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What group did you hang out with in high school?
With the quiet girls. My sister was the naughty one!!
What are you passionate about these days?
Fighting for inequality. Fighting for people who live in abject poverty and have not one to give them hope or opportunity in life and for animal rights.
If you had to do your journey to getting published all over again, what would you do differently?
I would take my time to ensure that I was dealing with the right people who are seasoned industry professionals rather than believe promises made by people looking to take advantage of your inexperience in this market. It has been an educational journey with many learnings which I am happy to share with other aspiring authors.
Ebook or print? And why?
Both because it takes many types of people with different preferences in this world and its best to cater to all types of people.
What is your favourite scene in this book?
Describing the day I received the Mother Teresa Memorial International Award in Kolkata at St. Teresa’s church. Walking with the police who had lined both sides of the street in Kolkata. I received the award at St. Treasa’s church and we then walked with hundreds of people to Mother House which is where she is buried. I was requested to put the Indian flag on her tomb and was allowed to step into her one little room (no one is allowed into this area) where her bed, her saree and her slippers are. Being allowed to spend time there on my own was one of the greatest experiences of my life.
If you could have one paranormal ability, what would it be?
Mind reading so that I could see what people really and truly want so that I could help them to achieve it (which could be a force for good)!!
What is one thing your readers would be most surprised to learn about you?
At one time in my life, I was a singer in a band (I had to take this job to pay for my mother’s cancer treatment). The whole story is in my book. A client gave the band a tip and then took it back because I just could not sing but there you go I was a singer for a few months out of desperation.
When writing descriptions of your hero/ine, what feature do you start with?
Compassion, Understanding, Kindness and Resilient to do what it takes to end a story with success.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
Neither. My writing is based on my true life experience and therefore I do not need to adopt either mode while talking about my life.
Did you learn anything from writing this book? If so, what?
I wrote this book with the intention of helping others find ways out of adversity but on the journey, I not only learnt about myself, I also learned a lot about human interaction and how not to let my enthusiasm take me into situations that could have been avoided with more careful consideration.
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
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.
“Oh, come on now Jillu, it’s not that bad!” she said. The brusque tone harkened to how she’d counsel us not to yield to emotion. My mother relentlessly stressed that life could always have been harder. Never make a fuss. Be grateful for what you have, however paltry. Things can be worse.
I wasn’t appeased, and my mother could tell.
“We can get it cleaned up when we get back,” she added, wiping tears from my cheeks with a single thumb. Her other hand was trapped inside the hand of my younger sister, four-year-old Vanessa, who held on as if worried she’d fly away like a released balloon if she let go.
“Anyway, we’re leaving in a few days, and where we’re going is better.” More parental reassurance about greener pastures.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“To Mrs. Brown’s. She’s letting us sleep on the floor in her room for a while. It will be crowded but all of us will be together again.”
“You mean Daddy and Donna can go there too?” I asked, my mood brightening. I saw a ghost of a smile emerging on Vanessa’s face as she took it all in. We often lived apart as a family because of our circumstances.
“Yes, but we can only stay for a few weeks, and then we must find somewhere else again. But don’t worry, you know Daddy and I always find us something.”
“Okay,” I said, nodding.
We resumed shuffling down the streets, navigating mass congestion. I turned my head for a long look back at the old woman and her dogs. I felt a surge of empathy for her, alone in wet and dirty clothes, facing each day with the promise of nothing. Soon we’d have a roof over our heads in a family home while she’d continue to fend for herself in the unsympathetic and unforgiving slum streets. She’d continue to get wet and dirty. She’d continue to try to survive each day with no family to love and care for her; I felt grateful for what I had and prayed that someday she might have the same. As those thoughts flooded me, she gingerly placed sheets of old newspaper on the wet ground to sit on.
The rain fell a little harder.
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.
http://www.jillianhaslam.com
https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/58948875
https://www.facebook.com/jillian.haslam
https://www.facebook.com/IndianEnglishTheMovie
https://twitter.com/JillianHaslam
https://www.instagram.com/jillian.haslam/
https://books2read.com/u/3JnzxK
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the book sounds like a good read. thanks for also sharing this interview
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great story.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the post. Sounds good.
ReplyDeleteThis was a wonderful book for you to write. I hope it helps many.
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