Should I or Shouldn't I?

I've been trying to write English before, but this time I write Dutch. Nonetheless if I was writing English I wouldn't mind corrections. Since I always hope to perfect my work. But I think it would be wiser to wait after November. We do not want writers to edit their mistakes all month ;)

If you see something in mine, you can always tell me. Though I would advise you not to go randomly telling people. A lot will find that offensive and unnecessary (which is probably spelled wrong, but forgive me XD)

If it's people you know, well, it depends on them. I would just ask. Maybe contact them and ask if they want you to correct them?

Also, keep in mind: during November a lot of mistakes are made simply because people type fast, at late hours and a lot. Therefore, they most likely WILL make some mistakes they otherwise wouldn't have.

But, as I said, feel free to comment on mine.

What if that what you love most, is that which you cannot remember?

// Hey. Rewind. Replay. //

While I am not one to decline help offered quickly...

I would say 'no' during November. Because the last thing any Nanoer needs is to hear there are mistakes in their novel. Which probably everyone already knows, doesn't matter which language they are writing in, but it's easier to ignore if no one points it out. If someone starts pointing it out, it could have a very bad effect and maybe that person starts worrying if there are apparently more mistakes in their excerpt than they thought and then worry how bad the rest would be...

I know it can be very tempting to point out mistakes and give the correct spelling or grammar, but even if you have the best intentions in mind... I'd hold off until December. Because any excerpt is a part of what has been written for the nano novel.

But that's just my thought. ^^; In any way, any mistakes you spot in my English... let me know after 30 November. =P I need my self-confidence for the time being. And I am very sensitive to such things.

(Also, if you really see a piece that could use some correction, maybe PM the author first. Some people love help, some people don't want help from strangers, just from people they know and trust. I do the same thing as well when I spot some incorrect usage of Japanese; I first ask if they want any help, because if they don't, I'll just keep my mouth shut.)

Kom ook eens kijken op het alternatieve Dutch NaNo Forum!

Personally, I would appreciate it,
since I'm studying English, so improving my English is rather important.
I am also well aware of the fact that my English is less than perfect ...

Not that telling me that there are mistakes in my excerpt will make me change it immediately,
I'll keep that for december,
after all, november is all about reaching those 50k words.

I would advise you to not just go and tell people that there are mistakes in their excerpt,
I can imagine many people would find that offensive and rude ...

Nanowrimo 2009: London Bridge is Falling Down

Thanks for your feedback, all. I appreciate it.

You confirmed my feeling that it would not be a great idea - especially considering that people are advised not to edit in November.

I really do admire the people writing in a language that isn't their own.

Good luck everyone.

Mmm, I personally wouldn't mind if you told me before November had ended. I'd simply keep whatever you have to say in the back of my head until it was time for the editing process. However, I can imagine that it'd throw some people off-balance while still in November. It's pretty admirable that you'd actually go round telling people how to improve their writing, though, because an outsider to the novel often catches the small slip-ups we as authors don't even see the second time around.

hope is more than a postponed disappointment.

[It's pretty admirable that you'd actually go round telling people how to improve their writing, though,]

Hi Solya,

It was nice to see you pick up on the positive aspect. It is a major part of my personality to want to help other people, but I have to remember that people don't always want to be helped.

Not that I would ever have time anyway ;-)

Good luck,
Dawn