End of the year

December 31st 2007 at 2:36 pm

The Caribbean Review of Books named Ragamuffin as one of their favorite books of 2007.

Not a bad way to end the year.

Last year I wrote a money entry:

In 2005 I made $23,900 working 10 months as a tech and learning support manager (of 20+ students) for a small University.

I made $4370 as a writer (a novel advance, some short fiction, some speaking fees). Obviously quitting to become a freelancer would be the Dumb Thing To Do ™.

That decision was out of my hands, though. But, the best revenge is thriving, and 2006 looks to be (my accountant hasn’t confirmed, but I think I added it all up right) thus:

In 2006 I made $12,973 working 4 months as a tech and learning support manager.

I made $30,998 as a freelancer, writer and blogger.

Okay, so what does freelancer, writer and blogger break down as?

Well a third of that figure is blogging income (actual posts, editing posts, and new media consulting).

The 2/3 of it from writing is a mix of a novel and short story money, freelancing, and mentoring students at Seton Hill. Novel related income was about $8,200 of that (doubled from last year, but not exactly make a living off the novel money).

This year I made about $47,000 or $48,000 off of blogging income (actual posts, editing posts, and new media consulting) and from writing (a mix of a novel and short story money, freelancing, and mentoring students at Seton Hill).

It was split almost exactly 50/50. I find it interesting I made as much off fiction writing as I did as a full time employee in technology in 2005. I theoretically could do nothing but write and exist at 2005 levels, but I was flailing to make ends meet back then.

Either way, a solid year, and my first full year being out on my own. I really hope it can continue!

If you read the money entry, you may be sharp enough to notice I missed my goal of making $60,000.

Ah well. Maybe 2008?

In 2007 I saw Ragamuffin get published, wrote Sly Mongoose, wrote a few short stories, and enjoyed life a hell of a lot more than I did in 2006 (with the exception of the rough few months at the start of the year coping with a death in the family). Even this winter hasn’t bogged me down as much as they normally do.

Each year gets better. I can’t wait to see what 2008 brings.

I hope that a new year brings you all a better year as well.

What are you looking forward to in 2008?

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