Lynda R. Edwards's Blog: "Beyond Paradise: The Untold Stories of Caribbean Literary Voices, page 2
August 22, 2025
Congratulations to Our 50 I AM CUBA Giveaway Winners!
Goodreads has notified the winners of the I AM CUBA giveaway! Fifty lucky readers have received their copies and can now dive into this captivating story. I can't wait to see what you think.
The response to this promotion was absolutely incredible. To all 1,154 readers who entered, thank you for your enthusiasm and interest in I AM CUBA. Your participation made this giveaway a tremendous success.
A special shout-out to the 1,087 readers who added I AM CUBA to your Want to Read shelves. I hope you get the chance to experience this story soon, and I'm already looking forward to reading your reviews when you do.
Whether you're one of our winners who already has the book in hand or planning to pick up a copy down the road, I'm grateful to have such an engaged community of readers.
Thank you for making the Goodreads community such a vibrant place for book discovery and discussion.
Happy reading, everyone!
The response to this promotion was absolutely incredible. To all 1,154 readers who entered, thank you for your enthusiasm and interest in I AM CUBA. Your participation made this giveaway a tremendous success.
A special shout-out to the 1,087 readers who added I AM CUBA to your Want to Read shelves. I hope you get the chance to experience this story soon, and I'm already looking forward to reading your reviews when you do.
Whether you're one of our winners who already has the book in hand or planning to pick up a copy down the road, I'm grateful to have such an engaged community of readers.
Thank you for making the Goodreads community such a vibrant place for book discovery and discussion.
Happy reading, everyone!
August 15, 2025
Currently Inspired: The Jury Experience → Courtroom Drama Writing
Recently attended "The Jury Experience," an immersive theatrical production where audience members serve as jurors. The experience was both enlightening and deeply unsettling. I discovered how easily I could be influenced by arguments rather than evidence alone.
Walking away from that final vote, I couldn't shake the question: did I make the right decision?
This powerful and insightful experience has sparked a new creative direction. I'm seriously considering writing a courtroom drama. Time to dive deeper into the genre, starting with more John Grisham novels.
Looking for recommendations:
📚 Essential courtroom drama reads?
📚 Books that explore moral ambiguity in the justice system?
📚 Any legal thrillers that focus on jury psychology?
The intersection of justice, human psychology, and storytelling feels like fertile ground for exploration.
Walking away from that final vote, I couldn't shake the question: did I make the right decision?
This powerful and insightful experience has sparked a new creative direction. I'm seriously considering writing a courtroom drama. Time to dive deeper into the genre, starting with more John Grisham novels.
Looking for recommendations:
📚 Essential courtroom drama reads?
📚 Books that explore moral ambiguity in the justice system?
📚 Any legal thrillers that focus on jury psychology?
The intersection of justice, human psychology, and storytelling feels like fertile ground for exploration.
August 8, 2025
New Release: A Story of Redemption, Humanity, and Second Chances
I'm excited to share that I've just published my first serialized story on Substack! This marks a personal milestone, not just as a writer, but as someone who has long advocated for Caribbean and marginalized voices in literature.
About the Story:
Set in a prison that could exist anywhere in the world, this narrative unfolds over 7 weeks, allowing you to deeply connect with characters whose struggles reflect our shared humanity. The story explores themes of redemption, hope, and the universal desire for second chances.
I deliberately wrote this as a universal tale because I believe that beneath our different backgrounds, cultures, and circumstances, we all belong to the same human race. We all understand what it means to seek forgiveness, to hope for better days, and to fight for our dignity.
Why Substack?
After years of encouraging fellow writers, especially those from the Caribbean and other underrepresented communities, to keep telling their stories despite industry gatekeepers, I decided to lead by example. Independent publishing platforms are democratizing storytelling, giving us direct access to readers who appreciate authentic, diverse narratives.
To every writer who's ever felt their voice wasn't "good enough" or "marketable enough"—your stories matter. The world needs them.
Read the story here: https://lyndaredwards.substack.com/p/...
About the Story:
Set in a prison that could exist anywhere in the world, this narrative unfolds over 7 weeks, allowing you to deeply connect with characters whose struggles reflect our shared humanity. The story explores themes of redemption, hope, and the universal desire for second chances.
I deliberately wrote this as a universal tale because I believe that beneath our different backgrounds, cultures, and circumstances, we all belong to the same human race. We all understand what it means to seek forgiveness, to hope for better days, and to fight for our dignity.
Why Substack?
After years of encouraging fellow writers, especially those from the Caribbean and other underrepresented communities, to keep telling their stories despite industry gatekeepers, I decided to lead by example. Independent publishing platforms are democratizing storytelling, giving us direct access to readers who appreciate authentic, diverse narratives.
To every writer who's ever felt their voice wasn't "good enough" or "marketable enough"—your stories matter. The world needs them.
Read the story here: https://lyndaredwards.substack.com/p/...
August 1, 2025
The Stories That Built a Nation: Jamaica's Literary Legacy of Liberation
As both a reader and storyteller, I'm deeply moved by how Jamaica's journey from Emancipation to Independence is fundamentally about the power of narrative, the stories we tell ourselves about who we are and what we can become.
Emancipation Day and Independence Day aren't just historical markers; they're the culmination of countless untold stories of struggle, faith, and unwavering determination.
For 63 years, we've been writing new chapters of freedom, but the foundation was laid by ancestors whose stories of resistance and hope kept the dream of liberation alive through the darkest times.
What makes Jamaica's story unique is how we transformed suffering into strength, oppression into creativity, and division into unity. Our literature, oral traditions, and cultural expressions carry these narratives forward, offering the world profound lessons about resilience, community, and the transformative power of believing in a better future.
This is the land of my birth, and there's no place like it. But more than that, it's a place whose stories can inspire anyone facing seemingly impossible odds.
From Marcus Garvey's vision of empowerment to Bob Marley's songs of unity, from our freedom fighters to our cultural pioneers: these stories aren't just Jamaican, they're universal blueprints for human triumph.
In essence, Emancipation Day represents the end of one story, subjugation, while Independence Day marks the beginning of another, self-determination, and the ongoing narrative of what a people can achieve when they refuse to let circumstances define their destiny.
Let's celebrate the power of narrative to transform lives and nations.
Fellow readers: What stories of struggle and triumph have shaped your understanding of resilience?
One love, Jamaica.
Emancipation Day and Independence Day aren't just historical markers; they're the culmination of countless untold stories of struggle, faith, and unwavering determination.
For 63 years, we've been writing new chapters of freedom, but the foundation was laid by ancestors whose stories of resistance and hope kept the dream of liberation alive through the darkest times.
What makes Jamaica's story unique is how we transformed suffering into strength, oppression into creativity, and division into unity. Our literature, oral traditions, and cultural expressions carry these narratives forward, offering the world profound lessons about resilience, community, and the transformative power of believing in a better future.
This is the land of my birth, and there's no place like it. But more than that, it's a place whose stories can inspire anyone facing seemingly impossible odds.
From Marcus Garvey's vision of empowerment to Bob Marley's songs of unity, from our freedom fighters to our cultural pioneers: these stories aren't just Jamaican, they're universal blueprints for human triumph.
In essence, Emancipation Day represents the end of one story, subjugation, while Independence Day marks the beginning of another, self-determination, and the ongoing narrative of what a people can achieve when they refuse to let circumstances define their destiny.
Let's celebrate the power of narrative to transform lives and nations.
Fellow readers: What stories of struggle and triumph have shaped your understanding of resilience?
One love, Jamaica.
July 25, 2025
The Cost—and Value—of Writing (Plus a Giveaway for I AM CUBA)
In my most recent newsletter to my website followers, I reflected on how my reading life often splits into two modes: reading for pleasure and reading as research. My shelves are full of books I return to again and again, not just for stories, but for craft, for inspiration, and for the questions they help me answer.
One reader replied and recommended Walking on Alligators, a book of meditations for writers. Naturally, I ordered it right away. Now it sits beside my bed and I read one page in the morning, one at night.
Today’s reading hit me hard. It began:
“Anything of value is going to cost you something. This is a confining and uncomfortable thought.”
It is. Because writing has cost me. Time with friends. Family. Rest. Sometimes certainty. I’ve asked myself if the time I spend writing is time lost or time invested in something greater.
The meditation ended with this:
“Today, I’ll recognize that writing is something of value. It will cost me something."
But what is that something, and what is the value? Is the value that I’m writing something worth reading, makes the world a better place, is it selling?
It left me thinking, maybe the value isn’t always measurable. Sometimes, it’s simply reaching one reader who needed my story. Sometimes, it's the act of choosing to keep telling the truth on the page.
That’s why I’m offering 50 free ebooks of my novel I AM CUBA right now, through a Goodreads Giveaway.
This book cost me something to write. Time, emotional investment, and deep research. But it gave me so much in return. And now, I want to share it with readers who are curious, thoughtful, and open to stories that challenge and connect.
🔹 Enter the giveaway here: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...
🔹 Add I AM CUBA to your shelf: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Adding it to your 'Want to Read' shelf not only helps others discover the book, but it also tells Goodreads that this is a story that matters to readers like you.
If a story has ever cost you something, but was still worth it, I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
One reader replied and recommended Walking on Alligators, a book of meditations for writers. Naturally, I ordered it right away. Now it sits beside my bed and I read one page in the morning, one at night.
Today’s reading hit me hard. It began:
“Anything of value is going to cost you something. This is a confining and uncomfortable thought.”
It is. Because writing has cost me. Time with friends. Family. Rest. Sometimes certainty. I’ve asked myself if the time I spend writing is time lost or time invested in something greater.
The meditation ended with this:
“Today, I’ll recognize that writing is something of value. It will cost me something."
But what is that something, and what is the value? Is the value that I’m writing something worth reading, makes the world a better place, is it selling?
It left me thinking, maybe the value isn’t always measurable. Sometimes, it’s simply reaching one reader who needed my story. Sometimes, it's the act of choosing to keep telling the truth on the page.
That’s why I’m offering 50 free ebooks of my novel I AM CUBA right now, through a Goodreads Giveaway.
This book cost me something to write. Time, emotional investment, and deep research. But it gave me so much in return. And now, I want to share it with readers who are curious, thoughtful, and open to stories that challenge and connect.
🔹 Enter the giveaway here: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...
🔹 Add I AM CUBA to your shelf: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Adding it to your 'Want to Read' shelf not only helps others discover the book, but it also tells Goodreads that this is a story that matters to readers like you.
If a story has ever cost you something, but was still worth it, I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
July 18, 2025
Being a self-published Author
Being a self-published author is not easy at the best of times. I was asked in an interview a while ago if I had signed with an agent or manager.
The honest answer is that I was told I am a unicorn 🦄. Hang on, hear me out. I’m a Jamaican author who writes stories about my native land. But I live in the United States. I have for the last twenty-seven years. So why am I a unicorn? Because agents don’t know how to market me, this frightens them enough to avoid signing me.
One agent decided to take a chance on me, but she had no idea what to do with me. She didn’t understand the message in the books I wrote. Was Friendship Estate a Caribbean Bridgerton? You missed the mark completely if that’s what you got from that book. Is Redemption Songs a book about the song made famous by Bob Marley? Not even close, but the message of the song and the book are similar if you understand the history of the Caribbean.
I have yet to find an agent that sees the value in the life I have lived, understands the importance of the cadence of my voice, and the value of my stories. Finding an agent is not the hard part. Finding the right agent is.
As a self-published author, what are some of the issues that have come up against?
The honest answer is that I was told I am a unicorn 🦄. Hang on, hear me out. I’m a Jamaican author who writes stories about my native land. But I live in the United States. I have for the last twenty-seven years. So why am I a unicorn? Because agents don’t know how to market me, this frightens them enough to avoid signing me.
One agent decided to take a chance on me, but she had no idea what to do with me. She didn’t understand the message in the books I wrote. Was Friendship Estate a Caribbean Bridgerton? You missed the mark completely if that’s what you got from that book. Is Redemption Songs a book about the song made famous by Bob Marley? Not even close, but the message of the song and the book are similar if you understand the history of the Caribbean.
I have yet to find an agent that sees the value in the life I have lived, understands the importance of the cadence of my voice, and the value of my stories. Finding an agent is not the hard part. Finding the right agent is.
As a self-published author, what are some of the issues that have come up against?
July 4, 2025
Hello, Goodreads! I’ve Just Published My Third Book
So… I’ve just published my third novel, I AM CUBA. I figured I’d start with a little introduction about me and my books.
My literary journey began in 2015 with Redemption Songs, a gripping Caribbean family saga that introduced readers to a strong and determined female protagonist. It was my way of honoring the women I grew up with—women who held families together through both the ordinary and the extraordinary.
Next came Friendship Estate, a novel that dared to ask, “What if?” It offered a provocative, utopian alternative to the bitter legacies of colonialism—a subject that continues to fascinate (and haunt) me.
And now, I Am Cuba is out in the world! This latest book weaves together generational stories set against the backdrop of the Cold War. It’s a blend of action, adventure, romantic fantasy, and a dash of magical realism—which, I’ve come to realize, is becoming something of a trademark in my writing.
At the heart of all my stories are women with agency—resilient, powerful, and deeply human. I love exploring the boundary between the real and the imagined, and I always hope my stories spark meaningful conversation. If you're reading one of my books and find yourself asking big questions—that’s exactly the point.
Growing up in the Caribbean taught me that society is far more complex than the history books often admit. That complexity has given my imagination endless room to roam.
Anyway, that’s me in a nutshell. I’d love to hear from you—what kind of genres do you love to read? Any books or authors you keep coming back to?
Drop a comment, and let’s start a conversation. 😊
My literary journey began in 2015 with Redemption Songs, a gripping Caribbean family saga that introduced readers to a strong and determined female protagonist. It was my way of honoring the women I grew up with—women who held families together through both the ordinary and the extraordinary.
Next came Friendship Estate, a novel that dared to ask, “What if?” It offered a provocative, utopian alternative to the bitter legacies of colonialism—a subject that continues to fascinate (and haunt) me.
And now, I Am Cuba is out in the world! This latest book weaves together generational stories set against the backdrop of the Cold War. It’s a blend of action, adventure, romantic fantasy, and a dash of magical realism—which, I’ve come to realize, is becoming something of a trademark in my writing.
At the heart of all my stories are women with agency—resilient, powerful, and deeply human. I love exploring the boundary between the real and the imagined, and I always hope my stories spark meaningful conversation. If you're reading one of my books and find yourself asking big questions—that’s exactly the point.
Growing up in the Caribbean taught me that society is far more complex than the history books often admit. That complexity has given my imagination endless room to roam.
Anyway, that’s me in a nutshell. I’d love to hear from you—what kind of genres do you love to read? Any books or authors you keep coming back to?
Drop a comment, and let’s start a conversation. 😊
June 27, 2025
Title: Letting Go of My Baby—And Letting the World Meet Her
Well, I AM CUBA is now out there. And here I am, sitting on the edge of excitement and anxiety, as I wait to see how my "baby" makes her way into the world on her own. As a parent, it's never easy to watch your child grow up, take their first steps away from you, and show the world who they really are. You hope you’ve done enough, nurtured them the right way, and given them all the tools they need to succeed. But the truth is, once they’re out there… you can only wait.
I’ve poured everything I have into this book. Every word, every paragraph, every page is a little piece of me, a little piece of my heart. I’ve done my best to promote her, to sing her praises, to tell anyone who will listen how wonderful she is. A credit to the family, I always say. She’s bound for greatness, destined to join the ranks of her older siblings (my past works) and become a phenomenal success.
But there’s still that lingering doubt. As a parent, it's natural. Did I do enough? Have I prepared her for the world she’s about to face? Is she ready for the challenges ahead, the criticisms, the long nights where she might not feel seen or heard? The cruel world can be tough, after all.
But here's the thing—I AM CUBA is ready. She’s been nurtured, she’s been cared for, and now it’s her time to shine. So, while I may have moments of doubt, I know in my heart that this book is a reflection of everything I wanted it to be, and everything it was meant to be. And if it’s meant to do big things in this world, then those reviews, the good and the bad, will just prove that she’s doing her job. She’s out there, living and breathing in the hands of the readers, doing what she was born to do.
So, I’m ready for the reviews. All of them. The praise, the criticism—it doesn’t matter because at the end of the day, I AM CUBA has already succeeded. She’s been released into the world, and the world will meet her on its own terms.
I guess all I can do now is sit back, take a deep breath, and wait. But no matter what happens, she will always be my baby, and I couldn’t be prouder.
Here’s to the next chapter, for both me and my baby.
I’ve poured everything I have into this book. Every word, every paragraph, every page is a little piece of me, a little piece of my heart. I’ve done my best to promote her, to sing her praises, to tell anyone who will listen how wonderful she is. A credit to the family, I always say. She’s bound for greatness, destined to join the ranks of her older siblings (my past works) and become a phenomenal success.
But there’s still that lingering doubt. As a parent, it's natural. Did I do enough? Have I prepared her for the world she’s about to face? Is she ready for the challenges ahead, the criticisms, the long nights where she might not feel seen or heard? The cruel world can be tough, after all.
But here's the thing—I AM CUBA is ready. She’s been nurtured, she’s been cared for, and now it’s her time to shine. So, while I may have moments of doubt, I know in my heart that this book is a reflection of everything I wanted it to be, and everything it was meant to be. And if it’s meant to do big things in this world, then those reviews, the good and the bad, will just prove that she’s doing her job. She’s out there, living and breathing in the hands of the readers, doing what she was born to do.
So, I’m ready for the reviews. All of them. The praise, the criticism—it doesn’t matter because at the end of the day, I AM CUBA has already succeeded. She’s been released into the world, and the world will meet her on its own terms.
I guess all I can do now is sit back, take a deep breath, and wait. But no matter what happens, she will always be my baby, and I couldn’t be prouder.
Here’s to the next chapter, for both me and my baby.
June 24, 2025
Congratulations Kevin Thomas, myGoodreads Promotion Winner!
I'm thrilled to announce that Kevin Thomas (@walkgoodtraveler) has won my recent Goodreads promotion and has received his $25 Amazon gift card!
Kevin, your support means the world to me, and I hope you enjoy this small token of appreciation. Thank you for being such an engaged member of our literary community.
Yes, These Promotions Are Real!
For anyone wondering, my promotions are absolutely legitimate, and I love celebrating my readers with real rewards. This is just the beginning, so make sure you're following along for future opportunities to win prizes and discover new stories.
Growing Our Caribbean Literary Tribe
As a Caribbean writer, there's nothing more fulfilling than being embraced and supported by my community. The warmth and enthusiasm from fellow Caribbean readers and those who appreciate our unique storytelling tradition gives me the energy to keep crafting the stories that matter to us.
But here's the thing – while I'm deeply grateful for the love from my Caribbean tribe, my mission extends beyond our shores. The goal has always been to expand our tribe, to introduce the world to the richness, complexity, and beauty of Caribbean narratives. Our stories deserve to travel far and wide, touching hearts and opening minds across every continent.
More Promotions Coming Your Way
This is just the start of my journey with all of you. Keep your eyes peeled for more exciting promotions designed to spread the word about Caribbean literature. Whether you're already part of my community or you're just discovering the magic of Caribbean storytelling, there will be plenty of opportunities to engage, win prizes, and most importantly, fall in love with stories that capture the essence of our islands and our people.
Caribbean literature isn't just for Caribbean people – it's for anyone who believes in the power of authentic, vibrant storytelling that reflects the full spectrum of human experience.
Stay tuned, stay engaged, and let's continue building this literary movement together!
Congratulations again, Kevin! And thank you to everyone who participated. Your support keeps the stories flowing.
Want to stay updated on future promotions and new releases? Follow me on Goodreads and join my growing community of readers who are passionate about diverse, authentic Caribbean voices in literature.
Kevin, your support means the world to me, and I hope you enjoy this small token of appreciation. Thank you for being such an engaged member of our literary community.
Yes, These Promotions Are Real!
For anyone wondering, my promotions are absolutely legitimate, and I love celebrating my readers with real rewards. This is just the beginning, so make sure you're following along for future opportunities to win prizes and discover new stories.
Growing Our Caribbean Literary Tribe
As a Caribbean writer, there's nothing more fulfilling than being embraced and supported by my community. The warmth and enthusiasm from fellow Caribbean readers and those who appreciate our unique storytelling tradition gives me the energy to keep crafting the stories that matter to us.
But here's the thing – while I'm deeply grateful for the love from my Caribbean tribe, my mission extends beyond our shores. The goal has always been to expand our tribe, to introduce the world to the richness, complexity, and beauty of Caribbean narratives. Our stories deserve to travel far and wide, touching hearts and opening minds across every continent.
More Promotions Coming Your Way
This is just the start of my journey with all of you. Keep your eyes peeled for more exciting promotions designed to spread the word about Caribbean literature. Whether you're already part of my community or you're just discovering the magic of Caribbean storytelling, there will be plenty of opportunities to engage, win prizes, and most importantly, fall in love with stories that capture the essence of our islands and our people.
Caribbean literature isn't just for Caribbean people – it's for anyone who believes in the power of authentic, vibrant storytelling that reflects the full spectrum of human experience.
Stay tuned, stay engaged, and let's continue building this literary movement together!
Congratulations again, Kevin! And thank you to everyone who participated. Your support keeps the stories flowing.
Want to stay updated on future promotions and new releases? Follow me on Goodreads and join my growing community of readers who are passionate about diverse, authentic Caribbean voices in literature.
June 21, 2025
Today is the Day!
If you preordered I AM CUBA on Kindle, it should be waiting for you on your device RIGHT NOW! Go check - I'll wait!
And my paperback lovers, your day is TODAY - June 21st!
I'm sitting here pinching myself because I honestly can't believe this moment is finally here. After months (okay, let's be real... YEARS) of writing, editing, rewriting, editing again, then probably editing one more time for good measure...
I AM CUBA is actually making its way into YOUR hands!
The paperback launch feels like the final piece of this incredible puzzle - watching an idea that lived in my head for so long transform into a real book that real people are actually reading. It's surreal and magical, and I'm maybe crying happy tears right now!
Whether you're already diving in on Kindle or waiting for that fresh paperback smell, I am SO excited to hear how this story hits you.
Kindle readers - I'm dying to know: which chapter are you most drawn to so far? Drop a comment and let me know (spoiler-free please!
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. This is just the beginning!
And my paperback lovers, your day is TODAY - June 21st!
I'm sitting here pinching myself because I honestly can't believe this moment is finally here. After months (okay, let's be real... YEARS) of writing, editing, rewriting, editing again, then probably editing one more time for good measure...
I AM CUBA is actually making its way into YOUR hands!
The paperback launch feels like the final piece of this incredible puzzle - watching an idea that lived in my head for so long transform into a real book that real people are actually reading. It's surreal and magical, and I'm maybe crying happy tears right now!
Whether you're already diving in on Kindle or waiting for that fresh paperback smell, I am SO excited to hear how this story hits you.
Kindle readers - I'm dying to know: which chapter are you most drawn to so far? Drop a comment and let me know (spoiler-free please!
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. This is just the beginning!
"Beyond Paradise: The Untold Stories of Caribbean Literary Voices
My name is Lynda R. Edwards, and I try to explore the rich tapestry of Caribbean literature that often remains overshadowed by tourist brochures and postcard imagery.
This blog delves into how writers ...more
This blog delves into how writers ...more
- Lynda R. Edwards's profile
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