‘I will stop writing when I die’
Bestselling author Jeffrey Archer talks about his ups and downs
sharjah — Jeffrey Howard Archer, the world’s only bestselling author to top the charts in multiple genres with 270 million copies sold in 97 countries, started writing by mistake.
Speaking at the 32nd Sharjah International Book Fair about his life, writing, and latest work, the British author said he started writing while facing bankruptcy.
“I had nothing to do so it was easy for me to start writing until my first novel, “Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less” came off the press. But, my 3,000 copies in hard back only sold out in a year. When my publisher printed 25,000 in soft back, all were sold out in a month. So, I told my publisher, print 25,000 more, the same were sold out in a month and again I asked to print 25,000 and sold it out for the third time in a month. After 32 years, I asked my publisher to print again, this time more, and my book sold out 27,785,000 copies.”
He advised all writers and future novelists to be careful with what they wish. “I’ve read the page proofs, and made small amendments here and there, before sending them off to the proof readers, who always find something that everyone else has missed. Mind you, if they also miss something, you can be sure to get a dozen letters within the first week of publication from readers pointing out the dreadful mistake.”
This 73-year-old natural storyteller enjoys writing, and wants to share with Arabic authors and promising writers in the Middle East region his most formidable character — hard work. “There is no substitute for hard work,” Ar- cher says. A writer since the age of 32, he said he is lucky to be a natural storyteller — but it’s also hard work and discipline that made him what he is today.
Before becoming an author, Archer was a Member of Parliament (1969–74), but resigned over a financial scandal which left him almost bankrupt. A reversal in his fortunes from the royalties of his best-selling novels led him to make a political comeback. He became deputy chairman of the Conservative Party (1985–86) before resigning after another scandal, which led to the end of his political career. His career includes five years of service in The House of Commons and 21 years as a Member of The House of Lords. He is married to Dame Mary Archer and has two sons. “I always wanted to become a politician. But, I resigned over a financial scandal, which left me almost bankrupt.”
His works have been translated into 37 languages and are treasured favourites of readers all over the world. He is the only author to top the charts in multiple genres of Non Fiction (The Prison Diaries), Short Story (4 times), and Fiction (15 times). His most recent novel, Best Kept Secret (2013), is the third installment of a compelling six-part saga, The Clifton Chronicles. It was first published in March this year.
Archer’s life story is like one of his great novels. Born in London, but raised in Somerset and son of a printer, Jeffrey Archer attended Wellington School, and Brasenose College, Oxford before entering into a promising political career.
As to what he loves to write, he said that there is no general rule. “I have written fiction, sagas, political thrillers and short stories. I’m 73 and will stop writing when I die.”
Archer, who is here to attend the Sharjah International Book Fair for the first time, considers “Kane and Abel, the best among all his best selling books, which has sold 37 million copies worldwide. “It is a timeless story and appeals to all generations,” he says.
His other interest is collecting art pieces. Being an amateur auctioneer, he conducts approximately 30 auctions annually, the proceeds of which benefit many charities.—