I turn 28 in a week. I thought that 27 would be a momentous year, and it was momentous in the way that everyday miracles are momentous. 300 pages in one year. Tears, illness, surgery, recovery, painful joys and joyful joys. Great and tremendous loves.
For months now I've been contemplating the use of a different name for publication. My given name is Meggy Weiging Wang. Meggy is a misspelling of Meggie, the character from The Thornbirds who gets Chamberlain, the priest who has cared for her since childhood, to love her and leave the priesthood. Weiging is the misspelled version of my Chinese name, which means "one who is good with literature" -- it really ought to be Weijun. Wang, my family name, is what it is. I didn't give it up when I got married, and I still don't think I will.
Another name prickles at me. I created a new Gmail account for that name. I bought a domain. What will happen? I've heard of a Japanese cultural practice in which an artist or poet is allowed one name change when he or she has reached the height of his or her powers. I have certainly not reached the height of my powers. But still. This name pulls.
xo,
Sounds mysterious and fun and soul-fulfilling. Good luck!
Posted by: Meredith | 06/02/2011 at 10:58 PM
The name change sounds like a lovely birthday gift.
Posted by: Lynn | 06/02/2011 at 11:04 PM
If it feels right, I say go for it. Hope you are well, and that you received a package from me.
Posted by: Marissa | 06/02/2011 at 11:24 PM
So..Meggie Waijun?
Posted by: mordicai | 06/03/2011 at 07:41 AM
Thanks, Meredith. I think "soul-fulfilling" is a good way of putting it.
Posted by: Meggy Wang | 06/03/2011 at 03:19 PM
Hi, hon. I hope you're doing well. xoxo
Posted by: Meggy Wang | 06/03/2011 at 03:20 PM
I did! It was the best package!!!! I have my winner medal tacked to my couch so that I see it when I write in the mornings, and the zine is at my desk at work so that I can have something to read during breaktime. You are the best. Did you get my package?
Posted by: Meggy Wang | 06/03/2011 at 03:20 PM
Not quite on either fronts! I'll probably end up posting about this again on my birthday, when I actually do or don't decide to go with it.
Posted by: Meggy Wang | 06/03/2011 at 03:21 PM
I could have sworn I said SUPER BAD IDEA.
Posted by: russel | 06/05/2011 at 12:59 PM
Wait, are we talking about me changing my name for publication or my other plan to get your face tattooed over my face?
But anyway. Yes? Feel free to let me know why it is a super bad idea. Anna pointed out that I already have some publications under my given name, but I want to know what you're thinking about.
Posted by: Meggy Wang | 06/05/2011 at 02:39 PM