Tips of ESL (non-native) writers

[TheLobster]

While Literotica allows you to publish stories in select few other languages, it is no secret that most readers are looking for works written in English. It's one of the reasons why we've got quite a sizeable population of authors here for whom this is not their native language (including yours truly) and their numbers are only growing.

I thought it would be useful to start a thread where we post and exchange tips on writing erotic fiction as an ESL author (English as second language). This is very much inspired by @StillStunned and his Self editing for authors thread.

What tips are useful? As a member of the cohort in question, I can confidently say that, well, pretty much anything. General writing advice is always worth reiterating, even basics like narrative tenses or dialogue punctuation.

I especially encourage other ESL authors to share their "lessons learned" which recount, for example, some particular aspect of writing in English you had trouble with and how you managed to overcome it.

Share anything you feel like would be helpful for non-native writers, even if you aren't one yourself!

 

[TheLobster]

I'll start with I consider the most important piece of advice. It is very simple.

READ

Read everything. Read books, read Lit stories. Read classics, read genre fiction, read trashy pulp novels, heck, even read terrible fan fiction; it probably won't hurt (too much)

Read a diverse range of original literature, from contemporary to Canterbury Tales. Read authors who have markedly different writing styles. Read English translations of works written in your native language.

There is no better way than reading a lot if you want to learn the feel, the rhythm, the cadence, the nuance, the shades of meaning, the range of metaphors you can use, the overall taste and flavor of words, and how they can go together to stir something within your readers.

If you don't know where to start on Lit itself, there are many excellent writers that frequent this forum (Author's Hangout) whose stellar works are a great starting point. Check Literotica contest winners and highest rated stories in your favorite category, as well as various recommendation threads in this forum.

 

[TheLobster]

You probably need an editor. Yes, we all do.

But at least for your first story or five, I very strongly recommend that you get someone to look at it with a critical eye. It doesn't even have to be a native speaker, but it has to be someone who has a decent command of the nuances of the grammar and phrasing. (I've done it myself for a few people, so the skill threshold the person has to clear isn't that high ).

Later on, once you get the hang of the basics, you should definitely peruse the self-editing thread I mentioned previously. Use the tools we have available now, just make sure you don't take every suggestion they give you to heart -- most of them are calibrated for dull, professional and corporate writing, not fiction.

 

[THBGato]

Read English translations of works written in your native language.

This. When I'm trying to improve my French or Spanish, I read translations of texts I know well in English. As I already know the plot, this allows me to focus on grammar and vocabulary, spot how certain metaphors translate, etc.

 

[KittyOfSteele]

Don't be shy.

Seriously, don't be shy. This is not even a writing tip, this is a language learning tip. The only way to learn the language is by practicing, and the only way to practice is interacting with the language. Not just reading, watching movies, or consuming media, but also talking to others. Not texting; actually speaking. Listen to them.

You'd be surprised how many people open themselves up whenever you're making an effort to learn their language, and more often than not they are very chill about it. If you make a mistake, it's alright, some natives even admit that they don't speak their own language very well. Don't be afraid of asking them to slow down if you need to.

 

[AwkwardlySet]

Reading is indeed crucial. And not just because of the vocabulary, but because of some specific expressions and slang you can pick up. Vary your reading material, though. Reading both modern fiction and period pieces is likely to arm you with different sets of expressions and words.

One more advice I can give is what @SimonDoom has pounded into my brain by repeating it in certain AH threads.
Use contractions in dialogue. It's how regular native English speakers talk, which isn't something that's obvious to someone who doesn't have conversations with such people every day.
The language without contractions sounds more formal, and it's something that works naturally for period pieces, perhaps, and maybe also for medieval fantasy stories. In the stories set in the present day, such dialogue would likely sound awkward to native English speakers (They can correct me if I'm wrong)

 

[HordHolm]

Ok, I'm an ESL teacher, and I can confidently state that I have huge admiration for anyone trying to write and publish in English when it isn't their native tongue.

What I would suggest is to look at the common mistakes that ESL writers make. Something I note with ESL writers IRL (I haven't knowingly read an ESL writer on Lit, I do however edit/proofread/correct on a paid basis for academic ESL writers) is that the humble comma can be one of the most infuriating little marks known to man. The next common issue is often articles, when to use and when is it more natural to omit (if possible).

I would also add that if writing historical fiction, immerse yourself in the language of the time.

I certainly wouldn't suggest that it is only non-natives who make basic errors with punctuation, articles and the sound of historical language - often natives can be worse.

So what to do to tighten up on these elements of English? As others have said, read, read, and keep reading. Also, if you can, find a native speaking beta reader/editor. Sadly, I must say in advance that won't be me because a) I barely have time for my own work and, b) the academic year is about to begin and I will have even less time.

The last thing I would suggest for now is to find a good thesaurus, but don't overuse it. However, if you find yourself using the same word again and again, dip into it and see if there's something better.

 

[TheLobster]

The last thing I would suggest for now is to find a good thesaurus, but don't overuse it. However, if you find yourself using the same word again and again, dip into it and see if there's something better.

My rule of thumb when it comes to thesaurus, or perhaps a safety measure, is that I only use it to remember words I already know (i.e., encountered in the wild and thus have a reasonably good understanding of the context they're used in).

Basically, never just pluck a new word out of it and try to shoehorn it into your sentence; the likelihood you'll end up with something awkward or odd is high.

 

[NuclearFairy]

My rule of thumb when it comes to thesaurus, or perhaps a safety measure, is that I only use it to remember words I already know (i.e., encountered in the wild and thus have a reasonably good understanding of the context they're used in).

Basically, never just pluck a new word out of it and try to shoehorn it into your sentence; the likelihood you'll end up with something awkward or odd is high.

Also, if you do see a word in the thesaurus that you like the feel of. Look it up first. Because oftentimes while the meaning is similar to the word you already used, it doesn't mean the exact same thing. It might work better, or not at all for what you're going for.

 

[Five_Inch_Heels]

Not only read, but watch and listen. TV shows, plays, music ... LISTEN to how words are pronounced and used. Picking up on those things can help you do dialog.

 

[Writer61]

Over the last forty-plus years, I have worked with many non-native speakers and am often asked how to say/write something in English.

My main advice is 'don't be afraid'. English is an incredibly flexible language, often with two or more words that could be used in a particular situation. A few days ago, somebody gave me two possible words and asked which was correct; my answer was 'both'.

Linguistic experts say that the success of English as the most common second language globally is partly because of this flexibility. Basically, you can speak English badly and still be understood; other languages are not so forgiving.

 

[Kelliezgirl]

Also, if you do see a word in the thesaurus that you like the feel of. Look it up first. Because oftentimes while the meaning is similar to the word you already used, it doesn't mean the exact same thing. It might work better, or not at all for what you're going for.

100% Understanding the connotation vs. the denotation of a particular word is important.

 

[Jorunn]

I speak English often, but it is quite different writing it (hence, why I am here). I will say, “It is a grey day”. But when writing I use a thesaurus for adjectives and adverbs. I would write “slate grey”, but also add cloud descriptions, wind, mists swirling through trees, icy waters, etc.

Agree with others - if you use a word from the thesaurus, check the definition. There are some dictionaries that use it in a sentences, and some web sites that give examples in sentences (worddb).

Agree on using contractions in speech. There are idioms and slang web sites as well. Good if not overused (I did once and learned from the comments).

If using a setting, either exotic or mundane, look at images and videos. A grey apartment block is boring. Look closer to describe a window box, marble steps, wrought iron railings, a weed, trash, etc. Find the words when you write.

What do you see at an American rodeo if you have never been to one? Most of my stories are set in Europe, and I have WIPs in four different countries. I am not sure if this helps or hurts with a majority of American readers.

My first story was rejected. If you want to be an ESL writer, and have not started, just do it! Stick with what you know, keep the stories short, and use grammar tools (but not blindly - because you want to see and learn from what you wrote so you get better).

 

[StillStunned]

I've been editing professionally for ESLs for 20+ years, and here's my tip based on that experience.

ESL training will often be geared towards business or academic writing. Besides the vocab and grammar issues that this brings, there are also issues of structure.

Learn to step away from starting paragraphs with a clause presenting information, followed by an explanation of why or how. Don't write the effect or conclusion until you've described the causes. You want to keep your reader's mind moving in one direction: forward. So cause comes before effect, reasons come before conclusions.

 

[Five_Inch_Heels]

Learn to step away from starting paragraphs with a clause presenting information, followed by an explanation of why or how. Don't write the effect or conclusion until you've described the causes. You want to keep your reader's mind moving in one direction: forward. So cause comes before effect, reasons come before conclusions.

Was that paragraph in English?

I was born and raised with it and I don't understand any of that. This is the problem between 'book learnin' and real doin', and it's probably a big part of why so many submissions get kicked back as bot created. Too much formality ain't gud.

 

[Five_Inch_Heels]

Maybe the hoity-toities and college learnt folks talk that way, but it's far less likely among casual conversations which is what most look for here.

It's also why I'm so opposed to 'style guides' and some of the often touted tutorials here. Many of them are just too structured and rigid for real people.

 

[Omenainen]

My advice to anyone just starting out (though they’re unlikely to see this here, as I suppose they don’t find the forums first thing) is just to do it. Write a story, see if it gets published. It’s not so serious and it doesn’t have to be perfect. (Also, ankle/angle.)

Then, after publishing a few, yes it’s a good idea to try to make friends with natives to get someone to beta read for you. People are blind to their own mistakes and having someone point out especially recurring issues is valuable. I’m wary of using editors right off the gate, because it doesn’t always translate into learning to write better, and advice like “find an editor” can make the whole thing sound too laborious.

 

[StillStunned]

Was that paragraph in English?

I was born and raised with it and I don't understand any of that. This is the problem between 'book learnin' and real doin', and it's probably a big part of why so many submissions get kicked back as bot created. Too much formality ain't gud.

Maybe the hoity-toities and college learnt folks talk that way, but it's far less likely among casual conversations which is what most look for here.

It's also why I'm so opposed to 'style guides' and some of the often touted tutorials here. Many of them are just too structured and rigid for real people.

I'm not sure what's unclear about my post, how it makes me hoity-toity. If you're a writer, you should be able to read.

 

[HordHolm]

Pronouns. I'm sure that in other languages they are equally (occasionally) irritating. But, if you are writing any kind of scene with more than two people of opposite genders/different gender identifications, be careful with the pronouns. It can be difficult to avoid some potential confusion, but when editing, read back what you've written and be sure than it's clear that the right he/she/they is doing/saying the correct thing to the other he(s), she(s) or they(s).

This needn't apply only to anything written for Lit. Something I found myself spending far too long doing for the available payment was making sense of a cluster of 'she's' and 'hers' in a philosophy paper I was correcting for someone a couple of years ago. It took me about twice as long as anything else in that paper (which was pretty well written overall).

 

[Jorunn]

Pronouns. I'm sure that in other languages they are equally (occasionally) irritating. But, if you are writing any kind of scene with more than two people of opposite genders/different gender identifications, be careful with the pronouns. It can be difficult to avoid some potential confusion, but when editing, read back what you've written and be sure than it's clear that the right he/she/they is doing/saying the correct thing to the other he(s), she(s) or they(s).

This needn't apply only to anything written for Lit. Something I found myself spending far too long doing for the available payment was making sense of a cluster of 'she's' and 'hers' in a philosophy paper I was correcting for someone a couple of years ago. It took me about twice as long as anything else in that paper (which was pretty well written overall).

I end up using names more than I prefer. No one talks that way. But in writing it is a must. To tone it down, I use a physical description: The older man said. Or, the blonde said.

Or, separate by tone of voice after you establish one of the characters is angry: Her angry voice yelled.

Or even clothing after you establish that: She twirled her skirt in seductive manner and said.

 

[Omenainen]

Pronouns. I'm sure that in other languages they are equally (occasionally) irritating. But, if you are writing any kind of scene with more than two people of opposite genders/different gender identifications, be careful with the pronouns. It can be difficult to avoid some potential confusion, but when editing, read back what you've written and be sure than it's clear that the right he/she/they is doing/saying the correct thing to the other he(s), she(s) or they(s).

This needn't apply only to anything written for Lit. Something I found myself spending far too long doing for the available payment was making sense of a cluster of 'she's' and 'hers' in a philosophy paper I was correcting for someone a couple of years ago. It took me about twice as long as anything else in that paper (which was pretty well written overall).

I find this funny, because in Finnish we only have a single pronoun for everyone and somehow manage to make sense of who’s doing what to whom. But, yes. Pronouns. I’ve been accused of even mixing him/her and that’s probably accurate.

So, to rephrase, learn to self edit diligently. Focus on reading the words and sentences and not get swept away by the story. Easier said than done.

 

[Kelliezgirl]

I find this funny, because in Finnish we only have a single pronoun for everyone and somehow manage to make sense of who’s doing what to whom. But, yes. Pronouns. I’ve been accused of even mixing him/her and that’s probably accurate.

So, to rephrase, learn to self edit diligently. Focus on reading the words and sentences and not get swept away by the story. Easier said than done.

That brings up another good point. Be aware of where your native languages conventions differ significantly from English and pay extra attention to that.
Past and present tense is very different in English and Spanish. I work with a few native Spanish speakers and I notice that in their emails on a regular basis.

 

[TheLobster]

As a way of bringing together the points that have been raised in the several posts above, it is worth noting that despite its ubiquity, English is actually quite an unusual language.

One notable feature is that it's highly analytic, which is a fancy way of saying that it rarely changes the form of words when they occur in a sentence. Instead of adding suffixes, which e.g. the aforementioned Finnish absolutely loves to do, English relies on adding a large number of "small" words to glue its sentences together.

Those small words -- prepositions, pronouns, articles, etc. -- are essentially invisible. Readers simply do not register their presence, and they do not bat an eye when those words are repeated. You can say "The hero grabbed the sword by the hilt below the pommel" and no one's gonna say "Oh no! You have repeated 'the' four times! Bad style! Bad!". It's just not an issue.

So, if you come from a language where repetition is a big stylistic no-no, bear in mind that it's generally not the case in English. The language simply doesn't have the necessary features to avoid repeating pronouns and sometimes even nouns, so you have to suppress your urge to avoid repetitions at all costs.

 

[Five_Inch_Heels]

Are there any other languages that are such a mix of Latin, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Arabic, various Asian and other languages? I mean, we even have Creole and Spanglish among other amalgamations. And then you have whatever they speak in Boston.

I always figured that was why English was so hard to learn... it's a little bit of everything.

 

[Kelliezgirl]

Are there any other languages that are such a mix of Latin, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Arabic, various Asian and other languages? I mean, we even have Creole and Spanglish among other amalgamations. And then you have whatever they speak in Boston.

I always figured that was why English was so hard to learn... it's a little bit of everything.

We are all about our loan words.