Wednesday 6 October 2010

Taxing Times


It's that time of year again ... in fact it's past that time of year, since I normally set aside a weekend in June for this. Above, you will see my highly sophisticated system for filling in my tax return. It is taking place on the very last clear patch of floor left in my house, and is being overseen by a shiny-eyed dog - whom I promise is a fully-trained accountant.

2009-10 was actually a bloody awful year, financially, for me as a writer. Selling a slew of short stories did not make up for two (two!) novels failing to get published - despite both being originally comissioned by the editors in question.
I blame George Bush, of course.

Anyway, enough excuses. Deadlines loom. Today - despite singing builders, scary banging noises and intermittent power failures,  I have to get some serious writing done.

7 comments:

Jo said...

It looks like an outsized game of Clock.

Good luck to you and your accountant! And I hope this year is better.

Janine Ashbless said...

It already looks better, Jo. Like, I have a publisher!

Sorry, didn't mean to sound grumpy in the post - more disappointed, really. These things happen. And as I keep telling myself, Lovecraft would have starved to death on his earnings, if his wife hadn't supported him. It's not like I do it for the money anyway ... I do it for the undying fame, lol! No - I do it because it's fucking awesome and I love it and I want everyone else to love it too. Writing is My Purpose:

PURPOSE,
IT'S THAT LITTLE FLAME
THAT LIGHTS A FIRE
UNDER YOUR ASS.

(from Avenue Q)

Jo said...

Yeah, but making your living is the tangible reward of it. It's ok to want it to be profitable and successful. You don't have to aspire to starving artistry to stay authentic!

Vincent Copsey said...

Tax returns - hmm, so glad I've already done mine.

Yay, for new publisher.

Janine Ashbless said...

Tax forms ... It's a great feeling when it's all done, isn't it Madelynne?

Actually these days I can do it with the minumum of swearing and demanding things (paper clips, bank statements) from Mr Ashbless. He used to hide from me on Tax Weekend.
:-)

Beth said...

I would like to know which of your dogs is an accountant?

Janine Ashbless said...

The one who can't cook.