You’d think with German precision and Spanish passion, I’d be writing in one of those languages—but nope, here I am, typing away in English!
I was born in Germany to very Spanish parents. My mother, a Spanish teacher with a big love for cooking, whips up everything from elegant dinners to ‘basic’ Spanish staples like her famous paella, cocido, and tortillas. Let’s just say her food is legendary in our house. My dad, before he retired, was a skilled chemical worker—a teddy bear of a man with the heart of a proud toreador. Growing up, our home was loud, intense, warm, and always filled with the delicious smells of Spanish cuisine. It was a constant balancing act, being Spanish at home while growing up in Germany. If I had to describe myself, I’d say I’m a perfect mix of both cultures.
So, why don’t I write in my native languages? Good question.
The Year That Changed Everything (and My Accent)
At 19, fresh out of school, I decided it was time to leave my bi-cultural home and throw a third culture into the mix. So, I packed my bags and headed to America to work as an Au Pair. I ended up in Massachusetts with a wonderful family that quickly became my own. My host mom, Linda, was a schoolteacher with a brilliant way of correcting my English—she’d simply repeat my sentences back to me the right way, without ever making me feel self-conscious.
“So, you went to the movies yesterday?” she’d ask, her tone both warm and encouraging, turning every conversation into a mini English lesson.
Living with a schoolteacher, a mostly silent host dad, and two very outgoing boys was like being in a daily language boot camp. If you don’t learn the language there, where on earth will you?
Reading and Watching My Way to (Almost) Native
As a child, I was always a bit of a bookworm (but that’s another story for another day). My love for reading grew exponentially when I lived in America. Linda was an avid reader and loved sharing her books with me. Her passion rubbed off, and before I knew it, I was hooked. This was the beginning of my book collection—a collection that’s now grown into a small library of over a thousand books (90 percent are in English).
I became obsessed with yard sales, thrift shops, and any place that had a stack of books for sale. If they had books, I bought them. My luggage went back to Germany heavier by a few pounds…okay, maybe a hundred.
After a year, it was time to leave—I had a spot waiting for me at university, where I studied Drama, American Studies, and German. By then, my accent was nearly perfect; you could hardly tell I wasn’t from around. People were always surprised when I told them I was from Germany. But when I got back home, the hardest part was the language.
I couldn’t bear to watch movies or TV shows in German anymore. Back then, I had to buy VHS tapes from the UK just to watch Friends in English. When DVDs with language options came, they were a godsend! I know, I know, it’s hard to imagine now with streaming services at our fingertips, but back then it was a struggle! Over the last 30 years, I’ve read hundreds of books in English and watched all my movies and shows in English. So, my mind and soul pretty much feel native. But let’s face it: if you don’t speak English every day, you’ll hear it. And of course, there’s an accent now—trust me, I hear it too. Sometimes I’m searching for words, mixing in a little German or Spanish. But hey, speaking three languages fluently isn’t too shabby, right?
The Decision to Write in English (And Yes, Blame It on Hollywood)
Honestly, writing in English feels like a no-brainer. English is my spirit animal.
And even though I’m still far from it, when I think about self-publishing my books, let’s be real: the English-speaking world is like the cool kid’s table of literature. English just makes sense for accessibility and market reach. And I can’t deny it—I dream of seeing my books sold in New York City’s Strand Bookstore someday. Probably on the bargain table. But hey, I’ll take it!
Embracing the Accent and the English Word Count
So here I am, writing away in English, fueled by a lifetime of multicultural experiences, countless books, and a passion that transcends language. My journey with English isn’t just about grammar or accent—it’s about finding a voice that feels true to me, no matter how many languages swirl in my head.
Sure, when I speak my accent might give away my roots, and sometimes I mix up words or phrases, but that’s part of the charm, isn’t it? Writing in English allows me to connect with a wider audience, share my stories, and, let’s be honest, it’s also a little rebellion against my inner critic who still whispers, “Stick to what you know.” Well, I know this: stories don’t need perfect grammar, just a little heart, some courage, and maybe a hint of an accent.
So, whether you hear a bit of German, a dash of Spanish, or just my passion for English in my words, I hope you’ll find a story worth reading. After all, the real magic happens when you dare to write in the language that speaks to your soul—even if it’s not the one you were born with.
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