Writer Oksana Romaniv

This week’s Writer Wednesday features DWR member Oksana Romaniv of West Bloomfield!

Originally from Ukraine, Oksana moved to the U.S. with her husband in 2020, bringing their lives in just two suitcases during the height of the pandemic. After a 15-year break from writing, she returned to the page as a way to process change, loneliness and the experience of starting over in a new country.

Today, Oksana writes lyrical essays and dreams of writing a romance novel someday. A former molecular biologist and web developer, she's now a stay-at-home mom who often writes on her phone, proving that inspiration can happen anywhere.

What writing projects are you currently working on? 

I’m writing lyrical essays when my head gets too loud — one of them found a home in the DWR anthology “Detroit Voices” — and I dream of writing a romance novel someday. 

What is your favorite part of the writing process? 

When your thoughts run faster than you can type and they pour and pour and when you’re done you stare at the page, head finally quiet, slightly dazed. I believe that’s what others call “writer’s flow.” That’s addictive as hell. 

What does your writing workspace look like? 

My cozy corner chair and my phone, or library space with a laptop. 

When did you first discover your love for writing? Were there any key moments or influences that sparked your passion? 

My dad was an avid reader and getting into fantasy and what he liked was my way of connecting with him. Somewhere along the road I found myself walking back from school with a pencil and a notebook writing poetry, then a deeply embarrassing teen romance story and an epic mash of sci-fi and fantasy. I left those behind to pursue a more secure career as a molecular biologist, just to never work in the field a day in my life. 

What is your favorite non-writing hobby? 

Gaming, biking with my preschooler, going to live concerts. 

What is your favorite piece of writing advice? 

A few months back I was at Ross Gay’s poetry reading and while he was signing my copy of his “Inciting Joy” essay collection, I asked him if he’d ever been scared of not having anything worthy to write. What he told me might be my favorite piece of advice for anyone doubting if their two cents are needed. He said: “I never think of other people when I write. I like thinking of my life and reflecting on my experiences deeply, and that’s what I write about. It’s always worth it to me”. 

FLASH QUESTIONS 

Favorite book: “The Wheel of Time” by Robert Jordan or “Stormlight Archive” by Brandon Sanderson, no, wait, “Harry Potter” or … do I truly need to pick one? 

Favorite author: Ali Hazelwood 

Favorite writing snack: Cheese and nuts 

I can’t write without: Coffee (basic, I know) 

If I could have coffee with any writer (dead or alive), it would be: Jane Austen 

— Interview by Maria Witcher