J.K. Rowling (1965-), Writer

Joanne Kathleen ('J.K.') Rowling

Sitter associated with 6 portraits
J. K. Rowling creator of the Harry Potter books, has said that the character and plot came to her 'fully formed' during a train journey in 1990. She began writing shortly afterwards when she moved to Portugal to teach English. Later, as a single mother living in Edinburgh, she continued working on the manuscript in longhand. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (1997), was the first of a planned series of seven - one for every year Potter spends at Hogwarts, a school for Wizards. The phenomenally successful series captivate both child and adult audiences alike. Her books have been translated into 61 languages, sold over a quarter of a billion copies worldwide and been made into major feature films.