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Tessa Fontaine: BTS on Writing Fiction: Money, Career, and Why Writing Matters
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This week on the Sunlight Tax Podcast, we go behind the scenes with writer Tessa Fontaine as we explore the realities of building a fiction writing career. We talk about money, publishing, creative community, balancing art with financial stability, and why most authors rely on multiple income streams to keep writing.
We also discuss the deeper purpose of writing—how stories help us make sense of the world, why art matters beyond profit, and what it means to create work that truly connects. Whether you're a writer, artist, or creative entrepreneur, this conversation is an honest look at the intersection of creativity, career, and purpose.
“The parts that allow me to feel connected to other writers... that’s not a conversation I can have with many people in my life.”
This week on the Sunlight Tax Podcast, we go behind the scenes with writer Tessa Fontaine as we explore the realities of building a fiction writing career. We talk about money, publishing, creative community, balancing art with financial stability, and why most authors rely on multiple income streams to keep writing.
We also discuss the deeper purpose of writing—how stories help us make sense of the world, why art matters beyond profit, and what it means to create work that truly connects. Whether you're a writer, artist, or creative entrepreneur, this conversation is an honest look at the intersection of creativity, career, and purpose.
Also mentioned in today’s episode:
00:10 Introduction to Tessa Fontaine's Writing Journey
03:18 The Role of Income and Writing as a Creative Outlet
04:18 The Joy of Reading and Audiobooks for Writers
06:36 Balancing Practical Career and Artistic Spirit
11:36 Building Community and Accountability in Writing
22:34 The Fickleness of Writing Income and Artistic Freedom
27:54 The Incompatibility of Capitalism and Art
36:36 The Gift Economy and the Purpose of Art
46:06 Why Do You Write? Personal Motivations
50:40 Diverse Careers and Income Streams for Writers
54:29 Misunderstandings About the Financial Side of Writing
01:00:02 The Enduring Power of Art and Literature
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.
About Tessa Fontaine:
Tessa Fontaine is the author of THE ELECTRIC WOMAN: A MEMOIR IN DEATH-DEFYING ACTS (FSG 2018), a New York Times Editors' Choice; Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers pick, and best book of the year by Southern Living, Refinery29, Amazon Editors', and The New York Post.
THE RED GROVE (FSG 2024), her debut novel, was named a best book by Amazon Editors’ and People Magazine, and was currently longlisted for the Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize.
Other writing can be found in Outside, The New York Times, Glamour, AGNI, The Believer, People, LitHub, Creative Nonfiction, and more. Raised outside San Francisco, Tessa is a former professor and has taught in jails and prisons. She co-founded and teaches the Accountability Workshops with writer and pal Annie Hartnett, and lives in Asheville, North Carolina, with her daughter, goofy dog and sassy cat.
Check Out Tessa’s Work:
Accountability Workshops website
Instagram: @accountabilityworkshops
Episode Links:
Check out my program, Money Bootcamp
Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions
Order my book:Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed
Taxes Are the Broccoli of Democracy, So Why Should You Care?
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In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I'm sharing my excitement about launching my book, Taxes for Humans. I wrote this book to make taxes simple and empowering, especially for freelancers, creatives, and historically underrepresented communities.
We dive into why understanding taxes isn’t just about saving money, it’s about knowing how our taxes fund essential services, support our communities, and strengthen democracy. I also break down practical tax tips for self-employed individuals and creatives so you can grow your business, maximize benefits, and make a positive impact.
Listen and Subscribe Here
In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I'm sharing my excitement about launching my book, Taxes for Humans. I wrote this book to make taxes simple and empowering, especially for freelancers, creatives, and historically underrepresented communities.
We dive into why understanding taxes isn’t just about saving money, it’s about knowing how our taxes fund essential services, support our communities, and strengthen democracy. I also break down practical tax tips for self-employed individuals and creatives so you can grow your business, maximize benefits, and make a positive impact.
Also mentioned in this episode:
01:25 Taxes for Humans
03:54 The Mission Behind Taxes for Humans
06:42 Understanding Taxes as a Societal Agreement
09:52 The Benefits of Taxes for Individuals and Businesses
12:46 Empowering Creatives and Entrepreneurs
15:32 Celebrating Community and Upcoming Events
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it!
Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.
Links:
Link to Order my book, Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed.
Link to pre-order my workbook, Taxes for Humans: The Workbook
Understand Your Tax Rate
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Has calculating your income tax rate in the past been overwhelming?
Today, I’m going to discuss the complexities of income tax rates, particularly for self-employed individuals. I explain the progressive tax system, the difference between marginal and average tax rates, and provide practical tips for calculating taxes accurately. The conversation aims to demystify tax calculations and empower listeners with knowledge to manage their finances effectively.
Join me in this episode to hear some tips on estimating your income tax rate and how you can avoid errors when calculating your income tax.
Listen and Subscribe Here
Has calculating your income tax rate in the past been overwhelming?
Today, I’m going to discuss the complexities of income tax rates, particularly for self-employed individuals. I explain the progressive tax system, the difference between marginal and average tax rates, and provide practical tips for calculating taxes accurately. The conversation aims to demystify tax calculations and empower listeners with knowledge to manage their finances effectively.
Join me in this episode to hear some tips on estimating your income tax rate and how you can avoid errors when calculating your income tax.
Also mentioned in today’s episode:
00:00 Understanding Income Tax Rates
09:33 The Progressive Tax System Explained
11:58 Marginal vs. Effective Tax Rates
17:04 Calculating Your Taxes Accurately
23:20 Final Thoughts and Resources
Takeaways:
People confuse marginal tax rates with their actual tax rate.
Income tax calculations are more complex than they seem.
Self-employment tax is a flat rate of 15.3%.
Estimating tax rates requires guessing due to timing.
Graduated income tax means different rates apply to different income slices.
Both low and high earners pay zero tax on the first $11,000.
Marginal tax rates only apply to the last dollar earned.
Average tax rates provide a more accurate tax estimate.
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it!
Every review makes a big difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight podcast to new audiences.
Links:
Get your FREE Deductions Guide
Listen to last week’s episode: Tips on Filing an Extension
5 Invisible Things in My Business
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This week on the podcast, I’m sharing some of the invisible aspects of running my tax business and some of the hard stuff that I’ve had to overcome while running my business and podcast.
Join me in this episode to learn more about my entrepreneurial journey and what I’ve learned along the way.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
This week on the podcast, I’m sharing some of the invisible aspects of running my tax business and some of the hard stuff that I’ve had to overcome while running my business and podcast.
Join me in this episode to learn more about my entrepreneurial journey and what I’ve learned along the way.
Also mentioned in today’s episode:
My struggle with perfectionism 2:05
My superpower when it comes to taxes and what I struggle with 8:26
What I've chosen to prioritize in business 13:35
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it!
Links:
Free 20 Minute Course on Filing your BOI Report for LLCs: www.sunlighttax.com/llc
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