Paolo Coelho

I think it would be utterly fascinating to interact with Paolo Coelho, who probably needs no introduction but is best known for writing "The Alchemist". His father was an engineer and, when his parents could not dissuade Paulo from becoming a writer, they admitted him to a mental institution. Twice. He escaped and became a hippy, traveled, wrote songs for famous Portugese musicians. Eventually settled into his true self, wrote "The Alchemist", and has won numerous awards. He's not only an author but an adventurer!