Your Questions

Q

Mr. Cornwell, I am currently involved in your Sharpe series, the Grail Quest, the Saxon Stories, and the Starbuck Chronicles. Just finished the Archer's Tale and now reading Vagabond. You've got me hooked. Anyway, in the Archer's Tale you introduce St. Guinefort. Did you take this from the Welsh myth of Gelert, the faithful dog of Llewelyn? My wife and I vacationed in Wales 2 years ago in the little village of Beddgelert. As I am sure you know Beddgelert translates to the "Grave of Gelert".. Just curious. Looking forward to the "Lords of the North". Sincerely, Rick Spencer

Submitted January 24, 2007

A

They seem to be parallel legends - I have no idea whether they spring from the same source or whether they arose independently. It seems a stretch that the two should be connected, despite their similarity, so it seems to be something of a mystery!

Q

Bernard, firstly I have to say thank you for responding to my last posting on the 20th of December, I hate to be a pest but you commented that Thomas of Hooktons story had probably finished, firstly I sense some doubt in your mind?, secondly Thomas is young and still yearns to be an archer, and what becomes of the rouge Robbie Douglas?. This story is far from over, I myself have read the grail quest three times over and have lent my books to many friends all of whom raved about it. This character is too large (for want of a better word) to be laid to rest. On another note I have the Iron Lance by Stephen Lawhead on order, and Im wondering if you know if it is a decent read? It's hard to find a book that appeals to me these days (as I have already read all your books). Thanks again Lliam, Australia.

Hello, I would just like to say how much I enjoyed your grail quest books, I dont get much time to read and it's only recently I've discovered your books, I can't put them down! and I have to say I was disappointed when I finished Heretic, as I'd become so enchanted by Thomas's adventures I'd begun to imagine being there with him on his travels,and I was left wanting to read more. I just wanted to ask, sorry if its been asked already, will there ever be any more from Thomas, I know his quest had finished but is there any chance he has a few more adventures left in him? Ruth Williams

hello Mr. Cornwell I would like to ask you if there are going to be any more books about the english and french 100 year war, but in as it was a fasinating part of our history, not necceseraly Thomas of Hookton a new character maybe? thanks, Brad

Submitted January 24, 2007

A

I'm afraid I haven't read the Lawhead - but perhaps someone else can send a recommendation?

I never say never, but I do think Thomas's story has reached a natural conclusion - though I have an idea for a sequel so, who knows, it might happen?

Q

Dear Sir, Being an avid fan of all your books, and especially your Sharpe series, has lead to me aquiring a keen interest in the Peninsula War. One thing that has sparked my interest further that is mentioned in your books are the Exploring Officers such as Colquahon Grant. Knowing how much research you do for your books I was wondering whether you know of and could reccommend any books; fact or fiction, based on the subject of Exploring Officers? Thank you for your time, and for the novels. Kind Regards Jon Arden

Submitted January 24, 2007

A

There's a very good book on Colquhoun Grant - which is the only one I know. It's called The First Respectable Spy, by Jock Haswell, published in London by Hamish Hamilton in 1969.

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Dear Mr Cornwell, A few years back on a delayed longhall flight, I swapped my well read copy of Flashman by George McDonald Frazer for a copy of Sharp's Tiger. To say I've been hooked ever since would be an understatement. I've rattled through all the Sharpe's, devoured Arthur & the Grail Quest and am at fever pitch to see (if) Uhtred take Bebbanburg. To tide me over, I purchased the audio books which, much to my wife's dismay, do not hold the same visual appeal as Sean Bean. In order to feed my addiction, whilst maintaining my marriage, can you please kick the arse of your sales/product manager and get the Sharpe series out on DVD? I've search high and low without luck, finally checking your site to read it wasn't yet available. Shame! A request; As a Scot who's long since emigrated to Australia, your Auld Isle tales have given me regret at a lack of exploration whilst I called Britain my home. Next year I am hoping to get back and rediscover some of the landscapes you have described so poetically in your Arthur & Alfred tails. Do you, or any of your avid readers have any recommendation? My plans are to start with pre & post Romanic UK. Later, if the coffers allow, India, Portugal & Spain to follow Auld Hook Nose's footsteps. I'd be extremely grateful of any tips from experienced "Cornwell" travelers. Thank you so much for your time and works to date. If you ever make it out to Australia I would dearly like to hear you speak. Yours gratefully, Jamie Raeburn PS. You have Anglo-Saxon, Irish, Dane & Yankie heroes. How about the next series you look after your Scots readers! Jamie Raeburn

Submitted January 24, 2007

A

What's wrong with Sir Thomas Graham in the last Sharpe? Sharpe, for some reason, seems to have huge numbers of admirable Scots (Nairn, McCandless, Graham, and I could go on). But I agree I haven't written anything round a Scottish hero - yet! I grew up in southern England, so probably have a bias towards that region. When you come, make sure you visit Avebury (not just Stonehenge!). You could make a fabulous vacation just visiting henge sites! But I'd add in Maiden Castle (Dorset), Caeleon (southern Wales), and then get myself a really good guidebook!

By the way, two Sharpe films (Sharpe's Rifles and Sharpe's Eagle) are now available on DVD in Australia. Click on this link for more information: http://www.timelife.com.au/index.asp?pagetype=product&productid=587&categoryid=2>/a>.

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My father and I are both huge fans of your literature Mr. Cornwell, thank you so much for the endless entertainment and your ability to bring true history to life. I was wondering if you had ever seen the HBO show "The Wire" by David Simon? It is easily the most well produced and written shows I've ever seen. If there were ever a person I would want to help you put your works on film, it is him. Thanks again, Cheers! Aric Davis

Submitted January 24, 2007

A

I'm sorry, I haven't! You intrigue me though, so I'll try and catch it - or find a DVD.

Q

Mr. Cornwell, When are the rest of your "Thillers" (Wildtrack,Sea Lord,and Crackdown are going to be re-released in The U.S.? Thanks, Ken Whaley

Submitted January 22, 2007

A

Wildtrack, Sealord (originally released in the US under the title Killer's Wake) and Crackdown were all re-released in November 2006. You should be able to find them all on Amazon.com.

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I have just finished your Sharpe series (all on audiobook which made me look *forward* to my commute!) and loved them--they were great!! Just a quick question: is it hard to write a series like this in non-chronological order? Do you have to keep a timeline up in your office to remind yourself when Sharpe met so-and-so or had x injury/promotion/romance? Or do you re-read the earlier books just to refresh your memory? Just curious--and thanks, keep up the great writing!! P.S. Loved how you had Sharpe's son show up in the Starbuck series! Patricia

Submitted January 22, 2007

A

I do manage to keep a lot of stuff in my head in regards to the Sharpe books, but often I must go back and reread the old ones before I write a new one. When writing, the story always takes precedence (which means occasionally the details aren't quite right!).

Q

I'm totally hooked on the Saxon series. Couldn't wait till Jan 07 for the US debut of the Lords of The North so got it from Amazon.uk. Really glad you are writing the 4th volume due out in fall 07? Will I have to get it from the UK again? (Ps I hated history at school in England - if only the teachers had the gift you have - you have brought a forgotten era to enthralling life.) Best regards. Peter

Submitted January 22, 2007

A

I don't think so - I believe the plan is for the book to be released in the UK and the US at the same time.

Q

Having been a great fan of yours for a while now I was just greedily wondering when the next book of yours will be published? Thankyou, Patrick Barker

Hi Bernard, I've been looking on your website weekly for the last 6 months to try and find out when your next books are due out. When will this be told? Thanks Gareth

How many books will there be in the saxon stories, and when will the next one be released? thanks, Duncan Hamilton

Just a quick question. It the "Lords of the North" the last book in the Saxon series? Mike Smith

When can I look forward to the follow up to the Lords of the North? incedible reading, please write faster.(only joking) Keep up the excellent work. Trevor
Hi Mister Cornwell, My name is Sean and I loved THE LAST KINGDOM, I have almost all of your books, only the sharpe's book I don't have. I would like to make a question: The Saxons Stories will have how many books? Thanks for your attention. Sean

Submitted January 22, 2007

A

My next book will be the fourth book of the Saxon stories. We don't have a title for the book yet, but it should be ready for publication in October 2007.

I'm not sure how many books will make up this series, but I suspect at least six, maybe more?

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