About Me — Alexander Semenyuk
The time has come for me to write the “About me” post. After writing so many books, poems and stories you’d think this would be an easy one, but writing about yourself is never so simple, at least for me. So I decided I will do it in an interview format!
Where are you from?
I was born in Lutsk, Ukraine. I spent a lot of my time in Lviv as well. Lutsk is known for its old castle, while Lviv historically was a cultural center of Europe at one point.
What were you like as a kid?
I spent a lot of time outside. I also read A LOT of books. My mom read me a lot as well and my dad builds legos with me. As a kid, I already dreamed of being a writer. Most of my memory is blurry, but I specifically remember going to cafes and parks with my mom and with my dad. I used to love getting jello as a treat, but my favorite was “kartoshka” sweet, soft chocolate cake. In my early teens, I experienced a traumatic event, which I know now impacted my subconscious more than I imagined, however shortly after that we moved to the USA. It was 2001.
How was the move to the US and life adjustment?
It was both difficult and exciting. Learning the language and facing some adversities was tough, but also I made some great friends and saw some amazing places. After I learned English I began writing once again.
How about university years?
Those were the craziest years of my life, no doubt about it. Despite the madness, one huge thing that I came away with is the ability to write better. I started writing my first novel shortly after that and it was published a few years later, my childhood dream of becoming a writer came true.
What can you say about your writing journey?
It’s been amazing overall. Looking back at my older stuff and seeing how I improved is great. I am also pleased that I published books in different genres. Drama, dystopian, fantasy, cyberpunk, and romance, but my strongest surely has been horror.
What are the most important things in your life?
That is simple. It’s God and my family. Not sure where I’d be without those right now, if I’d “be” at all, haha.
What are your thoughts about Medium?
It’s an amazing platform. It has been a blessing, I wish I knew about it before, but I do believe in God’s timing for things in life. On Medium you can find great quality articles on every topic. The community is strong and respectful. You can make money sharing your talent.
What is your favorite vacation?
Either Disney/Universal parks or the beach, also I like Maui, Hawaii, very much. However, it is fun to go to these places with family, I very much doubt that I’d enjoy those alone. Seeing my son’s joy is a big part of any trip like that.
What are your favorite personal hobbies?
I love Formula 1, photography, and running in nature.
What are some experiences that you dreamed of having and they came true?
One was seeing Roger Federer play live, since I’ve been a fan since 99, my sister surprised me with a US Open ticket to see him play, it was one of his last US Open as now we know he is retired. It was fantastic.
The second one was seeing my favorite singer Bryan Ferry perform live. My wife got me a ticket this year for Roxy Music 50 years reunion, it was amazing.
The biggest thing that I wanted in my life was to be a father, and now I have a wonderful 5-year-old boy.
I would one day love to see mount Everest in person, and a live Formula 1 race.
What advice can you give to new writers?
Stay consistent, don’t give up, interact with others and do so in a respectful manner, stay true to who you are and what your style is, and keep on knocking on doors, one will open.
Blessings.
Big update! Here is an interview with me where I discuss many things!
