Who I Am and What I Do
I am a writer, publisher, cultural manager, and editor.
I also run a writing workshop and work with bilingual kids.
I’ve been writing in Russian for most of my life.
I started writing in English after moving to Budapest.
Here I met many wonderful people who write — and live — in English, and switching to English felt like a natural step. I wanted my work to be understood.
Since 2017, I’ve been organizing events for writers like myself — exophonic authors working in a second language. We started with Budapest Friday Night Stories (something like an open mic for writers and poets), and later launched Panel, a literary magazine for authors from Central and Eastern Europe.
We published twelve unique issues, each different from the others, and in 2026 the project moved online.
As a publisher and editor at Panel Literature Association, I manage book projects.
As a cultural manager, I organize events — exhibitions, workshops, and readings.
And I write — sometimes in Russian, sometimes in English.
More often in English.
This experience hasn’t made me a more talented or more successful writer (that probably doesn’t depend on language), but it has taught me a great deal — humility, persistence, and the ability to find joy in the process.
Perhaps Budapest has something to do with it, too. It offers a remarkably supportive environment for writers working in a non-native language.
My English-language texts have been published in magazines and anthologies.
In 2020, my short story collection On The Set was published (a new edition is planned for 2026).
A few things I’ve learned along the way:
— I work a lot with emerging writers and with those writing in English as a second language
— the English-language publishing world is highly competitive — it’s important to understand this and look for ways to be heard
— behind every published piece there are dozens of rejections
— community matters: it’s support, connection, and a source of growth and inspiration
Language changes many things — it takes something away and gives something in return.
But your voice remains your own.