Your Questions

Mr. Cornwell, I have only recently been introduced to your work. I purchased The Winter King somewhwere around a month ago and was immediately captivated. I finished the Warlord Chronicles today. Thank you. The series was beautiful. I can think of no ways of how to make it better except for continuing it. I read something that was on the page that came up when I clicked on your website and it said that continuing Derfel's story would be hard. This is so because you said his story was at an end. My idea was that you write a short story where Igraine tells of how Derfel dies. Do you happen to know of some other novels or text that mention or tell about Derfel that are well-known and I can find easily? For he is now one of my most beloved figures in literature and history. Or perhaps you can recommend another Arthurian series or another of your own series that I would is like based on my love of the Warlord Chronicles? Once again, thank you, not only because of the Warlord Chronicles but for your time. Oh, and sorry about all of the questions. Tim Herold

Dear Mr. Cornwell, some 15 years ago I discovered your sailboat-novels and immediately fell in love with your stories - so fascinating for me living in a country without access to the sea (Austria). And so very challenging for my english vocabulary - my most favourite sentences goes like: "She blew out the clew of the storm jib, the topping lift broke, and a pin came out of a sheave in the self steering-gear." Huh? (Sealord) Little did I know then that these books only prepared me for "Sharpe's Trafalgar". And boy, by then I know almost as much about sailing as about warfare in various centuries. By now I could sail every boat and fire 5 shots a minute without problems - all in theory and in my head of course. I have read almost everything you ever published and find constant joy and enlightenment in your books. Maybe you could answer 2 of a million questions: a, Is Lord Johnny Rossendale, Earl of Stowey (Sealord) supposed to be a grand-grand-nephew of Lord John "yellow-bellied bastard" Rossendale (Sharpe)?

b, Will we ever get to read what I call "Sharpe's Inbetween" - when he went to England recruiting after Talavera and met Jane in that country-church, and when he gave Harper the volley-gun? Again, thank you so much for your books!

I am currently reading the Sharpe seriies for the second time. I read them through quite quickly the first time because they are so erxciting. You have the ability to tell a rattling good stery. I was also pointed into the direction of the Allinson stories about Hervey. Whilst I have enjoyed these I have to say that your characters have an edge which makes them far more entertaining. My questions are; How can I find out more about the period of the Penninsular wars in a format that is still enjoyable to read, what was your inspiration? Secondly have you ever thought about bringing Patrick Harper and Sharpe back into the conflict based around the Miguelites? After all in The DVD Sharpe's challenge Patrick does say that he has been too long a soldier to live a totally peaceful life. Something which was not implied in Sharpe's Devils I have to admit. Thank you for the hours of entertainment you have given me.
Mrs. Ann Crawford

Dear Mr. Cornwell. I know you're probably getting tied of us 'groupies' always banging on about you brilliance, but I would like to add that you are my favourite author and I was heartbroken when I was stuck by illness and couldn't come and meet you when you were in the UK for book signings. You're Sharpe books are the best historical fiction books out there. In fact you have inspired me to try my own hand at writing...Sorry that the 'groupie' bit out the way :-) My question though if I may ask is. During the Peninsular wars the French army always seemed to attack in column formation. My question is this. What did the columns actually plan to do when they got to the enemy. Did they just hope the enemy would run away or did they break formation to engage in melee? Plus why was it that we seemed to be the only army to figure it out; put enough lead in the air at the nasty columns go away :-) Many Thanks for reading, you fan always Andrew

I am in the middle of your novel, "Redcoat", and found a word not in the Oxford or Webster dictionaries {Spiflication}? [Page 82, line 7] Do you have a definition? The text states in part:"...Whenever you drop into French, John, I suspect you of spiflication," Sir William said...." I collect old books and firearms (even have an original 1849 Pocket Model 31 cal. London Colt made in 1857, from British parts and was in a London storehouse until 1867. Sam Colt had a factory in London from 1854-1857.) I Have been intrigued and transported into all your novels. The Sharpe series of course are my favorite. Thank you for the enjoyable reading. I have several Peninsular War and books on Wellington and his army as a result. Regards, Patrick Shupp

I just wanted to say thank you for some very enjoyable reading. I first discovered Sharpe from the miniseries and so enjoyed it I looked the books up and started to read them, I'm on book five now. Since then I have read several of your other books by favorite by far is the Grail Quest books. Most likely because I do renfaire and my persona there is a Welsh Scotish archer. It is also one of the periods in history I'm very fond of reading about. I hope one day you can do a book signing in the Dallas Texas area. One question have you read The White Company? Again Thank you and I look forward to reading your other books. Richard L. Hamer

Dear Sir, I was reading your question and answers from 12/6 and had to chuckle at your dinner party guests. I love your sense of humor. You must get that a lot.... I did want to comment on the question about killing characters. Please do not ever, ever kill Sharpe! May he die an old man in his bed! One gets so engrossed in this fantastic book series that at some point some of the characters start being like old friends. I was sobbing with Sharpe on top of the breach at Badajoz and grieved for Knowles (whom you left out of the short list of characters you've killed on the Sharpe series.... I hated to read his death! and at the hands of Hakeswill! Aargh!) I have often wondered if some of the very emotional passages in the books affect you in the same way they do your readers (I'm one that weeps easily!). The part where Sharpe finally has his very own blood relative in the form of Antonia struck a personal cord with me and I could not help crying my way through it (can I just say Sharpes Company is my favorite book?). Do you ever shed a tear? Do you recall any favorite emotional chapters? By the way, I would invite Sharpe, Aubrey and Darcy. Pass the oysters!
Elise

All work and no play can make Jack a dull boy. If you decide to take a break, let me recommend Terry Brooks's "Sword of Shannara" series, Jean Auel's "Clan of the Cave Bear" series, and anything written by Louis L'Amour. Beside that, I love your work. Had you considered sending emails to your fans notifying us when each new book you write is published? What a great "heads up" that would be!!! Jerry Collins

Just a quick question as all the others I had have all been answered through the bulletin board. Do you ever do book signings with any of the Sharpe crew/ films, for instance Sean Bean, as I think with the covers as they are it would make the book that little bit more complete.
Christopher Parry

I just read that you became a grandfather. How do you feel about that? Sorry if it's too personal a question. Ellen