The first novel I wrote was a monster - clocking in at 180 000 words - but it died a death a death it deserved. It was called 'The Gods First Make Mad.' It was a good title but it was the only good thing about the book. I didn't let that put me off.
I don't like definitions but if there is a definition of freedom it would be when you have control over your reality to transform it to change it rather than having it imposed upon you. You can't really ask for more than.