1 You can go to work in your pyjamas
2 When you don't want to do something you always have the perfect excuse: 'deadline, sorry!' – to be said with an apologetic smile and hands held frankly open.
3 You can work anywhere in the world
4 People think you're much cleverer than you are
5 Almost everything is 'research,' therefore tax deductible
6 You can have a bath in the middle of the working day – for inspiration of course
7 Ditto: a walk
8 Your children can tell their friends they have a parent who's an author
9 You get to meet lots of other writers, all of them interesting
10 When you fill in forms, in the occupation box you can put 'writer.' It has a satisfying ring to it.