I still get enormous pleasure and a sense of fulfillment out of writing a book that I’m proud of. I see myself as a bit like a jewel-maker who can sit back and admire his work. Wilbur Smith Read Quote
Despite the fact that I spend a lot of time in London, Switzerland and New York, Africa is the place I know and love best, and my heart will always lie here. Wilbur Smith Read Quote
Usually halfway through a book I have a serious depression, so I go on safari on my ranch in South Africa, or fishing off my island in the Seychelles. When I come back and re-read it, I think: ‘What was all that about, Smith? It’s fine, just get on with it.’ Wilbur Smith Read Quote
My absolute favorite pieces are ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ and ‘Begin the Beguine.’ I play these when I am working. Wilbur Smith Read Quote
Herbert, my father, was born in Britain but went out to Africa in his teens to join his father and built up an 18,000-acre ranch in what was then Northern Rhodesia, providing work for the locals. He was my hero when I was a boy. Wilbur Smith Read Quote
It’s probably true that everyone has a book in them, although it may not be a very good one. Wilbur Smith Read Quote
There is no quick way of making money. People come to you with tips for the races or offer the latest Ponzi scheme, but I can see them coming a mile off. I just go with the adage that if it sounds too good to be true it probably is. Wilbur Smith Read Quote
Many people have compared me to the Victorian adventure writer, Rider Haggard. I accept that as a compliment. As a boy growing up in Central Africa I read all Haggard’s African novels. Wilbur Smith Read Quote
They say I’m worth either €200 million, €100 million, €50 million or €10 million, but that’s something between God, the HMRC and myself. Wilbur Smith Read Quote
I know it’s politically incorrect but I enjoy things like the kick boxing and cock fighting. Wilbur Smith Read Quote
