Yaryna Katorozh on the re-release of Alchemy of Freedom: During the editing process, we managed to preserve the sincerity and purity with which I wrote it when I was a much younger author

Yaryna Katorozh, a Ukrainian writer and the author of the fantasy book Alchemy of Freedom, recently announced that, after many years, her book is ready to delight readers once again. A slightly updated, more confident, yet equally sincere version is already on sale and appearing on the shelves of her fans. Yaryna shared insights with Drive Music Media about the reissue by Zhorzh Publishing and her upcoming projects.

Interviewer: Why did you decide to dedicate your life to writing? Tell us about your first steps in this field.

Yaryna: I started writing when I was a child. At first, I loved coming up with alternative storylines for books or movies I had read or seen, and later, I began to create my own. I started writing my first fairy tales and adventure stories in elementary school, and by the age of twelve, I was trying to write my first long prose. These attempts were quite rough, and often the stories I started were left unfinished and hidden away in drawers, but for a young writer, it was still valuable experience that helped me develop my style. In middle and high school, I began entering short story competitions and occasionally won. However, back then, I had a somewhat vague idea of what it meant to be a true, «adult» writer – how to work with publishers or hold book presentations. But it was during this time that I developed the habit of writing regularly and dedicating much of my free time, outside of school or my main job, to it.

Interviewer: Alchemy of Freedom. Tell us how the idea to write this novel came about. You began working on it at 18... Did you have the intention to publish this book?

Yaryna: I belong to the group of authors who write without planning the plot in detail ahead of time, instead developing the story gradually based on the actions and growth of the characters. This was also the case with Alchemy of Freedom. At first, I came up with the beginning of the story, in which a young alchemist named Medina accidentally saves Mark, the younger prince of the kingdom where she lives, from certain death. This act changes Medina’s life dramatically, and initially, the story revolves around her coming-of-age and development. However, the small storyline becomes much larger when enemies attack the Kingdom of Mark and Medina, and the narrative shifts to focus on the actions of individuals during a time of great war. «Alchemy of Freedom» became my first major work that I didn’t want to leave unfinished or put off for later. I also felt that it was good enough to try and get it published. Of course, I dreamed of that. Now, publishers regularly announce they are accepting manuscripts, and there are many new competitions. But in 2014, when I finished Alchemy of Freedom, the only literary competition I knew about was «Coronation of the Word» whose ads I had seen on TV. In fact, the opportunity to participate in that competition and possibly find a publisher became one of the main motivations to finish the manuscript. I sent the text in, and it worked out. The manuscript received a special award for «Ukrainian Contemporary Fantasy» from writers Darya Korniy and Tala Vladmirova, and it was Dara Korniy who helped me find my first publisher. The first edition of «Alchemy of Freedom» was published in 2015 by PVD «Tverdynya». Now, in 2024, the novel has been republished with new design and editing by the publisher "Zhorzh".

Interviewer: Recently, you released a new edition of Alchemy of Freedom. How do you feel about the fact that the story is coming to life again and will find a new audience?

Yaryna: I feel joy. The updated reissue was released by the publisher Zhorzh, who approached both the editing and all other aspects of the work with great care and attention. The text, which is now ten years old, definitely needed stylistic refinement, but during the editing process, we managed to preserve the sincerity and purity with which I wrote when I was a much younger author. I’m also grateful that the publisher was open to involving me as the illustrator for the book’s artwork. Throughout this process, we communicated constantly and agreed on all the details. The book was printed a few weeks ago, and I really like how high-quality it turned out. I’m especially pleased with the colored page edges. It warms my heart to think that now anyone who wants to can place Alchemy of Freedom on their shelf again. It’s lovely to receive the first feedback.

Interviewer: While you write books, you also illustrate them. How is this aspect of your creative journey?

Yaryna: Well, I’ve loved not only writing but also drawing since childhood, and eventually, I developed in both fields. Books currently don’t bring me significant income, so I earn a living as a graphic designer and illustrator. I’ve done the artwork for all of my novels. For me, it’s a great opportunity to present the worlds I create, not only with words but visually as well.

Interviewer: Why did you choose a fantasy world? What makes it close to you?

Yaryna: Fantasy is the genre in which I feel most free as an author. It’s interesting to invent my own worlds, describe political and religious systems, and the details of different material cultures. It’s like writing my own history textbook. At the same time, this genre is very complex. It’s not enough to just invent a world; you need to make it as realistic as possible. The reader has to believe that the story is real.

Interviewer: Are you working on a new book? Tell us a little about it.

Yaryna: Yes, there will be a fifth novel. I don’t want to reveal too many details of the plot yet, but I can tell you it’s urban fantasy. It’s dark and, in terms of atmosphere, will remind you of a heavy but fascinating dream.

Interviewer: Tell us about your participation in the “Book Country” festival. What is the current state of the book world in Ukraine in the present realities?

Yaryna: “Book Country” was a pleasant return to the world of events and presentations after a long break. The last time I was in Kyiv was in February 2022, two weeks before the full-scale invasion. After that, I didn’t have the opportunity to visit, and I really missed the capital. It was very good to be back now. The festival really pleased me. I had a joint event with writers Natalia Matolynets and Natalia Dovhopol, where we talked about magic and alchemy in our work. It was great to see a full audience and to notice that the festival was bustling with people all the time. Despite the war, the book market in Ukraine is noticeably growing, and it is much more powerful and media-savvy than it was ten years ago when I first became a part of it. But it’s still hard to call it fully developed. Many writers and other literary professionals are now defending Ukraine in the ranks of the Armed Forces, and many have been killed by the russians. The absence of all these people is palpable; it’s like a black hole that’s impossible to ignore. I’m grateful to all the defenders for allowing us to hold such festivals, to write, publish, and read books. I dream of Ukraine’s victory. And of the time when the daily bad news will turn into memoirs and old memories.

Interviewer: How hard is it to create characters? Are the characters in your books fictional or based on prototypes?

Yaryna: For me, working with characters as a writer is like a director working with actors. Usually, I come up with a hero, giving them some key traits, describing their appearance, state of mind, and temperament. I throw them into a whirlpool of events and follow how they make decisions and develop. Sometimes I might guide the character along a certain path. It’s both difficult and fascinating at the same time. Most of my characters don’t have clear prototypes; their images are composite.

Interviewer: What is your mission as a writer?

Yaryna: To write as many deep and interesting stories as possible.

Interviewer: What is the most important thing for you in writing?

Yaryna: To write what I love to read myself. And always remain sincere.

Pictures were taken by "Book Country" and Yevhen Khil. The illustrations for the book Palimpsest were created by Yaryna Katorozh