'My novels are not my babies'

Many of Yan Geling's novels have been adapted into films and TV series, including those by top Chinese filmmakers Chen Kaige, Joan Chen, Jiang Wen and Zhang Yimou.

Unlike many writers who treat their work like their babies, Yan has an easy-going attitude toward her scripts.

"There is more than one way to make fried potatoes," she says. "As long as the final product is good, it is OK. Every story has many different elements. If the directors can develop one of them with their own vision, why not?"