Monday, August 25, 2014

In Which I Spend Some Of My Advance

So, as I may have mentioned, my book ALL THAT REMAINS sold this year. WOO!!

It's still awesome when I think about it, (and sometimes it doesn't feel real).

I'd always planned that if I ever sold a book, I would buy something fun with some of my advance money. I think this is something that EVERYONE should do. Because, yes, I have bills. And house repairs. And pet repairs. And a bunch of stuff I should buy for responsible reasons. And I should also just sit on any money and not touch it unless I have to.

But also. I sold a damn book, and that's awesome and really the culmination of a crap ton of hard work over a lot of years. And, you know, living the dream and all that.

So, yes, there should be some celebration with that money. Something that you can keep forever, so you can always look at it and think "I bought that with the money I earned from writing a book".

I know some people buy art, which is an awesome idea. But I am out of wall space in my house, so that wasn't quite for me.

Jewelry was the obvious idea, but I also have a lot of jewelry and I don't get to wear it all, even the pieces I love. But my mom thought I should buy a ring, because I don't have any rings and it's something I could just wear all the time.

I was a little skeptical at first until we started looking at rings.

So I decided I would wait until august when the MN Renfest starts (and of which I hold a season pass) to check out the jewelers there before I bought anything. I figured the renfest jewelers would be good because A) a lot of them are small businesses so it's always nice to support those. B) because they are handmade, everything is unique. C) and because many of them sell wedding rings, I figured there would be some high-end stuff, which was what I was aiming for.

So this weekend I went ring shopping. I had narrowed it down to 2 shops, but one just won me over.
And here's the ring I bought!

I went with amethyst, since it's my birthstone
 
 

I will never be a hand model

So there you have it! I sold a book, and I bought a ring, so I can always remember this awesomeness.

How about you? Have you ever bought anything fun with money you earned from writing? Or if not, what would you think about buying with writing money?

11 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Awesome you found a ring you really liked!
One of my royalty checks went towards a new guitar. Yes, I will cherish it forever...

Kathleea said...

It's so pretty and what a great idea!

Unknown said...

If I ever get published, I want to get a half sleeve on my right arm. I know, it's silly, but it will always be with me and not be able to be removed or lost. Oh, and a big ass truck! I love the ring, by the way!

Catherine Stine said...

Wow, that is a stunner, and I love purple gemstones. Good choice.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

It's beautiful! I love blue things and congratulations. If you want to invest, I think BP is a "buy" right now. It's sold off from it's high of around $54 due to Russia and Ukraine (BP has a 20% stake in Rosneft-a Russian oil company). The reason I say it's a "buy" is because at its current level, further selling off is unlikely. And it pays a 5% dividend. So you'd be making 5% on your money rather than having it languish in the bank making nothing.

Summer Frey said...

Beautiful! I love jewelry from the Ren Fest--what a great idea! I just indulged myself some with new art--E and I found a little gallery while we were exploring a local mountain town and this guy is awesome! I bought 5 of his prints, all octopi-themed. There will be pictures.

Unknown said...

I love the ring! Great detail around the stone. When I get my first royalty payment I will definitely get some new fountain pens along with scented ink. I mean, hello...autographing books in calligraphy with scented ink...could that be any more fun? :)

Anne Gallagher said...

Congratulations! That ring is Awesome covered in chocolate sauce with caramel and whipped cream.

I can't remember what I bought with my first check (self-published royalty) but I know I bought something.

Leandra Wallace said...

It's super gorgeous!! I highly approve of purple, it was my mother's favorite color. And hmm...what would I do w/book money? I think I would take a trip to Charleston, SC. I've been wanting to go there forever! And before I left I'd buy something that would remind me of all the great food and history I'd surely experience while there. *crosses fingers*

Maria said...

Good choice Sarah. I bought winter boots with the money I earned with my first radio documentary. Sadly they are starting to wear out (I should get one, maybe two, more winters out of them). Another friend of mine bought a mammoth tusk with part of his advance. I can't wait to read the rest of your book!

Anonymous said...

I love the ring! What an excellent idea. I don't know what I would buy for myself, but I love the idea of getting something that will last for a long time like jewelry or art. The only thing I've fantasized about doing with any advance money I might one day earn is getting out of debt, and saving up to build a house (er, have one built for me, to my specifications). But something immediate, tangible, and small(er than a house) is a great idea.

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