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Jeffery Archer Gives ISB Students Pointers on the Business of Writing
0His books have sold at least 250 million copies worldwide – Jeffrey Archer, the bestselling fiction author was at Indian School of Business (ISB) talking to students about the business of writing.
With the number of books being written by MBA grads, you can be certain one will be written very soon by an ISB grad. With the jury still out on the Chetan Bhagat series, its probably a good thing too that ISB students got an intimate introduction to the world of writing from one of its masters!
While at ISB, Archer launched his new book, ‘Mightier than the Sword’. This is the fifth book in the Clifton Chronicles series.The 74-year-old writer’s jovial nature and impressive voice belied his age as he spoke to ISB students, faculty and staff about the ‘business of writing’. He also interacted with fans about the on-going cricket World Cup, his admiration for the new Indian women. Archer said, “Indian women are going to be the next India.”
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“Go to ballet, look the stage, look to the principle ballerina, look at the girl dancing beside her… try to imagine how many hours she must have taken to reach there. Talent is important to grow (and to be successful), but you will be distinguished by your hard work.”
Jeffrey Archer talked to his fans about the craft of storytelling; he also shared tips for aspiring writers. “Go to ballet, look the stage, look to the principle ballerina, look at the girl dancing beside her… try to imagine how many hours she must have taken to reach there. Talent is important to grow (and to be successful), but you will be distinguished by your hard work.”
“Writing is not easy”, said Jeffrey. Talent is very useful and yet it is all about “damn work, hard work.”
Typically, the first draft takes 300 hours of work, while the final could probably extend to 1,000 hours, he says, adding: “I handwrite every work.”
Urging the students to be ready for surprises in life, including “doing things we are second-best at”, the writer, whose Kane and Abel is set for its 100th edition, recalled how he began a second career at the age of 29.
For one hour the Khemka Auditorium at ISB every now and then erupted into long burst of hysterical laughter – the septuagenarian’s interaction was laced with the typical dry Brit humour. (Image Courtesy The Hindu)