which novel would you prefer to write?

[TL Rese]

if your novel could only be one of the following, which would you like to write? a classic, a bestseller, a prize-winner, or a niche read?

- personally, my dream is to write an enduring classic. =)

[Mouse]

Nothing I'd write would ever be considered an 'enduring classic.'

Personally I'm aiming for: People read it and thought it was pretty damn good.

[springs]

No, mine's not there. Good read that people might sit down and blast through. They might even tell their mates it's good... that'd do me... gosh, I need more ambition.

Just looked at Mouse's; that. That's what I want to write.

[Grizzgreen711]

An enduring classic. I want to write a story that my children's children will brag that that was their grandfather or great-grandfather.

[Arkose]

Originally Posted by Mouse

Personally I'm aiming for: People read it and thought it was pretty damn good.

I see you are being ambitious. I am aiming for: People read past the first couple of chapters.

[TheDustyZebra]

I'm aiming for the multi-million bestseller first, so that I can take the rest of my life off and write enduring classics ... or, more likely, things like Mouse says.

Actually, "aiming for" is a bit of an exaggeration -- "wishing for" is closer.

[AnyaKimlin]

I'll take the cash if someone is willing to offer it.

[James Coote]

I want to change the world!

But I voted for the money

[mithril]

I voted for the money too :P So I can quit the boring job

[TheTomG]

I can't answer

While I am sure that my writing falls squarely into the last category, it's not really where I want it to be, as I could sure use the money so that I could focus purely on creativity as a living and be free of having to sell most of my life to a company in order to eat, stay out of the weather and be clothed (and we can all be thankful for the last!)

But I know my way of thinking and seeing the world, which is what dictates what I write, is simply too off-kilter to have mass market appeal.

Would I be willing to sacrifice my principles to write such a book? Well of course! As it's not really a principle in the first place, I'm not opposed to making money, it's just that I don't think I can write something so far removed from who I am.

I would sure like good critical reviews too, not so much for writing style but for themes and ideas.

As for an enduring classic, that one I could rule out. So long as some folks really liked it, even if that was short-lived, I'd be fine. I write to touch minds and souls, in fact it's what governs all my creativity, the desire to communicate in a way which I could not if I just sat down and talked to you and tried to say these concepts, ideas, world views, etc. in regular conversation.

So, err, I am left unable to check any particular box in the above. Interested to see other people's votes and comments though, as it is a thought-provoking question.

[hopewrites]

I feel I should always be a vagrant class artisan. When creating I care only for my creation, and would (and have) give it a way for free when I'm done with it. A selfish creature who creates only for herself, yet is very well pleased if anyone else likes what I do.
and on the other side of my coin, I value my work above mere currency and would only 'sell' it to those worthies who can value my soul. and sell it for a smile, a warm word of praise.

if 100 years from the time I write it, my niche work is lauded for its forward thinking ahead of its time view of humanity, and I do indeed have a classic... well I wouldn't say "no" to that.

I want to sell ideas, strike that. I want to spread ideas, I want to open hearts and minds to the inner beauty of the outer world. I want to rule the universe through love and kindness, without anyone the wiser...

[psychotick]

Hi,

Can't I write one book that fits all the options?

Personally though, I write for me. I write because its within me. Then I go through the hell of editing and publishing it in the hopes that a few other people like it as well. And as long as its a good story and people like it, I'm happy.

(Though I have to say the money from a best seller would be pretty nice!)

Cheers, Greg.

[HareBrain]

If I could choose any one of those, then bestseller. I'd rather relieve friends of their money problems than have someone years after I'm dead think i can turn a good sentence.

[hopewrites]

but you could do that with anything.
and while i agree that I would like to help out my friends by poring my creative soul into work that benefits them more than me... there really isn't a limit on that.

[Lilmizflashythang]

I'd go for the classic. If it pays well before it becomes a classic, well that's just the icing on the cake.