Bulletin Board

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I am a great fan of your Saxon novels, and look forward to reading your others! Am now on my second run-through of those great books as a matter of fact. Your common theme of the nords ruling ones destiny inspired this brief poem. I debated sending it but I suppose ego got the better of me... I look forward to Uhtred's next battles both in the shield walls, and with the priests. Thanks again. Cheers, Jeff Yazinski

>>> Spinners Time moves like a shadow in the night. Swift and silent and full of omen. Some for good, some for ill. Fated for charm, fated for harm. Yours cannot be chosen, the spinners have woven. Threads of platinum, gold or silver. Or fraying yarn, what will they deliver? Will they give you wealth, or make you shiver? Try as you may, dream all you want, oh the spinners they shall haunt. No matter steady and hard, no matter whether you stay on guard and watch your back, you may wind in a pauper's sack. So find laughs where you can, take love as it comes, a rousing tune continue to hum, for you know not when your time will cease to be done. jy 2008

Hi there Mr Cornwell, Well what can I say, I've found an author I just love to read. I bought a book with both Harlequin and Vagabond in it and so I then finished off the Grail Quest with Heretic. Then I tried a Sharpe book, Sharpe's Gold, a real treat of an "adventure" novel. Now I'm flying through the series that starts with The Last Kingdom. Amazing writing, brilliant. And the thing is as an Australian I feel a connection with the books almost. I know there are fictional characters, but actual historical figures too that shaped the UK. It's not much, but my ancestor's were Normans that helped invade England with William the Conqueror, and eventually settled in Ireland. Reading these books warms my heart and makes me feel like I really do come from a certain region, well originally. My parents live in Qatar, they moved their last year. I am 22, but I do miss them very much, but I find comfort in your books. As an Anglo Australian I find that identifying who you are can be difficult, and where your loyalty should lie. Anyway, enough about me. I love your books, please keep it up. Adam Nugent

Just a brief message... I wouldn't ordinarily go to the trouble of troubling a writer but I wanted to say that I've enjoyed your Arthurian and subsequently your Sharpe series immensely. What really moved me to send you an email was when I read more about your 'philosophy' on writing - it really struck a chord with my own thoughts on the subject and inspired me to get my arse moving on my own writing. That and I hope it will get me out of this law office (lawyers huh?) Anyway, just thought it was worth mentioning that I've really appreciated the effort you've made to reflect on your own experiences with writing. Tim

Dear Mr Cornwell - re Mark posted 17/09, I too love everything written by you, but I was saddened and upset to read Mark say he didn't want you to write anymore Sharpe stories but to write more for his favourite series. We each have our own personal favourites, Sharpe/Harper and the Chosen men are mine and I cannot help but hope that one day you will have another fascinating escapade for Sharpe and the lads to slot into the series. If the spirit moves you - why not? Thank you for all the great stories and images you have created. Kind regards S

Dear Mr Cornwell, As a child I was never a 'strong' reader, I believe it came from having to stand up in the classroom and read out loud, however, having now retired (55) and moved to live in Southern Spain my situation has changed. Thanks to your incredible books I have discovered just what I have been missing all these years. I have now read most, if not all of your works from Stonehenge to Arthur, from Uhtred to Thomas and of course my favourite, Richard Sharpe. I am currently reading Richard Sharpe's exploits again and hope to visit some of the battle grounds and siege towns very soon. I have never enjoyed history so much. I thank you most sincerely. Peter Stott

I have just started reading your Saxon books and read three in one week. Now I shall buy the fourth. Then I'll buy and read the Arthur series, etc. I'm descended from such warriors as Sir Ewen Cameron of Lochiel, Somerled, Achilles, Mark Antony, King David of Israel, so this 64 year old retired librarian is thrilled by your writing! I will buy and read all your books. I love your Uhtred character; he's such a warrior. Please take very good care of yourself for at least the next twenty years. Now I have your books to savour when I'm not working my horses. Cheers and many thanks for your gift to bloodthirsty, old librarians! Rosemary Cameron

I read all you translate books in my country (Serbia). You are excellent and I wish you to write many more. Azincourt will be a nice book. Best regards, Vladiir Knezevic

Hello Mr. Cornwell. I'm writing from Brazil to say that I like very much your work. I bought some of your books (The Grail Quest, The Saxon Stories and another one called O Condenado (in Portuguese), and now I will start read The Sharpe Books. Writing to you was a honor and great pleasure.
Rodrigo Slapnicka

Dear Mr Cornwell, I was surprised by the suggestion (12th June 2008) that you seem to portray Christians in a less than flattering light and by your response that this may be because you have never much liked the Christian religion. I had noticed that there are a number of delightful characters in the Sharpe books whose Christian faith is displayed most sympathetically; e.g. Colonel McCandless, Major Blas Vivar and indeed, Patrick Harper. This is reflected in the television series (surprisingly refreshing in today's politically correct environment) with some magnificent Christian characters, such as the superb Major Septimus Pyecroft and the delightful Father Curtis. Who can forget Pyecroft praying for the orphaned gypsy girl, or Father Curtis rescuing the novice nun from being raped by Simmerson? I believe that this accurately reflects the spirit of the time, when many people had a robust Christian belief and felt strongly enough to fight and die for it if necessary. As a Christian, I feel that the Sharpe series (books and television) are definitely on the side of the angels. Ian Marchant

I'd just like to add my praise for the Saxon stories. Uhtred is such a great character, and the manner of the telling is utterly absorbing. I look forward to the next in the series!
Joe Lalgee