Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Book Spotlight/Giveaway: A Voice Out of Poverty

 


Check out the new nonfiction book by Jillian Haslam, A Voice Out of Poverty, today and make sure to enter the tour wide giveaway as you get a chance to win a $25 Amazon/BN GC from the author. The tour is sponsored by Goddess Fish Promotions and you can find all the tour stops HERE.


Where Do Ideas for a Book Come From:   

Today, I want to chat about something that often gets me super excited—the magical world of book ideas. You know, those little sparks that ignite our imaginations and take us on incredible literary adventures. So, join me as we dive into the question: Where do ideas for a book come from?

Now, let me start by saying that ideas are sneaky little creatures. They can pop up anytime, anywhere, and in the most unexpected places. Sometimes, a simple observation or conversation can trigger a creative explosion in our minds. Other times, ideas come knocking on our doors in the middle of the night, begging to be let in. And believe me; it's always wise to open that door and let them in!

One of the most beautiful things about ideas is that they can spring forth from our personal experiences. Think about it—each of us has a unique story to tell. Our own lives are filled with a treasure trove of emotions, challenges, triumphs, and lessons. These experiences can be a rich source of inspiration for a book. Maybe a childhood memory sparks an idea for a heartwarming coming-of-age story, or a personal struggle becomes the backbone of a self-help guide. Our experiences are like fuel for our creativity, and the possibilities are endless.

Another fascinating wellspring for book ideas lies in the world around us. Paying attention to the people we meet, the places we visit, and the events unfolding in our lives can be a great starting point. Inspiration can be found in the quirks of a stranger's personality, the breathtaking beauty of a landscape, or the heart-wrenching news headlines we stumble upon. All we need to do is open our eyes and soak it all in. Trust me; you'll be amazed at how the world can gift you with fantastic ideas when you least expect it.

Books themselves can also be the catalyst for new ideas. As authors, we're constantly reading, learning, and immersing ourselves in other people's stories. Sometimes, a book can spark a tiny flicker in our minds, prompting us to explore an alternative perspective or delve deeper into a particular topic. It's like a literary chain reaction—ideas giving birth to more ideas.

Now, let's talk about a little thing called imagination. Oh boy, is it a powerhouse when it comes to generating book ideas! Our imagination is like a playground, where characters come to life and worlds are born. It allows us to dream up magical realms, futuristic societies, and unforgettable characters. It's the place where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and where the wildest ideas can thrive. So, my friends, never underestimate the power of a vivid imagination—it's a gateway to limitless possibilities.

Lastly, I want to touch on the notion that sometimes, ideas simply strike us out of the blue. They come hurtling towards us like a meteor shower, demanding our attention. It could be a phrase, an image, or even a single word that triggers a cascade of thoughts. These lightning-bolt ideas are like rare gems, and when they appear, we must catch them and hold on tight. Trust me; they're often the ones that have the potential to become something truly extraordinary.

When it comes to the question of where book ideas come from, the answer is as diverse and colorful as the books themselves. From our personal experiences to the world around us, from the books we read to the power of our own imaginations, the sources of inspiration are infinite. The key lies in being open and receptive to the ideas that come our way, embracing them with open arms, and nurturing them until they blossom into something beautiful.

So, my fellow dreamers and storytellers, let your imaginations run wild and keep those creative antennas up. You never know when the next brilliant idea might come knocking on your door. Until then, happy writing and happy exploring!

With love and inspiration, Jillian

 



A Voice Out of Poverty

by Jillian Haslam

GENRE: Memoir


A woman’s ascent from devastating poverty and childhood trauma to international standing as a prominent advocate for the poor and helpless.

 

As a young girl, Jillian Haslam saved a life. Herself tiny and aching from malnutrition, she stood for hours at a tea shop, begging for a ladle of milk to try and prevent her newborn sister from dying of starvation.

 

From the slums of Calcutta to the executive floors of a global bank, A Voice out of Poverty offers an unflinching look at one woman’s journey from destitution to success.

 

Throughout, Haslam demonstrates an inexhaustible drive to rise above adversity and find beacons of positivity in impossible circumstances. But her rise doesn’t stop at the top; she returns to her roots again and again to extend a hand to those left in the impoverished communities that she so narrowly escaped.

 

British by ancestry and born in India after its independence, Haslam and her family suffered degradation and prejudice. They were forced to live on the streets, flee danger in the middle of the night, and face persistent abuse and starvation.

 

This treacherous environment is the backdrop of an unlikely story of resilience and an unshakable family bond. From squalor and powerlessness, Haslam finds countless moments of grace, community, gratitude, and love.

 

A Voice out of Poverty is a raw and inspiring memoir that shows how beauty can be found in improbable places, and how “success” is not just the act of making it through. Rather, it is the act of reaching back to bring others with you.

Buy links: 

https://www.amazon.com/Voice-Out-Poverty-Achieve-Adversity-ebook/dp/B0BX48B964

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/58948875

https://www.jillianhaslam.com/book

 Excerpt One:

 

A bristly, grey rat jutted its head through a wide crack in the peeling stucco wall, its long tail draped behind and hidden. It squinted its beady eyes and sniffed the air, as a light drizzle started to dampen the ground.

 

A few feet away, an older homeless woman, sitting under a precarious building canopy, shifted her eyes towards the rat, without moving her head. A stray dog nestled next to her, one of three gathered snuggly around her, bared its teeth, and growled at the rodent, without rising.

 

The woman swiveled her head in the rat’s direction and shooed it away with a claw-like hand slicing the air. The rat withdrew, vanishing inside the wall. The dog returned its head to rest on its paws and closed its eyes.

 

The drizzle turned into a light rain.

 

My mother and I took in the rat scene side by side as we ambled down the street. My eyes remained riveted on the homeless woman. I wondered if she had a family or young children like me. Then, the noisy “pop-pop” of a Vespa flew near my eyes and broke my concentration, causing me to pull my head back abruptly. I gripped my mother’s hand as tightly as I could.

 

The rain was now steady but not enough to flood the crowded streets or inhibit the pace of the fast-moving foot and vehicle traffic. I looked up to see an old man pulling a rickshaw coming towards us. I stared at him. His emaciated body looked as if his skin could peel off in thin layers, like a stale onion. He stared at me, sharing his single black tooth. I held my stare.

 

The rickshaw puller veered off the line of his path, forcing a dilapidated scooter that packed an entire family to swerve near us. The scooter splashed mud onto my legs and dress, and I started to cry. My only proper dress was drenched with filth. I now would have to undress to underclothes while it got washed. My mother stopped and crouched in front of me. I didn’t hide my disgust.

GIVEAWAY 


a Rafflecopter giveaway


AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 Jillian Haslam is a remarkable individual with expertise in speaking on adversity and Resilience 

With a distinguished 23-year career in banking, she brings a wealth of industry knowledge to her engagements. As an acclaimed author, her books A Voice Out of Poverty and 9 Steps to Overcome Adversity-A Handbook for Life have garnered critical acclaim including the prestigious Kirkus Star Review! Her extraordinary journey has earned her accolades, including the prestigious Mother Teresa Memorial International Award for her humanitarian contributions. 

Jillian's unique perspective and powerful storytelling have made her a sought-after speaker on the topics of adversity and resilience. She has inspired audiences around the world with her transformative message, helping individuals and organizations overcome challenges and achieve remarkable results. Her insights have been featured in major media outlets, including The Times, The Telegraph, The BBC, and The Week. Through her speaking engagements, Jillian empowers individuals and teams to harness the power of resilience, navigate adversity, and unlock their full potential. Her profound impact continues to resonate with audiences from various backgrounds, fostering a culture of strength, growth, and success. 

Jillian Haslam's expertise as a speaker on adversity and resilience, coupled with her extensive banking experience, has made her a trusted voice in the field. Her ability to inspire and guide others through their own journeys of overcoming obstacles sets her apart, making her a valuable asset to any event or organization seeking to cultivate resilience and achieve exceptional success. 

Jillian currently lives in London with her husband.

 

Connect with her here:

www.jillianhaslam.com

 

https://books2read.com/u/3JnzxK (all available buy links are here)

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/58948875

"Embrace Adversity, Unleash Greatness!

Once upon a time, in the heart of adversity, there lived a young girl named Jillian

Haslam. Born into abject poverty in the city of Kolkata, her life seemed destined for

despair. But little did the world know that within those hardships lay the seeds of

greatness and resilience.

Jillian's childhood was filled with struggles, facing hunger, homelessness, and the harsh

realities of poverty. However, amidst the gloom, she discovered a glimmer of hope -

education. Determined to change her fate, Jillian pursued knowledge with fervor,

knowing that education was her ticket to a better life.

Through sheer determination and hard work, Jillian excelled in her studies. She didn't let

her circumstances define her, but instead, she let them fuel her dreams. Every

challenge she faced became a stepping stone towards her ultimate goal - to break free

from the shackles of poverty and create a life of abundance.

As the years passed, Jillian's unwavering spirit caught the attention of a kind soul who

offered her a chance to work for a prestigious organization. This opportunity opened

doors she could only dream of before. With dedication and passion, Jillian climbed the

ladder of success, proving that her past could not hold her back.

But Jillian's journey didn't stop there. Instead of forgetting her roots, she embraced her

past and used it as a powerful tool to drive change. She founded initiatives to help

underprivileged children like herself, providing them with the gift of education and hope.

Today, Jillian stands tall as a beacon of inspiration and a symbol of turning adversity into

golden opportunities. Her voice echoes through her book, "A Voice Out of Poverty,"

touching countless hearts and motivating others to rise above their circumstances.

In the face of challenges, lies the key to your transformation. Embrace your struggles,

for they hold the power to unlock your true potential. Rise above adversity and let your

resilience shine, turning every experience into a golden opportunity for growth and

success! 

#EmbraceTheJourney #UnleashYourPotential #TurningStrugglesIntoTriumphs

#Adversity



3 comments:

Goddess Fish Promotions said...

Thank you for hosting today.

Sherry said...

Sounds like a good read.

marisela zuniga said...

this sounds like a great book

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