Imagine That!

 

“I like reading history, and actually most authors enjoy the research part because it is, after all, easier than writing.” – Ken Follett

 

Born in Wales on this date in 1949, Follett has carved out arguably the number one spot in the world as an author of historical fiction-thrillers.  Since the publication of his first book Eye of the Needle in 1978 he has sold a remarkable 380 million copies (and counting) achieving a rare three number ones in a row on the New York Times Bestseller List with his “Century Trilogy.”  His newest book, just on the market, is his take on the mystery of Stonehenge’s creation, titled Circle of Days.

 

Follett studied Philosophy in college but found himself gravitating toward Journalism.  After a postgraduate course in journalistic writing he joined the staff of his hometown newspaper the South Wales Echo in Cardiff before becoming a reporter for the London Evening News.   In the mid-1970s he left journalism for publishing and was working as an editor at Everest Books when he wrote Eye, hoping it would be published so he could pay off a car loan.

 

That worked.  He’s now authored 44 books – and counting.  No more car loans.

 

Follett likes the process of combining his imagination with “real” people from the historical times he is depicting.  “I like to create imaginary characters and events around a real historical situation,” he said.  “I want readers to feel: ‘Okay, this probably didn’t happen…but it might have.’”