How to Write the Perfect Novel

How can anyone write the perfect novel when writersand readers are both imperfect, fallible human beings, having subjectiveopinions?  As Abraham Lincoln says, "You canfool (please) some of the people, some of the time, but you can't fool (please)all the people all the time."  However, Ithink there is somewhat of an answer – if an author gives their full passionand writes the real story hidden in their hearts, not the one they think willplease their peers, then they will have written the perfect novel – for them. 
I've read many novels over the years that I could tellinstantly were written in the 'market formula' and designed for a specifictarget, and hitting all the high points in order to make a financialinvestment.  The writing community callsthese 'commercialized' novels.  Whilethey have a plot, and hit the sensationalized points of a story, they too oftenmiss the 'heart' of the story, lacking depth of character or trueintimacy.  There's nothing wrong writingthis way, this is how many writers earn a paycheck, but I personally think itrobs not only the reader of a great story, but the writer of the pride of trulysharing the true gifts given to them. 
It doesn't take much intelligence or skill to writesensationalism.   Just about anythingthese days are open for discussion, no matter how objective, subjective,offensive, or taboo they may be.  Pushingthe boundaries is often what sells the best. The more rude, crude and plain out hateful, controversial and offensivesomeone can write - the more sales they make. But, what have such writers really done? They've prostituted their gift for a price.  They have their reward.  It's not only what is written on the pagethat makes the story, but it must be combined with the heart and purpose behindit.  If there is no heart or purpose, it'sjust meaningless words – vanity; a chasing after the wind. 
As you sit at your keyboard, notepad or typewritertoday and the story begins to flow, ask yourself how much of you are you putting into thisstory?  Is this story the best you can offer?  Are you making yourself vulnerable to yourgift?  Are you writing the story in your heart, or are youediting for commercial sake?  Does thisstory make you happy, or are youconcerned if it will make someone elsehappy?  If your novel isn't perfect foryou – it won't be perfect for anyone else. It's your name on it, not theirs. 
Tillnext time,~T.L.Gray