What is the ruling on fame and the desire to immortalize one's name and leave a mark in this world through permissible work such as novel writing? And is fame generally blameworthy, or is it that which motivates one to work?

There is no harm in a man being loved among people for worldly matters, as long as it is not forbidden. The proof of this is that Abu Sufyan was a man who loved pride. When this was mentioned to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, at the conquest of Mecca, he said: "Whoever enters the house of Abu Sufyan is safe."