Writing a book to climb out of poverty

A student newspaper gives us this inspiring story of a woman taking it upon herself to get out of poverty. The Independent Florida Alligator introduces us to Marcee Winthrop. Marcee has lived in poverty for two decades, but is publishing a book about her experiences to help climb out of it.

Writer Jared Misner tells us about the book and what stuck Marcee in poverty for so long

Marcee Winthrop just wants to smile again.

But Winthrop's constant struggle against poverty has changed nearly every aspect of her life, including her smile.

"I used to smile so much people called me 'Smiley,'" Winthrop said as one of her last remaining teeth wiggled from the inside of her mouth like an autumn leaf waiting to fall from a branch. "I used to have a beautiful smile."

Dressed in a vibrantly colored floral-print blouse, Winthrop, 54, said she's lived in poverty for two decades following a string of poorly selected husbands and an inability to find a job, a problem that Winthrop said stems from her appearance.

But that's all about to change.

Winthrop published "Poverty Revolution Part One: Skimming the Surface" in May as part of her New Year's Resolution to her daughter, Maralisa, to get out of poverty before the end of the year.

Since its publication, the book has sold more than 50 copies at about $20 a piece, and Winthrop said she's on her way to keeping her promise to her daughter.

"We can see the light at the end of the tunnel," Winthrop said. "We're just not there yet."

As a result of her first book's success, Winthrop plans to write at least five more in a "Poverty Revolution" series.

The second of the series, "Poverty Revolution Part Two: In The Depths," is already in the works and should be published just in time for Christmas, she said.

For those of you without a job, I would encourage you to take a similar path. Sell your skills or services directly to people, instead of bothering finding a job. Especially now, as the economy in the States is not growing fast enough for businesses to hire people. If you can write a book, write it, if you can wash windows, put an ad in craigslist and start washing, if you can recycle pallets, get your nail gun ready and do it.