Is it a flaw if a book is readable, flows well, and gets the point across, BUT you can tell that the author is a non-native?
Even though English is not my first language, I have completed writing a fiction book in English.
I have been in the US for over 40 years and I believe that I have a good command of the language. (Vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.)
A friend of mine, who is fluent in both English and in my native language, read my book. One of the points in her feedback was that she could tell, while reading it, that I think like a non native. There is NO Grammar error or language errors. She is just saying that she can tell that I, as the writer, am building the sentences in my mind, as a non-native would.
Non of my American friends that had read the book gave me a similar feedback, but my friend may be right, because after all - I am probably thinking as the immigrant that I am.
My question: If the book is readable, flows well, and gets the point across, but you can tell that the writer is non native - will it be considered a flaw?
Thanks
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I sometimes notice that a work of literature has been written by an immigrant. It's not just the sentences - it's something in the underlying world-view, the imagery, the way different things are given attention.
I love this effect, and go looking for it. Why? Because I find the different POV of the writer interesting. You bring a different experience, which allows you to tell a different story. What you have is a unique advantage. Don't fear it - use it!
There are multiple examples of very successful writers who were not born in the country where they wrote, and who wrote in a language other than their mother's tongue. Consider Vladimir Nabokov, a Russian-American writer. Or, if you're looking for a more modern example, consider Ken Liu - a Chinese-American writer of f/sf, who has received Hugos, Nebulas, and other awards for his short stories.
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If the book is readable, flows well, and gets the point across, but you can tell that the writer is non native, and the reader is interested in the authentic experience and story of such a writer, then no there is nothing there that you can call a flaw.
In these cases, the 'flaw' is perceived as being the same as the authentic experience and is welcomed by the reader.
When I speak to my neighbours (who are Italian) then I do not expect them to talk to me, act or appear as an English person would. I would instead be charmed by their accents, their tendency to wave their arms about as they speak, their flawless olive-coloured skin and their habit of making pizza for me when my wife is away.
My advice to you is to be who you are and let that be reflected freely in your writing.
Well done on finishing your first book and good luck with your future writing.
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