Hi everyone! I write this time just for know your opinion about what do you think on become a writer, when English is your second language. I make this question because that is now the situation with me and my novel. Obviously for the question you realise English isn't my native language – actually, it's Spanish. To be honest, it hasn't been an easy work. For those who must be asking yourself ‘why you don't write in your native language and solved problem?’ The thing is, ideas come to me in English and I feel a rare feeling that demands the story be written in English. In an opportunity I tried to write in Spanish but a little voice into my head say me, ‘Don't do that!’ and it was there when I realised the story should be written in English, specially with British spelling. So, what do you think about?
Like Asuntha, I'm more familiar with English. My first language is one of the many Chinese dialects the Chinese use when conversing with each other. We use dialects in our daily conversations. I am 'bad' in it as I tend to mispronounce words, tend to have a hard time figuring out a word etc.
English comes naturally to me even though it is my second language. So, don't give up, Jeferson. It will come to you all in good time.
I agree with Siew Leng Lee! Best way to do it is to familiarize yourself with the language and learn to love it! Read loads of English books- that way the words will come naturally to you.
English is my second language too, yet (sadly) I'm more familiar with it than my first language.
I think it should not be a problem even if English Language is your second language. It all boils down to how much love you have for the English Language. If you love the language, chances are...you'll make attempts to improve it. And, a good way would be reading extensively. Once you are good at it, the words will automatically come to mind. Even if you were to meet obstacles along the way, you can always look up the meanings of difficult words in the dictionary.
I am 54 years old and I am still learning and I'm going to try my hand at writing by joining the WAYB14 Competition.