I’ve been
fascinated by Russian history since I was 13 and saw the Palaces of
St. Petersburg exhibit in Jackson, Mississippi. At the time, I was
reading a series called The Russians by Michael Philips and Judith
Pella. The things I had read about the day before were on display
right in front of me, from this far away place that a girl from a
dying Louisiana cotton town couldn’t imagine. Ever since then I’ve
devoured Russian history and read every novel I can get my hands on
set in Russia. Pre-internet, that was no easy feat.
It’s because of my deep love and interest in Russian history that when I woke up on February 24, 2022 and looked at the hundred or so messages on my phone from my editor, I knew exactly where I stood in this war. I #StandWithUkraine, now and always. I continue to be in awe of Ukrainian courage, tenacity, and humor. I’ve cried with them, rejoiced with them, and participated in the fight against Kremlin propaganda. I’ll keep doing these things for as long as it’s needed, because my historical knowledge of Russia gives me an edge in the fight when it comes to exposing Kremlin lies. My main hobby for relaxing is counted cross stitch. I’ve done a deep dive into Ukrainian cross stitch motifs and I design cross stitch patterns with them. It’s a way for me to work through my grief and contribute to raising awareness of the beauty of Ukrainian culture.
I won’t say the
last 16 months (at the time of this writing) have been easy. There
have been so many days where I’ve cried most of the day. And nearly
as many days spent in almost paralyzing rage. Then the day after, I
go right back to work helping Ukraine fight for their right to be
free and make their own choices. I refuse to actively cause pain to
any Ukrainian anywhere in the world by publishing a novel set in
Russia. To do so right now, for me, is morally wrong.
The art is of Tymofiy Shadura. He was brutally murdered via beheading in February of 2023. His last words were “Slava Ukraini.” Glory to Ukraine. The response to this is Heroyam Slava, glory to the heroes. Ukraine is a nation of heroes and I’m proud to fight alongside them.
Слава Україні!
