Broke-Ass of the Week: Novelist Fayette Fox

Every week we feature a different person from the community shedding a little light on their life of brokeitude. Who knows, maybe you’ll learn something about the human spirit — probably not.

Wanna be a Broke-Ass of the Week? Holler at us here and we’ll send you the questionnaire.

Please welcome this week’s Broke-Ass to the stage. I met Fayette Fox back when I was a travel writer and she commissioned guidebooks at Lonely Planet in London. These days she’s kicking it in Oakland and her debut novel, The Deception Artist was just published this month by Roaring Forties Press! Set in the Bay Area in the ’80s, the novel explores the dark inner workings of an ordinary family, as told from the point of view of 8-year-old Ivy. This kid has a wild imagination and tells lies so people will like her. The book’s quirky as hell, sharply written, and funny. It’s in bookstores and on Amazon, and shit. Go check it out, yo.

Fayette’s got some great author events coming up if you want to get a signed copy made out to your dog, or hear her read from her book. She reads real good.

Name: Fayette Fox

Age: 35

Occupation: Freelance writer

What neighborhood do you live in?: I recently moved to Oakland near Ashby BART. Before that I was in the City in the Lower Haight.

Best money saving tips: Move to Oakland. (It’s so friendly here and the weather’s better!) Otherwise, cook more. And invite friends over for dinner. They’ll think you’re awesome, it’s cheaper than going out to eat, and it’s way more chill. Also host a clothing swap. It’s a fun excuse to clean out your closet and get some sweet new duds for FREE!

What do you refuse to spend money on?: Manicures, bottled water, macarons, the latest smart phone, and designer clothes.

Most expensive thing you’ve ever bought: A year traveling all over Asia when I was 28.

How’d that feel?: Amazing. I don’t think anyone regrets a trip like that. That adventure marked the start of a lot of really solid personal growth for me which is still going strong.

Favorite cheap eats: In my old ‘hood, a super veggie burrito from El Castillito across from the Safeway, or a massive “chicken” steak sandwich from vegetarian Love ‘n’ Haight Deli. Otherwise something tasty I’ve cooked myself like Thai green curry, or polenta with broccoli.

Favorite dive bar: Noc Noc in the Lower Haight. My partner Tyler and I had our first date there and it looks like a tripped out cave from Alice in Wonderland. Plus they’ve got sake.

Best deal you’ve ever gotten: Last month I got a car for FREE! My brother and sister-in-law gave me their sixteen-year-old Chrysler. It runs well and…it’s a convertible. Super sweet! The last time I had a car was during college. I’m still walking a lot and getting around by public transit, but I’m totally digging having the option to drive.

Favorite free thing to do: I love hiking. I always feel so good being outside in nature with a friend, stretching my legs, and being away from a screen.

If you woke up a millionaire, what’s the first thing you’d buy?: A house with a yard where I could have a garden and keep my own chickens. That or plane tickets to Madagascar. Oh hell, how about both?

Despite not having money, do you still love your life?: Absolutely! I have wonderful friends and family, and a supportive partner who all love me for who I am, and make me laugh. I’ve got a flexible schedule that gives me the freedom to go hiking on a Monday if I feel like it. Plus my debut novel just got published! Life is good.