I had this really /inspiring post planned about how I saved 75% of my advance and most of my salary so I could take a year off from working in Television and be a full-time writer. Being in a single household, this is a pretty big accomplishment, as most writers can not solely live off royalties, most have some sort of day job or life partner to help. I had planned to break down my budget and how I separate business expenses like printing, mailing, my hair (Ha!).
But today…I feel nothing but fear.
Yesterday, the house republicans voted to repeal Obamacare and Uncle Joe Bidien tweeted it best:
Day of shame in Congress. Protections for pre-existing conditions, mental health, maternity care, addiction services — all gone.
When I decided to take this year off, I had the luxury of a severance package, which allowed me a certain amount of months of healthcare. Then, I would subsequently roll over to Obamacare.
That is no longer an option.
Due to having several pre-existing conditions on the long list that will no longer be fully covered, the most important one being asthma, I will now have to use an exorbitant amount of my saving (i.e my book advance) to pay to keep myself alive.
Which means, my year off will soon be coming to an end and I’ll have to return to the workforce.
Which means, less writing.
Which means, the less likelihood of more books.
Of course, I’m speaking from a selfish perspective, there are many fellow Americans who are in worst situations, but I’m speaking from a perspective of a debut, a woman, and questioning so much right now.
