So much for democracy

What do you think?” I asked Tyrena as she read through the first copy. Her eyes were blank, bronze disks in that week’s fashion, but this did not hide the fact that there were tears there. She brushed one away. 

“It’s beautiful,” she said. 

“I tried to rediscover the voice of some of the Ancients,” I said, suddenly shy. 

“You succeeded brilliantly.” 

“The Heaven’s Gate Interlude is still rough,” I said. 

“It’s perfect.” 

“It’s about loneliness,” I said. 

“It is loneliness.” 

“Do you think it’s ready?” I asked. 

“It’s perfect … a masterpiece.” “Do you think it’ll sell?” I asked. 

“No fucking way."

Hyperion Cantos, chapter 3 - Dan Simmons