Today we talk about You keep me safe, I keep you wild, a book by Crystal Melbourne published with our publishing house Europe Books.
Europe Books had the pleasure of interviewing the author, Crystal Melbourne, to get to know her better, the moment that led her to the writing of her autobiographical essay You keep me safe, I keep you wild, as well as the message she wants to send out with her book.
Below you can find our interview. Take a seat and enjoy your reading!!!
- What was the moment that led you to the writing of your autobiographical essay?
I always felt instinctively inspired to create libraries out of collections out of self-reflective pieces because I often found myself at crossroads trying to grapple the complexities of my own emotions and subsequently seeking a deeper understanding of the dynamics underpinning human connections. So that moment was certainly spurred by my own introspection, triggered and pushed a lot earlier by the pivotal events that shaped my identity. Integrating narrative poetry, which is essentially storytelling conveyed through poems, allowed me to delve into the layers of interpersonal webs. Truly the essay’s inception stemmed from a profound need for self-exploration and for comprehension of the intricate facets within my romantic relationships, but the process of transcending those personal experiences to tap into the collective tapestry was enormously humbling. It’s an overawing realization to become aware of the ability to create an emotional bridge which spans beyond the self, and when I did, I wrote this book.
- What sensations did you feel by reading your life on the pages of your book?
I wouldn’t readily label it as “my life”, this book is nothing else than an ode to our emotional world – the emotions we, as humans, traverse – simply passing through and departing just as ephemerally, each with its own arc and significance – but never more than states or phases, and therefore not confined to one’s “life”. This essay, a tome of emotions, where true and fictive memories, dreams and ear say-tellings intertwine, offers glimpses into the intricate mosaic of that human experience I as well journey through. There’s always a thrill in writing about and reading through it, even if we subconsciously tend to downplay its power. Seeing my own vulnerability unfurling upon the pages instils a sense of catharsis and self-acceptance in me. To me, it reads as a testament that mirrors the kaleidoscope of feelings I’ve both shared with others and endured in solitude, and I find solace in understanding that, regardless of how intense an emotional surge might become, it invariably ebbs away.
- What particularly significant experiences in your life find expression in your book?
The scope of it isn’t really limited to significant events from my real life. Right at the outset, etched in the dedication section, I wrote, “to those who showed me what love is, and to those who taught me what love isn’t.” That pretty much sums it up – the book orbits around the interplay of emotions coursing through me in my connections with others, particularly in romantic relationships, across different junctures of my life and diverse situational contexts. And all sorts of encounters, even the seemingly inconspicuous or insubstantial ones that might not have mattered much in the grand scheme of things, found expression in my own sentimental state and therefore in this book. Here I have penned down all the feelings I could grasp enough to put into words, whether they sprung from my imagination or tangible experiences. I think of it as an universal anthology of emotional expressions.
- What are the messages you want to send out to your readers?
Through this essay particularly I sought to convey that our emotional landscape holds infinitely more strength than we wish to admit, as we often underestimate it due to our tendency to prioritize what we call “the intellect”. These two dimensions are, however, intricately interwoven and completely reliant on the other. By acknowledging the naturally oscillating, fluid and ever-changing nature of our emotions, we learn how to navigate them. By welcoming our emotions and familiarizing ourselves with them, we learn to accept and then release them. This fosters emotional intelligence, enhances our intimate relationships and optimizes the decision-making in our day-to-day existence. I wholeheartedly encourage the acceptance of emotions as essential signals rather than burdens, and urge my readers to explore and enrich their emotional lives to the fullest extent possible. It has the power to be transformative, serving as the cornerstone for cultivating deeper and more holistic connections not only within ourselves but also with those alongside us.
- Are you planning to write more books?
Absolutely, I’m currently deep in the creative process of my upcoming poetry book. This new project is a continuation of my exploration into human experiences and will delve into a blend of cosmic imagery and personality archetypes familiar to all of us. Just as celestial bodies hold their unique purpose in the night sky, each of them in my book will represent someone I know – ultimately, someone we all know – capturing the essence of individuals we let take up space in our lives. Much like how constellations connect stars to form complex patterns, I am weaving together these symbolic representations of people who leave indelible marks behind. From the steadfast stability of a planet to the ephemeral brilliance of a shooting star, each element reflects someone I’ve encountered – the giver, the savior, the helpless, the wanderer, the traitor. While I’m not ready to reveal the title just yet, I am excited about it and hope it will not only resonate but also inspire others to reflect on their own rendez-vous under the stars!
Europe Books thanks the author, Crystal Melbourne, once again for taking the time and answering our questions. We are really pleased to have walked alongside her on the editorial path that led to the publication of her book You keep me safe, I keep you wild. We wish her the best of luck for her future works.
To you, my readers, may this autobiographical essay inspire and fill you with intense emotions. At the same time, it will let you reflect on your daily life and make you think on how to make it a better, emotional and enjoyable one.
So, my dear reader, all I have to say is to enjoy your reading!
Your editor!