Your Questions

Dear Bernard, this is a question on writing style. I've got advanced plans for a "Saxon era trilogy myself and have begun book one. However, being a history graduate and not an author Ive discovered how difficult it is to write a novel! Ive heard that some authors just write the bare bones of a story, getting the basic plot down and then going back and building around it. Being a novice, I tried to start from page 1, writing the story as if I were reading it. Ive found this difficult as I find it hard to write descriptive text or to paint a scene. However, I have a clear idea of what I want in my three books and especially for book one, i.e. this person goes there, that person does that, he says this etc. Should I just start from the beginning and write a finished article so to speak, or go along the lines of an extended plan and just get my story down in detail before going back and adding the fancy descriptive bits? Any advice would be grateful as Ive read your books for many years and think to a novice author your advice would be invaluable. Dave Green

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I just wanted to say thank you very much for providing me with so many hours of entertainment. I have read many books in my life and you are one of my favorite authors. I have never been disappointed by your work. I am aspiring to become a historical fiction writer myself and I was wondering if you could possibly offer any advice on the actual writing process. For example, how do you research a subject like the Civil War? How do you start writing - do you make a list of characters etc... or do you just begin typing and it all comes together? My problem is I can't seem to finish anything I write. I have the humble beginnings of five or six great novels and I seem to just leave it at that! If you could offer any advice I would be most grateful. I know you must be very busy so please reply at your earliest convenience. And, if you do not have the time, I would understand and would like to again thank you for your work which I really enjoy immensely. Sincerely, Dave Dockery

I am an avid reader of your novels and have read nearly all that you have written.I am certain that you and Patrick O'Brian are our finest storytellers of our time.I just purchased "Lords of the North"and am halfway through it.I have a one request of you.When you list the names of the cities,etc.,would it be possible to also spell them phonetically? Some are such tongue-twisters that I cannot get my mouth around some of them.Many thanks and keep those wonderful stories coming.Larry

Dear Bernard, I've read all the Sharpe books, and seen all the films... but there seems to be something missing - the Sharpe computer game. Any plans? Darren.

Hello Bernard. Not too long ago I was reading Sharpe's Rifles and at the beginning Rifleman Cooper was killed by a French Dragoon when trying to save his pack strapped to a mule. I'm reading Sharpe's Havoc now and the funny thing is, Sharpe is giving orders to another rifleman named Cooper. Is this a different Cooper or the same one in Sharpe's Rifles that's come back from the dead? Cheers! - James.

HI my name is Luke I am 13 and I love your Sharpe books. I have only read three but am already obsessed with them my personal favourite is Sharpe's Escape maybe even Sharpe's Havoc. My question is do you like Sean Bean and all the other people who play the roles like Srg.Harper? Luke Wynes

While I live in Dublin I am a native of and frequent visitor to Tangaveane near Glenties in Co Donegal. I often wonder why you have in your books come to use this townland as the birthplace of Patrick Harper? Con Ward

Enjoy reading your different series over and over again. When is the next Starbuck book you mentioned in This Bloody Ground coming out? Will you do any more sea stories like Wildtrack and Storm Child? I recorded and produced on our local television your presentation on King Arthur at the MBL lecture series. When I am out in Chatham in a few months I will drop off a DVD copy. Bob Hinrichs

Dear Bernard, I am a big fan of all your novels. I am currently re-reading the Sharpe novels in historical order. Obviously because you wrote these books out of order there are some minor inconsistencies (which I did not notice when reading the books in publication order). Have you ever thought of revisiting the older books to tidy these issues up? (sorry I could not see how to post this question to the Bulletin Board or Your Questions section of your web site).
William Allen

Iv read most of the Sharpe series. And I was just wondering what inspiration you had to make a character like Obadiah Hakswell. Did you meet someone like this in your life? Have a bad dream? The stuff this man does, even though its fictional, still is mildly depressing.
Preston

Dear Bernard, Do you have any idea as to how long the wait will be for the fourth book in The Saxon Stories? I think the first three were excellent. Many thanks, Paul

I am pleased to learn that The Saxon Stories won't end at three books. Any chance of Uhtred having the same longevity as Richard Sharpe?
Gary Vaughn

Hi, Mr. Cornwell. I fell in love with the first of your books that I read. I bought it as I'm avidly interested in the Dark Ages and simply had nothing else to read but became unexpectedly enthralled from the beginning. This was "The Last Kingdom". I've never read a book so quickly in my 17 years and instantly bought the following two. It was with a little grief that I finished "Lords of the North" as the story isn't over! It means I have to wait for the next book and I'm not sure I can bear it! I was wondering how many books do you intend to write following the story of Uhtred or is no end in sight? Also, when will the next book appear on the shelves and shortly after in my hands? Thank you. C. Doyle

I was just wondering how many books you will be doing in the Alfred series, I have read Lords of the North and although there is a conclusion of sorts (Kjartan and Sven) but there is still Bebbanburg to reclaim. how many more will take before Uhtred is rightfully installed in his stone fastness. (Also I hope he doesn't become a christian too soon, even though I would prefer him pagan I know that wont happen).
Elliot Bartholomew

Really enjoy all Bernard Cornwell's books.Has he any plans for another book in the Saxon series following "Lords of the North"?
Alan Smith