J.K. Rowling

She is a British writer, film producer and screenwriter, known for being the author of the Harry Potter book series. Rowling is a well-known philanthropist who supports charities such as Comic Relief, One Parent Families and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Great Britain.

The Woman Who Inspired New Generations To Read

Unemployed and living on state subsidies, Rowling completed her first Harry Potter novel by writing in various cafes where she took her daughter Jessica for walks. In 1995, Rowling finished her manuscript for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone on an old typewriter. Almost immediately, Rowling became the most famous writer in the world, having gotten new generations excited about reading and all thanks to a train ride where "Jo" came up with the idea of a boy who discovers he is a wizard.

After the success of Harry Potter in film and television, Rowling has devoted herself to writing mystery novels under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith although she has returned to the magical world to write the screenplays for the Fantastic Beast films, as well as a new children's story, The Ickabog, the proceeds of which have been donated in their entirety.