Of course quitting your day job to write is stupid. Unless of course you become very successful, in which case everybody else is stupid. Dorothy McFalls at Absolute Write has some practical tips on how to take the plunge without committing financial suicide, such as:

1. DO make budgeting a team effort. You don't want your partner sabotaging your money-saving efforts.

2. DON'T rule out part-time work to help cover expenses. Time away from the keyboard can assist the creative process.

3. DO budget for fun and travel. Don't eliminate fun, but do look for ways to reduce money spent on entertainment, such as purchasing annual movie passes.

4. DON'T spend on impulse or emotion. Uncontrolled Internet shopping can be a big budget buster.

5. DO budget for writing expenses. Costs for postage, paper, research books, and contests add up quickly.

6. DON'T go to the grocery store hungry.