How to Start Writing on a $10 Budget

You CAN start writing with just $10!  All you need to write is a paper and pencil.  You can get those free at a street carnival, as long as the Governor's campaign slogan doesn't disrupt your imagination.  Then, you will have $10 left for soda and snacks. Sweet.

Oh, you want to get published?  Well, this post isn't called Getting Published on a $10 Budget, though I did start my journey with a $10 budget.  I even looked straight into my husband's eyes and said, "I would like to write children's books.  I need $10 to get started."  Sure, I could have skimmed $10 off of a grocery trip, but creating a budget gave my venture a professional feel and a level of commitment.

I even had a spreadsheet:

I found a dime in the couch cushion and was good to go.

  

Where shall we start addressing my naiveté?  I suppose I will show you what I have spent five months later:

Three Submissions ($10) First off, I blew the original $10 in the first month on 32 poundpaper (probably too thick), 6x9" envelopes (probably unnecessary for short books), and $0.65 postage to cover the bigger envelopes and thicker paper.  In the future I will stick with a nice looking 20 pound paper, but keep the larger envelopes.   Your manuscript is your baby; it is physically painful to fold it multiple times and smush it into an envelope.  (I should be so considerate with my 2yo who looked like a sausage today when I forced her into an 18 month swimsuit.)

SCBWI Membership ($85 first year)  For children's books writers SCBWI is the premiere organization.  Membership includes a magazine subscription, writing resources, a forum, support, and conferences; plus it can open doors by demonstrating your commitment.  There are many writing organizations- keep it simple with one paid group and several free online groups.

Books on Writing ($30)  Initially, I was so overwhelmed with the amount of information on the internet, I didn't think I needed books.  A few edits in I realized I didn't have the tools I needed to learn the craft.  The library selection was lacking in this area, so I opted for 5 used books:

2010 Children's Writer's & Illustrators Market

How to Write a Children's Book and Get It Published  

It's a Bunny-Eat-Bunny World

Picture Writing

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books

Business cards ($12).  Not having business cards was one of my excuses for not going to a conference.  For a little cash I eliminated the barrier.  I don't know what other doors these little cards may open, but my imagination is quite active.   So far my Dad has one.  

Here's the budget recap:

Budget          $10

Actuals        $137

Overspend   $127

I wouldn't be a good financial professional without saying I still have 6 months in the budget year to make up the gap with some income.   This may require creative accounting to recognize some income this year from my currently-unwritten-future-best-seller; but storytellers can do that.

I also have my sights set on spending more money this year- maybe a conference?  For me to put in the request for a few hundred bucks, I may have to demonstrate capability by selling a magazine article or getting a really nice, personalized rejection letter.   Hmm, better start skimming off the grocery budget...

Do you have a writing budget?  Please share your budget insights in the comments!