Ask Paulo!

[Jason]

from the The Alchemist and The Valkyries which book you preffer the most and is your favorite book you wrote?

[Dushyant]

Dear Paulo
I read The Zahir, which was a very deep book full of matured feelings and emotions for me. My question to you is what kind of journey did you have that inspired you to write this lovely story.

[Ecskchia]

Thank you for all your inspirational books. I have read many of them. But what really caught me even after all these years is the journey you took in Santiago. This thought had been in mind to do this pilgrimage on my own. I am a single woman, hence want to hear your thoughts about a woman doing this journey on her own. And how do I get about doing it. Your advise is greatly appreciated.

[Meryem]

I don't have any question for you, but I just want to tell you that I love you so much. I am now reading Aleph, and I am asking you to come and visit us here in Morocco.

[Fenti]

Hello, My name Fenti from Indonesia and would like to know you because you are my favorite author. Tell me please how you feel when you hold a bow and arrow. You are very cool in the picture

[Liene]

Hello, author. Can you tell me - how do you think, which is the most powerful qoute in the world? How would you define world and it's secrets?

[Silvia]

Which is better, in your opinion: to be with someone who is different from you (and so 'completes you') or to be with someone who is very similar to you (gives you the feeling of a 'soulmate')..
knowing you can love both the same amount, but which case is better in your opinion?

Thank you!

[Mario]

I heard and read about how you knew you wanted to be a writer since you were very young, and how your family opposed to your decision to being a writer. I also found that you were institutionalized three times in a mental asylum for this "rebellious conduct". My question is: how do you keep in the way of achieving your life goals when you have so much opposition, specially from the people you love the most, like your family? I really admire your life story and it is one of the most inspiring ones I have read, as well as most of your books. Thanks.

[Dicast]

Hey Paulo, Great Book was the Alchemist, I'd like to ask you, in your opinion, what do you think about Chasing perfection? or about what Benjamin franklin did with his Virtues, Do you think perfection is something to be followed? is it meant to be chased?

[Yasmine]

Hi again Paulo, I wanted to thank you for all those amazing books, I am always so excited to read one of your books, it's a pleasure. I wanted to ask you also if you have some tips for young writers as me, it would be so helpful. Thank you again, Yasmine.

[shereads]

I just finished reading Manuscript Found in Accra and I wanted to ask about your final chapter.

When the Copt speaks about the "fight" we must take to spread what we have heard, I feel like there are conflicting messages. He says he did not come to spread peace, but then says "Go in peace". He says that when people refuse to welcome you, walk back - which to me, speaks to what was said earlier in the book: "Do not fight in order to prove that you are right or to impose your ideas or ideals on someone else". And yet, the book goes on to say that those who do not listen, are "condemned to repeat the same mistake for many generations". Besides absolute morals and ethics (do not kill), this seems to imply that some beliefs are better than others - which sort of seems to go against the spirit of what the book wanted convey. But then again - any book on a set of beliefs is usually meant to show a "better" way or the "true" way.

How do you understand this conflict? Do you see a conflict in these two views or is it possible to "spread the word" without condemning those who don't follow? What were your intentions while writing the final chapter? Is the fact that this is fiction play any role in how we should interpret the novel?

[Yasmine]

Are you believes in that everything is depend on one word "Maktub"?

[Ặţĭặ]

Dear Paulo, thanks for being awarded to me a free trip in your mind wonderful

My question is: What made you write!?

[Najwa]

Well first of all, I love reading your writings. You are one of my favorite writers. You inspire me by your words. I'd like to know what factors made you the writer you are now and what's the source of your inspiration & imagination?

[منّة]

"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 christian .. it was very confusing to me that you can write as spiritual as this with a lot of Sufi expressions and ideas without any Islamic background , so my Q is can you talk a little about the source of your books' ideas m ,the background of your writings .. thank you

[Frank]

Do you believe you characters come to live in an anternate world once you place the pen on the paper?

[Sagun]

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 while you are in the cross-road of life? Really confused what my head and heart is saying.

[Haydee]

Hi Paulo!

I love "The Alchemist" and I was wondering why did you become a writer? I mean what inspired you to become a writer?

[Star]

1. WHO WERE YOUR INSPIRATIONS AS A WRITER?

2. WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO INCLUDE FILIPINOS IN YOUR STORIES?

[Cristo]

Hi Paulo, I'm a great fan of you, as far I've read Eleven Minutes, The fifth Mountain and "Como el río que fluye"; I'm also reading a couple extrao of your books and I hope to keep on it whit all the remainig list of books you've created.

Now, I've got a question for you, have you ever read the saga of Harry Potter?? If yes, what do you think and feel about it; If you haven't, would you??

A big and charm hug from Ambato, Ecuador....

[Jordan]

I've loved your books, and I enjoy following you on Facebook. Thank you for reaching out to readers.

What would you do if you were not a writer? Was there another career or path that you almost took but didn't?

[Will]

Dear Mr. Coelho,

As a popular writer, you’ve had the opportunity to export a piece of your imagination to countless others. Reading a book is the closest thing possible to plugging one’s brain into another’s and millions have chosen to plug their brains into yours. As a result, we have given you the power to influence our internal lives. This is powerful.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you ever think about the power you have over others’ internal lives? Often a book can change a reader's entire sense of self. Are you ever doubtful that you deserve so much influence?

How do you view the spread of your ideas? Does the mass consumption of your ideas ever confuse your own sense of self? Does your internal world become populated by strangers?

-Will
Atlanta, GA

[Yellow]

How long do you think will you keep on writing? What would your life be like if you weren't a writer? I love you, Paolo, you've written so many life-changing and eye-opening books. You surely will be one of the greatest writers of all time and you will be remembered for a long time. Thank you, Paolo, for making a big difference in this world with your words as your weapons in this war we are fighting for the sake of our humanity :)

[Jason]

what was the inspiration for the manual of the warrior of light?

[Debaditya]

Sir,i know i am far behind in the queue,but being a great follower of yours i want to ask you just one question.
We crave for so many things but when we get them,we are still not contented.What is the mystery behind true happiness?

[Panagiotis]

I love your work but I also love the work of James Joyce and I was disappointed with your comments about Ulysses. Don't you consider the art of words as a very important part of writing? In Greek, literature is a word formed from the words art and speech, I imagine something similar goes for the latin word too.
Can't wait to read your new book in any case :)

[Catherine]

Paulo Coelho's book have greatly inspired me and they have guided me through very tough times. So I thank you Paulo for sharing your knowledge and experiences with us so we too can learn. However, I have a question that I need to be answered -- How do I know if what I'm figjting for is the right thing? How do I know if I should just give up? Well this dilemma I have makes me fight by just waiting because there really is nothing else I can do. So how do I know if I should wait or just move on?

[Jophin]

Dear Paulo Coelho,
I am a big fan of your writings. And I read your literary journeys, the way you harness your abilities to pursue your dreams. It made me highly excited and inspired a lot when I saw the way you follow your dreams.

And I realize you are such a gem. You changed the lives of millions with your powerful words of light and grace.

I love you so much. Past some months the burning desire in me to write, to walk in the ocean of words has come out with much ease and power.
I have penned 130 short stories. Still staying in love with the words. It's now a prayer for me.

I am feeling the unknown connection when I write. I don't know how to take my works to the mass. Please give me some suggestions so that I could share the bliss with as many people as possible.

Thank you so much for your presence.

[Crina]

Hello Mr. Coelho,

My question for you is this: many have commented that your books have the tendency to become what is called "commercial". How do you comment this?

Personally, I like your books, especially The Zahir.

Thank you,
Crina.

[Marian]

Through your book, you talk about a christian cult and I like to know more about them, their beliefs and ... if you really are a member?

[Indiabookstore]

Any special reason for selecting the concept of "omens" for weaving philosophy in many of your books?

[Charina May]

what is your favorite breakfast meal, Sir Paulo? :)

[Nina]

I read your first book on really early age, and since then i loved your work.You really inspire me and make me think about life in different way.

What inspired you to write this in The alchemist:
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
Do you really belive in it?


Your fan, Ninna.

[Kevin]

Dear Paulo,

In Mr. Seidman's "How" he concludes that "The message of the research is that if you hold the right model of human nature - that people are basically good and can be trusted - you can extend more trust and make more money." Further he suggests that people can sense whether you believe that (or not, which is my case)!

This is by far my biggest challenge. All of history, my personal history included, seems to suggest that people can not be trusted. Do you have any advice on how I reconcile this contradiction?

[Jon]

Hi Mr. Coelho,

For those of us who are unable to "do our pilgrimmage on the Road to Santiago" would there be any alternatives?

Jon Abrera
Philippines

[Dina]

who are your favourite writers that you used to read their books? =)
who inspired you with the idea of writing =) ?

[Archana]

Hi Paulo !!
I read your earlier books right from Alchemist,Illusions,11 min and more.One question to you that after writing such profound philosophical and self help books how come you diverted suddenly to "11min"?Alchemist all time fave made me your fan .Thanks.Give us more on philosophy .Archana.

[Maryrose]

Greetings, Paulo!

I know this question gets asked a lot to writers, but I want to hear it from you. Where do you get your inspiration to write your novels? As I've noticed, the subject of your novels are of a very deep level, because it has the element of spirituality. How does one come up with that kind of profoundness?

As a writer, I have difficulty choosing subjects. When I start thinking of one, all of these great ideas keep rushing in. And then, when that one greatest idea of them all hits me, I start writing about it. After a few moments, I get distracted by one idea again. So, I'm kind of hard up sticking with one concept/idea/subject to write about.

How do you settle for one subject, and then make that subject revolve around your piece?

I would love to hear from you!

God bless!

-Maria

[Zohra]

Mr Paulo, thanks for this great opportunity... my question is: every novel of yours is so different from the others, it is like each novel is a whole separated universe by itself, how you can get these great ideas and the more important are the idioms and the beneficial sayings in it; it is really helpful for any reader in any time. Thank you again.

[Slavica]

First i want to thank Margo for sending me an invitation to join the group and take part in this so exciting and special event with Mr Paulo Coelho.

[Eve]

Good day Sir.

I'd like to ask if what impacts would you like your books to create and being a successful writer what is the most challenging experience did you have so far?

[[deleted user]]

Does anyone know what are the the three books that make up And on the seventh day trilogy by Mr Coelho? Please and thank you!

[Slavica]

Mr Paulo Coelho is one of most recognizable and desired authors in the world,which is quite approved and respectful,because of his fascinating 'language' he uses to speak to readers and tell his stories.Of course,i think of the style and way one communicates with readers but staying all the time focused and devoted to the fluid coming from the inside;a track to lead from ancient portals and sides to modern display of everyday lives.
Since i myself write my own stories,i am attached to a question to bother me:i think over many books to have written and characters to play their roles in a standard book-telling;now,i have a quite different approach,with no real characters,mostly it goes beyond accustomed narrative;Do i lose something if i keep my own,less classical way of writing?
Was there any question-doubt of such a kind to bother Mr Coelho himself at any time?
I suppose a good writing is valued by itself and we finds its beauty anyway.
Thank you,my best regards to Mr.Paulo Coelho and the group!

[Marina]

Hello, Mr. Coelho. "The Alchemist" is one of my most favorite books (the other being "The House of the Spirits" by Isabel Allende). Currently, I'm reading "Brida". Your storytelling is otherworldly! It always leaves me wanting more because it offers perspective and it challenges you to think in a way you never would have thought of. I just wanted to know how did you learn to tell/write stories like that?

[Jason]

a friend of me want to ask.where do you get your inspiration for writing a book?

[Tareq]

Hello, Im A Syrian fan of Paulo and i have one question for him... from the books you've written, which one is the dearest to your heart and why?

[PATRICK]

Hello, Paulo! One question: When are you going to the Manila, Philippines? We'd love to have you here. Anyway, I love your books except The Devil and Miss Prym (I really hate that book)

[Dina]

dearest mr paulo I found inspuration in many of your books, they gave me the good advice when I needed them the most thank you so much for making us believe that happy endings are real , , I would like to seize this opportunity to ask you what do think of laws of attraction is it true that is, if I desire something I can imagine that I have it and divert all my energy towards it can it become true ?

[Aphrodite]

i highly appreciate your works..
i've read many of your books translated to arabic..i found them amazingly exciting but i wonder if you think that translation to other languages may decrease the quality of the work ...and is all your stories imaginated ? how could a man describe a woman's needs and emotions the way you did (11minutes)

thanks

[Pam]

Have you always written? If not, what other kinds of things have you done for work?