So, are my English writings readable, of tolerable style?

[Turanil]

I spend my time writing and reading stuff in English (mostly on Enworld). However it's not my native language. More than once, some people (native English-speakers) told me that I write in English fairly well. However, I myself cannot check if it is the case or not...

Now it happens that I still intend to write a novel of my own (sci-fi). However, I won't write it in French, as there is almost no public for it in this country... I was thinking of writing it directly in English instead. Nonetheless, writing messageboard posts is one thing, and writing a novel is another... When I look at some English novels and try to see the words used, the grammar, the style, etc., it suddenly looks far less easy that it seemed to me (to write a novel in English) at first sight.

So my question is: for all of you who have read many of my posts at one time or another, what do you think of my writing style? Is it poor, just tolerable, or does it look like written by an English native? Do you think my knowledge of English is enough to write a novel?

Thanks for your imputs. If you are harsh with me on that point, I will be able to live with it.

 

[johnsemlak]

For what it's worth, my trade is English teaching and testing.

Honestly, just reading the post you just made, I can't really spot anything in it that would identity you as a non-native speaker. I think your other posts I've seen are pretty much the same.

So, in a word, yes, I think your English is good enough. However, It would be possible to make a much better evaluation if I could see a longer fragment of your sci-fi writing. Do you have any already written up you could post? Do you do a story hour, perhaps?

Of course, whether your novel writing skills are good enough is a different matter...

BTW, do you really feel there isn't interest in Sci-Fi in your country?

 

[Old One]

Your English is much better than my French !

I think you do just fine...and practice makes perfect...and you get lots of practice here at EN World.

~ OO

 

[IronWolf]

I have read many of your posts Turanil and I am always impressed at your usage of the English language. The only way I know you are from France is because of the Location you have noted in your profile. So from only looking at posts you make I wouldn't think you would have too much difficulty.

 

[reveal]

I think your posts are just fine.

Plus, don't worry about if every little detail is perfect in your book; that's what editors are for.

 

[Zander]

I've worked as an editor for non-native speakers trying to publish in English.

My opinion as an erstwhile editor is that there isn't much wrong with your posts. However, the standard of English used in novels is higher than that used on message boards. Without a sample of you prose, it's difficult to say with certainty whether you can pull it off. But don't worry; the indications are good.

 

[Desdichado]

Honestly, just reading the post you just made, I can't really spot anything in it that would identity you as a non-native speaker. I think your other posts I've seen are pretty much the same.

I was kinda thinking the same thing, with the ironic exception of the title, which no native speaker would write and sounds awkward.

 

[Tatsukun]

(For the record, I teach English at a university)

Your English is fine for a novel. In fact, I think it's pretty darn good. The only thing I would say to make it sound more 'natural' would be to stay away from the "A of B" construction.

Many schools teach things like "Teacher of English" or "Style of writing". These are fine, but it's more natural to reverse them into "English teacher", and "Writing style".

"A of B" is used, but not as often as a lot of textbooks make it out to be.

Have fun!

-Tatsu

 

[DungeonmasterCal]

By and large, I can't tell you're not a native speaker. Every now and then, you'll drop an sentence with a slightly odd phrasing, but it's very, very rare.

And as my French pretty much stops at "oui", I'm very impressed by your English. It's better than most of the native speakers in my part of the U.S.

 

[Turanil]

Thanks for all your comments. Now I don't anymore have the excuse of doubt doubt excuse for not beginning actual writing. In France, fantasy and science-fiction are viewed as junk literacy only good for retarded teenagers. Plus the literacy / publishing world is a closed one, full of snobbery. I figured I would get a larger audience in English, even if only to make available for free on the Internet.

And as my French pretty much stops at "oui", I'm very impressed by your English.

Thanks, but I have no merit. It's not as if I had to suffer to memorize; D&D/d20 books are published in English, so I learned it just to understand the rules, and hardly noticing I was learning. And with the d20 market's flooding, I had ample stuff to read to practice.

It's better than most of the native speakers in my part of the U.S.

GASP! My inflating ego is on the verge of explosion!

Anyway, I don't have any ficition yet available. However, if I ever finish it, ENworld will be the first place to know!