The Third Edit

Wow. As this is my first time writing a novel, I have been overwhelmed by the editing process-- write, rewrite, rewrite, rewrite, etc. The character's name has been changed, from "Felix" to "Ben". Our editors wanted a more "Midwestern" style name, and Felix sounded a bit priggish, evidently.

I hated to see Felix change his name, but part of the process is not getting too attached to any single part, and allowing the novel to take its shape throughout the editing process.

The sad part is that Gary and I met a Felix on the way back from Yiang Jiang. His full name was Felix Li, and he was a rep. for the Oxo corporation, the manufacturers of those fantastic household products. I have a set of Oxo mixing bowls, and I've always thought their black and white design is reminiscent of a panda, appropriate in the context of China, right?

So after meeting a Felix in China, I kind of felt a spiritual connection between China and our main character. Oh well, I'm sure I'll have a chance to meet a Ben or two when I make it back to China in the spring.