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How author Ken Follett sold nearly 200 million books | BBC News

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The BBC’s Katty Kay travels to the UK to visit Ken Follett, author of bestselling novels including ‘The Pillars of the Earth’ and ‘Eye of the Needle’.

His books have sold nearly 200 million copies and have been translated into more than 40 languages.

Ken and Katty discuss his approach to writing, how he views his success, and what it was like growing up in a house where he wasn’t allowed to watch television or movies.

You’re watching Influential with Katty Kay.

New episodes every week on BBC News and the BBC News YouTube channel.

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25 Comments

25 Comments

  1. @3hustle

    December 17, 2023 at 10:21 pm

    0:23: 📚 An author discusses her journey from writing novels in her spare time to becoming a bestseller.

    3:31: 📚 Paul McCartney discusses his reaction to his old music and Ken Follett talks about the success of his historical novel.

    6:57: 📚 The author discusses the magic of literature, the importance of plot in popular fiction, and the development of characters in novels.

    10:28: 📚 The video discusses the themes of labor rights and oppression in society, as well as the portrayal of strong women in historical fiction.

    14:48: 📚 Ken Follett discusses his childhood, upbringing, and the influence of his religious parents on his writing career.

    17:40: 📚 Ken Follett discusses his methodical approach to writing and the process of creating his books.

    20:27: 📝 The author discusses the process of writing, including doubts and the love for the work.

    Recap by Tammy AI

  2. @dinglecasildingle842

    December 17, 2023 at 10:21 pm

    Thanks for sharing this video. Ken Follet is one from my favorite writer even though I didn’t read all his books. The dangerous Fortune was a great story, (repeatedly read 3x in every silent time), the Third twin was also good. Peace on Earth. Happy Christmas.

  3. @winstonfraser7784

    December 17, 2023 at 10:21 pm

    Hi everyone it's Amazing library

  4. @kathy2539

    December 17, 2023 at 10:21 pm

    Wonderful interview with Mr. Follet, it makes me feel very badly for not having read more of his work. I do have the medieval novels on my tbr list though, so there's hope for me.

  5. @bobbabai

    December 17, 2023 at 10:21 pm

    Loved Pillars of the Earth. Didn't like World Without End largely because of its libertarian bent and minor thievery of Ayn Rand style and ideas – it became tiresome. It's been a long time since I've read either. Maybe time for another read to see if my take is accurate.

  6. @joshm.4125

    December 17, 2023 at 10:21 pm

    His voice is so magnetic. I could listen to this man for hours. He's a role model for the industry.

  7. @mikhailbulgakov1472

    December 17, 2023 at 10:21 pm

    I read many books by Ken Follett and love all of them. I am in the process of reading all of his books. Ken Follett is my all time favorite author. I am so glad to have discovered him. So many hours of pleasure and learning about the past.

  8. @dawnlavacque7511

    December 17, 2023 at 10:21 pm

    I know someone who died suddenly, was holding pillars of the earth at funeral home viewing and was buried with the book. Ultimate compliment. I agree it is great book, brings medieval history alive. Great interview KK!

  9. @1A_B_C1

    December 17, 2023 at 10:21 pm

    Yet I don't know him

  10. @jinglestore9860

    December 17, 2023 at 10:21 pm

    The man from St.Petersburg is the worst book I have ever read. I read it just because I had nothing to do at the airport and aboard the plane. Graphomania it is called. Sorry.

  11. @henrymcvey6538

    December 17, 2023 at 10:21 pm

    Follett I love. Enjoyed every one of his books!
    Just finished reading Never after a long break from Follett.
    Absolutely brilliant as usual.

  12. @Md.SaifulIslam-nt7dj

    December 17, 2023 at 10:21 pm

    ❤❤❤

  13. @murielshore4843

    December 17, 2023 at 10:21 pm

    T Ken Follett book was eye of the needle. It was so amazing I was hooked on his books from then on.

  14. @Fitness4London

    December 17, 2023 at 10:21 pm

    What an incredible interview, an absolute masterclass for budding authors. Ken Follett is such an intelligent and articulate guy.

  15. @isabelstokes4042

    December 17, 2023 at 10:21 pm

    I have read everything he's ever written. He's my favourite author by a million miles! I have every single one of his books on my bookshelf and I'm halfway through his latest, 'The Armour of Light.' The reason he's sold so many books is because he is so talented and tells wonderful stories. By the way – he spells properly in BRITISH ENGLISH! Well done, Ken.

  16. @DDDDamien

    December 17, 2023 at 10:21 pm

    @bbc protected the paedophile Jimmy Savile , and stays quiet on Prince Andrews activities, but does a whole documentary on Andrew Tate, "the man who groomed the world" , media is absolute evil poison for the world.

  17. @MaconMedia

    December 17, 2023 at 10:21 pm

    I read his thrillers when I was in middle school and high school. I'm currently working my way through his Kingsbridge series by reading "The Evening and the Morning," then rereading "The Pillars of the Earth," then on to the other three.

  18. @wobblybobengland

    December 17, 2023 at 10:21 pm

    This is the Wartime Broadcasting Service. This country has been attacked with nuclear weapons. Communications have been severely disrupted, and the number of casualties and the extent of the damage are not yet known. We shall bring you further information as soon as possible. Meanwhile, stay tuned to this wavelength, stay calm and stay in your own house.
    Remember there is nothing to be gained by trying to get away. By leaving your homes you could be exposing yourself to greater danger.
    If you leave, you may find yourself without food, without water, without accommodation and without protection. Radioactive fall-out, which follows a nuclear explosion, is many times more dangerous if you are directly exposed to it in the open. Roofs and walls offer substantial protection. The safest place is indoors. Make sure gas and other fuel supplies are turned off and that all fires are extinguished. If mains water is available, this can be used for fire-fighting. You should also refill all your containers for drinking water after the fires have been put out, because the mains water supply may not be available for very long.
    Water must not be used for flushing lavatories: until you are told that lavatories may be used again, other toilet arrangements must be made. Use your water only for essential drinking and cooking purposes. Water means life. Don't waste it.
    Make your food stocks last: ration your supply, because it may have to last for 14 days or more. If you have fresh food in the house, use this first to avoid wasting it: food in tins will keep.
    If you live in an area where a fall-out warning has been given, stay in your fall-out room until you are told it is safe to come out. When the immediate danger has passed the sirens will sound a steady note. The "all clear" message will also be given on this wavelength. If you leave the fall-out room to go to the lavatory or replenish food or water supplies, do not remain outside the room for a minute longer than is necessary.
    Do not, in any circumstances, go outside the house. Radioactive fall-out can kill. You cannot see it or feel it, but it is there. If you go outside, you will bring danger to your family and you may die. Stay in your fall-out room until you are told it is safe to come out or you hear the "all clear" on the sirens.
    Here are the main points again: Stay in your own homes, and if you live in an area where a fall-out warning has been given stay in your fall-out room, until you are told it is safe to come out. The message that the immediate danger has passed will be given by the sirens and repeated on this wavelength. Make sure that the gas and all fuel supplies are turned off and that all fires are extinguished. Water must be rationed, and used only for essential drinking and cooking purposes. It must not be used for flushing lavatories. Ration your food supply—it may have to last for 14 days or more.
    We shall be on the air every hour, on the hour. Stay tuned to this wavelength, but switch your radios off now to save your batteries. That is the end of this broadcast.

  19. @ShyFly1000

    December 17, 2023 at 10:21 pm

    This is how I’ve spent my life. I love this. A physical representation of his entire career. I love his fall of giants series. A huge shout out to his narrator, John Lee, who is so brilliant as well.

  20. @normadesmond6017

    December 17, 2023 at 10:21 pm

    Loved the key to Rebecca.

  21. @Richard-hv5hh

    December 17, 2023 at 10:21 pm

    A remarkable man who has brought so much joy to so many. I knew Ken and his wife Barbara, and they were always kind to me.

  22. @irynatitienok6519

    December 17, 2023 at 10:21 pm

    Wonderful interview ❤

  23. @user-po7wp2yz7z

    December 17, 2023 at 10:21 pm

    Not enough rich people in broken Britain

  24. @user-po7wp2yz7z

    December 17, 2023 at 10:21 pm

    So many billionaires so many poor people. British politicians suck

  25. @shandas123

    December 17, 2023 at 10:21 pm

    all three popular writers Ken Follett, Jeffrey Archer and Forsyth sold millions in India in the 80s. They are still hugely popular. eye of the needle was a great adaption on screen and pillars of the earth had a great Ian McShane performance

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News UK

US hits ‘dozens’ of Iranian sites in strikes, as Iran targets US bases in region | BBC News

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The US said it has hit “dozens” of Iranian military targets in overnight attacks, in response to Iran hitting commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

The military said it struck “air-defense systems, coastal radar sites, missile and drone capabilities, and small boats”, using aircraft, ships, and drones – including “one-way attack sea drones for the first time”.

“The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime corridor for global trade,” the US military said. “Iran does not control it”.

In response, Iran said it targeted US bases in Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait and also radar systems in Oman.

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Trump demands 20% toll on cargos passing through strait of Hormuz | BBC News

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President Donald Trump has said the US is reinstating a naval blockade of Iranian ports and will impose a 20% charge on all cargo shipped through the Strait of Hormuz following days of escalating strikes between the two countries.

He said this would stop “Iran’s ships or customers” from entering or leaving the key oil shipping route, but “all other countries will have fair and open use of the Strait”.

Iran’s foreign minister later said whoever provides safe passage “should be compensated for this service”, but Iran would remain the strait’s “GUARDIAN” – using Trump’s word.

Tehran and Washington clashed over the strait’s control after exchanging strikes in the region overnight and on Monday.

The US said it carried out strikes against military targets in Iran, targeting air defence systems, coastal radars, and missile and drone sites. Iran said it responded by striking US military bases in Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain, and radars in Oman.

Reeta Chakrabari presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Jeremy Bowen.

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Wildfires in the UK and Europe as heatwaves continue | BBC News

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Wildfires of ‘exceptional scale’ have taken force in Paris, as neighbouring Spain still tackles flames across the country following its own devastating fires.

Now the UK is also experiencing wildfires in England and Wales, as its third heatwave of the year is set to intensify again this week.

Here’s what we know so far about the extent of wildfires in Europe and the UK, and how heatwaves are impacting them.

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#Heatwave #UK #Spain #France #BBCNews

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New explosions near Iranian port cities, says state media | BBC News

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Explosions have been heard near two Iranian port cities, Bandar Abbas and Bushehr, state media has reported.

It comes after another night of strikes between the US and Iran, with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps saying it hit two UAE tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and targeted US facilities in Jordan and Bahrain.

The UAE called the attack “brazen”, adding that an Indian crew member was killed and eight others were injured.

Meanwhile, the US military says it completed strikes on targets aimed at degrading “Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping” – Iranian state media reports three people were killed.

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US launches more strikes on Iran and resumes naval blockade of ports | BBC News

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The US military said it was carrying out a new wave of strikes on targets in Iran. It said the aim of the attacks was to degrade Iran’s ability to attack shipping in the strait of Hormuz. It came ass the US Navy resumed its blockade of Iran’s ports.

Iran said that control of the strait of Hormuz was required for its national security and it will exercise sovereignty over the key shipping lane, whatever the cost.

President Trump announced that he was scrapping a plan he had announced a day earlier, for placing a 20% toll or tariff on all cargos passing through the strait of Hormuz.

Clive Myrie presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Sarah Smith in Washington.

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