Observations/Reflections: On Anthony Trollop and the Nexus between Quantity and Quality
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 02/25/10
Written: 02/17/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin

I find it fascinating that "Anthony Trollop" was more focused on character than plot. While I cannot agree with his approach, I think his success is due in large part to his ability to sketch out the nuance of human nature, and bring life to his characters. I think his lack of attention to plot allowed him to write at such high speed.

Trollop tried to write 215 words every fifteen minutes. He wrote 67 books. Most of the books were three volume works. That's the equivalent of 180 long books. He did all of this in the early morning while working for the British Postal Service.

There must be a way to capture the essence of his output, but to constrain the writing by categories, so as to prevent the degradation of quality. I'm seeking the nexus between quantity and quality.