The Nobel prize winner, Kenzaboro Oe once said that Paulo Coelho had discovered the secrets of literary alchemy. I’m sure there are several younger writers interested in leaning about these secrets. Would you mind sharing them with us?
The average book print in the US or France is that of about 3000 copies – the same as in Brazil. As for the formula, it is inexistent: an author that tries to express himself or herself thinking only about the market, may have a successful book once, but he/she most likely will not repeat the same success – which will not permit that the author makes a living out of literature. In my case, I did the only thing I should have done, or use my writings to get to know myself better. As long as I kept being loyal to myself, without looking for formulas, the readers have also remained loyal. Literature got further away from criticism, exactly because instead of being more traditional, criticism became reactionary. Thus, literary criticism does not have the power neither to sell, nor to avoid sales. The reader, on the other hand, is watching reality more closely, and he/she buys whatever will reflect his/her state of mind or the status quo. So, there have been two worlds created: those that want to live the past in the present (the traditional academic system still tied up to a series of old traditions), and those that truly live the present (the reader).
By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept
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Experimental Witch
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Truth!
That’s what it is.
The secret is that Paulo Coelho is nothing more and nothing less but Himself.
“The truth will set you free”
love
Agnieszka
who/what are your inspirations in having fate against will as your theme in some of your books?
I think that particular book “The Alchemist” had a bit of magic sprinkled on it. I think it had God’s blessings, maybe it was a message he wanted passed on and He chose you as His deliverer.
I wonder sometimes Mr. Coelho whether you actually realise how many layers there are in that book and whether you intended that or it just happened.
Anyway, I was drawn to it like a magnet (I’ve always wondered how it is that something special shines from certain books even if you know nothing about them).
Love Kathleen xx
Yes I think if you are writting for the love of it and to understand yourself and share with others ,then only growth and true inspiration ,loyalty can come of this ..same as a one hit wonder song, look at the people that just do it from the heart ,singing mainly about how they feel or what they experience, its not about the money !! Its what is going on underneath it …Blessings Tania
Dear Paulo,
MAGIC!
There’s this magic that is so fantastic about YOU!
You make us feel like we’re kids again.
You take us on a journey every time we open Your book.
THANK YOU!!!!!!
love
Agnieszka
I believed in your book The Pilgrimage, because it believes the impossible and gives you the ability to conquer your fears. I was with you all the way, looking for your sword, facing the fears and conquering the truth. I walked that Road to Santiago and it lies in my heart as a must do before I die in this lifetime.
I have faithfully copied your ‘initiate’ exercises and if I can achieve even one,I have taken one step on that Road to Santiago!.
God Bless
An artist answers the call inside his heart, and never thinks beyond and ahead while he is creating. His true meaning is in that moment. His inspiration is the truth. This is how it is possible for others to see his dream and recognise it as something true that may have touched them in a very similar way.
Once the creative process is over – his art is set free from him. It becomes inspirational to many, understood truly by some, touched by everyone, but carried forward by few.
Paulo Coelho’s gift keeps on giving. Through him, through his books, through his words and through people he touches every day. And it is exactly that kind of gift that moves the mankind in the right direction.