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Q: Why is every second foreigner in China "working on a full-length novel"?
If I hear another person say to me they're working on a full-length novel about China I'm going to smack them in the face. Has anyone else noticed how prevalent this "novel writing" phenomenon is among expats here? They're all amateurs if ya ask me!
11 years 22 weeks ago in Arts & Entertainment - China
It is one thing to write a novel about China, and far another to find a publisher who actually will publish it.
I don't know anyone writing a novel about anything. Maybe it is your social circle?
Nope, haven't encountered any. I must be hanging out with the illiterate crowd....
Because they are trying to find ways to come up with money since most of them are broke anyways!
among about 500 expats i have met in china.. none of then are writing novels... 2 wer writing poem..
I am one foreigner working on a second full length novel 
This topic reminds me of Pearl Buck. Anyone ever read "The Good Earth"? Great novel about rural Chinese people. I highly recommend this read along with reading the late Ms. Buck's life story. It will make you look upon the countryside people with softer eyes.
I have to say that every other person I know in Canada/America/UK/ is working on a novel.
It should surprise me that is all the more likely with the types interested in teaching (and improving) their own English skills abroad.
Surely it's a good way to practice and improve. It might be a cruel pursuit IF they are expecting to get published and become the next (whos big now I dont know?) Harry Potter series?
But 'self-publishing' online seems to be the big thing now. And a few writers have done well now and then. Getting 'discovered' by what remains of the big publishing houses.
Personally, I have to write stuff (i said stuff) for TV and Radio now and then. I have zero interest in novels but I love it when a great bit comes together and 'comes to life' on the TV or Radio.
TV being the greatest satisfaction. Something about seeing actors/reality show people actually carry out your words/ideas is still a thrill for me.
But good luck to all those writers! You have more patience than I do heh!
Expats seem to really get too big for their britches. Some of the crap I've heard....oye. I could write a novel about it.
They just want to take the focus off the fact that they are teachers. Telling people that they are working on a novel to share their "insight" into a China, that we all must have no idea about, makes them feel much better about themselves. Other variations are " I am an Education director" " I am opening a bar" and if they are too lazy to think of a lie " I teach a bit but i do OTHER things".
nevermind:
One guy told me he was going to "bring music to China" whatever that means.
It is true that some teachers seem to be ashamed of our profession, I can only guess why. Personally I'm an English teacher and I'm proud of that fact.
Of course, if your main skill set is a language, it is relatively common, to try to use that skill set in a more advanced way, many people see writing a novel as more advanced than teaching. I think that is a disappointing attitude for a teacher, perhaps if they used some of that time to advance their teaching skills then they wouldn't feel the need to disguise their job.
Of course, a few English teachers are not teachers at all, just native English speakers who want to travel around Asia, I really cannot knock them for this as they are just filling a hole in the market, I suspect it is these types who may be the ones telling you they are 'writing a novel', (and of course, maybe they are writing a novel).
jknox00:
Some of the 'non-pro' English teachers are filling a hole left by 'real' English teachers who, it turns out, are better at 'theory' and passing exams than they are in practice.
Having said that, I wonder if you can tell us the name of that novel you are working on? I suppose you are the next 'Malcolm Gladwell' working on something sure to teach the world how to be tolerant and progressive yes?
Hugh.G.Rection:
jbnox, I don't converse with racists nor trolls, now go away.
jknox00:
What about Anti-deluvians? Do you 'converse' with them I say good sir?
jknox00:
If I wanted to feed you I'd ask about how you 'help black people' with your condescending liberal white racist guilt racism.
But I didn't.
I just asked about the book you are working on. And you ARE working on a book right?
jknox00:
Is your book a kind of 'advice' book where you educate people towards 'tolerance' and help them become 'enlightened' enough to accept gay marriage lol?
thedude:
jnkox00 you you should really keep your quasi/political views here private...just a guess here but I think most people here don't agree with your extremist views.
Stick to China related issues is my advice.
nevermind:
Wow, Jknox, no wonder even Sun News won't hire you. Huge, nice to hear your viewpoint too many English teachers are ashamed and it makes no sense, it's actually an important job if you take it seriously.
Laoban:
U should only be proud of Teaching English if you have a REAL University diploma saying you are capable. If not, then don´t
Hugh.G.Rection:
Then I suppose it's a good job I've got my PGCE which stands for Post Graduate Certificate of Education which is one of the top teaching qualifications in England.
However, I know of some excellent teachers who have absolutely zero qualifications, there are always exceptions, some people are just good at what they do and if they are good teachers I see no reason why they cannot be proud of it.
Personally I would prefer it if the Chinese authorities put more emphasis on teaching qualifications than bachelor degrees, as it stands someone who has a BA in Spanish is qualified to teach English. That makes no sense.
I've actually encountered a few people like that, but you might be exaggerating a bit.
Anyway, usually, "working on" means "imagining what it would be like to actually do it".
Or best case scenario, a few lines in a Word document, possibly a page.
People want to stand out in a crowd, and some try to do that with an awkward attempt at looking hip.
Mr_spoon:
On the other hand, there are some exceptions. Like Eric Meyer.
I have met two people into writing novels over my time teaching. One was an American guy in Korea, and he did finish his novel.
The other guy works in the same town at a different school. He does socialize or go out, very reclusive. And he didn't tell anyone he is writing. I found out from a staffer at that school.
Just excuse to carry paper, often need paper for other things.also can hit you with book.
