Dear Bernard,
We met once, in 2006. I came with a friend - both of us huge fans of yours - to your talk and book signing in Sterling, VA. It was a huge thrill, and I brought a big stack of first editions, all of which you graciously signed.
A bit star-struck, I fear I gushed, "Mr. Cornwell, you are a god. May you live a thousand years, and write every day." You gave me a wry look that seemed to say, "The same to you, pal." Perhaps you remember.
And so the spell rebounded, to borrow a JK Rowling line. Last year my wife's dementia forced me into retirement, and I found in writing the mental and creative outlet I need to cope. I do not need to write to eat, but I need to write to endure.
Now I too sit at a desk and write, hoping to emulate, even imitate, but not duplicate, you and to approach your skill in time. In the last year, I wrote: a 500+ page memoir - an anthology of ninety true sea stories of undersea adventure spanning a half-century in submarines and deep submergence, which hit a publisher's desk today; and my first work of historical fiction, 480 pages of medieval adventure about to undergo a content editor's blue pencil. A sequel to it is plotted and has reached 70 pages to date. Don't know how good it is yet, but my buddy loved the first 180 pages and bugged me endlessly for more until I had the balance finished. Now I only need a thousand more fans like him.
I find writing historical fiction a wonderful challenge: the hunt for an interesting period no one has covered, research to find noteworthy factual persons and events, and then the mental thrill of interweaving a truly interesting set of characters and deeds among them to take credit for their success. Sharpe did it; Uhtred did it; I'm learning to do it, and ohhh, is it fun!
Your writing advice rang true to me, so I thought I'd express my thanks and send best wishes. With luck, we'll meet again someday and you'll ask me to sign your copies of my books!
All the best,
Tom Vetter