Your Questions

Q

Is there any way you can nudge your publishers on the question of ebook production for the Sharpe series? I have bought the first 14 and would gladly buy the rest but they have come to a stop apart from the out-of-sequence 'Devil'. I note from the published answers that they were working to produce the rest back in 2006. Given that it takes a few hours to translate the average DTP file into a format suitable for producing an ebook - I do it all the time - they do not appear to be working very hard. In the meantime, less scrupulous readers face the temptation to follow the only alternative, which is to download a free pirate copy from the internet. Your publishers' tardiness is undoubtedly costing you money! All the best, David Lawrence

A

I understand from my agent that the publishers are continuing to work on ebook production although a time frame for when the other Sharpe titles might be accessible is not available. However, here is a link you might find helpful: http://www.theaudiobookstore.com/servlet/-strse-Bernard-Cornwell-Audio-Books/searchpath/731013/start/11/total/71/Categories
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Q

Dear Mr.Cornwell. My thanks. I wish I could swear an oath to you right now. I kinda got that from reading the Winter King and "the Enemy of God". As always have a few questions. are you a Christian? I hate to put it out there but the question has been bothering me as I am myself a Christian. Have no problems if you do,but just the books,you write i just wonder... also in the Winter king and that whole series,you describe Lancelot and Bors as being "wimps" or cowards,but in other books,and movies such as the latest move "king Arthur"(good movie) they are not cowards,so which way do you prefer them as cowards or as heroes? I myself after reading the Winter king found myself liking Lancelot as being a wimp,for it makes Derfel look stronger not that he isn't. and is Derfel an original character or is he part of your amazing mind? so thank you sir,for writing these books I find myself in my room for hours just reading and re-reading Sharpe.(personal favorites Sharpe's escape,and Sharpe's battle)(you should be Knighted for your deeds). your loyal reader Luke Wynes.

A

Derfel Cadarn is one of Arthur's warriors in the very oldest versions of the tales, but he dropped out over the years and I thought it would be good to reinsert him! Lancelot was a very late addition to the stories . . . and I never much liked him, so decided to make him a villain. The stories are endlessly changeable (and have changed hugely over the years), but making him a despicable coward was entirely a whim on my part!


Q

Mr. Cornwell I have just finished Sword Song and absolutely loved it! Please don't ever stop writing! When do you thinK the next saxon story will be out? what would you suggest I read of yours in the mean time?
George Curwen

A

Perhaps you'd like to try the Warlord Chronicles?


Q

Hi Bernard I have to say that I am thoroughly enjoying your Saxon series at the moment and eagerly await the next novel. What I want to know is why haven't any studios or TV channels picked them up and developed them into movies/ TV shows like Sharpe? I think they are visually stunning and would be immensely exciting on screen. I also think they'd work best as a big TV production in the Sharpe vein and I think they'd made so much money for the TV companies too because there is very little decent action dramas being produced on this side of the ocean. If anyone offers, I hope you will accept as soon as they put some serious money into the production and give it to good, passionate people. I think they would also feed well into the current political climate in regards to religion and the state. Keep writing, I'm loving ever line!
Steve James

A

Thanks, but I'm afraid no one has offered!


Q

Being an archer myself (although nothing as powerfull as a warbow) I am eagerly awaiting Agincourt!! I have read every word you have written, and I, like many other people, owe you a debt of gratitude for the many many hours of pleasure your work as given me. But just one question, will Uhtred be returning, with his dream of his seat at Bebbenburg still so far away? Neil Newsome

A

Uhtred will be back!


Q

Have there been any suggestions of making the Arthur books into TV or movies? Tim Rose

A

There's been talk of it...but nothing's happened, yet...


Q

Bernard, I hope to find you in good health! It's been a while since my last post but just have to say again how much I enjoy your books. I have your whole works which I read through over and over again. The only problem I have is which series to start next and my wife has started to notice that every now and again she finds me just sat in front of my bookcase in a world of my own, deep in thought!! Anyway my question to you is, could there ever be a Sharpe spin off featuring the one and only Obadiah? Many thanks again Kevin

A

I've thought about it . . . thought very seriously, as Obadiah is one of my all-time favourite characters. Will it happen? I wish I knew!


Q

Hello! I was just wondering if you are not going to continue The Saxon Stories? I thought Azincourt would be the next one in the series but I have just read some of it and it is obviously not. I would be very disappointed if Uhtred is not going to fight again!!! Thank you, Koko

Hey Mr Cornwell, i am writing to say that i am a huge fan of your work especially the Saxon stories. Uhtred is one of my all time favorite characters and i was hoping you could tell me if you are planning to release another installment any time soon. Looking forward to hearing from you sincerely TJ R.

I have really enjoyed the Saxon Series. I have just completed "The Sword Song". The 4th in the series. I have read all 4. Is there going to be a 5th and if so, how long, I would like to purchase it. I really enjoy your work. Thank You. Ed Cullom

A

I am just starting the fifth book of the Saxon stories. If all goes well, look for it to be published in the UK in October 2009 (and possibly in the US in January 2010).


Q

Hi Bernard, back in March I contacted you regarding audio versions of your books, which I thoroughly enjoy. I am partially sighted and cannot see well enough to read books in print. I wondered if you could tell me why it takes so long for books to be made available in unabridged audio format? As a matter of interest Sword Song is still not available in this form although the book has been out for quite some time. Regards, Alan Tongue, Oldham

A

I'm sorry Alan, but I have no idea why it takes so long for an unabridged audio version of a book to come out? My understanding is that there will be an unabridged audio version of Sword Song released this October.


Q

Hi Mr Cornwell,Thank you for the years of enjoyable reading your books have given me,my question is, You made a series on one of the history channels following the peninsular war,you visited a lot of the sites around the war area. I wonder if this is out on a DVD i could buy? I missed most of the episodes,but the ones I did see were very enjoyable. Thank you again,hope you can answer my question. Kind Regards Steve Kinselley

A

No, sorry, I don't believe the UK History Channel show 'Sharpe's War' is available on DVD.