MY EXPERIENCE WITH SOCIAL MEDIA was great in that I could meet some of the most fantastic people in the world, but it was also traumatic since, at one point, I couldn't prevent myself from being affected by trolls β hundreds, thousands of them. It was a load of incivility that eventually began to affect my state of mind and led me to close my activities on Twitter (or whatever it's called after the change of ownership.)
It's been two years already since I started my writing journey. I began writing without expectations, without any kind of planning, only with the idea that I had something to say to the world and the world to hear from me. Being Ukrainian at this moment in history raised an important point to share. I reached most of my friends who currently follow me on that social platform, and I'm happy writing to them.
We don't need Twitter anymore. My inner circle of friends is great and somehow receives updates from my two channels of choice where I publish my stories: my blog at buymeacoffee.com and this Substack. I really encourage you to subscribe to one of these channels if you haven't already. Subscriptions can be free or paid with a small fee, but I don't make distinctions about the content; the only difference will be that the paid option will provide me with financial help in my everyday life and serve as an incentive to go more professional.
I would love to be a professional writer. Although I'm not a journalist or an expert in anything, I have developed a passion for writing these articles, and I want to do much more. There are so many more ideas in my mind, so many more things to tell. The idea of this Substack offers exactly the professional feel I'm looking for, and I want to concentrate more and more efforts here.
There must be around one hundred articles written over these 24 months; they serve as both a window to Ukraine and a window to my soul. There's also the book "The Divine Comedian," available for free download on my blog. Some of my work is circulating freely around the online world since I've never demanded any kind of copyright or even asked for credit. I have no control over where they will be distributed, and I honestly don't mind about that.
The prospect of being a public figure brings me a lot of anxiety; I could never do that. Being a celebrity or a social media influencer is completely out of the question, as I already have enough problems and social phobias to handle. But I would be truly honored if my words could reach more like-minded people, which is why I'm planning to start an activity on Threads soon. Good friends have said great things about the quality of the community and the positive environment there.
For those who are on Threads, see you there, my friends. I'm already there under a temporary handle, and soon I will resolve technical issues so I can start writing something.
To all of you, thanks for being part of my writing journey. There's much more to come.
These two years have been harsh, but you, my friends, have been, by far, the best part of my life during this time.
Wishing you lots of love and good health.
π More than a newsletter, this is a community. We divide our lives, share emotions and establish a connection that has been amazing to me and comforting at the hardest times. I hope to reach you with an inspiring content and make at least a little difference in your perceptions about Ukraine.
If you arenβt yet subscribed to my Substack, please consider it, no matter if your choose a free plan or a paid one. Despite being a valuable source of help for me, the texts here will remain open for everyone regardless of choice!
π Last winter, Iβve also written a book called βThe Divine Comedian: Ukraineβs Journey Through Hell, Purgatory, And Paradiseβ. If you still havenβt read it, I welcome you to take a look and give me your opinion. It is available for free downloading in PDF and Kindle formats:
Dear Viktor, It is so good to read your posts and stories. You have grown into a very good writer and I am glad you will keep writing. Iβm looking forward to seeing you on Threads also. I would like to write you a personal message. Is the email you gave me nearly two yeats ago still good? I am extremely upset about the U.S. Congress, actually one man, Speaker Mike Johnson, blocking aid to Ukraine. It is disgusting and vile. I will write more in my email. Best regards to you and family.
Thank you for sharing! β€οΈ