Ask Paulo Coelho - Tuesday, April 2nd! discussion
Ask Paulo!
Salam Paulo ! How are you ? Hope everything is alright for you :)
I used to say that " the alchimist " is a great novel but i really understand how deep it is until i start to be interested about " soufism" ( islam mysticism ) ! And One of the deep teaching of sufism is : go, travel and every road will lead you to the sens of initiation ! and i like this " go... you will return "
So the question is : have you study soufism ? or while your writing " The alchimist" do you have on your mind this concept ?
With Respect ! Meriem from Morocco
Hi Paulo, do you sometimes feel that in some of your books some thoughts are repeated? In which books do you feel they have same idea? Or you dont feel that?
what is your advices to successful writer ?
Hi Paulo,I'm part of the next generation in writing.
I write poems and short stories in Arabic and published some online, however I always try to write a novel and feel it's a big challenge for me. Whenever I write a novel I reach to a point that I can do better than this even I feel so confident and satisfied about my writing. I'm concern about the relation with the heroes and other characters in the novel. I feel that I'm main part of their life and they speak to me and dream with me as I do and sometimes ask me not to kill them or ignore them.
How do you evaluate your relation with your heroes and other people in your novels?
thank you for your answer
Hello Paulo,I'm reading your books not because I want to be a writer, but to live many lives in one, so I'm just wondering if what you write reveal what you're believing in truely?!
That's all.
Hi Paulo,I've been following and admiring your writing since I first discovered The Alchemist. I've enjoyed your books, your blog, and most recently your writing on Goodreads and Wattpad. You have created an artful online presence.
With all of the recent changes in the "business" of books and writing, I'm wondering if you have ever considered self-publishing, as many published authors are doing lately.
I'm also curious ... What do you think of what many are calling the "e-book revolution"? So many readers and writers find themselves in one camp or the other (pro/con), and I was wondering if you have any feelings about it, one way or the other.
Paulo,What was one of the most surprising things you learned while writing your novels? And also, which one of your novels did you find the hardest to write and why?
-Rachel, a 19-year old from the Philippines, a big fan of your writing
In your books you portray a specific lifestyle and belief system (very beautiful ones). Is that the way that you live your real life (by those principles so to say)?
I loved your books, cause I always lose my way and find it while I am reading the books you wrote .. I want to know what is your advice for people who wants to be great writers? I know we have to read a lot before writing so any other advice :D ?
First of all, I can't believe I have this opportunity, I would be over the moon if you reply. I have questions on my mind for you and I was waiting for a chance like this, thank you!Here are my questions:
*-In our everyday hectic life where no one has time for magic, how can someone identify their soulmate?
-Do you genuinely believe that every person has a soulmate?
-Is your wife your soulmate?
-Have you ever been to Al-Fayum?
-Would you rather fall in love with the soul or the brains of a person? And isn't one's personality made up of both soul and mind??
* And finally I have this weird question: You said a person can meet two soulmates at the same time, well, how would the 2 soulmates (same gender) react towards each other? Fight? After all, they are soulmates!?
Obrigado Mr. Paulo for the constant inspiration!
What advice do you have for inspiring authors?
where your inspiration comes from ? and why do you write at all ? thanks :)
Hello Paulo, We as Arab readers appreciate your work and I would ask you about us:
Have you talked to an Arabian person? How do you feel about their opinions of your works?
The translation is the biggest issue we have ever because it does not convey the exact meaning of a novel. For example, reading Alchemist in English is more enjoyable than in Arabic language. What do you think toward this matter?
Thank you
Hi Paulo, Do you think that it is necessary to have a mentor if one is on a quest to attain spirituality?
P.s. You are one of my all time favorite(inspirational) authors.
What books do YOU recommend others to read?Also, thank you for being a great writer. Your books have helped to shape my life.
Ian
Dear paulo, I'm one of your biggest fans. I love your words and they inspire me!!
In your novel 11 minutes, how did you know about the girl feelings? it's like you've been in the journey!
What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published writer? Thank you very much,Ramona
What question would you most like to have someone ask you?Thank you!
Dear Paulo, many people may ask you repetitively,about your success,your novels, your reading and writing habits,but I'll ask you,firstly about the greatest loss,defeat,failure you suffered from in your life,and how you turned it to be a bliss,secondly what Paulo Coelho ,really,hates about paulO coelho?
Thank you for what you write!!It's just amazing to express such a philosophy in all those stories :)I have only a question; What influenced your decision to drop out the law school and to become a hippie?
Thank You
Where do you write? in an office? on the front porch? are you isolated when you do?
When you want to start writing a book you decide before you writing the start and the end, or is it that the words flow alone ?
The first thing I would like to say is that your works have inspired me a lot. Thank you so much.I just finished reading By The River Piedra I Sat Down And Wept and it has become one of my favourite books. What inspired you to write this story and what inspired you to write about the the female side of God?
Paulo Coelho ,it's amazing to have your books in mind , I'm completely inspired of some ideas in it .my question is : do you have an idea in your mind which you want to write about but you couldn't till now ?? what is it ?
with respect
Paulo,First of all i would like to thank you for your alchemist, he was such an inspiration.
about the question:
Alef, Maktub, The zahir; what is the secret about these arabic names?
do you speak arabic? :)
my question is about the first day you decided to write "The alchemist" . what was your first thoughts?
Mr.Paulo i think you have good idea about middle east , what do you think in the situation of Syria ,and are you agree with the regime or with protester?thanks for your time
Thank you for writing such inspirational stories for us ... Beautiful stories that stick with us forever. What inspires you to write such books? Do you write down your dreams?Irene Pirrera
Huddersfield
The first book of yours I read was The Alchemist, shortly followed by Brita. They are both in my list of favorite books! I have yet to revisit Brita, but every time I re-read The Alchemist I take something new away from the story. I was wondering what experience you have had with re-reading or reading your own works after they have been published. Do you pick up on different elements that you did not notice while you were writing the stories? Thank you for your time and may you write and publish a multitude of books into the future!
I was really inspired with the words of wisdom you are instilling with every book you make. I am dreaming to become a writer too someday. A writer of inspiring people. I believe that to become one, lots of experiences must be considered. I would like to ask for some advices you can give me on how to start and become an excellent writer, just like you, someday? :) thanks and God bless you always! :D
Dear Mr. Paulo,I am one of the biggest fan of your writings and you have always inspired me. My favorite book of yours is "The Zahir". It touched my heart. I would like to ask you a question, You inspire so many people around the globe and help them in a way you might not be aware of but was there any moment when you lost your inspiration and hope? And another question is something that has been on my mind for a while: What should someone do when they hurt you and make you feel terrible? Should people like those be still in our life?
Best Wishes,
Hisila from Nepal
Dear Mr. Paulo,I am one of the biggest fan of your writings and you have always inspired me. My favorite book of yours is "The Zahir". It touched my heart. I would like to ask you a question, You inspire so many people around the globe and help them in a way you might not be aware of but was there any moment when you lost your inspiration and hope? And another question is something that has been on my mind for a while: What should someone do when they hurt you and make you feel terrible? Should people like those be still in our life?
Best Wishes,
Hisila
Dear Mr. Paulo,I am one of the biggest fan of your writings and you have always inspired me. My favorite book of yours is "The Zahir". It touched my heart. I would like to ask you a question, You inspire so many people around the globe and help them in a way you might not be aware of but was there any moment when you lost your inspiration and hope? And another question is something that has been on my mind for a while: What should someone do when they hurt you and make you feel terrible? Should people like those be still in our life?
Best Wishes,
Hisila
Dear Mr. Paulo,I am one of the biggest fan of your writings and you have always inspired me. My favorite book of yours is "The Zahir". It touched my heart. I would like to ask you a question, You inspire so many people around the globe and help them in a way you might not be aware of but was there any moment when you lost your inspiration and hope? And another question is something that has been on my mind for a while: What should someone do when they hurt you and make you feel terrible? Should people like those be still in our life?
Best Wishes,
Hisila
I love your books. I am not an active reader, but since I read The Alchemist, I started to read again. I read immediately the "By the River piedra I sat down and I wept", then I read Veronika Decides to Die. Recently, I read "Aleph" and Once Minutos. I found strong stories that you tell in your books. I want to know if these are based on real life characters and experiences that these people have lived? You talk about God in your stories, but it is confusing when you also talk about other lives. Are you a Christian believer or you believe in multiple things?Thanks for your response.
Hi, I truly like your books. I wasn't into reading so much. But since I read your books, it activates me to read more and more. Your books are very inspirational. Keep it up. I want to mention the country I belong, Pakistan, very few people have the habit of reading but even though you are very popular.
My question is who and what inspires you most?
Dear Paulo, I have three questions for you:
1- If you were not such a successful writer, what would you be today?
2- What do you think about slef-publishing?
3- As a reader, which do you prefer: print or e-books?
Thanks,
Sadeq
To Paulo: What is your biggest source of inspiration in writing and what advice would you give to aspiring writers? :) Thank you so much for the invite!!
Elaine
Mr.Coelho thank you for sharing your life with us through books and words. I'm so inspired by it.My question is- what writers inspired you when you were clueless about what you wanted to become in life?
Having tried myself to write a novel once, how do you manage to bring all the ideas in your mind that completes the whole picture? Which details are important in a story and which are not? My second question is, there are some kinds of dreams that do not really need our hard work and achievements more than our hope and prayers. Do you think we should hold on to those dreams or just leave them to fate?
Dear Paulo, I've been so amazed with your writing and I wonder if U could share what is your end of mind when U start to write a story? Do you feel you like to accomplish something by writing the story?
My favorite book of yours is "Eleven Minutes". First question: what inspiration did you have in this book? Did you meet a woman like her?
The second question: What do you think is your best book?
I want to ask how does it feel to write Eleven Minutes?
Hello Paulo The book that I like the most is The Alchemist..
i don't really like it, but I love it..I just want to know, how were you inspired to write such story or even a wonderful plot like that from The Alchemist..?
Hi! I am a big fan of "Paulo Coelho" as an influential character as I love the different subjects and themes you tackle in your novels. I also appreciate it when you talk Honestly about things we fear, neglect or refuse to admit. However, I do have few questions for you :) :_Do you think the best way to be happy or successful in relationship is to follow the strategy of "open relationship"? And, how can we faithfully love without possessing the other?
_Why precisely "the force of sex" was the last required task for Brida to be initiated at the Spring of Equinox?
_Lastly, what's your advice for a person who wants to become a writer?
I thank you a lot for those inspirational novels. Good luck :)
Sir Paulo, With all honesty and sincerity, What are your thoughts, perceptions, or sentiments about the LGBT (Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, and Transgenders)? Do you think WE deserve to exist in this world? Why or why not? THANKS A LOT.
HiYou are a meditator in my life to be very honest and the one among those writers who developed my taste & passion for books.
The question I have for you is: what exactly took you into writing and the time in which you wrote your first book - the book published in 1982 if I'm not wrong? Do you consider it (Hell Archives) your best work too if compared with The Alchemist; By The River Piedra I Sat Down And Wept; or Manuscript Found In Accra?
Lastly, who's your favourite author & his book except those who influenced you? :)
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 have questions concerning 'Alchemist': what made you write about the life of Santiago and have you been travelling to the area of Tarifa to base the book on it or it was mostly research?
Even the question is going to be unnoticed, I just would like to express my gratitude for your talent and philosophy
With best wishes,
Alexandra