Ask Paulo!

[Margo]

Welcome to the group! Paulo will be answering questions on Tuesday, April 2nd in this thread only. In the meantime if you have a question for Paulo or just want to introduce yourself feel free to do so in this thread.

[Stuart]

Ask Paulo - As a writer myself halfway through a book, when did you know you we're going to get published & be successful? #TheSigns

[Maria]

I am reading The Alchemist to my 10 year old son. We should finish within the week. He wants to know what gave Paulo the idea to write "The Alchemist?"

[Justina]

I was so inspired reading The Alchemist. I wanted to ask Paulo - do you enjoy the process of writing or is it a struggle at times? Do the words come easily to you or do you find yourself doubting what you've written?

[Saba]

My Soul goes up & down while reading your books. God bless you Paulo. You're alive forever!

[Arsen]

Paulo, many of my Brazilian friends point out that your books provide a somehow distorted image of Brazilian literature, meaning that contemporary literature in that country is represented by a selection of great writers but only you happen to enjoy considerable international success. What is your take on that opinion? Obrigado!

[Ankita]

Paulo, your writings have helped me truly "see". Thank you! What I want to ask is: How are you ever sure about any decision you make? In the sense that I often don't "listen" and end up doing something opposite to what I knew I should have. I wonder what guides you. (Other than following your heart, which I do, even if the signs tell me different). How are you sure in times of conflict?

[Jesus]

Paulo, how did you get inspired to write "The Alchemist" and what is your best book?

Paulo, ¿cómo te inspiraste para escribir "El Alquimista", y cual consideras que es tu mejor libro?

[Ivana]

Paulo:

If you could come back to this world after death, as anybody except yourself. Who would you come back as and why?

[Gil]

did anyone ever reject/scoff at your idea for "The Alchemist" when you first started writing and how did you respond? thanks

[Victor]

Sir let me start out by telling you that you inspired me to travel and experience life in a different level. I never felt so free to take on journeys that have unknown endings and that i thank you sir.
Now my questions to you are
How old were you when you began to understand what life is really about? And who inspired you to be who you are today?

[[deleted user]]

Most South American authors that I have read use the technique of magical realism. Would you say you were one of them? If not what genre do you think you belong in?

[Michelle]

In your mind & world, how would you define love?

[Samantha]

I found your book "A orillas del río Piedra me senté y lloré" to be beautiful. Was there something in particular that inspired you to write this book?
And a general question, Is there anything that you have learnt from life that moves you to write and share this knowledge with your readers?
Thank you!

[Ankit]

Paulo Cohelo's books go deep in exploring and exposing the innermost challenges in our minds that we generally do not think about generally. What is your inspiration for writing the books. Is it a heightened level of introspection or do you draw from daily life experiences to conjure about the theme and ideas in your books

[Jenna]

Have you ever been to Accra, Ghana? What was the motivation behind writing The Alchemist? Was their a specific message you wanted to get across?

[sangrezeh]

Hi
Did you ever doubt your ability to write?
If yes, how did you fight it?
Many thanks

[BookCupid]

Thinking about your biggest regret in life -- if you could erase it, would you, or do you really believe that every mistake defines us?

[Reem]

Hi
First of all I've a signed book from you (Alef) i got it from a reading competition in Diwan Libraries in Egypt. It was a very precious gift and you can't imagine my feeling when i get it. My question is, if tomorrow is going to be your last day, what would u do or say or meet before and why?! One more last thing, Please DON'T ever stop writing! Greatings from Egypt

[Richard]

Thank you for doing this.
I have only read
Veronika Decides to Die, which spoiled me somewhat and I haven't wanted to dilute my experience of your work.
Perhaps you could suggest a path for me into your other books so my appreciation may grow and develop.

[Abdelkrim]

I am a fan. I have read many books of you. Still, I believe that The Alchemist is the best one ever. Throughout the novel, I depicted a passage that speaks about Tangier (Morocco) in a marvelous way. (Even though things now are a bit different in Tangier than the period of time captured in the novel) Would you please tell me what attracted you to Tangier and the reasons that pushed you to write about it in such way? Thanks a lot.
Abdelkrim Amrani from Tangier, Morocco

[Tina]

Dear Paulo,
What is your recommendation on how to finder a Master? How did you find yours?
Thank you for everything you do. All of your books have made a positive impact on my life.
Cheers,
Tina

[Jonathan]

In the Alchemist you tell the story about two drops of oil. Do the drops of oil represent key values such as truth and courage? Have your values changed over time?

[Alyssa]

Hi Paulo! When people ask me for book recommendations, The Alchemist is always at the top of my list. Now, as inspiring as your work has been for me, I have the simplest, yet most profound question: what inspires you?

[Awatif]

Hi mr.cohelo
I read your book (alchemist )and it was spectacular and it inspired me in positive way!!
But i have a few questions i hope you answer them:
- who is you role model?
- will you visit the middle east?
- Do you think that the emirates author ( Yasser Hareb) will have a great future in writing?
Thank you!

[Jessica]

Paulo, I was curious if you believe that we all have soul mates or "twin flames." Also, what words of wisdom would you like to share with those of us who feel lost or stuck in life. Thank you for your time and all of your beautifully inspiring books.

[Kimberley]

Thank you for answering questions, what a treat!
My cousin bought "By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept" for me as a gift, quite a number of years ago, and I have re-read it every few years since. Each time I feel there are new things to learn and realize.

I have read others since - The Alchemist and Brida - but Piedra sticks with me.

Do you have a book, or an author, that you've read several or many times? Would you share who/what it is, and why you keep going back to it?
~kimberley

[John]

Sir, I am a big fan! I only hope you read this and consider answering. I have read many of your books and I think Valkyries is my favorite. Thank you for all of them! In plain speak, do you prescribe to any of the world's religions personally? I imagine a lot of us would love it if you elaborated. Either way, thanks again!

[Chelsea]

I am just beginning my certification in yoga training. My teacher just read your book and was enamored with the power of the self from, of course, 'The Alchemist'. (Have yet to read Aleph) do you practice yoga? Do you believe in it's benefits? Why?

[عادل]

It's a great chance to be in touch with such a great novelist like Paulo Coelho..
Mr. Coelho, what's your BIG advice for young writers?

[Evelyn]

Sir it's such a pleasure to have the chance of being in contact with you I've read half of your books and you're such an inspiration to me. As a writer myself could you tell me the key to success and being a wonderful author? Hope you're having a wonderful day .xx

[Roxanne]

Dearest Paulo, your books have changed my life, I have Aleph by my bedside ready for my next adventure. I joined the group merely to 'touch' you and to say Thank You. I shall be on a 'journey' on the 2nd April and look forward to reading your answers to the questions posed.

[Joan]

A huge thank you and then a question: Before I left for a trip alone through several countries in southern Africa, a friend gave me a copy of the Alchemist. In rural Zimbabwe a traveler I just met was in a melt down so I began your book by reading it aloud to her most of the night. As she needed it more, I left it w her when I left the next day. But I really missed it. A few days later I was reading a history of Africa book on a bus from Zim to Pretoria. My seat mate was a history professor who had not seen the text I was reading. I read as fast as possible and gave it to him at the end of the trip. He was delighted and said all he had to give me in exchange was a small paperback: yes, The Alchemist! We all thank you!

Friends from Ghana, and I, are very curious how/if Accra plays an important role in your new book? Have you been there? Why did you choose it...the sense of place? the sound of the word Accra? or? Thank you so much for sharing your time with us.

[Klaudia]

Firs of all i just wanted to say what a big fan i am of your work!! I was wondering what are some of your favorite books or authors??

Also if you had one quote or advice about life,what would that be?

Thank you!

[Amy]

First of all, I want to say: "Thank You", your books have made so many burdens and troubles much easier to face and deal with! I am amazed by the fact that I can easily relate to some of the characters and feel exactly what it's all about!! I cherish all your books, for each one has a special magic; nevertheless, "By the river Piedra I sat down and wept","The Zahir" and also "Brida" are quite exceptional, and for a man to write, with such accuracy and depth, states and emotions that only women know and experience... It is just astonishing!
If I could ask you something, it would be related to your personal inspiration! Writing a book is much trickier than it seems, so I wonder : What inspires you to write such books?! I would also love to know which is your favourite book ( one of yours of course)and why?!
Again, thank you for sharing your precious time with us and God bless you!^^

[Steven]

Paulo, do you feel anything was lost in the translation between The Alchemist, the novel, and The Alchemist, a Graphic Novel? If so, what was missed?

Thank you!

[Iris]

Paulo,
What are your top 5 books that everyone should read in their lifetime? Why?

[Sashank]

Dear Paulo
Thanks a lot master for inspiring millions of lives. I am a great fan of you, for ur book The Alchemist deepened my knowledge in the journey of my life. I really liked the notion the whole universe conspires us to achieve and experiencing in my life...The puzzle is about the soul mate or the twin flame..does these people really exist?

[John]

Hey Paulo,
Did you ever/ do you currently have a major goal that you want to achieve through writing your books?

[Tamsin]

Hello Paulo. Whatever happened to The Experimental Witch? Eternally shelved?

[Julienne]

Paulo,

I have read many of your books and Spirituality is a strong theme in all of them. In my many journeys through out the world we as Humans search for answers about our place here among each other. How do you find your place and purpose in our mutual(Human) journey towards unity?

[Cristina]

In your book Brida, what was your inspiration for the concept of soul mates?

[Shanea]

Do you ever feel like just writing a bit of well worded, meaningless fluff just for the sake of writing? Having written many influential books, do you feel pressured to put out work that is inspirational and spiritually uplifting?
Also, as this is in the middle of a pile of reader's questions, how do you manage to tactfully handle the many ideologically related questions, personal or otherwise, that are directed towards you?

[Shereen]

Hi Paulo,

I read The Alchemist in 7th grade, I believe. I was close friends with my Media Center clerk in middle school, and she recommended me to read it. It was so beautifully written and a wonderful allegorical novel. I enjoyed it very much, but back then I found some parts hard to follow, being young. After being reminded of you through this discussion, I am inspired to go back and reread your book (as I am more well-read now) and hopefully find something new within its pages. Thank you so much for your contributions to modern literature, and I am excited for your new novel :)I've read about your struggles in publishing The Alchemist, and I cannot thank you enough for that. You brought me, just a high-schooler in Florida, such an eye-opening novel, and that is a great blessing to me and I'm sure many more people.

One question: Although I'm sure its been asked countless times in this forum, what drives you to keep writing? Is it the emotional impact you make on your readers, or some kind of inner self-satisfaction? I'm very curious. :)

Thank you so much,
Shereen

[بسام]

What do you think about Islam, not muslims?

[Kelsey]

I was given a copy of The Alchemist as a going away present from a friend when I moved from the US to Canada. He first read it when he was moving from Venezuela to the US. It was an English copy but he had written in the Spanish words next to the Englih ones he had to look up in the dictionary. My question is, when your books are being translated into another language do you worry that things will get lost in translation? How much say do you have over who the translator is?

[Evan]

Hi Paulo,

Where do you draw your inspiration for writing from? As someone who does not consider himself a great writer, do you have any advice for inspiration?

[Rola]

I am always inspiring by your writings and by Alchemist it made me insist to make my dreams come true, I want to ask you about your beginning as a professional writer what was the ways of marketing to yourself and your writings.
and please I want you to give me an advice for me as a beginner writer.

[Victoria]

Paulo, I have read the Alchemist, by far one of my favorite books. Throughout his journey, Santiago comes across many challenging moments and makes difficult decisions, what can you recommend to a 22 year old who is still in search of her personal legend? How can one identify what is our own personal legend? What's the feeling one gets? And like Santiago, should one also be ready to sacrifice the things we are attached to? how do we handle the emotions that come with letting go?

[viv]

The Alchemist taught me a lot about the world around me. The many lessons Santiago learned made me think deeper into life. How did you weave the story without having it become preachy or boring?