Bulletin Board

Mr. Cornwell, I just started reading you this year (my first read was The Last Kingdom). I thoroughly enjoyed the novel, and am now hooked. As a feelance journalist, I was not surprised to learn that journalism was your earlier occupation; your writing style is most readable. Anyway, I'm happy to have the opportunity to communicate directly with you, and to tell you directly how much I enjoy your work. Glenn Lewin; Freeport, Illinois

Hello Mr. Cornwell, I just wanted to say thank you for the books you've written. I've read the grail quest, the Arthur books and I'm currently finishing up the Saxon stories (lords of the north). I was a big fan of James Clavell & Gary Jennings, but ever since I started reading your novels, they are very difficult to put down (sounds corny because you've probably heard this a thousand times). I do see some similarities within your books with the main characters (loners at first, issues with religion, always gets the girl(s)) and I always enjoy your endings. I don't know how old you are, but I hope you stick around to write some more great novels. Maybe England in the 19th century? You are truly blessed with a talent and maybe we'll call you Sir Bernard Cornwell! Take care, Carlo Martello Montreal, Canada

Hi Bernard, I noticed the guys comments about getting ticked at your continual use of the words "heart-beat" and your response. I think the word you are looking for is "a tick". When I had a life, I had occassion to visit Tristan da Cuhna a couple of times, the population there, as you may know, were all descended from ex military types of about Sharpes era who took their release in S. Africa and until the volcanic eruption there, lived a "comfortable" if hard life on the remotest spot one will find on the face of this earth. I seem to remember that most of them had one of two family names, one I think was Repetto. the other I cant recall. However; an expression often heard was "wait a tick" or "hold on a tick", "be with you in a couple of ticks". A pitiful contribution for the hours of pure bliss you have given me with your books, but if it helps you at all to avoid the wrath of your odd one or two picky readers I shall feel my time spent not watching N. American TV to have been fully justified. Sincerely, Bob Hunt. BC Canada.

Hello Mr Cornwell, I have recently become unemployed and have taken the time to go back to school. I have to drive 1.5 hours one way to school and decided to do my reading at the local library. I found an an audio book of Sharpe's Fortress and listened to it on my way to and from school and while driving around looking for work. I found myself symply looking forward to the drive now. I know you rather I buy the books but until I find a new job thats out of the question. HOWEVER I look forward to the day I have all the Sharpe's books on my wall. I know I sounded like a begger at first I a sure you I am not. I have a savings and am doing well but wanted you to know that you have made my hard times MUCH better. I currently am listening to Sharpe's Havok and have one CD to go. I am amazed at how I feel like I know Sharpe, Harper and the rest of the men and Sharpe's Women. The guy is a pure chick magnet. I think we all would like a touch of that. Thank you for your work it is really making my time go well and I look forward to either listening, watching(TV) or reading more of the Sharpe's books. Sharpe'e Sword wanted me to go out and buy a replica of the sword that Harper made not the fancy one. Dan Mayhew

Dear Sir Why does it feel strange speaking to you? Is it because I am speaking with a world-famous author- the person that is talked about and admired even in far away places like South Africa? Is it because you are the very person who has written the reams and reams of writing that has awakened and inspired me; whose name stares at me on dozens of books so meticulously arrayed on my shelf? Or is it because I am not only speaking to a Mr Cornwell, but to a string of characters that have had such an impact on my life? For you are Derfel. You are Uhtred, and Saban, and all those other characters of your creation. Mr Cornwell, I am seventeen. I aspire to be a writer; to live my grandest and fanatical adventures through the power of words. I look up to you like no other, and more than you can possibly imagine. I really hope some day I can meet you. To be like you is the Mt Everest I am preparing to climb. But with all the respect and adulation that perhaps the greatest of historical writers of this modern age deserves, and from a boy who admires you so much and would give anything for the opportunity to talk to you, I just want to say one thing. One day, I will beat you. I will beat you. Thanks for being the creator of characters that will stay with me forever. Thanks for treating your fans so well. Kind Regards Kyle :)

Just a quick thank you for many many hours of pleasure reading the Sharp-Saxon-Quest series of books. I have been off work for over 5 months due to illness and being unable to walk unaided I have had enormous pleasure in consuming your work , I look forward to your next book whatever hero you decide to write about .Well done from a big fan

Mr Cornwell...its been such a long time since I last wrote to you. Can I just say once again how mjuch I love you? Over the past 15 years or so, you have given me so much enjoyment. Im only 23 and discovered Sharpe Via the TV series when I was 10 years old. WHen I was about 13 I read my first novel, and since then Ive been hooked on your books! Each new release has me eagerly rushing to the bookstore to make sure I can get the hardback edition before they sell out. I have all the Sharpe series, Ive already had to replace some books because they have literally fallen apart from too much reading! I was wondering when you would next be in Birmingham for a book signing? I have several Sharpe books, and the Uhtred novels that are just waiting for your signature (My most prised possession is a signed copy of Fortress :D) I just really wanted to thank you again for all the years of joy and pleasure you have given me, and giving me the enthusasm to write myself (I have acollection of fanfiction (non Shape - sorry) under my username alienangie at fanfiction.net that has recieved some possitive feedback So once again...thank you. I cant imagine life without Sharpe or Uthred. They have been my constant companions through many an ordeal - deaths, weddings, fires! Holidays and much much more...so once again thank you! Angie xxxxx

Hi, I'm from Brazil. I´ve already read The Arthur Books and now I´m reading the Saxon Books. I'm not certain how many books this series will contain, so that's my doubt. One more thing - I´ve written a poem inspired by you precise and beautiful description of a shield wall in the heat of a battle. Here it is:

SHIELD WALL (29/05/2006)

Oh holy hour
In this fierce night shade
Wont let my soul to rest
And never let me lay
Pace me kind this raptor shield
Upon the hills mourn iron and lead
A shriek of havoc and earth unbound
From my hand whose soul is fed
Swing, swing enchanted melody
Clang delight where fate is met
Sing, sing skalds of tragedy
Mighty might succumb yet

Thanks a lot, Artur

Rider Sandman - your hero in Gallows Thief - deserves another "outing". He has all the "Sharp" elements but a different, more seamy, side to post-war England. He connects the stews with the nobility and completes the circle of high and low life from the more honourable side. I am enjoying the book very much and would like another similar. Richard Kent

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I am a Sharpe addict and have thoroughly enjoyed all the dvds and books. Thanks so much. I especially like Harper. I, however, am somewhat sad about the way you portray Catholicism, but this has not dimished my enjoyment or love for this series. Please keep going. You have a rare talent. Fr. Brian Mullady