In this interview, Chan Lee Peng, one of the most popular writers in Triond, talks about his experience and share some secrets to succeed. Check his answers:

When and why did you join Triond in the first place?

Chan: -If I’m not mistaken, I joined Triond in June, 2007. I joined Triond because I think it’s a brilliant writing platform for me to channel my ideas, suggestions, and opinions to the world.

How would you describe the experience of being part of this community so far?

Chan: -I think Triond has improved a lot in terms of its web page design, layout, management, marketing, and submission options. I remember when I first joined Triond, its web page was simple and plain. The writers were not so many as now. I’ve seen Triond growing from “a small kid” to “a mature adult”. Perhaps, Triond will grow into “a professional expert” in the future, I guess.

When did you start to write and why?

Chan: -Writing isn’t my cup of tea. I wrote one or two pieces of articles when I was in standard 3. But in fact, I hate writing, and I used to skip a writing class when I was in a primary school. At that moment, my grade for writing never reached a satisfying result. When I was in a secondary school, I just wrote to complete for the assigned task for my school projects. When I was doing my degree in the university, I´ve had a chance to learn Japanese, Korean and Spanish at the same time. My foreign languages teachers are very sincere and supportive as they always guide me to write in Japanese, Spanish and Korean.  I’m still learning to write through my error and trial in these three languages. My Korean and Japanese teachers have exposed to me the different and unique writing styles of some successful writers in Japanese and Korean communities. As for Spanish, I’m just able to write in simple sentences (I did post one at Triond entitled Creo que puedo volar, but I think I didn’t write well). I was then further exposed to more writing practices in Japanese when I studied in one Japanese school. Before enrolling for a post-graduate study in the university, I managed to write one novel in Chinese and it was then published by the publisher. As I was required to do many scientific researches for my post-graduate course, I was forced to write many papers for presentations. The writing practices here further enhancing and brushing my writing skill up. Not long after I finished my post-graduate study, that was five years later, I joined Triond. In the beginning, I encountered many problems writing at Triond as it was the first place I wrote in English. As a nursery, Triond has guided me through the writings. I’m still learning from error and trial from Lisa, Kim, Jordan, Abigail, Michele, Angela and other editors. I also highlight my sisters, Judy Sheldon and BC Doan, for their thorough support and encouragement, particularly in motivating me to write in English. I’m grateful to them. I know I’m still not good at writing, so I will always learn from them and other Triond’s veteran and new writers.

Well, I write with the hope to express my thought, ideas, and suggestions. But most importantly, I hope my materials can benefit and entertain others.

Which were your most popular articles? Did you expect that?

Chan: -I’ve written more than 380 articles, but the most popular were Are your feces healthy? , The most horrible diseases ever to tremble the world, The health benefits of carrot, 10 healthy fruits to promote optimum health, The most horrible English words, Is your urine healthy?, How to make a paper rose?, The secret of youth, health and longevity: how to live healthily to 100 or beyond, Odd-looking marine animals (you never knew existed), 20 weirdest and ugliest-looking animals on Earth, The top nine most awesome English songs of all time, How to detoxify your body , Terror and shock: the world’s largest snake ever, 16 reasons why English is the funniest and most hilarious language to learn, the The 50 most beautiful English words, The most hilarious and confusing English sayings ever and How to make an envelope.  I didn’t even dream that my articles were going to be accepted by a large group of people, both native and non-native speakers.

Can we find your work in other places else than Triond? (blog, books, etc)

Chan: -Besides my works here at Triond, you can also read my works here at Bukisa, and my blog here.

Do you remember any article about a friend which have impressed you in particular?

Chan: -Almost all articles written by Triond’s community have me impressed. They’re a lot of them, so maybe you’v to provide me more pages to list out their names lol…hahaha…

Which would be your advice for someone who’s just starting here?

Chan: -They can read some of my articles here: What type of writer do you want to be?, How to become the most convincing writer in your writing career, and How to become the most successful writer not only at Triond but also across the globe.

Have you ever met a “trionder” in person?

Chan: -No.

Can you imagine how could it be if we all meet in a Triond party? How it would be?

Chan: -Impossible, unless Triond sponsors the air tickets for us, hahaha…but, in a dream, it might come true…

We know you’re a teacher and you speak several languages. Is there any other personal information you would like to share with the community?

Chan: -I’m not a teacher, but I’m in a teaching line. No, I think that’s all. Thanks for taking your precious time interviewing me.

Have you ever been interviewed before? How did you feel about it?

Chan: -Yes. Being interviewed by someone is an unforgettable memory for me, to be more exactly, a memorable, sweet, and unique experience.

More from this series:

• Interview with Lauren Axelrod
• Interview with thestickman
• Interview with Liane Schmidt
• Interview with Louie Jerome