Special thanks to jinieyaaah for recommending Ken Follett to discuss!
❝I imagined it. I wrote it. But I guess I never thought I'd see it.❞
-- Ken Follett, The Pillars of Earth
Welsh author of thriller and historical fiction, Ken Follett has sold more than 160 million copies of his works. Follett has been ranked number one on The New York Times bestsellers list. He was born in Cardiff, Wales on June 5, 1949. He attended University College London, where he studied philosophy. When he graduated he dove into a three month post graduate course in journalism which lead to job as a reporter on South Wales Echo.
In three years, his interest shifted towards publishing. As he work at a small publishing company called Everest Books, he tried writing as a hobby. Later on, he began writing books to gain extra money.
His first marriage was in 1968 and had a son, Emanuele. Later on, he meant his second wife, Barbara Broer through the course in his political activities. They got married in 1984. She was elected as a Member of Parliament in 1997.
It was gradual, as his name and writings grew until his novel spy thriller, Eye of the Needle (1978) became an international bestseller. His novel won an Edgar Award for best novel in 1979. He continued in the spy thrillers genre with five novels. Then he explored historical thrillers with his novels titled, Night Over Water (1991), A Dangerous Fortune (1993), and A Place Called Freedom (1995). Now he dove into contemporary thrillers genre as well.
As of January 2018, Follett has had published 44 books. His works have been made into films and mini-television series. Follett also had a cameo role as the valet in The Third Twin and later as a merchant in The Pillars of the Earth.
Ken Follett currently resides in London where he continues to write his stories.
Discussion Questions:
With Ken Follett, he started off in journalism and then explored the writing world of fiction. His writings started off as a hobby and then grew into his passion. What hobbies have transformed into your passion?
In the thriller genre, the tension and suspense adds to the story's element. What writing tool help in this element?
Which story made you surprised (with the plot twist or pacing)? 👀
Always open to additional questions and comments on about Ken Follett and his works.
If there is another author you would like to see a discussion on, please post your suggestion in the comments below for a chance to be featured in a future chapter!
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