Ukrainian Writer Annie Xander: Nothing Is Impossible If You Work For It

Annie Xander is a Ukrainian writer and author of the novel Phoenix, which is soon to be published – is convinced that you should never rely on your competitors but believe in yourself. The biggest challenge for Annie during the full-scale russian invasion of Ukraine was not to give up and to keep doing what she loves. She is currently working on a short story as part of the project When Time Is Short. Annie shared with Drive Music Media the beginning of her creative path, her novel Phoenix, and her approach to building characters.

Interviewer: How and when did your writing journey begin? What were your first steps in this field? What advice do you wish you'd received at the start of your journey, and what advice can you give to others?

Annie: I’ve actually been writing since my school years, though it’s hard to call those early stories actual books. Still, they were treasures to me – I collected them in makeshift books made of thick notebooks. It may have been childish, but owning my own books was always one of my biggest dreams.

For a long time, I wrote “into the drawer,” thinking no one would be interested in what I had to say. But after the full-scale invasion began, I finally decided to present myself as an author. I published one of my novels on a literary platform, hoping for support. At that time, it was crucial for me to believe in myself and not be shattered by reality.

I can’t say that other writers – especially experienced ones – gave me much advice... Rather, I gained experience just by observing, realizing I was on the right path and that I should trust myself.

If I could give a piece of advice to other aspiring authors, it would be this: don’t doubt yourself, and don’t rely on the opinions of those who see you as competition. Of course, among all the feedback there will be helpful advice worth listening to. And don’t be afraid of criticism – it pushes you to improve and helps you achieve better results.

Interviewer: Tell us about the book that’s soon to be published. Who are the main characters? What was the process of creating this story like?

Annie: Oh, "Phoenix" – this book is one of my gems… I could talk about it endlessly because it’s one of the largest in terms of volume and the emotions I lived through with the protagonist. The main character is Gregory Wright – a figure who originally appeared as an antagonist in the prequel Cappuccino. In Phoenix, I reveal his backstory and why he became the person readers saw in that earlier book. Honestly, some readers came to deeply dislike him for the things he did...

Still, I truly fell in love with Greg and cried a lot while writing this story.

The writing process was difficult from the very beginning, which is both dramatic and emotional. Greg’s childhood became a nightmare after his parents were murdered, leaving him responsible for his younger brother and the empire built by his father. However, Greg lived for revenge, and his grief and hatred shaped his life. He learned the hard way that you can’t trust anyone… Someone is bound to ask why the book is called Phoenix. There are many reasons… but mostly, the character mirrors the mythological bird. No matter how hard others tried to destroy Greg, taking away everything he held dear – he always found the strength to rise again. That’s if I were to summarize without giving away spoilers.

The book is filled with drama, love, cruelty, a secret order, and a conspiracy. But the core message is that every person has a calling – a path they must follow, full of transformative stages. I like to call it destiny, fate… something you can’t refuse, only accept. That’s why there’s a mystical element in the book – though it’s not the main theme.

Interviewer: Share a passage from any of your books that holds special meaning for you. Why this one in particular?

Annie: There are so many meaningful passages, it’s hard to choose – I pour intention into everything I write. But I think my favorite is a monologue by one of my dearest characters, speaking to Greg from "Phoenix":

“Since the war began, people have been dying, Greg. Innocent women and children, men... It doesn’t matter who – they’re living beings. They’re dying because of someone’s greed for power, for money, because of this damned world that has no trace of justice.

I’ve never seen such cynicism and hatred… I tried to understand what drives people, whether there's anything in them worth fighting for… But tell me — why do you play at life and yet fail to value it? Sometimes I don’t know how to fight for justice in a world that doesn’t want it. Especially when you yourselves commit crimes… I’ve learned to accept human cruelty, but I never thought my own father could hurt my mother. Or that you could hurt them… They were defenseless, Greg.

For a long time, I thought my world was perfect and all I had to do was bring everything else into alignment. But I was wrong. I don’t know who or what gave me this mind, but now it feels like I’m powerless to change this damned world drowning in lies and hatred. You’re destroying it.

And I don’t know how to stop the war or what’s happening around us anymore… Because you broke my world.”

This monologue belongs to Alex — a central character in many of my books. But his pain is my pain, and I believe it reflects what many people feel as they search for answers to questions like these. Sometimes, when I look at the world, I feel powerless too. But I still want to change it for the better.

Interviewer: How difficult is the process of creating characters for you? What’s the easiest and hardest part of it?

Annie: I wouldn’t say that creating characters is hard for me – it’s a joy. They already exist in my mind – with their own personalities, issues, dreams, and goals. The only hard part is finding enough time to bring each one to life within a specific storyline.

Yes, I do have to work on the details – developing their appearance and building out their arcs so their development is coherent. Sometimes, it’s hard to play out their emotions in a way that truly resonates on the page… Honestly, if someone ever saw me acting out the dialogues, arguments, or even fights – they’d be surprised! But when readers write to me saying they can really feel the characters’ emotions – that’s more than enough to make me proud of my work. I also need to research where they live, what their daily life looks like, and so on. Choosing a character’s profession might be the hardest part, since I often have to dive into unfamiliar fields for the first time. But honestly, that’s also a great part of the process – I get to learn new things.

Interviewer: How has the full-scale war affected your writing and your ability to continue your creative journey? What helped you keep going?

Annie: The war definitely turned everything upside down… I think everyone felt that to some extent. Personally, I didn’t write anything at all for the first few months. I was emotionally shattered – I couldn’t concentrate, couldn’t even open a Word document. All I could do was keep checking the news.

But I realized I had to do something – otherwise I’d fall apart completely. So I turned back to what gave me strength: my stories. I told myself, “If you can’t change the world, at least create one where there’s hope.” That thought helped me return to writing and start sharing my work with others.

That’s when I gathered the courage to post my first novel on a public platform. It was a big step, and I was incredibly nervous. But the feedback I got – the kind words, the genuine reactions – gave me wings. I understood that even in the darkest times, stories can light the way. They help not only the writer but also those who read them. That’s what gave me the strength to keep going.

Interviewer: How difficult is it to continue your career in the midst of russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine? What challenges have you faced along the way?

Annie: The hardest part is that, in the current conditions and with the news we’re constantly hearing, it takes so much more strength not to give up or lose faith. The desire to keep growing my career during such a difficult time helps me get through the horrors happening in the world. Probably the only real challenge for me is choosing between writing for the sake of market appeal, which would go against my principles, or writing about what hurts and what brings me joy. It’s important for me to stay true and sincere, because I think that’s something the world truly lacks.

Interviewer: Tell us about the books you’re currently working on. What will your next story be about?

Annie: Last year, I wrote a nearly autobiographical short story for the project “When Time is Running Out”. That story actually inspired me to write a continuation. I’m currently finishing it – just a chapter or two left. It’s a novel in the fantasy drama genre, about… a being named Phánatos (ed. – Death), who was punished and forced to live among humans. Abandoned, betrayed, and dangerous. But throughout the book, we come to understand who he really was – and still is. And, of course, his desire to save humanity from destruction. At the same time, I’m editing one of my previous novels, which I dream of publishing next. It’s like a modern Cinderella fairytale, but I wove in many events from my own life – as a form of rescue, in a way. As for my next book, I haven’t decided yet. I’m torn between light fantasy, a thriller, and a romance, so I can’t say for sure. It’s quite possible I’ll write fantasy for the publisher, and a romance novel for my loyal readers.

Interviewer: Tell us about your experience in the International Literary Contest “Coronation of the Word”. What should writers expect from it, and what did you personally hope for?

Annie: Taking part in this contest was a great experience for me. Honestly, if it weren’t for the confidence I gained after two records and the encouragement of Mr. Serhii Batura, I probably wouldn’t have taken the plunge. But because of it, I wrote a wonderful section for our collaborative novel that inspired many to pursue their goals and not lose faith. I hope those people go on to achieve their dreams. To be honest, I’m hoping for a win – just like any writer who dares to compete. But the experience I gained is valuable on its own.

Interviewer: What is your mission as a Ukrainian writer? Why this mission specifically?

Annie: Hmm… I guess first and foremost, to prove that Ukrainian authors are just as talented as global ones. And to prove that I’m no worse than anyone else.

Nothing is impossible if you’re doing something to make it happen. My goal is to use my books to show how important and meaningful it is to be a decent human being in this world. How vital it is to believe in miracles, even when everything around you is crashing into the hard stone of reality.

Interviewer: What word best describes your literary worlds? Why that word?

Annie: Limitlessness. Freedom. Love. In fantasy, my imagination knows no bounds. In dramatic novels, I release a flood of emotions by diving deep into the tension. When I write – I’m free.

And in all of my books, there’s love. Love that is growing dim in this world. People are missing love, the chance to be heard, and to be free. They often don’t have the strength to get through hard times or overcome their fears and struggles… Maybe that’s why I want my books to offer someone support and inspiration.

Even if it helps just one person – I’ll be glad it did, and I’ll be even more proud of the work I’ve done.

Pictures were provided by Annie Xander. Illustration was created by Natalia Huliayeva-Smahlo