Writers have been sold a lot of lies about what it takes to be a “successful novelist.”

That you just need to be a good writer.
That you don’t have to be a good writer.
That you need a New York agent.
That New York publishing is a scam.
That you have to “write to market.”
That you have to “rapid release.”
That you have to “go wide.”
That you have to be on all the socials.
That you being on social media is a complete waste of time.

It’s all lies. Because depending on what you want out of writing – your definition of success, and your specific circumstances – all or none of it might apply. But it all gets thrown around like gospel truth with conviction by people pretending that it’s not all just a set-up to create a problem so they can sell you the solution.

But even if they’re all lies, so what? Making lies into truth is what we do.

So if you think you’re a good writer – or not – you can succeed. If you want the validation of New York – or want total control as an indie. If you love the challenge of conquering a hot new trend or couldn’t care less what’s popular. If you write fast, slow, daily, or in binges. None of that matters.

All that matters is opening the draft, wrestling with the words, and getting to type “the end” eventually. That’s what makes you a novelist. Completing a novel is the only success metric that makes you one. Not completing it is the only thing standing in the way. This is YOUR novel writing month. Own it.

So open the damn draft, and start making that lie come true. Right now. #AICWOP*

All we have to do now
Is take these lies and make them true somehow
All we have to see
Is that I don't belong to you
And you don't belong to me - George Michael, "Freedom '90"

* Ass in chair, words on page