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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
Book Curious? The 7 Stages of Writing A Book
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In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I break down the 7 stages of writing a nonfiction book and share what I've learned from my own publishing journey. From developing a compelling book proposal and securing a publishing deal to writing, editing, launching, and marketing your book, I walk through the key steps every aspiring author should understand.
We also explore how a nonfiction book can do more than share your ideas. It can help grow your business, establish your authority, attract new opportunities, and strengthen your personal brand. Whether you're thinking about writing your first book or are already deep in the process, this episode offers practical insights into turning your expertise into a book that creates lasting impact.
Listen and Subscribe Here
In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I break down the 7 stages of writing a nonfiction book and share what I've learned from my own publishing journey. From developing a compelling book proposal and securing a publishing deal to writing, editing, launching, and marketing your book, I walk through the key steps every aspiring author should understand.
We also explore how a nonfiction book can do more than share your ideas. It can help grow your business, establish your authority, attract new opportunities, and strengthen your personal brand. Whether you're thinking about writing your first book or are already deep in the process, this episode offers practical insights into turning your expertise into a book that creates lasting impact.
Also mentioned in today’s episode:
04:56 Housekeeping and Personal Update
08:58 Differences Between Fiction and Nonfiction Publishing
10:52 The Importance of Marketing and Audience Engagement
14:59 Steps After Securing a Book Deal
18:11 Long-term Book Business Planning
19:07 Platform and Audience Building
22:03 Market Research and Audience Targeting
22:50 Financial Aspects of Writing a Book
29:09 Book Promotion and Publicity Tours
32:09 Motivations for Writing a Book
33:04 Creating a Meaningful and Impactful Book
35:00 Reader Engagement and Feedback
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.
Episode Links:
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
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