How to write a bestselling novel with author Ken Follett | BBC News

The BBC’s Katty Kay travels to the UK to visit Ken Follett, author of bestselling novels including ‘The Pillars of the Earth’ and ‘Eye of the Needle’.

His books have sold nearly 200 million copies and have been translated into more than 40 languages.

Ken and Katty discuss the writing process and what it takes to become a bestselling author.

You’re watching Influential with Katty Kay.

New episodes every week on BBC News and the BBC News YouTube channel.


#Books #Writing #BBCNews

[ZeroGravity]

I love writing. I've written several books in the last two decades but I consider them all practice books with only one good enough for market. Oddly enough the one good book was the one I started first and ended a few years ago. Writing is an art but can also be seen as a simple recipe. Write, rewrite, and write again. Focus and passion on the author's part is what makes a book worth reading. They say in the USA one in ten read a book. In Canada, one in ten write a book. While having your book published and successful in the marketplace is amazing, [I would imagine], my true love for the art is in the bearing of my soul.

[francesbernard]

How refreshing to hear from someone who is not saying that we should rid ourselves of all self-doubt.

[SaundaryaYogaMarga]

Lovely and sweet words about his wife! Whatever you do with great passion is bound to be successful! Great talent!

[Taiyeb.Z]

Reading extra books is good for knowledge 👌🏻

[stardust_memories]

Mr Follett could right about my lounge chair and make a brilliant historical thriller out of it. ✨

[KrstaInic]

Thank you so much . Very interested report. Thank you very much dear Ken Follett in the your hard work.

[alancawfield]

I've only read one of his books (seen the Eye of the Needle Film) but seeing as its winter and just before Christmas I'd recommend people read Whiteout, it's a perfect thriller to read at this time of year.

[manK]

I like a work of Mr. Follett. He is able to combine technical, personal, and historical information into captivating stories. Pity he has not dealt yet with fascinated British inventions- a steam engine, railways. There are some persons whose live could be perfect paterns for a book- e.g. Mr Trevithick etc...

[RickelmyTeofilo]

This is a realistic perspective of a writer. Nothing methodical, but the real feeling of a writer. Even selling millions, he still have that same old tought "Why someone would read this?". I feel the same about writing my draft.

I’m currently playing Pillars of Earth on Nintendo Switch. It’s a pretty good adventure game. Really makes me want to watch the TV show or read the book next.

[mahnazquamar]

We learn this author about our goal How he is Energetic in this age also ❤
It's mean very dedicated his goal 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[Happy_Buddah_Bonsai_UK]

Bonsai master class by Bonsai master Peter Chan is my favourite 💚 book 📕 of all time 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[poms_beats]

Me too! It's much better to just write it again, it ends up a thousand times better

[PathsOfReason]

This is inspiring and heartfelt thank you.

[danmusic]

I like Charles Dickens quote about he New Testament, it "is the best book that ever was or will be known in the world, ."

[TravellerZasha]

For me personally I wouldn't rewrite my second draft from scratch. If it's on a doc file I make a copy of it and rewrite and edit the copy basically rewriting while adding parts from the first draft that is good. It saves time and doesn't make me burnout as much however that's what works for me and I've done this for years.

[sam]

Hola soy costarricense y adoro todos sus libros ; he comprado todos los que están en español ; desde los primeros que no fueron tan famosos;; de ellos tengo 17 y después de la Los Pilares compro lo que escribe y espero el siguiente;; daría lo que fuese por conocerle;; estuve en Londres, pero no lo logré; ahora estoy en Zurich hasta el domingo 7 abril

[jonerlandson]

do you people really realize just how many books we have in this existence... we have more books than we have words....

[catrino]

I know of one occasion when this talented man, Stole an Authors full ‘Outline’ (not an idea!) for a Book, when shared with him! Karma will kick his Rich ass👎

[briceds]

Easy when most purchases came from 1 buyer