Ask Paulo Coelho - Tuesday, April 2nd! discussion
Ask Paulo!
Hi Paulo, You have quickly become one of my favorite authors. I had to read The Alchemist in slowly so I could meditate on all the wisdom your words contained. After reading a few of your other books, I wondered what inspired you to write The Zahir? It seemed like a completely different style of writing and character traits compared to some of your other works. Thanks for the inspiration!
Chelsey
What is the significance of the English scholar? Why is it important that he is unsuccessful?
Hey Paulo,What was your inspiration for writing 'The Piligrimage' and 'The Fifth Mountain'?
What advice do you have for an aspiring author? Also, I love your book The Alchemist. :]
Dear Paulo, I loved 'The Alchemist'. It has a unique philosophical touch with it. Which philosopher or philosophy has inspired you in your life and why?Regards
Rahul
Dear Paulo,I like the spiritual taste of your novels and stories in general.
However, some people view your books as 'extremely romantic' and one-dimensioned. This argument gets more serious when parents of teenagers who read your books suggest it. They usually say that your books present to young teenagers who are preparing themselves to face real life a confusingly simple representation of what life is really about. The argument is that if these teenagers rely on your books to get introduced to life, they will be shocked in the future when they find themselves face to face with real life.
How would you reply to such arguments?
I would like to ask what is your opinion about Greece & my people these days & your opinion about the crisis.
Would you ever write a book inspired from that?
Hi Paulo,I had read your book the alchemist,i just loved it but can you help me how to identify omen of god??
Hi Paulo,I read your book The Alchemist and I horribly liked it!!
But, actually, I wonder why wasn't it first-person narrated which would have revealed Santiago's feelings more accurately?..I mean speaking of himself and all..Did you think that it's better from the third-person or did you just feel like it??...Anyways, it's great....and I'm inspired to read more books of yours...:)
Где можно бесплатно скачать "Manuscript Found in Accra"? Ж)
Mr. Coelho, let me first start off by saying what an honor this is. Your writing moves me in ways not many authors can. My question is simple,and it regards your novel, 'Veronika Decides to Die' (which completely changed my life, by the way): Have you seen the film adaptation, and what are your thoughts on it? Thank you so much for your time.-Kyle
Hello Mr. Paul Coelho,I've read a number of your novels, and am currently reading the book 'Like the Flowing River'. I marvel at how you can say it so well and reach so deep, yet with such brevity!
How do we do this? Please advise.
Thanks!
Hi Paulo! I read Aleph in a difficult moment of my life, and I not quite sure why, but your book made me feel better and know I can see the life in a different way and very positive. Thanks so much for your books, hope to read them all! My questions:
From all the books you´ve written, which is your favorite and why?
What do you think about literature in Latin America?
What motivates you to write?
We know you have been in different countries and places around the world but is there one in particular that have marked your life or your personality? Could you tell us the story?
Thank you so much,
Marloz
Hi, Mr.Paulo! Im from indonesia. I've read 3 of your book :) i enjoyed it very much. What i wanna ask is in the first time you decide to be a writer, who support you the most? and what they do to assure you that you can write well? Many thanks Mr. :)
Hello Paulo!To me The Alchemist was story of an uncompromising dream. The struggles, road blocks, discoveries, and the temptations that threatened to derail the one attainment that is most wanted. My question to you is: Did The Alchemist come to you as a small encompassing idea like the one I mention above and the characters and plot grow from expressing that idea or did you first have the bones of the story and characters?
I deeply appreciate The Alchemist, it helps to think when I'm feeling low that I'm just in the crystal shop.
~Kyle
Paulo, what is your writing process? Do you write every day like Jack London or Hemingway? Or do you churn out large chunks when you're inspired and take days off? From a curious creative. Thank you for your work.
Not a day goes by that I don't go on and apply a lesson or two from your books The Alchemist, The Fifth Mountain, and Warrior of the Light, all of which share stories of courage that are very humbling.My question though is on The Alchemist book, and this kind Sir has been eating me up for years. Do you have any advice for people who identify most with the Englishman character? The one who's been reading a lot of alchemical books? Since we are on a book-lovers social site, your wisdom will be highly valued by your readers here who also love to read books. I was glad for Englishman when he finally met a real Alchemist, but a bit saddened of the Alchemist's opinion of the Englishman's method of expressing his passion to learn.
Thank you so much, and God bless you.
At your service,
Dennis
Dear Mr. Coelho, Would you ever consider writing a sequel to ‘The Alchemist’ and ‘Eleven Minutes’…?
Really, i adore your books especially "The Alchemist"Through my reading to your books I noticed that you are fully aware of the Islamic religion and you know a lot about Egypt.
My questions :
Have you ever visit Egypt before?
And how did you know all that about Islam ?
Paulo, thank you. You've inspired me. By showing me through your books that I am the soul of the world, I've realized it. Through your journey with Chris, I've gotten in touch with my angel. I'm thankful for your existence and sharing. Because your talent for writing is innate, did you know that that was your purpose? Do you think that our purpose manifests itself through our innateness? I wish you light, the universe, and infinity. Peace,
Claudia
I'm in a lost situation in my life? My faith is being challenged. I need to find out signs.
Hi Paulo, I once requested your autograph and I assumed that celebrities of your stature do not have the time for this. But you proved me wrong by sending your autograph all the way to India. It did put a smile on my face and might I add, restored my faith in humanity. Little things and gestures like this make this world a better place. So my questions :
1) Do you put a conscious effort to practise what you preach, or is it just the way you are? I would love to hear how that can be done, from you.
2) It must be difficult being you. Many draw positive energy from your works. Where do you draw them from?
Paulo,What are your top 5 books that everyone should read in their lifetime? Why?
Hello Paulo :)Ok, I honestly haven't read all your books but I am grateful to know that there's an author like you. You do made people realize something more about life and God which made me happy to know that there are lots of people who are attached and who agreed to your stories and thoughts. It means that people are spiritually open...
Ok first, negative comments or low rates are an avoidable for everyone, how does it affect you every time you receive something like that?
Second, in the Valkyries, about the "Why do we destroy the things we love most?" is honestly not clear to me. I want to understand this, your thoughts about this. I was wondering if it directly meant as we destroy the things we love most (but can a person really destroy what they loved most or they just abandoned it?) or there's something more about it.
That's all I think , I hope my question is clear ^^
I will gladly read your other books soon~
because I like reading them especially that most of the time we have the same thoughts about life :)
Thanks for reading this :)
paulo, plzz tell us tips to write a book :)
"The Alchemist" was a great book, but seriously you wrote about Islam in a weird way I didn't get your point by writing about them in such a way or you just want the reader to read about the main character passing by a group of Muslims who believe in myth???!!!
The Alchemist was a great book, but seriously you wrote about Islam in a weird way I didn't get your point by writing about them in such a way or you just want the reader to read about the main character passing by a group of Muslims who believe in myth???!!!
Dear Paulo Coelho,Thank you for your wonderful stories.
I was very moved when I read 'The Devil and Miss Prym'. I particularly liked the way you had written about how the Devil accompanies the stranger into Viscos, and how they torment Chantal into recognising her evil side.
At the end of the story, the people of the town, Chantal and Berta treat each other as if nothing wrong had happened the previous day.
I feel that most of your stories are inspired by personal experiences. My question is this: By this, are we to interpret that once we realise our mistakes, we just carry on with our lives and ignore that it ever happened? I would like to know your thoughts on this.
P.S: Thank you Margo for creating this forum.
Dear Paulo,I wanted to move to another country and was happy there for some time. But health reasons made me come back home(where i dont feel at home anymore)..In a year I still want to move, but some say "maybe your comming home is a sign that the universe doesnt want you to move from home?"
What do you think?
With love and respect,Marina
Greetings,How would you suggest to forgive oneself for taking a wrong decision in past and especially when that decision keeps cropping up every now and then??? Personal agony and self doubt is making me very harsh with myself.
As a woman who is lost and is struggling with faith and is scared of recieving and showing affection, what can you advise?Thank you and I will really appreciate your answer.
Dearest Mr Coelho,I discovered your books when i was 14 years old and I have to say that the impact they had on me in that difficult period of adolescence was tremendous. I am now almost 29 and struggling to discover my own Personal Legend. Your books have kept me company all these years, pushing me to the edge many times, making me dig deep within my soul and find out things about myself I never thought were there.
I would like to ask, what is your emotional transition every time you write a book? Has there been a time where you just had to stop writing because you got too emotional? I guess what I am asking is whether you can feel the readers' emotions during writing and does it have the same impact on you.
Thank you for all the help, I highly appreciate you and your work,
All my best,
Flora from Greece
I read Paulo Coehlo's first book, The Alchemist when I was 15. It was an inspired piece of writing and since then I have made a point of reading the rest of his writings. My questions to Mr. Paulo are:1. What are your favorite authors/books?
2. From among your writings, is there any book that you wish you had written differently and which one?
First of all i am your biggest fan from india ! Never knew a small book like 'The Alchemist' can change my life ! I just wanted to ask :- you have inspired soo many people through your books , but what made you inspired when you had just started writing books ? Thank you,sir .
Mr. CoelhoIt is obvious that your writing has a certain style and comprise of certain themes. I wonder if the authour of these books was not you but someone else, would you enjoy them as a reader to the extent that any one of them would rank in your top 5? What are your top 5 favorite books?
This is a great opportunity, thank you!
I would like to ask Mr Coelho how he perceives today's values in an ever changing world. Have our intrinsic values changed since we wrote The Alchemist?
Hi Paulo! I'm one of those many people inspired by "The Alchemist". One particular quote haunts me.
How did you come up with “When you really want something to happen, the whole world conspires to help you achieve it.”?
Thank you for your time.
I read more than one book for you and i saw that you knew lots of things about Islam and Arabian world what do you think about Islam and why you care and learn about it? thank you
Ask Paulo:What pointers would you give to a starting writer about what to write and how?
I love your style as a writer, and have been a fan of your writing for many years. I am a film director, and I first approached Warner Brothers 18 years ago for the film rights! You and I even discussed it back then, and you told me that there was nothing you could do. Then the rights moved to Weinstein bros, some eight years ago and it still sits there, inactive. I find it so sad that a book of this nature that would make an amazing inspirational film can be 'sat on' by the moguls of Hollywood! ...and that is just to stop anyone else from making it. Passion is everything, and your book is written with passion, and the film needs to be made with passion. Just saying. This story is inspirational in any language, and has the kind of message that should be 'out there' for everyone to share.
with respect
Jonathan Parkinson
I'd liked to know, how do you choose which of the ideas in your heart to write about. When you have an idea, does it grab you by the heart so you know it's the right one? Or is it like a small seed, you just choose one of your many ideas, and as you water and nurture that one small idea by writing, it grows?I'm asking, because I have many ideas, but I struggle to be faithful to any of them. I jump from one idea to the next to the next.
HelloAllow me to start with my questions. As a writer did you ever write about anything you do not approve of, and not in a manner to oppose it either? How do you deal with the criticism coming from people who do not want to listen to any facts or reasons and are not ready to change their views, when avoiding them is not an option?
Lastly, I would like to thank you for being who you are.
With regards
Spriha
Hello Sir,1) What made you to write "Alchemist"?
2) What is that one thing we all require in order to pursue our dreams?
3)What is that one word which always keeps us motivated?
Hi Paulo,I have read many of your books, and my favorite is still Eleven minutes.
My question is - if you could put all your life in just one sentence what would it be?
Thanks,
Ines
The Alchemist is by far one of my favorite books! I have read it so many times i can almost recite it by heart! I have given all of my friends a copy of it for their birthdays..I do not have a Q for you I just have a request, could you possibly send me a signed picture or copy of the Alchemist? That would really make my day and make the Alchemist even more priceless!
Thank you for writing all the books you have, for opening our minds, hearts and eyes on new topics, new experiences and a lot of beauty!
Keep writing like you do :)
Dear Paulo, I'd not write the usual stuff and my question is not related to what you write. I'll be direct and my question is perhaps more related to who you are, which is:
"What's with your relationship with Mary, the mother of Jesus? Could you tell us any particular reason or incident that throws some light on that story?"
Reply if you will
Thanks. Looking forward to many more books from you.
Love.
~Shikha
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...
Paulo, ¿cómo te inspiraste para escribir "El Alquimista", y cual consideras que es tu mejor libro?"