Very Good Lives: The Fringe Benefits of Failure and the Importance of Imagination

J. K. Rowling is a renowned British author primarily known for her immensely popular "Harry Potter" series. Born Joanne Rowling on July 31, 1965, in Yate, England, her passion for storytelling started at a young age. After studying French and Classics at the University of Exeter, she worked in various roles, including spending time with Amnesty International in London. The concept of "Harry Potter" first came to her during a delayed train journey in 1990. After facing various personal challenges and rejections from publishers, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" was published in 1997. The series, comprising seven books, has since been translated into multiple languages and has prompted movies, spin-offs, and a dedicated fan base globally. In addition to the "Harry Potter" series, Rowling has also written adult fiction such as "The Casual Vacancy" and the "Cormoran Strike" series under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith. Rowling's works, which have earned her numerous accolades, have also led to her significant philanthropic activities.