or bust. So far mostly bust... 7/2/2003 7:48:26 AM
In April this year I decided that I had reached an age (56) where I had to commit myself wholly to writing or forever after wonder that if I failed would it be beacuse I had not given myself wholeheartedly to it. I was helped towards this decision by a new scheme the British government were promoting called Working Tax Credits. I worked out that, until I was earning enough myself, this would give me just enough to pay my regular bills. For the rest I would have to rely on my savings. Nor would I be depending solely on my royalties. I would also go flat out with my own small press, Original Plus.
It's 3 months now and I haven't received any tax credits. But I have spent an awful lot of time on the phone trying to sort out their notorious - take it from me justified - computer. It kept changing my address. I'd phone up and say I hadn't received any of the forms requiring my signature and they'd say they'd been sent - to the wrong address. They'd correct it. I'd receive nothing... I've stopped waving, now I'm drowning.
The other frustration has been trying to involve fellow authors from the same publishing stables - BeWrite, Jacobyte and Online Originals - to undertake joint publicity ventures. But it seems that none can think beyond the conventional, which the big boys have got pretty well sewn up. Meanwhile my savings dwindle daily...
But, foolishly, I have hopes still. Watch this space.
More Blogs by Sam Smith • Where the Poetry Library of Wales? - Saturday, March 31, 2018 • frustration - Saturday, March 17, 2007 • this space - Monday, September 22, 2003 • or bust. So far mostly bust... - Wednesday, July 2, 2003
