Organizing Your Writing Calendar

December is the month where I organize my writing schedule and goals for the New Year. I put in dates that are of some importance to me and set up editorial schedules.  For example, last week in this blog we discussed the rewriting process and the steps I take to rewrite my books. It is a long process but it can be made longer is I do not set specific due dates.

Creating deadlines helps my process because I have set goals. For a writer trying to make money,  it is essential to create editing deadlines for books, schedule seminar/lecture dates, and months blog subjects to feature. This list will help you develop your first writing schedule. Each month hosts a specific writing challenges and the organization that supports it.

January
National Journal Writing Month  
 
February
National Haiku Writing Month
A Month of Letters 
 
March
National Comic Writing Month
 
April
National Poetry Writing Month
National Card and Letter Writing 
National Script Writing Month AKA Script Frenzy 
 
May
National Song Writing Month 
Short Story Month
 
September
National Sketch Writing Month
 
November
National Playwriting Month
National Novel Writing Month 
National Memoir Writing  Month 
National Nonfiction Writing  Month 
Digital Writing Month

Tax Deductions for Writers

Tax season is upon us and writers should take advantage of their art. A small writing business is an excellent way to obtain tax deductions. New writers, who take college courses, can also deduct expenses.  

If you have not started a writing business, it may be something to consider for 2015. Here are some of my favorite tax deductions that writers can use. Are you writing a script?  Then consider reviewing all IRS film and television production costs. If you use a specific place to write then review IRS home business deductions. The first year of your writing business also allows for a number of IRS business start-up deductions. 

Writing a blog also opens up a number of deduction opportunities.  For example, food blog critics may deduct their meals.  There are certain guidelines that you must adhere to in order for your deductions to be considered, but the effort is well worth it when you consider the tax advantages involved. 

For more writer tax deductions and tax guideline read IRS 535 tax publication and talk to a tax professional on the best ways to maximize this year’s tax return.