Ask Paulo Coelho - Tuesday, April 2nd! discussion
Ask Paulo!
What is signs and how can i see it ?
I am very keen to know what goes into writning a book. Do you plan it out first and then write? Do you do a lot of research? How long does it take to complete? Any general advice? I am aspiring to be writer. I love your story ideas, especially Alchemist and Veronica Decides to Die.
-Thank you... Jimmy Mody, Mumbai.
Dear Mr Coelho,I feel that all the books you write are, in one way or another, related to your personal experiences. What i'd like to know is which book did you "put" most of yourself in? I'm also curious about your opinion on people who follow a certain faith while disregarding the others?
Regards,
Farah
Probably you won't reach this post, tired after so many before. ;) But I wanted to say that I've read all of your books and my favourite is the Zahir. Thank you for writing! You're an inspiration. I hope that one day I will also finally be able to write myself.
I don't have any questions, because only oneself can answer ones questions. But I would be thankful for any writing advice. Thanks!
Hi Dear Paulo,I want to learn that what feeds your imagination to write these kind of books ? And which authors you read mostly ?
Thank you so much,
Özlem.
Paulo, I am Yasmine, a young writer, I didn't get published yet I just write for fun. I wanted to know if you have any " muse " for inspiration, if you don't how do you get your inspiration and write such amazing books? I loved them especially " Aleph ".
Hi Paulo,First I should say thanks, thanks for uplifting my soul, which happens every time I read any of your books. Your words are like a body and when we read those words we can feel the soul hidden behind those simple words, I can't explain the joy it gives me and I believe that is the beauty of your writing, just your words help me to plunge into the depth of it and when I am done, it is full of joy or may be a call of awakening.
I am from India, I believe India always plays an important role in the world of philosophy or more precisely in the world of spiritualism, my question to you is what do you think about India, have you ever thought to write anything on this country or it's philosophy?
Thank you so much,
Sayan
Dear mister writer, your writings portray relations, so in this regard, may i ask, how can you explain the magnetic attraction between man and woman, whats neccessary and whats unevitable and what should be managed or let us say avoided?
Dear Celho ,
I'm interested to know what is your favorite book? What do you think about "the Secret " book by Rhonda Byrne and "the Prophet" by Gibran Khalil Gibran .
I'm interested to know what is your favorite book? What do you think about "the Secret " book by Rhonda Byrne and "the Prophet" by Gibran Khalil Gibran .
Your writing is emotional, inspirational, highly symbolic, close to poetry. Perhaps it is this close connection to poetry that drives some people to hate you and others - a vast, overwhelming majority - to love you. I count myself among the latter.Just one question: now that you are coming into the Third Act in your life, how is this impacting your writing? Is there a book left you'd wish to write?
I am asking because I just launched here on Goodreads a group discussing Boomer lit, a new genre aimed at mature people who are facing retirement and other major changes in their lives, like the death of a life partner or disease. Boomer authors are inspired by the need to write books that seek to answer the basic question: how do you handle aging. Is aging a matter of concern to you too as a writer?
Link to Goodreads Group discussing Boomer Lit (over 300 members and 80 boomer titles on bookshelf):
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/8...
Hi Paulo,i like to ask you about writing prozess. Do you need to know where your main feeling / idea leads to before you write or a complete plot structure stopps your creability?
Thanks
I've been trying to finish my novel for a couple if years now and never thought it would be so difficult. Does writing a novel come easy for you or do you labor doggedly?
How do you start writing usually? By building a character and thinking about its life or by building a story and thinking about its characters? Thank you
Hello, Mr. Paulo.I am in grade 5th and I am currently reading your amazing book "Like the flowing river." I also aspire to be a writer but sometimes I feel as if I can't be one. I want to ask you that if you felt/feel the same way. Did you ever struggle to write? Did you feel that your book is not going to be a success or did you ever doubt something you wrote?
I want to know what you think about being a writer and what will you advise someone who have a dream of being a writer and to inspire others? What is your true inspiration?
And yes I read in your book that you want your body to be cremated after you die. Will you mind tell me why?
I am aspiring to read your book "The Alchemist" and I love to read quotes. Please tell me your favorite saying and give me a piece of advise. I will keep it close to my heart.
Keep writing wonderful books. Stay Blessed.
xo, Alina.
I have a question about Manuscript Found in Accra. Is everything you've written in this book what you think of life as Paulo, or thoughts and belief of some character you've created?
Paulo;Can you give us an example of the main books that affect the way you think and create your believes in life.
Hi,This is a newbie author from India. My question is do you think you can surpass the magic of your book The Alchemist ever again in all your writing life? And do you ever find that a invisible force greater and wiser than yourself is writing through you?
Hello Paulo!My first contact with your work was (as with many people, I imagine) the alchemist, which I read when I was about 15-16 and it made a deep impact on me. Sadly I do not have the book anymore because a family friend borrowed it and never returned it, but I still remember how it mesmerized me.
Anyway, my question is if you could somehow travel through all of space and time,where/when would you visit first, and why?
Well I'm a big fan of The Alchemist, one of my favourite books :) Just wondering how the idea comes? what inspire you?
I coudn't help but notice that you're fan of Khalil Gibran, one of my favourite writers ever, what do you mostly like about him?
Thank you :)
Asma.
Hi Paulo! I would like to thank you once again for sharing your gift with your readers. You inspire me through your work and you bring my soul to soar to new heights each time i read one of your books. When i read your book, I get lost amidst a phletora of emotions then i find myself once again, more sensitive and wiser. Congratulations on your new book 'Manuscript Found In Accra' and i'm getting my copy this week. I hope you can visit the Philippines soon. You are greatly respected and admired by a lot of Filipinos.
Thank you, Paulo, your words have helped me to work through some very hard times. It is also thanks to you that I was able to recognise my soulmate and make a better life.I would like to ask you, do you believe we can affect our own future by attracting what we wish for through positive thought and effort?
All the very best, Heather.
Hello Paulo : For me Joining this group is just a blessing as Im a Big fan of urs and U R such an inspiration for me .im Currently you book Aleph and Enjoying it alot !! Will b delighted to hear from u direclty on Tuesday and it is surely going to be a Big day for me and all other Paulo Lovers !! Lots Of love and Best Wishes <3
Dear Paulo .It is a pleasure to be able to ask you a question as of course i am a great fan.Please tell me what would you advise a person like me who feels like she has a great story to tell but can not bring herself to write her "dreamed of " Novel yet? i hope and crave for your expert advice.and what inspires you the most when you write such life changing stories ? Love and respect.Amalija Maya Lohani
Hi Paulo, One day my sister gave me a book to read. That book was "The Alchemist" I really liked your book. It was really an inspirational book . U really inspire people across borders. I have already preordered your upcoming book "Manuscript Found In Accra".
My question: "While growing up what who were your favorite novelists?" What things they taught you through their books?
I will be waiting for your reply :)
With regards
Swarit :)
As a young writer, trying to get myself out there, I have a maybe-hard-to-answer question. Every writer at one point or other feels really dejected or that they are incapable of producing good writing. Have you ever felt that way, and if so, how did you get through it?
did you get this "feeling " when you were young .. that's you are different .. and you will be something big in the future ?
Dear Mr. Coelho,"The Alchemist" was the first book that presented the ideas I had in the fringes of my own mind. How did you arrive at these ideas and what resources would you recommend for further study?
Thank you!
Shannon
Hello Paulo,Thank you seems a small word for your contributions and for the books you've given us. Even so, as I believe the real essence of life lies in simple and small things, let me tell you thank you! I wanted to ask you, as you are a person of faith and are driven of what you believe in and want, what do you think arethe obstacles that keep us back from doing what it is we believe in and want? Why is theory so far from practise? Are we the obstacle ourselves? Are we scared, if so of what?? I haven't found the answer even though optimism and positive thinking never truly left me, it's in my character. Thank you once again!
In The Witch of Portobello, you state, “There are no more rituals.” I realize this is the opinion of your character but is it yours? Is it related to Joseph Campbell's feeling that without a mythology, one would go mad? I make up my own rituals (OMG, hope it's not OCD!) to get through life. Do you think it is the same as traditional ones? Thanks for your wonderful books!
As an avid fan, who has read the Alchemist every two years since my husband gifted it to me when we first met (this was what made me fall in love with him - he was the first man to give me a book as a gift rather than flowers or a card or whatever - it was unique and romantic), I found myself drawn to your books more and more because of the spiritual trainings hidden within them. I was wondering if you would ever write a book more specific to your spirituality - more of a direct, though I hate to use the word "textbook" it is the only one that comes to mind, rather than secreted in the fictional story?Thank you for everything!
Hi Paulo,What is Happiness. I know this is very common question. But in this world where every thing is a race and one is put into to race from the time he was born with out his consent. Ad any one cannot stop the race, stopping means death. And this race leads to misery.
In India in olden days, may be before some 60-70 years, they say that particular man is happy with his family, a wife 2 or 3 children, a house to live, supporting parents and well wishing relations. And now they say a man is happy with his job and pay check, his high paid wife, kids studying somewhere in costly schools, 4-5 bungalows or villas to live and 6-7 cars. I think this is same all over the world... so where is the happiness in today's mans life... we don't have time even to look into the passenger's face sitting next to us in the public transport.
I just wanted to know how we can be happy without coming out of this but making adjustments and changes...
Hi.....I am a great fan of 'the alchemist'....at times when i am running out of hope,i draw inspiration from it to hold on to my dreams...but i would very much like to know...how do you really feel about the most absurd dream u've ever had...a dream that is practically perhaps impossible...how far would you go to realise it...or would even even think they are worth a try??have you ever chased one such dream...no matter what the consequences were???
In The Witch of Portobello, you state, “There are no more rituals.” I realize this is the opinion of your character but is it yours? Is it related to Joseph Campbell's feeling that without a mythology, one would go mad? I make up my own rituals (OMG, hope it's not OCD!) to get through life. Do you think it is the same as traditional ones? Thanks for your wonderful books!
Eleven Minutes is one of my favorite books, I am always recommending it. This might be a controversial question, but how did you research this book?! It is such a poignant book, like all of your books are, but this one really stayed with me. What are your thoughts on Eleven Minutes?!
Mr. Coelho! Your personal life is very inspiring. What awes me is your courage to break from the regular and follow your heart, but ever since I have been trying to do this, I have faced hell lot of criticism. Please tell me how can I keep my patience, faith and courage intact to continue on my chosen path.
A question, How deeply do you feel the emotional and spiritual quests of your characters? Is the beauty of their world the same as your own reality?
Mr Coelho, I have read a number of your books - the invite a great deal of introspection. Can I ask the ancient and\or modern philosopher you most resonate with and why? Also who do you regard as the most influential writers for you as an individual?
After reading your book I dreaming of becoming a Paulo Coelho myself.I feel an urge to write.If you could suggest me a book that will help me I will be in much joy. And I would like to know whats your favorite book.Love you.
What would you like to share with us as readers of your books?
dear paulo..such a honour if you read this comment, im very grateful :)
im sure this's countless question.
how did you get such those inspiration to write the Alchemist?
Actually i think there're two sides of the story that make sense in daily life, and also the part which is so far from [my] sense, but they mixed simply-brilliant.
such a great writing!
keep writing
regards :)
Hello sir! i'm a big fan of yours (: well, my questions are :
How would you define Love,Pain and Trust?
Do you beleive that you know what life is really about?
Thank you so much (:
How do you see the relation between "to doubt" and "to believe" ?
"No matter what we think or do our final actions will have to coincide with a pharaonic plan of the almighty because that is our destiny. And hence no matter how many choices we have we will always end up choosing the Predetermined Holy Path." Is this how destiny actually works? I want to know about your take on destiny as it often plays a very important role in your books.
Hi paulo !I`m From Iran and I can`t Speak english well !
just I wanna Say you I LOVe O Zahir and Veronika decides to die !!! they Change my lifee !!!
tnx for both !
Dear Paulo,So many questions and Im not sure if mine will come across. The question I have been struggling with is "why is it always hard to begin writing?"
Euxaristw,
Nina
Hi Paulo,I would like to know how did you manage to overcome all your prejudices and decided to publish your first book?
I love writting and I am dreaming of my book being published one day, but I am so much afraid the readers won't like it, and neither will the critics. Did you feel the same? What would you advise somebody who has no faith in their success?
Sorry for my english ;)
Esm.
I love The Zahir. When I first found this book I felt someone was finally putting words to a personal experience i could never explain: that of the Zahir. The copy I have has an interview with you where you say that this story is NOT autobiographical. My question to you is two fold: 1)Have you ever experienced a Zahir yourself or the 'true love' your main character finally learned to give and rcv at the end? 2) Do you think this type of love, although ideal, is realistic on a daily longterm real world basis? 3 Questions...Cheeky I know! I'm a great fan and wish you the best in everything!!!!
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, I want to ask: before you start writing a new novel do you first think of the theme or the plot? For example in the Alchemist, did you plan "now I'll make a story about finding one's destiny adn dreams" or "I'll write a story about shepherd boy and see where it goes"?