PUBLISHED GRAD

What is the name of your book (or books)? Who is the publisher?
The Kaleidoscope published by Createspace.com, an Amazon company.

Tell us a bit about your path to publishing, from idea to submission to published book.
The idea behind this poetry book is based on the title which means an array of different colors. Those different arrays of colors represents the good and bad in life. All the ups and downs and the highs and lows of life. I self-published the book by following easy steps that Createspace provided me on their website. Their online and phone support helped me through the process.

How long have you been writing?
For ten years now.

What’s your favorite genre to write and why?
Young Adult Fiction, because there is a certain fun and energy that I can add to the characters because of their young ages. People at youthful ages have endless possibilities and unlimited potential and they have a zest for life that people in their 40’s or 50’s may not have.

Which ICL courses have your taken?
I took the Basics of Writing Short Stories and Articles for Publication course.

How has taking our course helped your writing and/or career?
The course that I took showed me the nuances and the basics of writing. It provided a strong foundation in order for me to write my poetry book. It made the process much easier because of the quality of the course.

Have any of your class assignments been published?
No not as yet, but I have submitted all of them in the past. I believe that I will have success one day.

Do you have a favorite writing tip you’d like to share?
Well, I have a few. Always write for yourself. Write about topics or ideas that you love. Don’t copy your favorite writers ideas. Readers will love your work too because other people would also love what you love to write about. Also be true to yourself, and have patience and perseverance.

If you could travel back in time and give yourself one piece of writing advice, how far back would you go, and what would you tell yourself?
Never give up no matter what challenges you will face. If you persevere a new day will come when you will eventually achieve your goal. Each day will have new possibilities, so you should seize the moment.

Tell us about your favorite place to write and what time of day you are most productive in your writing.
I love to write in a bedroom that is quiet and there are no distractions. It’s clean and free of any clutter. I have enough space to write. I love writing in the afternoon from about 2 pm into the late evening.

Please tell us the best or most valuable thing you learned from your experience with ICL.
The most valuable thing that I have learned is to have a strong plot with good solid characters whether they be the protagonist or the antagonist. They make the story really come to life and they can make or break the books that you write.

What is it that makes you the most unique as a writer compared to the others?

Well, I differentiate myself from other writers because my characters’ voices are unique. Because I am from another country and a different culture that gives me a different perspective on life. So I use parts of my culture and incorporate those differences into my writing to differentiate myself from my American counterparts.

Lyndon Murray was born in Trinidad and lived in Tobago, which is part of the twin-island state country of Trinidad and Tobago. He emigrated to the U.S. as a child. He loves to read fiction novels and watch wildlife and history documentaries. He lives in New York and loves to play and watch soccer.