Subject: And that's why I need beta-readers
Author:
Posted on: 2011-01-20 17:04:00 UTC
Even working hard, for me it's impossible to write a fic always grammatically correct in English. But beta-readers are here for this reason - point out errors you didn't see. They're necessary when you write in your main language, even more when you write in your second one.
Writing is not only writing: you have to think, check and put an effort in it. That's why PPC exist.
After a long time of hesitation, I've finally made up my mind and decided to ask for permission. But I'm still scared.
As I've said when I came here, English isn't my first language and I'm not pretty sure if I'm good enough for PPC standards, but I'm giving a shoot anyway.
I'm applying my agents for DMS, freelance division.
I'm also giving my writing example without betareading, just spell checking, so as you can see my real writing style.
Agent Joan Ford: she's a Tolkien elf who grew up in World One, so she has a complex with her pointed ears. She also has a high level of glitter in her blood, for what she sometimes speaks in a sort of suvian dialect. Joan could be described as a nice psychopath; she keeps all her violence inside until the time to kill a Sue comes, when she gets really insane and bloodthirsty.
Agent Bob, no surname: Bob's a biped Komodo dragon with no tail, who comes from never-released original fiction. He's still trying to adapt himself to the Laws and Powers That Be in the PPC, even though he's an experienced agent. He's hard-working and curious, and speaks with a tough accent in the T's and K's. He's the calmest of the two of them and takes things lightly, which prevents him from going insane, although when he's lacking his UV ray dose he tends to bite anything close to him.
Writing example:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cyEXGNvqSDuj8yl4NPQ6z3hLc9NxQv1sEQaXxX2Nc/edit?authkey=CIrtw_kM&hl=en
Not being a native speaker of English doesn't disqualify you from the PPC. Granted, most PPC'ers are native speakers, but some aren't. And you could always decide to write missions about fic in your native tongue.
You do have a problem with punctuation, though. That much is clear from the short sample. Google "guide to punctuation" for some handy guides on where to place punctuation in dialogue.
And I still write missions (Giving headaches to Makari and Neshomeh...).
It's hard, but not impossible. Keep working!
for the support! And also for pointing out my mistakes, that'll help me improve.
I was scared because last time I wrote something in English was in 2008, and I've lost much practice. But don't worry, I'll be back and reloaded soon!
(And possibly I'll ask for permission until you get so sick of me you'll say "Yes, but STOP ASKING!")
And dear Sergio is why I do not give badfic a 'break' if it's written by somebody who is a non-native English speaker.
It's possible to write at least comprehensible (though I can understand slightly different scanning, flow of the writing, or minor grammar errors) English even if you're not native.
I can write french, but my grammar is awful and even as practice I wouldn't try to write any fic in french. But power to those who are confident enough in a second language to do that.
If anything, if you do it it is a big smack to badficcers everywhere. Why do some writers get away with butchering their first language when you're able to CORRECT them in your second?
Even working hard, for me it's impossible to write a fic always grammatically correct in English. But beta-readers are here for this reason - point out errors you didn't see. They're necessary when you write in your main language, even more when you write in your second one.
Writing is not only writing: you have to think, check and put an effort in it. That's why PPC exist.
To both you and Techno-Dann. I'll write a longer story and work out punctuation problems, but I think it'll take a while before I could post it and ask for permission again. And thank you so much for the constructive critics.
Could I possibly get a longer sample? Maybe a link to a FF.net account or similar? I appreciate being able to see how well you write on your own, but that's a rather short sample.