about the author

I was born in Kazakhstan and made Canada my home in 2009. Now, I live in Alberta, but my heart carries the places, people, and experiences that have shaped my journey.

We all have a story—one that holds our joys, our losses, and the quiet moments in between. Mine is written in my poetry collection, FIVE A.M. THE SILENCE AFTER GOODBYE, a book I never imagined writing. It began in the days after I tragically lost my beloved brother, Arman, in 2019. My heartbreaking loss changed me. It changed the way I see grief, mental health, and the quiet battles so many face.

I care deeply about mental health and the conversations we often hesitate to have. Depression is real, and so is healing. Yet, in many parts of the world, people still carry the weight of it in silence. I also stand with immigrants who are finding their way in a new country, some facing domestic violence, language barriers, or the overwhelming task of navigating an unfamiliar legal system. No one should have to walk these roads alone.

Outside of writing, I enjoy spending time in nature, capturing memories through photography, and embracing creativity in all its forms.

This space is about connection. It’s about breaking the silence and using the transformative power of words. It’s about knowing that even in the darkest moments, there is still light.

If you’ve ever felt lost in grief, if you’ve ever questioned your strength, or if you’re simply searching for a voice that understands—you’re not alone. I see you. I hear you. And I hope that here, in these words, you find a little comfort and hope.

writing

Since I was in junior high school, I knew I wanted to become a journalist. Writing poems, however, was my first way of expressing my emotions and the inner world that shaped me.

By the time I reached the end of high school, I had written and published several articles in local newspapers. My greatest ambition was to study at Moscow State University, where the admission requirement was to have at least twelve articles published. But due to the political and social turmoil of the time, my parents were not supportive of my decision to pursue this dream. They were already hesitant about my chosen field, and ultimately, they did not allow me to go to Moscow.

Instead of following that path, I pursued a degree in accounting and auditing, and for many years, I stopped writing altogether.

In 2019, I tragically lost my beloved little brother to suicide. The grief was unbearable—the anguish, the sorrow, the piercing pain. It shattered me, but it also became the catalyst for rediscovering my voice. I never imagined becoming a published author. But through the pain of loss, I began writing poems again. It became my personal way of navigating grief, a channel for healing, and eventually, a way to honor Arman’s memory.

My debut book, FIVE A.M. THE SILENCE AFTER GOODBYE, is a story of loss and love—of finding light in the darkest of times. This book includes not only my own poems but also Arman’s songs, stories, and poems, allowing his voice to live on.

Though I never imagined this path for myself, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to share both my story and his. Through my words, I reclaim my voice, and through his, I continue to honor the brother I lost.

books

My first book, Five A.M. THE SILENCE AFTER GOODBYE, was published on December 16, 2024. This deeply personal collection of poems explores themes of loss, grief, and healing following the tragic loss of my brother.

It is available in eBook, paperback, and hardcover formats on Amazon in your country – choose the format that best suits you.

Here are the links to Amazon in Canada:

Coming soon – WILD TULIP

Wild Tulip is about to bloom...

What does it take to rediscover yourself when life strips you bare?

Wild Tulip is a raw, unfiltered autobiography—a story of life’s deepest struggles, quiet revelations, and the unexpected paths that lead to healing. It’s more than just a book; it’s an invitation to reflect, to feel, and to grow. Dare to step into its pages and find your own light along the way.

This is a story I hope will resonate with anyone who has had to break through the silence of generational family dysfunction and societal dynamics to find their own path to healing. Stay tuned for its release—I can’t wait to share it with you.

my thanks

My personal journey through the wilderness of suicide grief was incredibly dark and life-draining.

The support and love of my children, caring friends, grief therapy, my church community, and many other outlets helped me find my way out of the wilderness and into the light of healing.

Expressing my deepest pain through poetry played a significant role in my recovery and present well-being. I am blessed to have loving family and friends by my side throughout this journey of grief, recovery, and now writing. Your support is priceless.

I am forever indebted to Debra Bennett, whom I met through the Canada Writes Facebook group. Deb believed in me and encouraged me to keep writing.

I primarily write in Russian, then translate my work into English. My fourteen-year-old daughter is my first editor, and Deb helps with proofreading and final editing for my translations. Deb continues to be my biggest fan, and she has became my soul sister and friend.

The Facebook group "Canada Writes" and my new writer friends have been a true blessing and tremendous support on my new path in life. I am wholeheartedly grateful for meeting wonderful people like Betty Hunter, Lana Yakimchuk, Jim C. Otar, James Yeo, and many others in the group, who continuously offer their feedback, help, and encouragement. I look forward to meeting more friends and mentors on my writing journey.

THANK YOU!

Love, hugs, and blessings,
Dana
3 September 2021

about the author

writing

books

my thanks

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