'Did that really happen? Or was it all in my imagination?'

 

“I like reading history, andactually most authors enjoy the research part because it is, after all, easierthan writing.” – Ken Follett

 

Born in Wales on this date in 1949,Follett has carved out arguably the number one spot in the world as an authorof historical fiction-thrillers.  Since the publication of his firstbook Eye of the Needle in 1978 he has sold a remarkable 380million copies (and counting) achieving a rare three number ones in a row onthe New York Times Bestseller List with his “Century Trilogy.”  His newest book, just on the market, is histake on the mystery of Stonehenge’s creation, titled Circle of Days.

 

Follett studied Philosophy incollege but found himself gravitating toward Journalism.  After a postgraduate course in journalisticwriting he joined the staff of his hometown newspaper the South Wales Echo inCardiff before becoming a reporter for the London Evening News.  In the mid-1970s he left journalism forpublishing and was working as an editor at Everest Books when he wrote Eye,hoping it would be published so he could pay off a car loan.

 

That worked.  He’s now authored 44 books – and counting.  No more car loans.

 

Follett likes the process ofcombining his imagination with “real” people from the historical times he isdepicting.  “I like to create imaginary characters and events arounda real historical situation,” he said.  “I want readers tofeel: ‘Okay, this probably didn’t happen…but it might have.’”