John Scalzi’s advice about money

John Scalzi, author of Old Man’s War, The Android’s Dream, The Ghost Brigades and more, gives his insights and business savvy on making do on a writer’s salary–which, as most of us know, doesn’t tend to be very much. So until you’ve got the six-figure advances and movie deals, how do you survive as a writer?

Here’s his take, which is, he doesn’t hesitate to mention, is backed up by his own success and impressive writing income.

Some of it reads as basic economic advice that everyone should follow, like not getting into too much debt, not abusing your credit cards, etc. But some of it might be issues you’ve never thought about, such as: if you’ve done freelance work, have you been setting aside a portion of that (he recommends half) for taxes? Cause you gotta pay that still, you know. Oh, and are you planning on quitting your job as soon as that first book deal is signed? That might not be the best idea, because it might actually limit your freedom as a writer.

Take a look. Let me know if anything he says surprises you, or if you disagree with anything.

I see that smile.