What would Jeffrey Archer be if he wasn't a writer? George Clooney!

Don't miss the bestselling author at his cheekiest, funniest best as he took questions from you, our dear readers

He's sold over 270 million copies of his books and he is just warming up.

Jeffrey Archer is out with his latest bestseller -- Be Careful What You Wish For -- the fourth in the Clifton Chronicles series.

On Thursday, March 20, Archer took questions from you, our dear readers, on everything from books to cricket and talked about his work, his passions, who he would be if he wasn't a writer and his house in Spain called… Writer's Block :-)

Here is the transcript of the chat:

Kim

Looks like controversial stuff and conspiracy theories sell more these days? Throw in some words like, Illuminati, Templar Knights, freemasons etc.. The book sells like hot cakes, isn't it Mr Archer?

Jeffrey Archer

True, but I remain interested in telling a yarn that makes you want to turn the page.

Romil

How did the end of the cold war change your writing?

Jeffrey Archer

Not in any way, as I've never been interested in spy novels.

Mahesh Godbole

I enjoyed reading Be careful what you wish for... gripping!

Jeffrey Archer

Thank you!

Anil

What do you do with all the gifts your fans send you>?

Jeffrey Archer

I distribute them among the family, unless I like something in particular - eg. I have a wood carving of Ganesh in my writing room.

Omi

Have you ever faced writer's block?

Jeffrey Archer

Never -- though I have named by home in Mallorca 'Writer's Block'.

Jainarayan Venkatramani

How can one be a good writer? what are the qualties to be one?

Jeffrey Archer

A vivid imagination, and the desire to work hard.

Kavita Bavekar

By when do you expect to finish the Chronicle series?

Jeffrey Archer

In 2017 -- if I haven't been asked to Captain the England cricket team by then.

Jaidev Sharma

Sir, Thanks for novel Paths of Glory. It is really motivating.

Jeffrey Archer

Thank you.

Manoj

How did you decide to increase the Chronicles from 5 to 7 books?

Jeffrey Archer

Because Harry and Giles were only 40 at the end of book 4, and I didn't feel I could kill them both off in book 5

Kunika

How do you feel after you have finished writing a book? Exhausted? Happy? Never want to look at a computer again?

Jeffrey Archer

Exhausted and happy... but as I hand write every book, I certainly gratefully put down my pen.

Tessi Ravishankar

Your novels have had a major impact on English reading in India as well as the surge of English writing by Indians.

Do you have any suggestions for budding Indian writers in English.

Jeffrey Archer

No, other than to read the great masters of the past, and be willing to work very hard.

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Kushagra

Sir, I just loved A prisoner of birth! I rate it among my favorite books! The right emotions blended with humour and a perfect mix of humour and sarcasm! I really hope you keep writing such books, sir!

Jeffrey Archer

Thank you very much -- that is indeed a compliment.

EDC
Who is your favorite cricketer, Sir?

Jeffrey Archer
Shane Warne is the best slow bowler I've ever seen, but I always enjoyed watching Rahul Dravid bat.

Kavita Bavekar

Have you met Dravid, sir?

Jeffrey Archer

Yes, on several occasions, and always found him delightful company.

Roopa Sudarsan

Is there anything that you would like to change in any of the books that you have written

Jeffrey Archer

No, I'm not someone who looks backwards.

EDC
Is Mrs Thatcher your greatest political hero!?

Jeffrey Archer
Yes, along with Thomas Jefferson.

Swapnil Bhagat

First Amongst Equals still holds true in many democracies... or have the circumstances and politicians have changed/aged ? ( due respect to your role as politician)... Is it time for another primary politics based Fiction ?

Jeffrey Archer

No, I feel I've had another go at this in the Clifton Chronicles with Giles being a Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister.

Kiran Patel

How much of your novel Not a penny more... is related to your real life instance

Jeffrey Archer

It's virtually autobiographical -- except I didn't get the money back

Sukanya Verma

Have you ever disliked a book so much you want to call the author and give them a piece of your mind? And also the opposite, loved a book so much that you couldn't resist calling them and letting him/her know?

Jeffrey Archer

When I first read Beware of Pity I was desperate to let Stefan Zweig know how good I thought it was, but he died when I was a child, and if RK Narayan had still been alive when I first read Malgudi Days, I would have made every attempt to meet him.

Sanjay Chaudhary

I would like to say thanks to you, I learnt English language by reading your novels.

Jeffrey Archer

Delighted to hear that, many thanks.

Neha Singh

Sir...your books are amazing and beyond comparison. How do you get to such versatility in every of your book?

Jeffrey Archer

I think I'm blessed with a vivid imagination, which frankly is a gift that I'm lucky to have.

Omi

If you were not a writer, who would you be?

Jeffrey Archer

George Clooney

Satyan Sood

There was a time in your life when you had to go through a rough patch, what went through your mind at that time and how did you overcome the situation

Jeffrey Archer

The great secret is to have a strong family and good friends, because they stand by you in times of trouble.

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Romil

Which was the most difficult book for you to write?

Jeffrey Archer

The first, Not A Penny More, Not A Penny Less!

Prakash Jha

Ever in recent time thought of writing a book with India as a background...

Jeffrey Archer

No -- I don't feel I have enough real knowledge of your great country to take that on.

Salim

Sir, wold you say writing is hard work? Do you feel at times that you don't want to write but you keep writing for your fans?

Jeffrey Archer

Yes, it's hard work, demanding and tiring, but I still get immense enjoyment out of it.

Salim

Sir, have you started the last book in this series?

Jeffrey Archer

The Clifton Chronicles will actually be 7 volumes, and I've just begun work on book number 5.

Sagar Patel

How much research goes into each of your books?

Jeffrey Archer

A considerable amount -- especially when it follows a dateline when everything has to be accurate.

Mayuresh Purandare

Paths of Glory was a pathbreaking piece from you. Is there any other unsung hero you have in mind which maybe the basis for any of your future works?

Jeffrey Archer

Good question, but no, this was a one-off which I much enjoyed writing.

Rahul

Do you have regrets in life?

Jeffrey Archer

Many, but most of all, not having a daughter.

Ashish Khanduja

Have you ever written a novel in which British or US govts are the villains?

Jeffrey Archer

No.

EDC

Mr Archer, as cricket fan, do you think KP should be back in the English team?

Jeffrey Archer

As there is no hope of this happening, it's unrealistic to even think about it.

Satyan Sood

I have read almost all of your books and Kane and Abel and The Prodigal Daughter are some of the the best sequels we have come across, very powerful characters and gripping shorelines. Both these books are timeless, what was your age when you wrote them?

Jeffrey Archer

34 and 36

Patcy

Sir which is your favourite book written by you and by other author

Jeffrey Archer

Paths of Glory, and the Count of Monte Cristo

Ashish Khanduja

Who decides finally after u think of a script? Your publishers or yours?

Jeffrey Archer

My decision only

Saurav Roychoudhury

Is your new Kane and Abel different from the old one?

Jeffrey Archer

The story hasn't changed, just been revised.

Ashish Khanduja

Have you ever thought about writing a period drama?

Jeffrey Archer

I think the Clifton Chronicles is as close as I'll get, as it opens in 1920.

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Anil
Have you aready started the next book? When will it release?

Jeffrey Archer
Yes I have, and it will be released in March next year.

Hardik
Are you pro- or anti-ebooks?

Jeffrey Archer
Neither - I think ebooks have their place in the market, and are very helpful to up and coming authors.

Deepak

Welcome to India sir! The first time I read Kane and Abel, when i was in 9th Standard. and even after 14 -15 years it is as fresh and gripping as ever.

Jeffrey Archer
Very kind of you -- I did a rewrite 3 years ago, which I hope you've been able to read

Srini Sanivarapu
Mr Archer, I have read your books avidly and my question has to do with First Among Equals. I have read 2 versions -- Simon Kerslake becomes the PM in one, Raymound Gould in the other. Which is the correct version, and why are there 2 versions anyway?

Jeffrey Archer
There's now only one version, in which Gould becomes PM.

Kavita Bavekar
Sir, when do we see you in India next?

Jeffrey Archer
Hoping to come to India next year.

Satyan Sood
Hello sir, amongst your books which one you rate the best

Srinivas Boddapati
Dear Sir, I read all your novels and short stories. Every novel is different. Once I start reading it is impossible to stop for a while. I skipped my lunch and dinner sometimes. Wish to expect more novels from you. Kane and Abel, Not a penny more, not a penny less, The Prodigal Daughter are my all time fav.

Jeffrey Archer
Many thanks indeed!

Romil
Who's your favourite character?

Jeffrey Archer
If you mean in the Clifton Chronicles, probably Old Jack, but I do love the wicked Lady Virginia!

SubhaRaman Ramaswamy
Hello Sir, you have written books of young minds... but you have not any realistic novel... why?

Jeffrey Archer
I think you'll find that Paths of Glory is just that -- inspired by real events.

Sayon Nandy
Hi Sir, does war fascinate you? It certainly fascinates me, it's the only moment where you can see both humanity and evil... do you agree?

Jeffrey Archer
Yes, but I'm more interested in individual peoples' reaction to it and the remarkable courage they sometimes show.

Kunika
Which country has your biggest fan following? I think it is india

Jeffrey Archer
You are correct! And I'm delighted that's the case.

Samir Agrawal
Your short stories are a treat to read. Any more short stories in the pipeline?

Jeffrey Archer
Yes, when I've finished writing the Clifton Chronicles, my next project will be a new book of short stories.

Kanamarlapudi Ravikanth
Dear Sir, first novel I read was Not A Penny More Not A Penny Less. I still love the way it is written. Our Best Wishes for you

Jeffrey Archer
Many thanks!

Neelam Jaiswal
Dear Sir, what is your exact date of birth and time please? I am curious to make your horoscope.

Jeffrey Archer
April 15, 1940 -- no idea what time I was born I'm afraid.

Vishal Pandey
Hi! 11th commandment is one of my favorite thriller books -- at par with the Day of Jackal. Don't you plan of any thriller of the same league?

Jeffrey Archer
Thank you, but not at the moment -- I'm concentrating on the next volume of the Clifton Chronicles.

Jeffrey Archer
Many thanks for all your fascinating questions -- forgive me to having to go now, but you've caught me in the middle of a writing session. Best wishes, Jeffrey.

Kindly click NEXT to continue reading...

Please click here to buy a copy of Be Careful What You Wish For

And here to buy other Jeffrey Archer books!