9 Facts About Paulo Coelho

1. Since the publication of The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho has produced a new book at a rate of about one every two years.

2. In 1987, Paulo Coelho wrote a new book, The Alchemist, over the course of one two-week spurt of creativity.

3. In 2007 Paulo Coelho sold in excess of 100 million books and since its release his novel The Alchemist has shifted more than 165 million copies.

4. In 1982, Paulo Coelho published his first book, Hell Archives, which failed to make a substantial impact.

5. In 1986, Paulo Coelho walked the 500-plus mile Road of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain, a turning point in his life.

6. On 22 December 2016, Paulo Coelho was listed by UK-based company Richtopia at number 2 in the list of 200 most influential contemporary authors.

7. In an interview, Paulo Coelho stated "[In 1986], I was very happy in the things I was doing.

8. On the path, Paulo Coelho had a spiritual awakening, which he described autobiographically in The Pilgrimage.

9. Upon his return to Brazil, Paulo Coelho worked as a songwriter, composing lyrics for Elis Regina, Rita Lee, and Brazilian icon Raul Seixas.