Lauren Beukes - author of her own success story

Lauren Beukes is one of South Africa’s most successful writers. ‘The Shining Girls’, about a time-travelling serial killer, has won several international awards and is being adapted into a movie by Leonardo DiCaprio’s company. Her most recent novel, ‘Broken Monsters’, is set in Detroit. She tells Adele Shevel why R2 000 spent on sleep-training her baby was her best investment ever.

Are you good with money or irresponsible?

I'm good with money.

How come?

Although I got a really good book deal, I realise what a lightning strike that was. Though I will always be able to make a living from writing, I might never get this again. So when I got the deal, I bought a cool second-hand car. I invested my money very carefully, paid off the bond.

What is your money weakness?

I think art and shoes and dresses, but I never spend a ton on that. I am a very careful shopper; I will find beautiful, unique, interesting things that are not outlandishly expensive.

What did your childhood teach you about money?

That experiences are very important, more important than things. I grew up in a reasonably well-off family and we'd go travelling, to Israel and America and Austria, go scuba diving or learn to ski. It is more important to go skydiving than spend money on expensive jeans.

What is your biggest extravagance?

School fees! I'd like it to be art, but right now it's probably eating out.

What has been your best buy?

The best thing I ever spent money on was R2000 for professional sleep training. That changed my life. They spend the whole weekend with you to help get your baby into a sleep routine. It changed my life overnight.

Have you learnt any difficult lessons about money?

Never signing surety for someone - I nearly did and my dad called and said don't.

Have you invested in shares and do you know what you are doing?

Yes, I invest; no, I don't know what I'm doing. I have very good advisers. They tease me because I say I want an ethical portfolio - no BAT (British American Tobacco), no weapons. I think that's important - I know BAT outperforms the market, but my grandmother died from emphysema.

Do you shop online?

Only for books or toys for my daughter I can't get here. I'm very bad at returning videos and library books, so exchanging clothes wouldn't happen - I like going to the shops.

What was your first job and how much did you earn?

My first full-time job was a review editor for SA Computer magazine. I earned R5000 a month.

Now that you are better off are you happier?

I don't know; I have different life stages. I am happy to make a living from writing; it's nice to be secure. In 2011 I was broke, I didn't know how we would pay our bond and our daughter's school fees. Now I'm grateful that if my clutch breaks and it costs R13000 to fix, it's not going to destroy me for months. It's liberating not to have to worry. There's nothing to say I won't go back there - fate swings around.

How do you tip? Are you an easy tipper or do they have to work hard with you?

I am an easy tipper - 10% minimum and if they're great, more. It's also so nice to have grown-up friends so we don't fight over the R100 extra in the bill, which we had to do sometimes in our 20s. I really appreciate that.

Do you try to conceal how much you earn to make others feel more comfortable?

I am one of the very few authors in this country who's been internationally successful on this scale - it does put me in an awkward position. I would be jealous of me if I wasn't me. I try to support other South African artists and writers and leverage my power for good. I did a charity fundraiser for Rape Crisis last year and if I read something terrible in the news, I will go on Twitter and vent - but I'll also make a donation to a relevant charity.

Are you a saver or a spender?

A saver.

What is the best money advice you have ever been given?

My dad says money can help solve problems. Put a value on your time or trouble, then decide if it's worth fighting. Is it worth sitting in court over a traffic fine? Or if I'm getting frustrated with school lifts, can I afford to pay someone else to do some? Is there a way money could make this easier? Of course, you have to have the money to spend it.

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?

I kind of have won the lottery. Invest some money, pay off the bond, save some money, buy a decent car, buy a good coat.