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What is the RAM Order, which appears in "The Pilgrimage"?
Regnus Agnus Mundi is an ancient order with Catholic origins, founded in 1492, which studies symbolic language by means of an oral teaching system. In fact, master and disciple are merely labels used to organize the apprenticeship, which is carried out through tasks in which each person seeks out his own answer. The RAM Order has no headquarters, does not possess any occult knowledge, and its founding principle is that one only learns by taking a step forward.
How does one go on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela?
Please visit the Path to Saint James page. Remember that the links to pages found there are the entire responsibility of those people administrating them. Recently I also celebrated the 20th anniversary of my pilgrimage and launched a blog in which I write about Walking the Path.
Can the exercises described in the book be carried out?
That depends on each person. There is one exception: the ritual of the messenger should not be carried out under any circumstances. In the book it is incomplete, and will not bring positive results.
How can I understand the language of signs?
The language of signs is our individual way of coming into contact with God. In order to learn this language, one's intuition must be developed. In order to develop intuition, one must not be afraid of making mistakes.
Is the journey more important than the destination?
To have a destination is important. It’s always advisable to know where you’re heading. For instance, in the Road to Saint James, you need to know where you are. It’s through this knowledge that you can organize your trip, but it’s the journey that you really enjoy. Once in Santiago, you’re tired and you have finished your travel. It’s at this precise moment that you realize that the destination is your passion and the path your joy.
Is it true that you wrote The Alchemist in two weeks?
Yes. And, in general, all my books are written over a period of two to four weeks. But the conception of a book takes at least two years, and the revision approximately another four months.
Do you take on disciples?
Under no circumstances.
How can I find out more about the Tradition of the Moon?
The Internet is full of sites about it. If you wish to find something, the first step is to look for it. But beware: the majority of what you will find is not reliable. It is perfectly possible to discover the tradition of the moon (Wicca) without having to seek out masters, guides, etc. Wicca is an extremely rich teaching system, which has left its mark throughout time and space.
Is there any particular book you recommend about the Tradition of the Moon?
Meditações sobre os 22 Arcanos do Tarot, Ed. Vozes
Is the story in the book The Valkyries a true one?
The book's central idea is true (meeting the angel), the journey to Mojave too, but much of what is written is fictionalized. Nevertheless, the most important episode - the meeting of the angel - really did happen, and I left a statue of the Lady of Aparecida in Glorieta Canyon, near Borrego Springs, CA.
Is the book The Valkyries something of a continuation of The Alchemist?
No. In fact, The Valkyries and The Pilgimage, are nonfiction books whilst The Alchemist is a fable. It has, of course, elements of my life, but it is not based on real facts as The Valkyries or The Pilgrimage are. In terms of content, The Alchemist focus on striving for one's dream, while in The Valkyries the theme of the book revolves around this question: "Why do we always try to destroy what we love the most?"
Do you think the Catholic Church will accept the idea of the feminine side to God's face, manifest in the presence of the Virgin Mary, as narrated in By The River Piedra I Sat Down & Wept?
Yes, I do. It might take fifty or two hundred years, but it will be accepted.
Is The Fifth Mountain a commentary on the Bible?
No. The book begins when Elijah leaves the Bible, and ends when he returns. In my book, he is simply a man who struggles against God's will - which, incidentally, is a very healthy thing.
Were you really committed to an asylum, like in Veronika Decides to Die?
Unfortunately, the answer is "yes". At Casa de Saúde Dr. Eiras, three times (1966, 1967, 1968). Sometimes the love of one's parents manifests itself in the wrong way. But since these internments were driven by excessive worry on their part, I have never blamed them.
Who is the warrior of the light?
Everyone who, despite his everyday worries, is still able to fight for his dreams.
In "The Devil and Miss Prym", do you address the classic question: is man good?
This question has no answer. An angel and a devil are always beside us, and the one we listen to more will prevail. Therefore it is better to pay attention to what the angel tells us. The book shows this duel, as well as how society is able to manipulate the concept of "good".
In Eleven Minutes, you took inspiration from the story of a prostitute called Maria that came to you during a book signing in Switzerland. What inspired you in her story?
The idea of writing about sex is one that had been in my mind for a long time, but I hadn't found the right approach. Listening to her story, I realized that in order to write about the sacred side of sex, I had to understand why it had been profaned. Yet my book doesn't set out to be a study of prostitution. I've tried to avoid any kind of moralising tone and in any way judging the main character for the choice she makes. What really interests me is how people relate to each other sexually. My intention, as always, is to be straightforward without being superficial.
Why is your book called 11 minutes?
Because that’s the average sexual intercourse takes.
To what extent is The Zahir autobiographical? How much of yourself is in the story? Aren’t you afraid of exposing yourself that way?
The book is based on many of my own experiences as a writer and as a human being. Every book has an autobiographical side to it, since all we can do is to transform our own experiences. However, I’m still married to my wife, who is an artist. I would say then that the book is more inspired by my philosophy of life rather than by life. Anyway I don’t feel afraid of exposing myself. I actually feel a bit of relief. You see, truth is fundamental in the dialogue with readers. That’s what makes us free. I had already opened up my soul with my readers in my first book, The Pilgrimage. This time I can do this with my readers and it’s a fantastic experience.
What’s the difference between Zahir and Personal Legend?
It’s one thing to follow our dreams and to believe in the signs that guide us on our way. Then we have a goal to aim at, but we also enjoy the journey and fulfill our personal legend. With a Zahir we don’t get that same feeling of joy with every step we take, only the stubborn desire to get what we believe to be necessary for us to live.
Which is the difference between feminine energy and masculine energy? Why do we have to awaken our feminine side? What’s wrong with our masculine side?
Both energies are necessary; we need to be compassionate and implacable. Christ consecrated these two: the energy of bread, that is solid, and the energy of wine, that adapts itself. Sometimes is it not the sword that brakes the stone but the patience of water.
Did the idea of the novel The Witch of Portobello spring from real life?
Yes, in October 2005, I met in Transylvania a roman stewardess that inspired me the story of Athena. She told me how she had been adopted by an Austrian family and about her gypsy roots. Of course, she was the starting point of the novel; many aspects came from a myriad of situations and people I met along the way. I’m also portrayed in this character.
Do you believe in witches?
Of course I do. Unfortunately the word “witch” has still many prejudices. To me, a witch is a woman that is capable of letting her intuition take hold of her actions, that communes with her environment, that isn’t afraid of facing challenges. In my latest novel, I precisely talk about the prejudice that modern witches face in modern society.
How was the experience of making literature through your blog?
Amazing. The experience of making available 1/3 of my book in my blog (www.paulocoelhoblog.com) enabled my readers to judge by themselves the value of the book. This direct contact is, in my view, the best bet for literature.
How can I find "O Manual Prático do Vampirismo" ("The Practical Guide to Vampirism")?
The reprinting of this book is forbidden, because I didn't succeed in explaining the myth of the vampire very well. It was published in 1986, withdrawn in 1987, and will never be reprinted.
How can I find "Arquivos do Inferno" ("Archives from Hell")?
Unlike what happened with "O Manual Prático do Vampirismo", this book is one I am proud of. It was published in 1982, the first (and only) edition of 2,000 copies sold out. If it is my destiny to revise "Arquivos do Inferno", I shall do it, and the book shall be printed once again. At present, there are no such plans.
To you, what is writing?
I made my choice in life: to understand myself through my work - which in this case is literature.
When did you decide to become a writer?
The idea to write came in my teens. To begin with, since it was very lonely, I thought the best way of communicating would be through poetry; time passed, I moved on from that isolation of adolescence, had quite a tumultuous youth, but words continued to be the best way of understanding the world and understanding myself. But I only had the courage to live my dream in 1986, when I did the pilgrimage to Santiago.
Where do you write?
I write a new book every two years, usually in Copacabana, in Rio de Janeiro. I write the articles for newspapers wherever I can, in planes or hotels - my laptop is an inseparable companion.
What is your workplace in Copacabana like?
White, without pictures or other visual stimuli apart from the computer screen. The imagination needs space in which to develop. I used to have many objects, but found that I was tied to the things which they reminded me of.
Do you carry out a special ritual before, during or after writing?
In order to start a new book, I have established my own sign - that of finding a white feather. Otherwise, there are no rituals. But once I have begun, I must work through to the end. I know many writers who stop for a few months, I could never do that.
How does a novel emerge? How are stories born?
Each book is born differently. It might be a question I have, an answer, and generally I use a good story in order to develop an idea.
What inspires you?
We all seek purpose in our lives. And there’s basically three ways of looking for that: through art, though science and through religion. These ways are painted in primitive caves, in the pyramids… The problem is that we lived under the dictatorship of science throughout the XX century and we came to realize that we were no longer in touch with our souls. As an artist I try to reinterpret these paths for the next generation and I draw inspiration from human bondage.
How did you learn to write?
Reading. And reading. And more reading. Apart from that, my experience with music lyrics and journalism was decisive in understanding that I needn't make things complicated in order to be profound, and enabled me to explain an idea in few words. I believe in the concept of "Anima Mundi" (Soul of the World), where each person, through total dedication to what he does, comes into contact with the inspiration of the universe - that is where my characters come from, from the love of life and of the things I live through.
Do you write by hand?
Never. In the old days it was an electric typewriter, now the computer. My thoughts aren't suited to the speed of handwriting.
Do you make many notes?
Never. I have many ideas which come to mind every day; those which are important always remain, while others are forgotten.
Many of your books are narrated from a feminine perspective. How does a male author like you manages to portray so faithfully women?
When I write I am first and foremost interested in trying to solve something with myself. I need to understand myself and through literature I found the best way to do that. I am my characters and they are manifestations of my soul. If I manage then to write from a feminine perspective that’s because I let my feminine side express itself freely.
When were you born?
On 24th August 1947, at 00:05 hrs., Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
What is your religion?
I'm a Catholic. But I think that each and every religion, if chosen with sincerity, leads to the same God. And I don't transfer to my religion my responsibility for my spiritual search.
Does the PAULO COELHO Institute finance cultural projects?
No. To get to know the Institute better, see the relevant page.
Would you autograph one of your books for me?
As I am often traveling, it is very difficult to ship books to me to be autographed, besides running the risk of getting them lost in the mail. I suggest you send me your address and I will be happy to mail you an autographed card to be enclosed in your book. If in doubt, contact us.
Would you write a preface to my book, read my manuscript, or recommend a publisher?
My lawyers have instructed me never to read a book before it is published, therefore it is impossible for me to write a preface. There are exceptions, but these arise through the publisher, not the author. Regarding the reading of manuscripts or recommending a publisher, I believe that each writer should have his or her share of difficulties, just as I had to begin with: forge your own path for yourself, for this will strengthen the steps you take.
Is there any prospective of some of your books to become a film?
Veronika decides to Die, with Sarah Michelle Gellar in the main role, will be released next year http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1068678/. I already saw the movie, and I liked it very much. I also made a movie together with my readers, The Experimental Witch. We are still contacting internet platforms and festivals. To see the winner movies, please go to : http://paulocoelhoblog.com/experimental-witch-videos/
Are you able to lead a normal life, in an ordinary way? Or is your daily life affected by your success?
Both. I do lead a normal life, and my daily life - thank God - changes every day, and so never becomes a routine.
How do you explain so much success in Brazil and elsewhere?
There’s no explanation. It’s better to accept the mystery.
Who are your favourite authors?
Jorge Luis Borges, William Blake, Jorge Amado, Henry Miller,.
Why do you refuse the term “happiness”?
That’s because I think that happiness is not a value. I think it’s like a Sunday afternoon – something finally quite boring. What I want in my life is adventure, taking risks, confronting myself with obstacles and feeling alive.