Ask Paulo Coelho - Tuesday, April 2nd! discussion
Ask Paulo!

Thank you, Marilynn

And what are the fundamentals that adopted in your life until you have achived success?
^^

A lot of writers tend to isolate themselves while writing. They tend to find place where they can be inspired and they can write without interruption. Do you have any such safe haven where you turn to when you want to write? If there is, would you be willing to share with us?
Regards,
Nicola

Thank you for your time, Sonia

Why don't you come here? To the Philippines?
You have reach America, Europe and some known parts of Asia. Why not here?. You told me to break routines, and you are in a routine right now, as I can see. Break it! and COME HERE, Coelho!

In your interview for Beliefnet you were asked if you would ever allow a film production of your books. I absolutely loved your answer. You followed it up with, "Unless, of course, I fall in love with an idea".
1) What does "fall in love with an idea" mean to you?
With gratitude,
Andrea

what inspired you to write such a wonderful novel ?
and do you believe in destiny as your book showed ??
keep on writting :)

i really need your answer it will lead my life :)

I struggled to finish the winner stands alone but i did finish it and it was a really bad experience.
I was half way through Aleph when i decided to tear it in half before i set it on fire.
Thanks

you are really a big inspiration in my life .. i love your books especially the alchemist .. i love your way of living your thoughts .. your way of thinking .. i would like to be free like you travel everywhere and experience new things .. maybe one day .. i read your book "aleph" it really made me confused as you experienced this past life thing .. i always believed and believes that we live only once! but i don't know life is really mysterious anyway .. i wish i could know more and more about this experience of yours :)
in the end thank you for being such an inspiration in my life
Doaa

My question: how do you know that you have something worth being heard, when so many books have been written? And how does one even begin? That is the hardest part it seems, beginning.
Happy thoughts,
Keiko x




How likely are you to develop any of your books into a movie? I know it KILLS the reader's imagination when you see a favorite book into a movie, but have you thought about it (putting your OWN take, even changing part of story line) OR has there been any offers made to you by directors/movie producers?
*Thank you for your words that have inspired me and have kept me going on this journey of life! In some of my saddest times I just pick up one of your creations and it has inspired me to be more!*
Con mucho corazon,
Lucia O.

I have three questions for you:
1. If you could meet a great soul from the past, what question would you ask?
2. What question still remains unanswered, after all your years, even though there might be an answer somewhere?
3. What question should remain unanswered if we are to remain human until the very end of the legend?
Again, thank you! For your time and your uniqueness.

---------
Thank you for taking time to answer our questions. Your writing is always inspiring I cannot mention enough how I enjoy every time I read something yours.
Greetings from Greece.

I'd love to know your insight about this,
Is an answer important? Does knowing or having clarity if mind or situation helps? Is purely going with the flow really possible because there are options and you have to decide which flow you want to go to after all?
Thank you!
Ps: The alchemist is my favorite book from you. It really is inspiring and so is eleven minutes and veronika decides to die. I don't quite get the devil and miss prim personally.
Raissa

Yours truly Mond Fee (Tamara B.)

Would it be one of yours, or by another writer?
What do you think it's the most important lesson we could get from 'The Alchemist'?
Dear paulo,
I read a lot of books in my life , maybe more than 150 books ! I'm just 14 year old girl, my dream is to be a writer , to wrote something who can express my life ..
So , I would ask you
- what do you advise me?
-really I have a story to tell the globe about it , how can they hear me?! Is it impossible to share my opinions and thoughts with people around the world?
-are you a spiritual person ?
-who is your role model?
Ok thank you a lot , I hope you will answer my questions,because I need that ..
I read a lot of books in my life , maybe more than 150 books ! I'm just 14 year old girl, my dream is to be a writer , to wrote something who can express my life ..
So , I would ask you
- what do you advise me?
-really I have a story to tell the globe about it , how can they hear me?! Is it impossible to share my opinions and thoughts with people around the world?
-are you a spiritual person ?
-who is your role model?
Ok thank you a lot , I hope you will answer my questions,because I need that ..

First i would like to greet you , your books really touches me deeply , they motivate me alot ... Wish i can get signed books from you ... My question is How can you control your fears ! and How could you adjust yourself to live in a very controled atmospher full of strictness , forceful traditions and borders that would keep you away from being a free independent humman being ( counting religon of course) ?! Taking your question in ALEPH seriously ( are you were you wuant to be doing what you want to do ?! )
.. *Best wishes*

Do you always make an outline when you want to write novels or even short stories? Or the idea just popped on your mind, and then you type it directly -without making the points and just let the stort finds its ending?
I'm not good at making outlines, too. So I want to know what about you.
Thank you! :)

My copy of 'The Alchemist' rests alongside 'The Prophet' and 'Black Elk Speaks'. All three have different writing styles, but for me allow a connection that nourishes spirit. They can be re visited and enjoyed afresh. Do you enjoy any works of other writers that can create such a connection?
Best regards and thank you for your time
Alan

I read that the lead character in "Aleph" has parts of you... Did u ever feel that the past is holding you from achieving something? How do you escape that and stay in the present?
Thank you
Zaid

What do you think about life altering decisions, like picking a college? What are the factors that should be considered before making such a decision?
I am a high schooler and would really appreciate your advice: to choose what the heart feels or the mind wants, or something in between. Thank you.

Your books have certainly been an inspiration to many readers including myself irrespective of their age...They are very thought-provoking and captures the very essence of humanity.For me, it all started when i first read Alchemist and on it went till i read every single book of yours..
One question: How would you describe yourself as a writer? Would you always try to inspire people by conveying a different message in each of your books..??How would you feel when you read all your published works now...do you feel satisfied or do you wish in certain books you could have altered the message a little bit..??
Thank you so much and may you always have the strength to continue writing...
Greetings from Sri Lanka,
Shalanka

Thank you for writing. Thank you for giving back to this world. Thank you for making many of our lives better.
1.) My humble question to you is how do we make inspiration last? (Ex. I read one of your books, I'm inspired and loving life...then it fades. I travel to a beautiful place, I'm inspired and loving life...then it fades.) It's very frustrating and it makes me feel like my inspired moments were surreal and insincere.
2.) Can ordinary people truly follow their dreams and become something? Do you really believe this? Because you are extraordinary...

Thank you for your contributions to literature. Your books have had a profound effect on how I live life and appreciate the journey it is. "Veronika Decides to Die" is by far my favorite, as I felt very personally connected to the character and her experiences. Which of your own books do you consider your "favorite" and why?
Also, what are the top 3 books you believe everyone should read, and more importantly, experience?
Thank you again.

I've read your novel The Zahir, do you mind sharing with us how you come up with this title for the book. Thank you.

Can you please give us some tips on finding out our true dream and purpose in life. For those of us who have been feeling "lost" for years.
many thanks
Do you believe in what you write ? Or it does not matter as long there are those who believe, and help them in their lives ?
Love from Morocco;
Love from Morocco;

This is just to let you know that I find your books so worth reading. They are so inspirational!
Do you go to some special place to write your books? or the inspiration to write comes to you anywhere?
Wishing you all the best.
Thank you
Khadija

I realize a lot of your writings pertaining to this subject. Such as the selection of titles: "Practical Manual of Vampirism", "The Alchemist", "The Devil and Miss Prym", "The Witch of Portobello", and even you has mentioned about astral travel in book Veronica Decide to Die, and many of magical things has mentioned on the other books of your.
I am very curious, because I know that you have traveled to the parts of the world. You must have met certain things.
Muchas gracias por sus palabras que me han inspirado :)
~Arthur K. Bintang

Ps: what's the title of your upcoming book?.
Sincerely

I wanted to let you know how grateful I am for your voice, and its ability to touch the human heart. I do have one question for you that you may choose to skip over if you'd like, but what has been the greatest lesson that you have learned while you've discovered these people and their stories through your writing? What have you personally learned about yourself, the world, or humanity itself?
Thank you, and I will continue to cherish your books as I too discover my own voice.
-Kelsey

Your novel, The Alchemist, literally changed my life. I'm sure you've heard this time and time again, and I wouldn't be surprised if you don't actually ever see or respond to this post, but I need to say this anyway. I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for having gifted The Alchemist to the world. Its story featuring a person's individual discovery of their Peraonal Legend, that is the philosophical outlook on life that I've had ever since the first time I read your work. The funny thing about your most recent work and how it connects again to my life is that my entire family is from Ghana, and Accra is where much of my family resides. I can't help but believe I was somehow fated to be writing these very words to you. So there you have it. Thanks again.
Pat

May I ask ... how far would you go for love? And when you are truly in love would you ever give up on them or you'd keep trying and never give up the fight ?
Thank you.

I have always wondered what the source of your inspiration is. As I am for a Russian speaking country I also would like to know if you have ever read anything from Russian literature that has produced an incredible impression on you.
Thanks for answer!
Natalia


The network grows, and hearts everywhere connect. I see happening around me everyday, the magic, and it's going to explode and change the world real soon! You give me the courage oftentimes to continue on this most challenging and wondrous adventure!
Excited and lovingly yours,
Bhargavi

I would like to ask you something about your writing. How do you write? Do you hand-write the draft first and then you type it on the PC? Or do you type the novel on the PC directly, with no hand-writing involved?
I`m asking you this because I`d like to find a solution to this. You see, I do type when I write. But I love hand-writing more! What to do?:)
Thank you so much,and may God bless you for everything you do!:) You are much loved and appreciated:)
Best wishes from Romania/Bucharest,
Cristina
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 would like to ask you a few questions I hope you have time to answer them.
In 'The Manuscript found in Accra' can you give more description about " The Copt"?
I'm also interested in your "Like the Flowing River" book, can you explain further the about the motto of the warrior of light?
Thank You!
God Bless!