Observations/Reflections: On the True Measure of a Writer
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 08/03/10
Written: 04/09/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin

I wonder how one should judge a writer? When one has written as many books as Trollope there is no doubt (as trollop conceives himself) a wide variance in the quality of the work. But do you judge a writer by a) his best work, b) his worst work, or c) the overall body of work? I think the best answer is a). If a writer is more concerned of being thought of as a great writer than he is about producing a work that truly serves the reader, he may turn out consistently good projects. But in playing it safe, he may fail to achieve the ultimate with his ability. I suspect that the great writer is the one who puts the work first. The great writer is the one who puts the work above his reputation. This writer may start writing while young, and his work may mature over time. This writer might take risk and thus produce inferior work. But this writer, who will spend himself for the hope of creating something truly helpful, for the hope of doing his ultimate best, is the writer I respect.

Ultimately, the writer must determine whether or not he is writing for the sake of the audience or writing for the sake of his name (Backwards: Whether he is writing for his reputation or for the sake of the audience).