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As a writer, time, and not talent is probably your most precious commodity. Precious as gold. Just as valuable and, for many, just as scarce. When I first dreamed of becoming a writer, I envisioned myself sitting by a window in a mahogany-lined office from which I could see a sparkling lake in the distance and a pristine garden in the foreground. The window would be open and occasionally I would hear the lilting call of a sparrow to its mate. Well, it all came true – in my dreams. (more…)
I’m sure many of you have seen the movie Titanic, but did you know that the date it sank was April 15, 1912? If you are one of those people still sinking under a cardboard box of bits and pieces of paper trying to decipher what deductions you can claim as a writer, here are some links that may be helpful:
http://www.publishlawyer.com/carousel8.htm
http://www.absolutewrite.com/freelance_writing/tax_tips.htm
http://www.guidetoliteraryagents.com/blog/Tax+Tips+For+Writers.aspx
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/selfemployed/index.html
These are links by some authorities in the legal and writing industry and the IRS itself. Hopefully they will keep you from sinking before the deadline, however they are not a substitute for consulting your own tax advisor. Happy April 15th!
One of the tips I picked up from veterans in book launching is that you should pay attention to the props you use for your book signing. Some authors print their book cover on their T shirt, or on tote books which they give to attendees who buy books. A tablecloth with your book cover and title printed in front is also a good idea. And don’t forget the poster. A professional-looking headshot of you on a large-sized poster makes a good impression. I haven’t done this yet, but it will be a good idea to have one of these made up and mounted on a cardboard frame so you can take it around with you to various events.
Another helpful tip is to have a loaded camera on hand so if anyone is interested you can take a photo with them. See some of my photos here.
Note my headdress in the pictures above. I tried to wear something to convey a semblance to a Jewish woman – the head scarf and ankle-length skirt, but that’s where it ended. You may not be able to make it out in the photos, but there’s my book cover printed on to my T shirt. A meeting of East and West, you might say. I wasn’t sure how my audience would respond to it, but everyone said they liked my outfit and understood what I was trying to portray. However, for my next book signing event I would make a better attempt at authencity.
Remember, you can still purchase Women For All Seasons at Amazon.com or Barnes & Nobel.com and in ebook form at Smashwords.com. As always, your comments are welcome.
