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 here and my 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 Substack offers exactly the professional feel I'm looking for, and I want to concentrate more and more efforts there.
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 here 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.