This post was updated Feb. 23 at 7:58 p.m.

Alyssa Murray is applying her studies in English and psychology to write and self-publish a book.

Murray, a third-year English and psychology student, began writing her debut novel as a freshman at UCLA and later published it in January. Her book, “The A-Word,” discusses mental health struggles and stigma as the protagonist, Iris Amare, an activist in college, aims to overcome anorexia. Murray said the primary theme of the story is how mental health impacts day-to-day life and how people interact with others. She added that she was going through a difficult time herself, and since she did not have many friends, she found herself resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Writing was an escape, Murray said.

“Writing the first draft was really more of an expression for me to understand my feelings and understand there was still a path for me to go – still a way out,” Murray said. “No matter how much I was struggling, there would be an outlet for me to go to.”

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Murray said studying psychology has highly influenced her writing. She said she enjoys translating her academic understanding of emotions and how they are expressed biologically into her creative work. Identifying why emotions arise and why people behave the way they do can help people relate more to the character, Murray added. During her freshman year, Murray was part of the cluster program called “Brain, Body, Mind and Society.” Through the class, she said she learned about the philosophy behind mental health illnesses and was motivated to write “The A-Word.” Learning is a crucial part of her life, Murray added.

“My biggest passion in life is learning,” Murray said. “I love learning new things, both factual things, and then – as I mentioned earlier – about other people and experiences.”

Once she finished the first draft, Murray said she had beta readers review her novel. Since her work was deeply personal to her, as it included her experiences with mental health, Murray said she felt extremely vulnerable sharing it with others. Any criticism regarding her book felt like an attack against her, but Murray added that she has learned to focus on how feedback improves her writing.

Marta M. Mobley, Murray’s mentor figure, said Murray has to be vulnerable because she has high expectations for the quality of her writing. The editing process can be painful, Mobley added. Edits can be humbling, but Murray acknowledges when her editors’ suggestions are helpful, Mobley said.

“(She) now owns the fact that ‘I’m a writer, I’m an author, I’m a creator,’” Mobley said. “It takes an incredible amount of courage to create and be vulnerable.”

Mobley said Murray is not afraid of hard work. While others may be reluctant to put in the work, Mobley said Murray is enthusiastic and passionate about writing. Mobley – a book editor and 12-year ghostwriter at Gotham Ghostwriters – added that Murray’s writing level is comparable to those who have been writing for a decade. Out of the thousands of people she speaks to who want to become writers, very few will actually finish a book, she said.

Katerina Bonderud, a third-year sociology student, said she connected with Murray over their love for creative writing. One of her most memorable moments with Murray was at her book release party, Bonderud added. Seeing how proud Murray was over a novel she worked diligently on for months was inspiring, she said.

Bonderud added that Murray is one of the most intelligent people she knows and that she is an excellent conversationalist, asking unique questions and creating deep, genuine connections with those around her. One of her favorite questions Murray asked her was about what chapter she feels she is entering next in her life and which one she wants to step into. Murray’s questions make people feel comfortable, Bonderud said.

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With the hope to become heavily involved with the literary community as a creator and a mentor, Murray said she would enjoy being a developmental editor for young authors to help guide them through the art-making process while also writing novels herself. Murray added that she plans on editing her book for a more generalized audience and reaching out to more publishers, as her debut novel is currently self-published. Publishing her book has provided insight as to what her priorities are, she said.

“Publishing this book has given me a lot of perspective about what truly matters,” Murray said. “It’s going to be taking care of myself, so that way I can continue creating and showing up fully in my life.”