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.