Ukrainian writer Ihor Sniatynchuk: I have finally reached the point where I cannot live without creativity, and now, at 37, I can proudly say, I am a writer

Ihor Sniatynchuk is a Ukrainian writer specializing in the genres of mysticism and horror and the author of the short story collection "Beznizhnist", which combines works with diverse atmospheres. In his writing career, Ihor strives to develop literature and organizes a series of literary evenings where authors can read excerpts from their works to an audience. Currently, Ihor is working on a new short story collection that will include both previously published works and new ones that have yet to see the light of day. He shared with Drive Music Media his thoughts on his writing journey, the collection Beznizhnist, his love for Ukrainian literature, and the challenges he has faced during russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Interviewer: How and when did your writing journey begin? Why did you choose this field?

Ihor: My writing journey began in my youth when I loved creating plots and imagining "what if" scenarios. I started writing my first stories when I felt my ideas "begging to come out". After that, I had a long break from creativity that lasted over ten years. Eventually, I realized that I couldn't live without writing. Now, at 37, I proudly call myself a writer. This field brings me immense satisfaction, as the time spent creating something new energizes and fulfills me.

Interviewer: Tell us about the short story collection Paper Topchik 4, where you contributed as an author. How did the work on this anthology begin, and what was your story about?

Ihor: The story of Paper Topchik 4 began with the literary competition Horrific Romance, which I co-organized with another author, Daria Hulvis. The competition aimed to combine love stories with dark, suspenseful plots. The best entries were selected for the anthology. As an organizer, I contributed my own story, Deadline, which appears in the second part of the collection, titled Finity. This felt symbolic, as the story itself is about endings. It tells the tale of a young man working for his father and a vengeful girlfriend.

Interviewer: Apart from collaborations, you are the author of your own short story collection, BezNizhnist. Tell us about it. What was the creation process like, and who are the main characters?

Ihor: BezNizhnist (ed. – Without Tenderness) is my debut collection of short stories, published in late 2023 after Serhiy, the founder of Flotilla, suggested I create a book. Although I primarily write mysticism and horror, this collection features 10 stories with diverse atmospheres – from light and almost naïve tales like The Little Witch and Coffee with a Bird to darker, more intense pieces such as Apple Compote. There are also classic horror stories, like Toothache. The characters are just as varied, from a superpowered goblin to metaphorical and literal monsters living within people.

Interviewer: How difficult is it to create characters? Are they inspired by real people, or do they come entirely from your imagination? Do you have a favorite character? Why?

Ihor: Creating characters is a fascinating process. Most of them come from my imagination, but occasionally, certain traits are subconsciously inspired by people I know. I describe my characters the way I see them in my mind. I love all of them – some are kind and sweet, others are cunning and cruel, but most are complex, embodying both good and bad traits.

Interviewer: Tell us about the anthology 100 Shades of Darkness. What was the writing process like?

Ihor: I was invited to contribute to 100 Shades of Darkness by its compiler, Zorian Kostiuk. He aimed to gather 100 chilling stories from various authors into one book. At the time, I was working on a horror story, Hotel "Vatra", featuring a protagonist who had previously appeared as a secondary character in BezNizhnist. When the opportunity arose to add another story, I reworked Frozen in the Mountains, expanding it and making the ending even more terrifying.

Interviewer: You also write poetry. Why did you decide to combine such different genres, and which is closer to you – poetry or prose? Why?

Ihor: Poetry allows me to express my inner feelings and experiences through rhythm and rhyme. Many of my poems revolve around love – mutual, unrequited, or nostalgic. For me, poetry reflects my internal emotions, while prose is about the external world. Both hold a special place in my heart, depending on the phase of life or mood I’m in.

Interviewer: How difficult is it to publish a book in modern Ukraine based on your experience? What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Ihor: Publishing a book in Ukraine has its challenges, especially with obstacles like rising printing costs, blackouts, and delays caused by events like the bombing of the Kharkiv printing house. However, there is also opportunity: readers are more eager to support Ukrainian authors. My advice to beginners is to share your work fearlessly, find beta readers, collaborate with illustrators, post on platforms like "Arkush", and create social media content. Most importantly, keep writing – only you can tell your story the way it should be told.

Interviewer: What projects are you currently working on?

Ihor: I’m working on my second collection of short stories, which will include previously published pieces alongside new ones, as well as a story written back in the mid-2000s that I’ve never shared before. I’m also compiling a poetry collection and have several other projects in the pipeline, including two fantasy novels and another short story collection. My creative plans for 2025 are ambitious!

Interviewer: What is your mission as a writer?

Ihor: I want people to read more Ukrainian literature, and I strive to bring it closer to them. I organize literary evenings where authors can read excerpts from their works. One such project, PubLiturnyk, was held in a Lviv pub, allowing even casual visitors to experience Ukrainian literature in an informal setting. I believe literature should be accessible to everyone.

Interviewer: What single word best describes your professional activity, and why?

Ihor: Can it be two? Progress and self-improvement. Constantly, with every passing minute and every written word, I try to progress and improve myself. I believe that as long as I am developing, I am living, and I can create something for others. It is often said that life is movement. And indeed, it is. But this movement can either be constructive – leading to development and progress – or destructive, leading to decay and regression. So, I try to ensure that my movement forward leads to progress! I create new works and progress as an author, but I also live my life day by day, absorbing more and more new information, interacting with different people, and constantly striving to improve myself so that tomorrow I will be better than today.

Pictures were taken from social networks of Ihor Snyatyncuk