tom Digby says he didn’t grasp the implications when he approved the contract in a closed meeting. The board is weighing options as community backlash grows. No final decision has been made.

read more