Money Tips for writers

Money causes a lot of stress for writers. We make it, usually not from writing, and then we spend it, usually on writing.

There's a saying which says you are either rich in money or rich in time. That is often true.. But for writer's we have a slightly different myth. The writer's myth goes: You are neither rich in time or money.

So we have to learn to use both wisely.

I'm here to discuss with you the ways we can seem rich - or at least not completely broke - with your money.

The tips I have learnt and am now sharing with you, I have personally experienced each and every tip I share with you today.

I share them so you do not have to make the same mistakes I once did.

And by once, I do mean last week.

1) Learn about writing online, for free.

Information is valuable and it seem more valuable to buy books on writing and buy courses online. But you know what will be more valuable? Actually writing. And you know what else? There are tons of authors, including best selling authors, on YouTube giving writing advice for free. You can go on websites like Writers Digest and see articles from best selling authors on how to write, edit, publish and make a living from your writing. While buying books and courses is a great way to learn and is also something I once did, way back when it was Tuesday. This is a luxury we poor starving artists can not afford. Unless it is our birthday or Christmas. Save up your money for things like crackers and tap water and in the meantime, use what is already out there for free.

2) Use Google Docs. Or something else that is free.

Let me share with you a deep and painful memory I have buried from long ago. When I was nothing but a young and innocent little pen holder I used something called Google Docs. I wrote everything in it. I planned my novels and my scripts in Google Docs. I planned my travels, and I even made a recipe book in Google Docs. Then one day I discovered something new a shiny. I discovered a product called Final Draft. This product was around $100 and was said to be what the professionals used when writing scripts (this was back when I was focused on Script Writing many moons ago). And my wee little self that had no concept of a savings account at the age of 17 spent an entire year saving up. I bought this beautiful software and loved it with all of my heart.

But on one dark day. There was no happiness anymore.

My software had vanished. Because I'd gotten a new laptop. The laptop was a good thing, until I no longer had my software. (This is also a reason to back up your software). And then I was back to using google docs.

7 years on and I now have a new software for my writing. It is called Scrivener.

And I just begged my brother to go halves in a pizza with me so I could afford dinner (and not eat what was in my fridge).

Let this be a lesson to you all.

3) Use free websites and domain names.

Websites are a beautiful thing. They show the world you are a professional. You have a professional image and you know how to create a website.

But one thing websites do that no one talks about is they take all your money. Yes, that's right. Websites are not free. Unless you use the free .wix or .wordpress type of website name. All I will say about websites is this: I bought my website and the next thing I know, my confidence in calculating exchange rates was shattered.

4) Go easy on the promotions.

Facebook and Instagram will be all in your face telling you you could reach over 6million people by advertising what you post on Facebook and you know what, I wanted to reach 6million people once. I thought I would be hella famous. But you know what? Ads unfortunately cost money, and I got none.

I instead promoted my videos for $30 a week and I got about 10 views on it. But here's a little secret. I paid $15 to promote my videos and I got double the amount of views and clicks than I did when I paid $30.

You're welcome.

Good luck saving money!

I'm off to eat some pizza now.