Franklin,
I can’t really start this out “Dear Franklin” because I didn’t know you that well. I put you in the first scene of my next book (first in a series), but I didn’t know who you were. Sure, you were the main character’s boss and you got to deliver some good news, and you were old (“wrinkled hand stopped the elevator door”). By the way, don’t feel bad about the “old”, I saw you as my age.
Fortunately (well, unfortunately for you), I had a critique group that asked me what your point was? Why were you here? I didn’t have a good answer. So I edited you out of the scene.
You were extraneous. I couldn’t give you a glorious death like some characters. You had no role anywhere in the series because the books take place in a different part of the galaxy. You had to cease to exist.
The DELETE key was my weapon and you were powerless to stop me.
I can’t even say I am sorry because, well, my story is better for you not existing anymore.
— John