Alisha Fernandez Miranda on Her Novel 'Someone's Gotta Give' and the World of Philanthropy

The Novel 'Someone's Gotta Give'

• 💡 'Someone's Gotta Give' is a fiction novel, not a memoir, about Lucia, a Venezuelan American fundraiser living in London.
• 🎯 Lucia is a new mom, expat, and wife, navigating her purpose while advising the wealthy on philanthropy at a posh private bank.
• 🔑 The novel explores themes of motherhood, marriage, ambition, and philanthropy, with influences from 'The Devil Wears Prada' and 'Crazy Rich Asians'.

Alisha's 'What If Year'

• ✨ Before writing her novel, Alisha pursued a "What If Year" of unpaid internships in various fields like Broadway, art dealing, and hospitality.
• ✍️ This experience led her to discover a passion for writing, culminating in her first book, 'My What If Year'.
• 🚀 Zibby Owens provided crucial support in Alisha's transition to becoming a published author.

The Paradoxes of Philanthropy

• 💰 Philanthropy showcases incredible generosity but also contains paradoxes, such as climate change conferences attended by private jet users.
• 🥂 Events for those in extreme poverty have been observed serving high-end champagne, highlighting the complex social dynamics.
• 🎭 The world of philanthropy brings together diverse groups, from grassroots activists to celebrities and royalty, each with different approaches to doing good.
• 🌍 Alisha wanted to explore the tension between doing good and the motivations behind giving, including personal legacy, guilt, or business benefits.

Lucia's Journey and Values

• 📌 Lucia, who started as a fundraiser for immigrants and refugees, faces a conflict when her new role involves advising the wealthy.
• 🤝 Her boss, Celeste, believes in amassing power first to do good later, contrasting with Lucia's more direct approach.
• 🇬🇧 Lucia struggles with cultural differences and the rules of navigating London as an expat, feeling out of her depth.

Expat Life and Motherhood Balance

• ✈️ Alisha moved to the UK by choice and finds living abroad offers a valuable new perspective on different ways of life and parenting.
• 🧩 She embraces the feeling of being slightly out of her comfort zone, even after years abroad, finding it a gift.
• ⚖️ Balancing motherhood, work, and relationships is a constant challenge, with Alisha adopting the idea that balance is the moment before falling in either direction.
• 💬 The struggle to