This year feels like fewer people are seeing my work than before, even though the way I write and show up didn’t change. It frustrates me and makes me question the value of what I do. I know that it’s wrong and that my work is valuable no matter whether people see it or not, but still. Every time I look at my statistics, the graph shows a huge plunge that doesn’t seem to stop, and I wonder whether I should stop instead.

I know that my writing is very niche — the culture and history of Eastern Europe with the focus on Ukraine and Belarus. I don’t write about the breaking news and politics, but about the art, poetry, and the overlooked stories instead. Yet, I still hope that there are people out there who would absolutely love to learn about it, but still haven’t found my newsletter.

If you are already my reader, I’m so grateful for your support! If you are new, I’ll be happy to see you among my readers! ❤️

Please repost this note so my work can reach more people 🙏

In the photo, I’m wearing a vyshyvanka, Ukrainian embroidered blouse, a cherished gift from my Ukrainian mother-in-law.