Ask Paulo Coelho - Tuesday, April 2nd! discussion
Ask Paulo!
Dear Paulo Coelho....I want to ask you one thing...have you ever read Indian epics?the philosophy about 'mother' in your book 'the witch of portobello' is familiar with that in the Indian epics...Anyway I admire that kind of thinking...& I've a request too...you should visit India ...because,it have an amazing set of magical culture in its past...with loads of wishes,
vineetha from India/kerala
I loved your novel The Alchemist, and especially the central character, Santiago. I'm interested if Santiago is based in part on yourself or someone you know? Thank you!
Theresa Davidson
First of all, Thank You Mr. Coelho, for being an inspiration and a role model.Question - What inspired the role that Melchizedek plays in "The Alchemist" and what does he represent, if the message conveyed by the book is interpreted as a parallel to our lives?
Paulo, which of your novels do you find to be under-appreciated? Also, what is your favorite American novel?
Every writer faces a writer's block while writing a book. I was wondering at which point you faced that block while writing The Alchemist? Was there a certain part you had trouble writing?
Dear Paulo, I loved The Alchemist so much and was wondering what inspired you most. The language in your books is pretty comprehensible but convey an inspiration to the readers, how can you achieve that? And finally, are you a person who lives a quiet, contemplative life or a noisy, quick one? (Are you calm?) Thank you.
Hello Mr.Coelho, What was it that made you decide to be a writer? Thank you :)
Mennah wrote: ""Alsalamo-Alykom-"Peace be on you sir: My Question is more general on your writings , when i read your writings for the first time i felt that you are a Sufi Muslim then i found that you'r a christ..."I wonder at this, can a person not know or become aware of a thing without being taught or indoctrinated? This idea that a person IS a thing because a person has a thought and expresses it, is confounding to me.
Hi Paulo,I must have read The Alchemist about five times now, each time I do, I get something new from it - it is really wonderful. I have also read the Zahir, which is bewitching I loved this book and the most recent book I read was Eleven Minutes. In reading it, I had to remind myself that you were a man writing from woman's perspective, both my mum and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
How do you manage to capture the essence of your protagonists so well? How long does it take you to write a novel?
Keep up the good work, I look forward to discovering more of your books!
Nikki.
Hello. When first looking for a publisher/agent for your work, did you find that its individuality made the process easier or more difficult?
dear paulo,plz tell me have u ever heared anything about interuniversal?plz search about it
Mod
That said, of course I can't answer all of them, but I will do my best.
As soon as I am back home I will start.
Love
Mod
From my own life experience. I am the shepperd. That said, the plot is taken from a short story (11 lines) in Arabian Nights
Mod
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 wond..."
It is my Personal Legend. I always had a dream of being a writer. I postponed for many years, till my pilgrimate to Santiago de Compostela. Then I decided to face my destiny and the possible defeats waiting for me. I wrote "The Pilgrimage" and I did not stop anymore
Mod
Both have my respect
Hi Mr. P. Coelho,It is my birthday tomorrow and I will be very happy if you can answer my question and somehow advise me also..Here it is;
As a woman who is lost when it comes to spirituality/having faith..what is the best thing I can do?
Answer / advise me please..THANK YOU SO MUCH
Paulo, I read Aleph and absolutely loved it. I plan on reading the book again with my sister and neice. I noticed that the book is notated as fiction but am I clear that this was an occurance that you experienced? If so, when did you become aware that you were a member if the clergy and responsible for the fate I believe of three women? Can we all find this kind of vortex or Aleph that you speak of?
Sir, in your book 'The Alchemist' what was the thing or realization that struck you the most or maybe what insight did you want your readers to realize after reading it? If there's anything sir. Thank you!
Sagun wrote: "How do you know what is your destination? Perhaps there may be many different ways that leads one but how to find or choose the simple and effective way there? How to remove confusion or dilemma wh..."I hope this set of questions will be answered for I have them too.
How to distinguish a longing from a calling, a dream from a delusion?
hey Coehlo, I came across your bo0k Al-chemist last year..
and since then I started reading you.. I am to relate your works in my thesis to0.. that is on self reliance..
I have read many bo0ks that carry the settings of Arab.. but your work depicts the true and even the minutest picture.. what was the source of inspiration?? was your theme about discovering Arab or the inner soul??
regards and best wishes to you..
wish to see your new work soon..
Tabinda..
Dear Paulo ,first I wanted to tell you how much your books have inspired me !you gave me a totally new and amazing view of the world!I wanted to ask you one question ...Sometimes we have a strong feeling about something,we have a faith we can explain but we are not sure if it is a real intuition or not.So how can I tell the difference between real intuition that comes from the heart ?
Thank you very much for your time!
*You cant imagine how happy I was that you visited Athens and chose a greek man as the hero of your new book...
Fay.
First i want to thank you for your inspiration, your words never failed to affect. I'm finding it really hard to phrase my questions, I hope they're clear enough.
How do you stay on track of your journey? I often feel inspired, set a goal for myself but not much long after I feel lost or distracted.
and how can someone fully achieve spiritual growth? And when they do how do they know they did? and most importantly how do they keep it, like not lose their faith?
How do you stay on track of your journey? I often feel inspired, set a goal for myself but not much long after I feel lost or distracted.
and how can someone fully achieve spiritual growth? And when they do how do they know they did? and most importantly how do they keep it, like not lose their faith?
Dear Mr. Coelho,I enjoyed your book The Alchemist.
Quick question: Who are your favorite writers? Favorite Books?
Dear Paulo,Thank you for the extraordinary books you have presented us. I was introduced to your books over 12 years ago and since that moment I was hooked. Your books have made me cry, laugh, I've felt they talk to me, I've felt identified and I've felt hope. I don't like to play favorites as I hold all of them close to my heart but the ones that I have enjoyed more were "The alchemist", "By the river piedra I sat down and wept", "The Zahir", and of course "Manuscript found in Accra" which I was ecstatic to get back in November (I got my copy in spanish). Your books are eye openers and inspire most of us to re-examine ourselves and our goals.
Thank you for being a source of inspiration, and for writing books that not only guide us but enlighten us.
"I learned that the world has a soul, and that whoever understands that soul can also understand the language of things."
Pam
Hi Paulo,I have read a number of your books, most recently Eleven Minutes. I loved reading as the relationship between Maria and Ralf developed. The story of Maria and her journey is a real inspiration to me. I was wondering though, how do you imagine the lives of Maria and Ralf, following the book? I enjoy your work immensely and looking forward to reading more of your work in the future!
Mary
I just want to say " THANK YOU " for everything .. For inspiring me .. I read almost all your books .. Finally ... i love youu and i will always read your books im addicted to them .. I really don't find the words to describe my feelings .. Thank you so much
Mouna :)
Hi Sir,I also want to become a writer like you, when i read your works i was surprised that you was writing exactly what i want, except about God. You believes in God and i dont, but i still love reading your works. when i read your works i ask myself whether my heart believes in God. i dont know. i wonder how you bring such a strong impact in your works. its simple while reading but when i thought about it,i cant find answer
Dear Paulo,You are one of my favorite authors. Please share your process when writing a new story.
Regards,
Yovana Raab
Do you consider writing as your talent or a skill you have to work hard on?
Hello Paulo,I am always curious of the inception of great stories. What was your source or inspiration of The Alchemist or Brida?
Thank you and please keep writing.
Refugio
Hi Paulo,Like The Flowing River is my favourite book. I have read it half a dozen times as of yet & still it continues to fill me up with happiness, positivity and peace.
But whenever I am in a problem or facing tough situation, I tend to think very negatively. Also I have no control over it. Do you have any advice regarding staying positive when it matters the most? :)
Thanks,
Dhaval Malte
Dear Paulo, I have read many of your books, recently I just finished the Fifth Mountain; my question is , has your relationship with deity influenced the characters in your books?
Sir, here's my question--Being a Hindu, I have always seen my mother performing different rituals, worshiping idols, and reciting a number of mantras for different gods but on the contrary, I believe that god resides nowhere but in my own soul watching me 24x7. For me believing in my heart and soul is most important. But my mother even thinks I am an athiest. :-/
Is worshiping idols or doing similar things (in other religions) so essential and compulsory to prove your belief in existence of god? What are your views about it?
Oi Paulo, fiquei muito contente por este convite para falar com vocE.Soy mexicana y aprendí portugués brasileño en parte a mis clases pero la mayor la aprendí de casi todos tus libros que compré en tu idioma.
Me encantaría conocer tu opinión sobre:
¿qué diferencia hay entre destino y suerte, son una combinación en la vida, una no existe sin la otra?
Y la que más me inquieta: ¿cómo sabes diferenciar las señales reales vs. hechos que no lo son?, pues se corre el riesgo de que todo se vea como una señal y se pierda la capacidad de discernimiento, de asombro, de sentido común...
Muitos beijos e
MUITO OBRIGADA!!!!!
Do you feel that one can adequately prepare one's soul for the afterlife?
At what time will the answers start coming in? I've been checking all morning, but do not see any yet; cannot wait!
Paulo:I would consider you to be one of my favorite authors. Reading your work gives me a sense of relief, hope, completion, and peace. Thank you for sharing your goodness with others.
The Witch of Portobello is my favorite book and I was wondering what direct advice you would give to a young driven female who is trying to remain true to herself, even if she doesn't know what the entails?
Dear Paulo, I come from Eastern Europe, and after the first time I read The Alchemist(in Russian), it was imperative for me to learn Brazilian Portuguese, so I could read your works in your native language. So thank you very much for playing such a huge role in many aspects of learning processes in my life!- My question to you in that retrospect is: What do you believe is the #1 motivation for enthusiastic accumulation of new knowledge, and what is the #1 obstacle or stopper? Do you see marriage as a bad or good influence in the process of improving and openly developing oneself?
Thank you so much for all the important lessons,
Obrigada,
Aksana
Mr.Paulo i wish you a very long and happy life but it makes me wonder when you said before that you asked to burn your body after death?
Mod
Veronika Decides to Die was my favorite books you wrote. I especially enjoyed how you put a bit more of yourself into the book, disclosing some otherwise private matters about your earlier ..."
In fact, I write to myself, to understand my soul and to exorcize my demons. Veronika fits in both cases.
And whatever you do with love, you get stronger, not vulnerable
I am delighted with all the comments and questions posted here,and being privileged,among many others,i want to ask another question or perhaps,more a contemplation of mine:How often do Mr.Paulo Coelho return to his writing,and what kind of emotions catch him?
Thank you for the kindness to accept our questions and answer them.
Mod
Thank you!"
They did a good job, but I believe the medium (graphics) is not adequate to some books.
Hi, Paulo! When I saw this message I just didn't know what to say, I was just happy. I was thinking all the night: "What question to ask him?" ; "He will really answer me?" Now... I'm here, I heard that you've been in Romania and you meet a gypsy girl that impressed you, well I'm from Romania too and as you know I received a message because I like your books. And now I write it unknowing if tomorrow I'll still be alive (the doctors told me that I could die in my sleep and now I enjoy every breath I take). I'll try to stay awake the hole night, I just wanna be sure that I will be alive, do you remember? You write this story with a man who stayed awake the hole night and he stayed alive. My question: Are you going to come back in Romania someday? Because if I will be alive, if I will win that death game, I want to meet you!
Mod
Discipline and Joy. We need both
Mod
I would consider you to be one of my favorite authors. Reading your work gives me a sense of relief, hope, completion, and peace. Thank you for sharing your goodness with others.
The Witch..."
Don't be scared by what people think or say. Develop your gift
Mod
Like The Flowing River is my favourite book. I have read it half a dozen times as of yet & still it continues to fill me up with happiness, positivity and peace.
But whenever I am in a ..."
Somethimes I feel the same. Then I breath, give myself 10 min, and the negative thoughts go away
Mod
I am sure that there is life after death. But please concentrate now in LIFE BEFORE DEATH
Mod
Both
Ask Paulo Coelho - Tuesday, April 2nd!
Books mentioned in this topic
Veronika Decides to Die (other topics)The Alchemist (other topics)
The Winner Stands Alone (other topics)
The Pilgrimage (other topics)
Brida (other topics)
More...
I am writing to you completely aware that given the amount of posts here, mine may be left unobserved. But, given the chance my assumption is erroneous, I would like to honestly thank you for Veronika Decides to Die.
I first read the novel during an extremely dark period in my life. Reading the precious words from your gifted hand helped me to find the light and overcome the black abyss. Ever since, I attempt to read the novel on an annual basis as a method to restore the very much needed balance that the modernity of life is wanting.
So, thank you.