The greatest novel ever written.

Dedication: This one goes out to all those perfectionists out there. The ones who are still trying to release their works, the writers in aspiration, the ones whose babies haven't left the nest yet. I hope to see you on the shelves sometime soon, if not, let's see you in audio or eBook format soon. 

There is no doubt that most writers want one of two things. The first is to make enough money from their writing to leave the workforce and write full time. To hang out at coffee shops musing and typing away until something profound and wonderful comes out of the fingertips. This first goal is wholly achievable, we can make enough money to live off of with our craft. The second one is a little more egotistical and much harder; it's to write the best novel ever written. This goal is most likely not possible, because the outcome is largely subjective. 

What defines the "best" novel ever written? Why, of course, the people who read it. Therefore, since no one can agree on anything, it's an impossible task. If a person is ever to write the best novel ever written, I am quite sure it will be an accident. That is the only way perfection has recognition.  

When it comes to great novels, I have a quote, and maybe someone has said it before or something very similar. It goes like this: "The greatest novel ever written is one that never got published." The point being, whoever wrote it, didn't think it was the most extraordinary novel ever written; they never thought it was good enough to publish.

Meanwhile, "Moby Dick" (among others, depends on who you ask) took that title, or at least the "most well-written novel" in the English language- close enough. That's right, Moby Dick... 

Think about that for a second, then ask yourself, is there a better novel out there? My point being, the best is only a relative description. Taste is implicit to the person putting things in their mouth. It's only the best to the person observing it and it is particular to those same tastes.  

Consider this advice while writing. Try to make your writing the best that you can offer and find better ways to grow your skill and get your work out into the world, whether experimental or not. If you are hesitant because you doubt your work's quality, that's what pen names are for, hiding identities. I understand that. Sometimes the shame in our writing tells us the truth about its quality, and if we listen we can improve our craft. 

Besides, let's face it, no one wants to be the bridge builder who screwed a goat (google it if you have any questions, that means). We must make out mistakes and move forward, despite the critics. If we let them damage our confidence, then we will never complete the "accident" waiting inside us. 

My point is this; if you sit on your novel until you think it is perfect, no one will ever read it before you die. You will let the specific tastes of the critics define the specifics of your story. You will never publish it, not even under a pen name. 

I know it's hard to put that "special part" of yourself out there before you think it's perfectly presentable. The reality is simple, perfection is a lie, and the best writers of all time gave up on perfection and settled for the truths that were relevant to their own lives. And as we all know, personal truth is far more important and exciting anyway than the idea of perfection. 

Cheers, and keep on writing!