2 hrs ago

Jeffrey Archer Discusses Indian Readers and His Literary Success

Jeffrey Archer is a writer whose books have many readers in India.

He said his books are released there first because so many people read them and because pirated copies can appear quickly.

He was surprised when one of his books stayed at the top of the Indian bestseller list for 16 weeks.

Archer said the Clifton Chronicles draws partly on the English region where he grew up.

At the time of the interview, he had finished a first draft of its third book.

He enjoys writing both novels and short stories.

He said he would not write a whole novel set in India because he did not know the country well enough.

He has read several Indian authors and named R. K. Narayan as his favourite.

Key facts

Indian readership: Archer said 50 million people in India had read Kane and Abel.
India-first release: He cited his large Indian fan base and concerns about pirated editions.
Bestseller run: Only Time Will Tell remained at No. 1 in India for 16 weeks.
Clifton Chronicles: Archer said the series is set in England’s West Country and is partly semi-autobiographical.
Third volume: Archer said he had completed its first draft and that it would be published in March the following year.
Favourite Indian author: Archer named R. K. Narayan and called Malgudi Days a work of genius.
Writing routine: In Majorca, Archer said he writes in four daily sessions, from 6–8 a.m., 10 a.m.–noon, 2–4 p.m., and 6–8 p.m.

freepressjournal.in · 2 hrs ago