This month's celebration of what we're doing right continues with another top resolution: finances. Since writing is a form of self-employment, dealing with the financial end can seem complicated, even mystical.
Finances don't have to induce a migraine headache nor are they rocket science. This week we'll look at them from a writer's perspective. Don't be scared! You already have the skills; after all, you balance a checkbook, file taxes, and manage your money.
Writers need to do two things: save receipts and keep records of their income. These two things will make tax time easier. On Friday, we'll look at a simple method of recording income, but for now, we're focusing on saving receipts.
I have a manila folder marked "2010 Writing Receipts." Complicated, huh? What goes into this folder? Receipts for the dues I pay to writing organizations, for reference books, conference fees and related expenses, magazines, my website, office supplies, and anything else legally appropriate to deduct from taxes. EHow's: How to Deduct Expenses Writing Income answers many questions about appropriate deductions.
Saving your receipts saves you money. Deduct expenses on your tax return to legally keep your hard-earned cash. Store the receipts with your tax return that way if you're audited, the receipts serve as proof. It's as easy as that.
Freelance writers and authors are considered independent contractors. You don't have an employer to withdraw taxes from your paycheck. Unfortunately, Social Security and Medicare taxes are your responsibility too. With no employer footing half the bill, you're responsible for the full amount. Another great eHow article: How to File Self-Employment Taxes details the steps to file. If you owe more than $1000.00 in SECA taxes, you will pay them on a quarterly basis. and you'll estimate how much you owe.
Check out "Estimated Taxes" through the IRS website for the nitty-gritty details. Be aware, depending on where you live, you may have to pay state and city quarterly taxes too. An Internet search or a call to your county office should provide the answers for you.
Another great resource is "If You are Self-Employed" at the Social Security Administration's website. Read through the links listed at the bottom of the article for the full scoop.
When filing your annual taxes, you will use a Schedule C. Fill in the appropriate six-digit code stating you're a sole proprietorship. Some localities require self-employed individuals to file for a sole proprietorship. Check with your state and county for information. Another interesting article on the topic is eHow's "How to File for Sole Proprietorship."
Filing for a sole proprietorship is not your only option. You can also incorporate. There are pros and cons to both, but most newly published writers will probably best be served by sticking to a sole proprietorship. As your career flourishes, you may want to have more legal protection or reduce the amount of taxes you're paying. Incorporating can legally accomplish both.
Don't feel you need to learn this all on your own, though. A CPA can guide you through the tax process and make suggestions based on your situation. Never be afraid to use a professional!
Join me on Wednesday when we'll discuss financial planning: estimating income.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Embracing Your Healthy Habits: Part Three
Today we're talking water. Hydration is vital to writers. The benefits of water can't be overstated. It keeps you alert, feeds your organs, boosts your metabolism slightly, and it's calorie free.
What do you drink the most of? Soda? Tea? Coffee? Milk? Juice? Water? I drink coffee in the morning and water or hot tea the rest of the day. Sometimes I'll crack open a soda in the afternoon. Since most drinks are empty calories, I make a conscious effort to drink more water than anything else. I'd rather eat my calories than drink them.
Here's my tip for staying hydrated. I get in the zone when I'm writing, so I always have a large glass of ice water nearby. After an hour or two, I'll reach for the glass and be surprised that it's empty. I don't even realize I'm drinking it! That's the healthy habit I'm embracing today. It's easy to get extra water in your body when you fill up a glass and keep it next to you while writing.
If you aren't convinced about the health benefits of drinking water, read Brain Power Improves Right After Drinking Water at Discovery News. It also gives tips on neck and back alignment when sitting at a computer.
Do you stay hydrated? What's your secret to getting enough water?
Have a terrific weekend!
What do you drink the most of? Soda? Tea? Coffee? Milk? Juice? Water? I drink coffee in the morning and water or hot tea the rest of the day. Sometimes I'll crack open a soda in the afternoon. Since most drinks are empty calories, I make a conscious effort to drink more water than anything else. I'd rather eat my calories than drink them.
Here's my tip for staying hydrated. I get in the zone when I'm writing, so I always have a large glass of ice water nearby. After an hour or two, I'll reach for the glass and be surprised that it's empty. I don't even realize I'm drinking it! That's the healthy habit I'm embracing today. It's easy to get extra water in your body when you fill up a glass and keep it next to you while writing.
If you aren't convinced about the health benefits of drinking water, read Brain Power Improves Right After Drinking Water at Discovery News. It also gives tips on neck and back alignment when sitting at a computer.
Do you stay hydrated? What's your secret to getting enough water?
Have a terrific weekend!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Embracing Your Healthy Habits: Part Two
Is your diet a black hole of non-nutrition? Do you feel guilty about the types and amount of food you're eating? Does the food you eat affect your writing?
First of all, you must be eating something nutritious every day. Even a piece of lettuce on the burger counts; don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Second of all, I do believe the food we eat affects our writing. Here's why. When I eat something I perceive as bad, I start to feel bad. When I feel bad, I'm not positive. Self-destructive habits creep in. If I don't feel good about myself, I'm not going to have a marathon writing session.
I'm a huge believer in moderation. There are no off-limit foods for me; however, I make an effort to eat fruits and vegetables every day because I know they give me nutrients necessary for optimal brain power.
Much of sitting and writing is related to our mood. If we sabotage it by eating something we perceive as unhealthy, we're going to feel unhealthy. Unless I'm having a really bad day, I do not eat junk food while writing, because it definitely affects me. That's the healthy habit I embrace.
What healthy eating habit do you have? Does it help your writing, hurt it, or not alter it? I'd love to hear from you.
Join me on Friday when we'll discuss staying hydrated.
First of all, you must be eating something nutritious every day. Even a piece of lettuce on the burger counts; don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Second of all, I do believe the food we eat affects our writing. Here's why. When I eat something I perceive as bad, I start to feel bad. When I feel bad, I'm not positive. Self-destructive habits creep in. If I don't feel good about myself, I'm not going to have a marathon writing session.
I'm a huge believer in moderation. There are no off-limit foods for me; however, I make an effort to eat fruits and vegetables every day because I know they give me nutrients necessary for optimal brain power.
Much of sitting and writing is related to our mood. If we sabotage it by eating something we perceive as unhealthy, we're going to feel unhealthy. Unless I'm having a really bad day, I do not eat junk food while writing, because it definitely affects me. That's the healthy habit I embrace.
What healthy eating habit do you have? Does it help your writing, hurt it, or not alter it? I'd love to hear from you.
Join me on Friday when we'll discuss staying hydrated.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Embracing Your Healthy Habits: Part One
This week we're looking at what we're doing right for our health and why it helps our writing.
Most of us have windows of time we use to write: an hour first thing in the morning, a few hours in the afternoon, or an hour or two at night. We're squeezing it into an already busy schedule. How do we fit exercise and the whole healthy eating thing into our life too?
Contestants on The Biggest Loser have to work out around six hours a day to lose enough weight to stay competitive, but the average person doesn't. I'll bet you're fitting in small bouts of exercise and you don't even realize it. It's easy to fit all kinds of movement into your day.
I walk up the flight of stairs from my living room to my office at least three times a day. When I end a writing session, I stand and stretch my arms over my head, then I bend forward to touch my toes. It's a yoga move, but it's also relaxing. When I take the puppy outside, I do a few circuits of squats or leg lifts.
My body thinks of it as exercise even if I don't, and that's what counts. At night while watching television, I do stomach crunches. It only takes about three minutes, but it makes such a difference.
In the winter, my treadmill is my main source of cardio, but if I skip a day or two, I know I'm at least getting some exercise with my mini-sessions throughout the day.
But how does this relate to writing? Exercise pumps oxygen to our organs, including our brains. It also releases endorphins, which are mood boosters. When we strengthen our muscles, our body is better able to support long writing sessions. No more aching neck or back! Plus, we feel good about ourselves when we take care of our bodies. Good feelings promote confidence, and that's a huge factor in writing.
Another benefit of exercise is its cost-saving qualities. It's cheaper to exercise than to pay for diabetes and high-blood pressure medications.
My sneaky exercise fill-ins take less than ten-minutes total of my day. Can anyone truly claim they can't do a few stretches, squats, or crunches each day? Sorry, no one is that pressed for time.
What sneaky exercise habits do you incorporate into your schedule each day? Do you think your body notices? Does it help you sit and write longer because you aren't in pain?
Join me on Wednesday when we'll look at the healthy eating habits we overlook.
Most of us have windows of time we use to write: an hour first thing in the morning, a few hours in the afternoon, or an hour or two at night. We're squeezing it into an already busy schedule. How do we fit exercise and the whole healthy eating thing into our life too?
Contestants on The Biggest Loser have to work out around six hours a day to lose enough weight to stay competitive, but the average person doesn't. I'll bet you're fitting in small bouts of exercise and you don't even realize it. It's easy to fit all kinds of movement into your day.
I walk up the flight of stairs from my living room to my office at least three times a day. When I end a writing session, I stand and stretch my arms over my head, then I bend forward to touch my toes. It's a yoga move, but it's also relaxing. When I take the puppy outside, I do a few circuits of squats or leg lifts.
My body thinks of it as exercise even if I don't, and that's what counts. At night while watching television, I do stomach crunches. It only takes about three minutes, but it makes such a difference.
In the winter, my treadmill is my main source of cardio, but if I skip a day or two, I know I'm at least getting some exercise with my mini-sessions throughout the day.
But how does this relate to writing? Exercise pumps oxygen to our organs, including our brains. It also releases endorphins, which are mood boosters. When we strengthen our muscles, our body is better able to support long writing sessions. No more aching neck or back! Plus, we feel good about ourselves when we take care of our bodies. Good feelings promote confidence, and that's a huge factor in writing.
Another benefit of exercise is its cost-saving qualities. It's cheaper to exercise than to pay for diabetes and high-blood pressure medications.
My sneaky exercise fill-ins take less than ten-minutes total of my day. Can anyone truly claim they can't do a few stretches, squats, or crunches each day? Sorry, no one is that pressed for time.
What sneaky exercise habits do you incorporate into your schedule each day? Do you think your body notices? Does it help you sit and write longer because you aren't in pain?
Join me on Wednesday when we'll look at the healthy eating habits we overlook.
Friday, January 8, 2010
The Small Stuff
Do you have an everyday talent you're proud of? No, I'm not talking about being able to drive a race car or how you ran the Boston Marathon a few years ago. I'm talking about the exceptional things you do every day or week.
Don't think too hard. There has to be something you do exceptionally well on a regular basis. Here's a list to help you brainstorm.
Go ahead and write down the things you're amazing at. Don't be shy. No one has to see them but you, but remember it's okay to feel good about your talents, no matter how trivial they seem.
Also, I've written a new article, Don't Survive the Unpublished Time: Thrive!, and it's available on my website. It offers practical tips for seasoned, not-yet-published writers to get through the "almost there" phase. I've also linked it in the sidebar for future reference.
Have a terrific weekend!
Don't think too hard. There has to be something you do exceptionally well on a regular basis. Here's a list to help you brainstorm.
- You make your bed so beautiful every morning it could be pictured in a magazine.
- You always make time to talk to your cat.
- You can shovel your driveway in ten minutes flat.
- You can create a meal out of food you have in your pantry, even if you haven't shopped in three weeks.
- You hug or kiss every family member before bed.
- If your plants could speak, they'd weep with joy when you're near.
- No one can make pumpkin muffins like you.
- You pick winning fantasy football teams every season.
- You always have the right thing to say when a friend is down.
Go ahead and write down the things you're amazing at. Don't be shy. No one has to see them but you, but remember it's okay to feel good about your talents, no matter how trivial they seem.
Also, I've written a new article, Don't Survive the Unpublished Time: Thrive!, and it's available on my website. It offers practical tips for seasoned, not-yet-published writers to get through the "almost there" phase. I've also linked it in the sidebar for future reference.
Have a terrific weekend!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Lasting Changes
Is there a nagging sense of inadequacy about something in your life? It may be simple or complex, but it's there, and it bugs you. And since it's January, you vow you're going to change; you'll mentally erase your failures of the previous year.
I don't know about you, but my changes are nearly identical each January, which obviously means they haven't lasted. Why do I make the same promises over and over? Why can't I make them work?
Since this month is all about embracing the old, I thought about some of my old resolutions that did stick. Ten years ago, I decided to drink more water, and it became a lifelong habit. Three years ago, I decided to read the Bible every day; I still rarely miss a day. And isn't it funny that I never have to make resolutions regarding my writing?
I pondered this phenomenon a while. Why do I follow through with some changes and not others? After much reflection, a slice of leftover cake, and a cup of tea, I realized why.
The changes that lasted depended on two beliefs:
1. I believed I could accomplish the resolution.
2. I believed my life would be better if I did.
What are some changes you've made over the years that have made your life better? Why did you stick with those changes and not others?
Join me on Friday when we'll celebrate the small stuff.
I don't know about you, but my changes are nearly identical each January, which obviously means they haven't lasted. Why do I make the same promises over and over? Why can't I make them work?
Since this month is all about embracing the old, I thought about some of my old resolutions that did stick. Ten years ago, I decided to drink more water, and it became a lifelong habit. Three years ago, I decided to read the Bible every day; I still rarely miss a day. And isn't it funny that I never have to make resolutions regarding my writing?
I pondered this phenomenon a while. Why do I follow through with some changes and not others? After much reflection, a slice of leftover cake, and a cup of tea, I realized why.
The changes that lasted depended on two beliefs:
1. I believed I could accomplish the resolution.
2. I believed my life would be better if I did.
What are some changes you've made over the years that have made your life better? Why did you stick with those changes and not others?
Join me on Friday when we'll celebrate the small stuff.
Monday, January 4, 2010
January 2010: New Year, Old You?
As soon as January rolls around, I can be sure of two things: my jeans won't fit and the magazines will proclaim "New Year, New You." Not to worry. The new year brings me a cosmic surge of exercise energy, my jeans will fit in a few weeks, but the whole new me thing? I'm boycotting it this year.
I like the old me. The one that whines about laundry every Monday, eats more chocolate than apples, occasionally drinks a Coke before noon (don't tell Mom!), and adores her family and writing. I don't want to change. Not today.
This month, we're embracing the "old you" and focusing on what is working instead of what could be improved.
From our eating and exercising habits to our writing routine, we'll flesh out the things we're doing right and use them to make 2010 our best year.
To all the new followers--thank you. Thank you very much for taking the time to follow my blog. I hope you'll join the conversation and leave a comment, but, if that makes you uncomfortable, you're welcome to lurk!
Join me on Wednesday when we'll discuss which old habits to embrace. They're not as bad as we think!
I like the old me. The one that whines about laundry every Monday, eats more chocolate than apples, occasionally drinks a Coke before noon (don't tell Mom!), and adores her family and writing. I don't want to change. Not today.
This month, we're embracing the "old you" and focusing on what is working instead of what could be improved.
From our eating and exercising habits to our writing routine, we'll flesh out the things we're doing right and use them to make 2010 our best year.
To all the new followers--thank you. Thank you very much for taking the time to follow my blog. I hope you'll join the conversation and leave a comment, but, if that makes you uncomfortable, you're welcome to lurk!
Join me on Wednesday when we'll discuss which old habits to embrace. They're not as bad as we think!
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