J.K. Rowling - An Inpiration

With half a billion Harry Potter books printed in more than 70 languages worldwide, it's safe to say that a large portion of the human population has experienced the magical journey of the so- named child wizard Harry Potter. But not everyone knows the equally gripping story of potter creator J.K. Rowling, whose rags to riches tale including many hardships, spans several countries and continue to unfold.

Joanne Rowling was born on 31st July 1965. Her teenage years were unhappy. Her home was complicated by her mother's illness and a strained relationship with her father. In 1982, Rowling took the entrance exam for Oxford University but was not accepted and read for a BA in french and classics at the University of Exeter. 

After the death of her mother in 1991, rowling left her job in london. Working as an english teacher by day and creating a complex magical universe by night, rowling crafted the very 1st chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in portugal.

In 1992, she wed a man named Jorge Aranter and welcomed  a daughter Jessica. However, the marriage ended shortly and she left the country with her daughter mere months after giving birth. With only 3 chapters of 1st novel, a small child and a few belongings to her name, she moved into a tiny apartment, surviving off of welfare benefits.Rowling passed many hours by writing in edinburgh cafes, such as the now famous "Elephant House".

Rowling finished her 1st manuscript of Sorcerer's Stone in 1995. She sent copies of the manuscript to 12 publishing houses but failed her quest to see Harry Potter printed. It wasn't until August 1996 that Bloomsbury publication took a chance on Harry Potter, ordering 1000 printed copies to be released the next summer. After it hit shelves, Scholastic paid $105,000 - 10 times the average rate for a children's book at that time for the US publishing rights to Sorcerer's Stone. The rest, as they say is history.

The Harry Potter series went on to sell more then 400 million copies worldwide was adapted into 8 beloved and record-breaking film series and earned rowling more than $1 billion, plenty of which she has donated. She reportedly even lost her billionaire status due to excessive charitable giving.

Bloomsbury published 7 record breaking novels written by Rowling.The last book Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows released on 21st July 2007 and broke it's predecessor's record as the fastest selling book in the history. It sold 11 million copies in the first day of release in UK and US.

How is she an inspiration for all of us:-

• She's a strong Feminist who believes that "A woman can fight just the same as a man can fight".
• She's an advocate for self-love and said "What's the point of being alive if you don't try or make things better?"
• She inspired an entire generation to love reading.
• She encourages girls to embrace their intelligence hence created a smart and witty character like Hermione Granger.
• She frequently donates to charities.
• She started with nothing but never gave up! 

"I would like to be remembered as someone who did the best she could with her talent she had."