About the book
"Little Yellow Excavator" is a compilation of prose and poetry from soldiers and veterans of the Russo-Ukrainian War. This collection sheds light on the personal experiences of war and gives a voice to those who chose to defend Ukraine over pursuing a literary career. Each piece is accompanied by documentary photos from the independent Ukrainian media outlet "Donbas Frontliner," which has been covering the war since 2014.
"Little Yellow Excavator" artistically portrays the real-life experiences on the frontlines. Each story in this collection reveals the unique experiences and inner feelings of the authors. Despite the difficult subject matter, the collection aims to inspire hope, reflecting the resilience and spirit of Ukrainian soldiers and veterans. These works are intended to foster empathy among civilians while highlighting the enduring strength of our men and women who continue their fight, believe in victory, and remain loyal to Ukraine. We, as civilians, have much to learn from them.
Please note: This is a charitable project
We donate all profits to support the units of our writers proportionally.
Giving Strength to Their Voices
First, we strive for Ukrainian military poets and writers to gain recognition now. Second, we want their works not to be lost on personal Facebook pages, remain as notes on their phones, or in diaries read by their loved ones—often posthumously. We want the world to see our Remarques and Hemingways sitting in the trenches. These writers have chosen to fight for Ukraine instead of pursuing literary careers. They ensure our protection and our ongoing lives. Instead of writing novels and poetry collections, they're manning mortars, evacuating the wounded, and surviving in inhumane conditions. It's our job to support them and amplify their voices.
About authors
All authors in this book were once students of the "Method Writing", which they have attended for free since 2020. The Method Writing is a program that provides professional writing tools while also serving as powerful therapy, allowing military personnel to share their experiences with civilians in a safe space. Among our authors are:
Eva Tur,
reconnaissance
Felicia, ATO veteran, reconnaissance
Mykola Baiduk,
ATO veteran
Tetiana Podolianochka,
ATO veteran
Oleh Ihorovych,
AFU serviceman
Olena Herasymiuk,
ATO veteran, paramedic
Oleksii Skoblia,
AFU senior sergeant, published posthumously
Serhii Mishchenko,
paramedic
Artem Popyk,
mortar commander
Yuliia Mykytenko,
AFU officer
Andrii Matviienko,
company commander
Volodymyr Tymchuk, AFU lieutenant colonel
Maksym Khomytskyi, AFU reconnaissance group commander
Mariia Oleshchenko, combat medic
Viktoriia Savchenko,
unit senior
Oleksandr Korenyako,
AFU officer
Andrii Dubchak,
war reporter
Ihor Orel,
veteran
Lidiia Huzhva, veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian War
THE PROJECT CAME TO LIFE THANKS TO
Orlando Publishing House
The Public Organization «Unbreakable Women of Ukraine»
Donbas Frontliner
The «Jack Grapes’ Method Writing» in Ukraine
"Little Yellow Excavator": First Results
What We've Accomplished:
Sent a copy of the book to each author.
Paid honorariums to all authors and/or their representatives for their contribution.
Sent copies of the book to our patrons.
Raised and donated 134,004 UAH (about $5,000), with 44,668 UAH (about $1,500) going to each unit (Hospitallers Foundation, Hell's Hornets Aerial Reconnaissance Platoon, and the 204th Mortar Battery).
What's Next:
Wrap up sales to make the next donation to our units.
Work on the book release on Amazon.
Look for international partners to translate and print the book abroad.
Keep spreading the word about the project and its significance.
