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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best book magazine in the UK“, Dr. Allswell E. Eno talks about what inspired him to write his new book, The Anglo-French Exchange.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed Dr. Allswell E. Eno about his life and career, what inspired him to write his new book, The Anglo-French Exchange, and his writing process.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
I am a Londoner, born in Greenwich, south-east London.
From 8 years of age I have always loved words and from 11 foreign language and linguistics.
I come from a linguistic family: my father spoke three Nigerian languages and toyed with French. My elder brothers had an interest in French, the elder one going on to do French as part of his degree.
I studied French and German at school and enjoyed and did well at these. I took O-level French and had wanted to take French as a fourth A-level but I was dissuaded from that as I was the only pupil who had chosen it.
With my mass and two science A-levels I went on to St.Thomas’ Hospital medical school.
I am a family doctor (GP) with an interest in a variety of medical specialities including cardiology.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
In October 2017.
When did you take a step to start writing?
October 2017.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
Almost five years.
What made you want to write The Anglo-French Exchange?
My book was borne of a desire to lift my French from school level through intermediate to fluent.
What were your biggest challenges with writing The Anglo-French Exchange?
Lack of time owing to my main job as a doctor, so having to burn the midnight oil into the early hours of the morning on numerous occasions.
What was your research process for The Anglo-French Exchange?
I had written and collated notes over the course of 15 years or more of conversations I had been involved in and extensive reading of French novels, newspapers, magazines, watching French television and dramas, listening to a vast range of talk programmes on French radio from news and current affairs to politics, history, geography, science medicine, art, literature and film, etc. etc.
How did you plan the structure of The Anglo-French Exchange?
I created themes based on scenarios or subject matter I had written my notes about. I wrote with a view to analysing sentence structures and variations. I also addressed areas that I was aware people struggle with or that I myself had struggled with in the past and had overcome. I focused too on any other traps or pitfalls that exist when trying to link French terminology with English.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did The Anglo-French Exchange need?
I had the book edited and proofread in both languages. As an English speaker, not surprisingly the French editing was a lot more involved, not least because of contextual nuances or technicalities of the French language that came to light or were argued over at length with editors and proofreaders or negotiating differences of opinion or interpretation by them and other native French-speakers on some of the text of my manuscript.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?
Go for it! Write down or sketch out your ideas as soon as they enter your head. Inspiration come at any time of day or night! Editing can be irksome! Typographical errors are unavoidable so always get a good proofreader!
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
I’m working on a monograph/essay/book related to my campaign, the bLack of Respect Campaign
I’m considering an offshoot to The Anglo-French Exchange
And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
Yes, I am, and yes it was!
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
Amazon:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-anglo-french-exchange-allswell-e-eno/1142390279
Twitter: @DrAllswellEno or @drallswelleno
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