Hi, and welcome! I’m glad to see you here.
From My Heart is a weekly newsletter about Eastern Europe, Ukraine, Belarus, and living in challenging times.
I’m Darya Zorka – a writer, poet, artist, and documentary translator. I contributed to multiple films about Ukraine, such as the award-winning documentaries 20 Days In Mariupol, 2000 Meters to Andriivka, and others.
I am a Belarusian, my husband is Ukrainian, and we call the U.S. home. From My Heart started as a newsletter to raise awareness of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and share my love for the country that has always been very dear to my heart. However, the more I wrote, the more I realized how big the gap was between the West and Eastern Europe, and how distorted the perception of my native region was. Bridging this gap became my mission: to show the rich culture and history of Ukraine, Belarus, and beyond through educational essays, translations of poetry, and authentic recipes.
Subscription options:
Free subscribers receive 1 or 2 essays per month and previews of the paid articles.
Paid subscribers receive:
2 additional essays about the culture and history of Eastern Europe per month. The topics include Eastern European customs and traditions; literature, art, and music; nature and folklore; historical facts and events, and much more;
access to a constantly growing collection of family recipes from my Ukrainian and Belarusian families. It now consists of more than 30 authentic recipes cooked from scratch in my kitchen with detailed instructions and photos of each step;
unlimited access to all articles and archives.
Some of my most popular essays, poems, and recipes:
Lesia Ukrainka – the life and work of the most iconic and beloved Ukrainian writer, poet, and activist
Belarusian culture, family memories, and Russian colonialism
The Queen of Flowers – a life story of Kateryna Bilokur, a genius Ukrainian artist
The world still largely overlooks Eastern Europe and portrays it with damaging stereotypes as a result of Russian colonialism, Soviet oppression, and propaganda. I’m determined to change that, but I can do it only with your support. Paid subscriptions allow me to do time-consuming research, translate works that have never been translated before, and share the stories of incredible talent and perseverance that have been buried in the archives.
By choosing a paid subscription, you not only receive access to educational and inspiring essays, unique translations, and delicious recipes, but you will also allow me to introduce Eastern Europe to the world and provide support for my two refugee families.
From My Heart is more than a newsletter. It is a place of knowledge, inspiration, and human connection. While I’m only one person, I believe that together we can bring a real change in how people around the world view Eastern Europe – and each other.
I’m so glad to welcome you to this community!
Warmly,
Darya
Email: daryazorka@substack.com
Shop my art on Etsy
Watch the “20 Days in Mariupol” documentary
Watch Frontline PBS documentaries on Ukraine
Donate to help Ukraine: UKRAINE DONATION GUIDE
