JK Rowling is a noted writer of children's fantasy novels.

Her most famous work to date is the seven-part Harry Potter series.

Born in the 1960s, JK Rowling began writing the first Harry Potter novel in 1990. The idea for the novel came to her whilst she was on a delayed train.

That same evening she began writing the story of a young boy of somewhat dishevelled appearance who doesn't realize that he is in fact a wizard.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was accepted for publication in 1996 and over the following 11 years, Rowling produced six more Harry Potter novels. All these novels have been worldwide bestsellers.

Her novels frequently explore issues of good and evil in fairly vivid and dramatic ways. A recurring theme in her writing is the notion of self-sacrifice.

The success of the Harry Potter series has given JK Rowling several world records. She is today, one of the most successful living writers and her earnings from writing have reportedly made her one of the wealthiest women in the UK.

Before turning to writing, Rowling worked as a school teacher.