It’s almost tax time. Hopefully, you have kept good receipts (or at least have credit card statements and check stubs). There are lots of expenses that can typically be deducted by writers and artists, such as memberships, publications, conferences/workshops, office supplies, and internet service. Here are some good resources to help get you started. It is advisable to hire an accountant or use a tax preparation service when filing tax returns with lots of deductions.
http://www.freelancetaxation.com/deductions-writers
http://literary-agents.com/tax-deductions-for-writers/
http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/tax-deductions-writers.html
http://www.irs.gov/uac/Work-From-Home%3F-Consider-the-Home-Office-Deduction