In Class

I think that what I'd like to hold onto is the various meanings of the word novel express sometimes opposite ends of the spectrum but are all simultaneously valid at different instances.

Sometimes novel is new and commercial and ridiculous. It's fed to the consumer with no real focus on contributing value; the focus is on receiving value from the author's standpoint.

Other times, things that are novel are creative and innovative and are meant to change lives; these works focus more on the audience. They are new, but the focus is not so egotistical and self-centered.

Lastly, there are times when both is true. Authors produce work to be commercial, but that doesn't detract from the fact that the work is real and vibrant and that it touches people.

One more thing as an aside, even the most douchebaggerous work from an egotistical, commercial mess of an author can impart meaning to someone, even if it was not intended. The meaning comes ultimately from the consumer, not from the author, whatever his intention.