Whew! My Tax Report goes into the mail today. 

And this reminds me to remind any of you who are writing books exclusively and shun the idea of article sales:  deductions are available for those of us who earn up to $500 per year on writing.  You can deduct office space, equipment and supplies.  If you self-publish your book it is likely that you will have only expenses.  How, then do you prove that you are a writer? 

Of course, if you self-publish your book and arrange multiple appearances at which you sell the book, you will have income documented that proves you are a writer.  If your book is purchased by a commercial publishing company that offers an advance and royalties, your proof is quickly at hand even before you arrange those appearances and sell any of the books yourself.

My income over the years from selling travel articles, essays, poetry, humor, and a few short stories, plus earnings from editing and winning or placing in contests has exceeded income from my published books.  Check out the guidelines for the magazines you read and enjoy.  From the editorials at the front of most magazines you will get a "feel" for what the editors want to see in contributions.  But follow their guidlines as to whether they accept on-line submissions, lenght, etc.

Until Monday, Willma