Your Questions

Q

I've been struck by your books after I got the last kingdom for Christmas, Do you have the story mapped out already or is it still a 'surprise' for you? Duncan Wooldridge

A

The next chapter is a surprise! Truly! I do know one thing that will happen at the very end of the series, but beyond that? All is dark.


Q

Bernard, I am curious to know how Sharpe's descendants would act concerning the events that are taking place in Iraq. My conclusion is that they are a military family and would have been Churchillians and Thatcherites, and be behind Tony Blair in his support of the United States in their quest for freedom in the Middle East. I also don't believe that they would have sat quietly while fifteen members of the British navy were kidnapped by Iran. Even with the release of the captives I'm sure the hackles of the Sharpes would be raised considerably. Pity the poor devils who go up against the Sharpes and their pals. Rick Schatz Louisville, Kentucky

A

I suspect you're right. They would be soldiers and would do their duty, and their first duty would be the welfare of their men, and they probably wouldn't agonise too much over the politics behind the war. Soldiers, they would say, are the guys who follow the parade with brushes and shovels, cleaning up the mess that the parading politicians have made!


Q

After reading all of the warring series, I think I enjoyed the Starbuck series the most. Tonight, I finished Waterloo for the second time. I compare reading your books to my childhood love of "The Hardy Boys" series. I have a hard time imagining that you don't have help in creating these stories. Do you? My TV watching has decreased tremendously, much thanks. Brian

A

Nope, I don't. It's only me.


Q

Thank you for the books you write . I recently finished a book about the Cathars which was interesting, but just lacked all that "hands on" stuff you do, so well! So, Heretic sorted me out with a fix , and then just finished the Saxon trilogy , and really chuffed that a forth book is coming out. Your writing is consistently awesome and gives me great pleasure , Thank you . I feel that if history was taught using your literature it would have been a subject I would have kept on doing at school . Do you plan to start a Myspace ? I would think it could prove popular ! Thanks again , Andy .

A

No plans for it, but thanks!


Q

Thoroughly enjoyed your Saxon series (read them all in a row after a recommendation from my daughter) and am wondering if you will be continuing the series with another book? Barbara Duncan

Loved the books about Alfred , Lords of the North was excellent , is there going to be another book in the series and if so when would it be release? Ilive in Australia and believe it or not run my own sword fighting group out here cheers Mark

I have just finished reading the Saxon tales and they were wonderful. Are you going to continue the series?

Julie

Great books. When is the next Saxon story due for release? Tim Webb

When will more additions to the Saxon Series be released???? I love the stories about Uhtred and Alfred!!! Please tell me there will be a follow up to the Lords of the North?? Thank you!!

Cris Cross

Hi, I just want to say that I'm not a huge book reader, maybe reading the occasional paragraph here or there, but the Saxon stories had me hooked. I absolutely loved them. Uhtred is an absolute legend, and I'm sure from a 23 year old bloke that's got to be a compliment. I just wanted to ask when the fourth in the series is? I think the best way to put how I feel at the moment is a drug addict going cold turkey in anticipation. So, could you please let me know, I really need a decent book to read when I go on holiday.

Franki McDonald

Bernard, I am absolutely captivated by Uhtred. I've blitzed through the first three stories and am eagerly awaiting the next installment. When might that be? Are there any more Thomas of Hookton stories in the works? Really enjoyed those as well. Thomas Waters Lawton, Oklahoma, USA

A

I am working on the fourth book of the Saxon stories now. I think it will be called Sword Song (although that could change prior to publication). We hope the book will be out in October of this year.

No more Thomas of Hookton stories in the works, sorry!


Q

You open a door by introducing Sharpe's son in the Starbuck books - is it possible we may have tales of his adventures in the Crimea? regards David Lamb

A

The Crimean War just doesn't hold much appeal for me - but never say never.


Q

Thank you for all the years of enjoyment that your books have afforded me, whether reading them for the first time or re-reading them. They've been a useful tool for me to get people excited about history & have it come alive for them after they've left a re-enactment event. One silly little question if you please. Lucille is said to have died in the video "Sharpe's Challenge" (1817 - 2 years past Waterloo) but in "Sharpe's Devil" (1820) She is alive. Also in the Starbuck Chronicles she's referred to living well past even 1820. I know that anachronisms easily creep into a long series, but it's created a friendly argument amongst some of my Sharpe circle of friends. What's the straight skinny please? tusen takk, or tusen taco as you prefer, Sven

A

Lucille is alive! I have no control over the TV scripts - so you can ignore any developments that are not in the books!


Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, What do you do when you have writer's block? Where do you get information for your books?-(Historical info) K.S

A

Writer's block???? Writer's block is nature's way of telling you you're not a writer. If a nurse could have a block, then I could have one: that's how I feel. Nursing is much more difficult than what I do. And they're not allowed to phone up and say: Awfully sorry. I've got nurse's block today.

My research comes mainly from books - lots and lots of reading. Click on the 'Suggestions for Further Reading' links found throughout this website for specific recommendations.


Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, just a quick note to tell you how much I appreciate, first your books, and also your approachability. I read most of the Sharpe series, the Arthur books, Gallows Thief, and Scoundrel, and the Starbuck Chronicles which I didn't like that much, simply as a matter of taste, nothing else, like I don't like fish, but it's still great to eat. Are you ever planning to come to Malta on holiday ? I'll be waiting for you to sign my books and you'll get a look round our temples, which are 2,000 years older than Stonehenge !!! Keep it up and thanks. Stephen Spiteri

A

Thanks! I'd love to visit Malta some day...


Q

Carrying on from my last question, the pit is 3* larger than a man and one snake lunged at old Obadiah and why does he always make references to the scriptures because nobody ever heeds of their rules once they're out in the field even Wellesly (wellington)
Jamie Foyle

A

'Says so in the scriptures'? It just came to me, but I'm sure I've heard people use that expression - I think the point is that whoever uses it is usually of a pious nature, so it seemed apt to give it to Obadiah, that most Godly of men.