Today we talk about Luminescence in Verse, a book by Savva Emanon published with our publishing house Europe Books.
Europe Books had the pleasure of interviewing the author Savva Emanon to get to know him better, what was the moment that led him to the writing of his book Luminescence in Verse, as well as the sensation he felt by “reading” his life experience on the pages of his book.
- When did you decide to write about your personal experience?
My writing journey began in 1984, rooted in personal experiences and enriched by decades in the therapeutic field. This blend has shaped a narrative of growth, resilience, and healing that transcends my own story, reaching out to universal themes that resonate with many. Overcoming challenges like vulnerability in storytelling and navigating the publishing landscape taught me the value of authenticity and courage. My work with clients has deeply influenced my writing, infusing it with diverse perspectives on human experience. Feedback from friends has been a source of inspiration, reminding me of the impact our stories can have. As my writing evolved, so did my understanding of its power to connect and heal. To those embarking on their own writing journey, I advise embracing your authentic voice and the stories only you can tell. Looking forward, I’m excited to explore new themes, continually inspired by the endless potential for growth and discovery through writing. After 40 years, this book marks not an end but a milestone in my journey of exploration, understanding, and love for the written word.
- What particularly significant experiences in your life find expression in your book?
My book is a tapestry woven from a diverse array of life experiences, each thread contributing to the narrative’s rich fabric. It begins with my childhood under the shadow of a strict father, an experience contrasted by the love of a mother who, despite her affection, felt powerless against his authority. These early experiences laid the groundwork for themes of resilience and the search for individual voice that permeate the book. School years and the initial forays into the working world introduced challenges and learning curves, setting the stage for a remarkable pivot to a 15-year career as a professional dancer. This period, highlighted by performances at the Sydney Opera House, embodies the themes of passion, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence. Transitioning from the arts, I ventured into web and graphic design, showcasing adaptability and the constant quest for creative expression. However, it was my eventual calling as a psychotherapist and counsellor that deeply informed the book’s core, offering insights into human psychology, healing, and growth. Interwoven with these professional milestones are various personal experiences that have shaped me. Each poem reflects not just a phase of life but a step in an ongoing journey of self-discovery, resilience, and transformation.
- What would you like to hear from your readers?
Hearing from my readers is profoundly important to me, especially regarding the emotional resonance my poetry evokes within them. I am deeply interested in the feelings stirred by my words, the way they echo through the corridors of the reader’s own life experiences. It’s the emotional reflection, the moment of connection where my experiences and theirs meet, that I find most valuable. I seek to understand how my poetry touches their lives, perhaps illuminating shared paths of joy, sorrow, struggle, and triumph. My aspiration is for my readers to see in my work a mirror of the human condition, highlighting not just our individual journeys but also our collective humanity. The acknowledgment of shared experiences and emotions serves as a reminder that, despite our diverse life stories, we are bound by common threads of feeling and experience. What I yearn for is feedback that transcends mere appreciation of the artistic or literary merit of the poetry. Instead, I look for reflections on the personal impact – how the words felt, how they resonated, and how they contributed to a greater appreciation of our shared human experience. Through this dialogue, I hope to foster a deeper understanding and empathy among us all, celebrating our individuality while embracing our collective human essence.
- What sensations did you feel by ‘reading’ your life experience on the pages of your book?
Reading my life experiences on the pages of my book evoked a complex tapestry of sensations, each page turning like stepping through a portal into moments past. There was a profound sense of reconnection with my former selves, each chapter a reflection of the myriad paths I’ve traversed. The act of reading my own narratives stirred a deep introspection, a mingling of nostalgia, pride, sorrow, and joy. I experienced the catharsis of revisiting challenges overcome and milestones achieved, feeling a renewed sense of gratitude for the journey. The process was akin to watching the ebb and flow of an ocean – waves of emotions washing over me, sometimes gently, other times with overwhelming force. There was the distinct sensation of time collapsing, as past emotions and present insights intertwined, offering a unique perspective on my own evolution. Most strikingly, there was an undercurrent of awe at the resilience of the human spirit, my own included. Seeing my life’s ups and downs laid bare, the narrative arc from struggle to triumph, elicited a profound appreciation for the growth that each experience fostered. In essence, reading my life on these pages was a journey of rediscovery, a reminder of where I’ve been and how far I’ve come, imbued with a sense of purpose and an acknowledgment of the ongoing journey ahead.
- Are you planning to write more books you can tell us about?
Indeed, my journey as a writer is far from over, with several exciting projects on the horizon. Currently, I am finalizing five new books, each exploring different genres and aspects of storytelling. My ongoing passion for poetry continues to bear fruit, as I have enough material for another five collections, constantly enriched by new experiences and insights. Among these upcoming works is a crime/mystery/thriller novel, which is nearing completion. This novel delves into the complexities of human nature against the backdrop of suspense and intrigue. Similarly, my venture into science fiction is progressing well, with a novel that explores futuristic themes and the endless possibilities of human innovation and spirit. Additionally, I am finalizing a science fiction short story aimed at a competition, which further showcases my enthusiasm for the genre and its potential to explore the human condition in unique and thought-provoking ways. My writing is driven by a deep-seated passion for telling stories that resonate with the human experience, whether through the nuanced expressions of poetry or the thrilling narratives of fiction. Each project is an opportunity to delve into the myriad facets of human emotions, challenges, and triumphs, continuing to share and explore the complex tapestry of life through the written word.
Europe Books thanks the author Savva Emanon once again for taking the time and answering our questions. We are really pleased to have walked alongside him on the editorial path that led to the publication of his book Luminescence in Verse. We wish him the best of luck for his book and for his future works.
To you, my dear reader, I hope that this book allows you to make emotional reflections and that these emotions can resonate with your individual and collective life experiences.
So, my dear reader, all I have to say is to enjoy your reading!
Your editor!