Paulo Coelho
“There are two types of writers: those who make you think and those who make you dream” says Brian Aldiss, who made me dream for such a long time with his science-fiction books. In principle I believe that every human being on this planet has at least one good story to tell his neighbor. What follows are my reflections on some important items in the process of creating a text:
Above all else, the writer has to be a good reader. The kind that sticks to academic texts and does not read what others write (and here I’m not just talking about books but also blogs, newspaper columns and so on) will never know his own qualities and defects.
So, before starting anything, look for people who are interested in sharing their experience through words. I’m not saying: “look for other writers”. What I say is: find people with different skills, because writing is no different from any other activity that is done with enthusiasm.
Your allies will not necessarily be those that everyone looks on with admiration and says: “there’s nobody better”. It’s very much the opposite: it’s people who are not afraid of making mistakes, and yet they do make mistakes. That is why their work is not always recognized. But that’s the type of people who change the world, and after many mistakes they manage to get something right that will make all the difference in their community.
These are people who cannot sit around waiting for things to happen before they decide on the best way to narrate them: they decide as they act, even knowing that this can be very risky.
Living close to these people is important for writers, because they need to understand that before putting anything down on paper, they should be free enough to change direction as their imagination wanders. When a sentence comes to an end, the writer should tell himself: “while I was writing I traveled a long road. Now I can finish this paragraph in the full awareness that I have risked enough and given the best of myself.”
The best allies are those who don’t think like the others. That’s why, while you are looking for your companions, trust your intuition and don’t pay any attention to others’ remarks. People always judge others using the model of their own limitations – and at times the opinion of the community is full of prejudices and fears.
Join those who have never said: “it’s finished, I have to stop here”. Because just as winter is followed by spring, nothing comes to an end: after reaching your objective, you have to start again, always using all that you have learnt on the way.
Join those who sing, tell stories, enjoy life and have happiness in their eyes. Because happiness is contagious and always manages to keep people from being paralyzed by depression, loneliness and troubles.
And tell your story, even if it’s only for your family to read.
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Thank you for this kind and encouraging commentary, Paulo. Just what I needed today as I face writer’s block.
Paulo,
Thank you for this. Like the other people who left comments, I found it inspiring and motivating.
One paragraph I struggle to understand, and I wondered if you could explain more in depth:
“These are people who cannot sit around waiting for things to happen before they decide on the best way to narrate them: they decide as they act, even knowing that this can be very risky.”
Does this mean we should decide how to narrate future events before they happen?
David
could not have agreed more!! every person in this world has something to say and u should b patient enough to listen to them.
Hello,
This is what I was needing to motivate my self to not give up writing.Thank you.
Dear Paulo,
Yesterday I posted a letter to my best friend telling her about a story I’m trying to write at the moment and that I wish “I could share a bottle of wine with Paulo Coelho and talk about writing” :) That’s because I felt quite insecure and lonely about my writings and would have liked to get some advice from you.
Now today I come to your blog and see your new post “Writing”. That was so lovely and exactly what I needed to hear. Not as good as sharing a bottle of wine with you but it goes into the same direction ;)
Love and best wishes,
Barbara
Thank you Mr. Coehlo….Now i knew that i was right.. i wrote so many proses… i was flying with my imaginations and my feelings.. i let my inner soul put the words without limitations ,,, i was not sure if i do right or wrong,,but at last i was free to fly on my won sky ..no matter who is going to read ,, but to empty my self from the pressing words and feelings..now with your words,,,i know that i was at the right direction.. thank you so much i enjoy what you write and i learn from your wisdom..
Thank you so very much for everything you write Mr Coelho! It never stops to amaze me how much you seem to have to share!
A very good statement Paulo, Thank you very much for that. Very inspireing also. I am a fan of your books since the early ’90ths. There are so many people who ‘comment’ on other peoples things to attrack attention, especialy on Facebook. Instead that they come foreward themselves with their very own things. At the bottom a passage from your text which I did find so remarkable . . . .
[. . . while you are looking for your companions, trust your intuition and don’t pay any attention to others’ remarks. People always judge others using the model of their own limitations – and at times the opinion of the community is full of prejudices and fears.]
It is encouraging to read your tips on writing Paulo, i can’t go a a day without reading your stuff.
Thank you. I can say your books make me think and dream too, and you are the person made me write without fear or shame…
I found people liked my writings, and people who completly scorned them…But will always be that way, for taste differ, some like it sweet, some bitter. I dont clain I am good, but I saw I improve, that means there is hope. I am sorry my mom cant see the things I write, for father always there ready to laugh on everything seems sensitive or Romantic…
About the writer as good reader…maybe, but not always. I learned in faculty about a peasent with no school who wrote an wonderful outstanding religious allegory…Thats genius.
About living and searching inspiration in life, thats great advice.
its really great to hear, atleast these words of urs can provide inspiration to those who have passion for writing. The writings make u think or make u dream, can lead to u in an exaggeration to pen down without even asking anyone to assist u, but writings making u think are better as they will help achieve ur goals…!!
I studied literature,and studied and still study every day life..listening and reading and asking and still nothing good from me. Thank you Paulo for encouraging me, every day.
Just what i needed to push me to write! I always try to be perfect from the first time when i write (creative writing)! and it is stressful and not necessary. I think i do that because am afraid of making mistakes and being too conscious about time. In fact what we need is to forget about “time” (whatever that is anyways) and let our mind free :) I love you all, I love you Paulo, and I love the beautiful friend that referred me to you and your books!
Eternal Peace
Mo
This is the kind of narrative that I was looking for. I believe that we don’t choose the books that we are reading; the right books come to our lives in a right time. The same applies for narratives, people, words and even an ad from TV:) Thank you!!!
Yhank you Paolo! I have never thought about it this way, but now I realize that sometimes books come to me to push my dreams to another level, and, as most of the times for thinking. Actually, I just found out that thinking can be an interest as good as any, and it suites me perfect! So, that got me to start a blog together with a friend, to sort things out and share them, share our thoughts and experiences, share those moments of clarity thar appears now and then. And – I guess you are not surprised – this writing reallly took things inside of me to a new level! Maybe, by coming out, these thoughts leave a space inside to find out new things! Then, it really doesn´t matter the number of readers!
Love from Sweden!
very nice advice mr. coelho. u surely is one of the writers who made me dream… =)
Thank you so much Paulo, this is the perfect post at the perfect time for me!
Thank you so much for this article. I love writing and in the process of learning about my own voice. Reading this makes me realize, i just have to walk on because the journey is like a never ending story, and that is wonderful.
inspiration
It is so awesome of you to share this with us! Thank you!
I feel a writing itch coming on! :)
Thank you for your words, and your presence here.
I am so looking forward to reading your next novel, another Paulo Coelho book… that is EXCITING! :D
I want to know what it’s all about.
Life is great when there is something to look forward to.
Thank you!
Love and delight,
C.
I am excited too, dear CAROLENA to see which is Mr, Coelho next BOOK!!! WOWOOWWW!!!!
Nice read Paulo.. I think it’s important that everyone must have the opportunity to tell their story. All things have a story but the human spirit is based on the sharing and learning of each others’.
:)
I need this. Really, i loved it.
I like to be “sad” or just in stillnes without any obvious reason from time to time.It gives me freshness of experience , I can see a lot of people who are just trained by anyway or anyone to
be happy or to look such ones.
this is precious for my hands and feet. this will be serve as a guide for me to enjoy my writing journey even more. thanks Professor Paulo! :D
It is very soothing to know that I am doing well then. I too am a writer. I know from the depths of my sould that what I write should be written and have never felt I am finished……..There is something so rewarding and magical to think that something I write may be read, and the reader may feel exactly as I felt when I wrote it regardless of time and distance.
Most certainly agree with you Mr Coelho…the mind is a wonderful part of our existence and its biggest tools are the pen and the ability to express which for some is to write.
Dear Paulo,
Thank you.
Liam
Thank you & I agree . . . However, since Manual of the Warrior of Light has become my constant companion . . . Reading the above . . . Page 71 – “The warrior of light never forgets the old saying: the good little goat doesn’t bleat” . . . “A warrior of light is wise; he does not talk about his defeats” . . . Came to mind . . . On first reading this, caused much pondering . . . My conclusion, with time & much reflection, was not that we shouldn’t, but how we convey it . . . Meaningful writing to you all . . .
Ilove you! u are chanching our lives with ur messages
This is very helpful, Paulo. Thank you!
I’m not sure that I will ever write a book of fiction – and truthfully, I’m not even sure that I want to – but there are other kinds of writing that I am very much interested in, and much that you have said here seems relevant to any form of writing.
First I read, “Above all else, the writer has to be a good reader.” I am not. At least not a reader of fiction. Other than your books, I probably average less than one book of fiction per year, if that. All of my reading is non-fiction, primarily academic, but also blogs, news articles and columns, pertaining to a range of topics – theology, economics, critical legal theory, etc. – all centering around the broader topic of liberation theology.
Recently, I have been rereading “The Zahir.” In this book, the main character arrives at a point where he has to either write his book, or admit to himself that the idea of being a writer was just an adolescent dream and nothing more. I think that I, like the character in this story, have arrived at that deciding moment in my life – some months ago. However, unlike this character, I have decided that it was, in fact, just a dream and nothing more. I am not a writer. Not a writer of fiction, at least.
There is a great deal of truth in what you say about the necessity of being a good reader as a prerequisite to writing. It is also true that what one most enjoys reading – the material that one loses oneself in for hours and with great pleasure and excitement – is an indication of the kind of writer that one might be. In the end, I am no more interested in writing fiction than I am in reading it. I can read it, and do on occasion, but that is not where my true passion lies.
I like very much the advice you offer on allies, as well. Recently, I have been working on setting up a blog. I have a writer friend who has a blog that I very much admire. So, I look at his work as an inspiration. Similarly, I started searching for others who are taking similar risks. It doesn’t matter that they are blogging on topics very different from my own. What matters is HOW they are doing it – with what degree of enthusiasm and risk. As well, I’ve been looking at people in other fields – not writers – whose work I admire. For example, I came across this one woman theologian/preacher, who I think is nothing short of awesome. I can’t say that the topics which she covers particularly interest me, nor are we concerned with the same overall issues. I don’t even know or care very greatly about the religion of which she is a part. But it is the WAY she puts herself out there in the world, as well as the way she presents her work – with enormous passion and conviction – this is what inspires me. I see people like this, being who they really are, doing what obviously comes so naturally to them – and it does seem that anything is possible.
Thank you, Paulo. I look forward to reading Part II.
What are the rules of writing? Write, read, dream, risk, observe, play, change, question, challenge… The list is infinite as there are no specific rules. I have to remember this as I work on my projects. Thank you, Paulo for sharing. Much love to you and all your readers.
I found that a good ally – or should I say that a good quality to have in someone near you, is their ability and courage to criticize your work harshly if necessary. This person must know the business you are in and they must be doing this out of love and concern for you.
Thank you for this!
The following is posted on my Facebook profile. It is something that I tell my high school sophomores all though the year as they find ways to expand their writing.
“If you are bored, it’s your own fault. There is always a ‘Story’ to tell if you look at it with the right eyes.”
Perception plays a huge part in writing exciting stories :-)
Love and extra light for a keen perception,
Lainee
Thank you for this post Paulo! Yes, indeed, I so do agree with this too. If you want to make your dream come true, you ought to listen only to your own inner voice and have many people around you who have passion and do not fear to make mistakes and just try anyway. Most of all, it is imperative to always keep on getting up when one stumbles – as the real failure would be not to stand up and not to try again! Learning from the mistakes is what will eventually lead to success! Thank you Paulo! <3
Truly Enlightening Words
Can I not make you do both? I would like to send you into both worlds :) thank you for sending sunshine, thoughts and uniqueness into my world…..your path has been forged and you a paving it with gold :D xxx
OMG!! ever so convinced now that you do attract what you yearn for!! I am in the process of writing my 1st book, but I have had issues where I tell myself that I needed the help of someone who has been in my situation, but I was too stuck as to where to go to find that help..(even though I know you can find ANYTHING on the internet), I just didn’t want just anyone’s opinion, but that of someone I thought share my own values…and HERE YOU ARE WRITING JUST WHAT I NEEDED TO HEAR!! LOL!
Thanks so very much!! I can’t go by a day without reading your stuff, you are so amazing!! love that you are eccentric like me in so many ways!! ;-) that’s a good thing! I love being different and expressing myself through my writing has been always my dream!! ;-)
looking forward for your book…..
even i am planning to write short stories,but always used to feel inferior ,due to lack of my language skills in english,but now i am filled with enthusiasm to try in my own small words
thanks a lot,God Bless You and Mr.Paulo
Great mind think alike Kealan we’re both on THE blog!!!
It is encouraging to read your tips on writing Paulo Love Breda : )
I was just thinking about perhaps writing and publishing myself…but the most encouragment came from when you said, “…after many mistakes they manage to get something right that will make all the difference in their community.” I hope one day I manage to get something right. Not sure where all these mistakes are leading to, I just hope something better lies on the horizon.
Ciao Paulo questo è il più bello di tutti i tuoi articoli che ho letto e che ho commentato finora! E’ il più bello perchè narra dell’ amore per tutto ciò che è scritto. Narra dell’ amore nel raccontare e dell’ amore nell’ ascoltare. Quando l’ amore è forte e sincero ti porta lui dove vuole o meglio sa già da sè dove portarti.Come l’ amore anche lo scrivere ha racchiuso in sè il grande magnetismo della vita. Ed ecco perchè concordo con te che occorre seguire questo magnetismo ovunque ci porti. L’ innovazione nasce sempre da un pensiero, letto o scritto che sia che si distingue dagli altri per originalità e per diversità, sia di direzione che di meta. Lo scrivere è un grande dono ed uno splendido compagno di viaggio nel pellegrinaggio della nostra vita. Da buoni pellegrini noi ci incamminiamo perchè c’ è lo scrivere a tenerci compagnia, a guidarci e a illuminarci.Dovesse anche essere un pellegrinaggio in totale solitudine, in realtà non lo sarà mai, se avremo accanto questo preziosissimo amico che lo scrivere. Ciao Rosetta e grazie per permettermi di scriverti.
Dear Paulo, thank you so much! Once again you inspire me to be courageous, to break stereotypes and to follow my way. The magic of your words creates wonders in my life. With love and gratitude, Maria Ermolova from Russia
Tan sabias y sinceras palabras…Solo necesitan espejarse en sinceras respuestas….y a vuestra página le sobran almas con esas respuestas…quedate tranquilo..esta causa tendra un gran efecto…y MUCHAS GRACIAS POR DEPOSITAR E INSPIRAR TAL RECONFORTANTE CONFIANZA…
i enjoy reading this, even if i do not write it gives a push to do so.
i needed to read something really positive thks
I just have an immense need to thank you for sharing your existence with the world -mine would surely be a much sadder place without your books.
And this one-minute read just might be some of the best writing advice I ever stumbled upon.
Thank you, I enjoyed this immensely! I dream to be a writer, and your books are among my favorites =] (The Winner Stands Alone is in my top 5)
this is so lovely
thank you ,
it means alot to tell someone “tell your story, even if it’s only for your family to read “
perfect ♥ what a wonderful way to live
Wow!
I discovered on of your books this week, and your presence on Facebook and your website this afternoon. I’m looking forward to an interesting journey.
~Russ
Wow – I found this very helpful.. When the time is right I am going to use these words of wisdom to help me write something which makes the reader dream and think – but dreaming is a form of thinking and vise versa – maybe I should write a book on that
lol You make me laugh Kealan! I wish you BEST of LUCK! xx
I said same, without reading your comment…Paulo make us dream and think too!!!
you took the words right out of my mouth Annie
“those that make you dream and think”
Thank you Annie
Love and gradidtude :)
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