Joanne Harris is a British author born in Barnsley, Yorkshire in 1964. She was raised by a French mother and British father, a background that has influenced her writing. Before becoming a full-time writer, Harris worked as a French teacher for 15 years, during which she published three novels. Harris achieved widespread recognition with her 1999 novel Chocolat, which became a surprise success and was adapted into a film. This breakthrough allowed her to pursue writing full time. Since then, she has written over 30 books across multiple genres, including fantasy, psychological thriller, novellas, short stories, and non-fiction. Her work frequently explores themes of women's empowerment, folklore, motherhood, community, and the experiences of outsiders and outcasts. Food also features prominently in her writing, reflecting her diverse interests and storytelling approach.