JK Rowling, the publisher of the universally adored Harry Potter books is a prime example of someone who just refused to fail. She now stands as one of the most famous authors in the world today, and according to The Sunday Times Rich List, her success has amassed her a wealth just shy of a billion dollars.

Yet, before her success with Harry Potter she was in the grips of poverty .. a single mom, struggling through depression and depending on the welfare state just to survive....