Your Questions

Here's an assortment of questions and comments: I've been reading Bowman's 'Life and Letters on the Roman Frontier', about the written material recovered at Vindolanda. I realized that even if I remembered my Latin well enough to read it, I'd have no idea of the meaning, as I have no context for it. I remember reading here that you are "at home" in Anglo-Saxon, and wondered if you ever have similar difficulties. Maybe the highly ordered Roman society increases the amount of background knowledge that's required?

I finally got around to reading Tuchman's "A Distant Mirror", and was interested in her description of Joanna of Flanders. The similarities between the historical widow of Duke Jean IV and your Countess of Amorica are striking, particularly leading a town's defense in armour. Coincidence? Or was Joanna the inspiration for your Blackbird?

In response to Mike's comments posted 10 March, it isn't true that Ellis Peters was the only author to write fiction based on the civil war. George Shipway, for example, wrote an enjoyable novel (A Knight in Anarchy) based on Geoffrey de Mandeville. His "Paladin" and "Wolf Time" are page-turners about William Rufus and Henry. Unfortunately, Shipway is out of print, but I'm blessed with English in-laws with heavy bookshelves. And anyone who is interested in medieval history and enjoys Ellis Peters should read her 'Brothers of Gwynedd' quartet, writted under her real name. Thanks for reading (and writing)- looking forward to the next Saxon novel. Eric Sivers

Do you think you could ever get Sharpe to the Alamo? I think a book on it would be brilliant and Sharpe would only be mid 50's. I know he promised Killack but I'm sure you could find a way round that. And have you ever been asked to write any film scripts? I know some authors do. Thanks for taking the time. Max

Dear Bernard, Do you have any plans to add a prequel about Sharpe's childhood, especially his teenage years as a highwayman? What is your opinion on including fictional characters from other authors, for instance a chap like Prince Andei from War and Peace on his travels to Britain?

Bernard Goyder

I love your historical fictions of England (Englaland, etc). Have you ever considered writing a series about the era when the Romans conquered England? That would be a nice bridge between Stonehenge and the Warlord Chronicles. Thanks! Jason Dell

I have enjoyed all I have read inc. Stonehenge, The Arthur books and recently the the saxon stories. Question do you plan a series on the Romans? John Palmieri

Just wanted to convey how much I enjoy your books and look forward to many more. One question though, how far do you see the Saxon stories going? Will it be like Sharpe (endless) or the Arthur books? Thanks again Dave

Dear Mr. Cromwell, I have only recently discovered Sharpe through the ITV drama series, and not through your writing, I'm afraid, but that may soon change! I'm dying to know, however, what happens to Antonia, the daughter Sharpe had with Teresa Moreno. Does she turn up in the later stories about Sharpe? I had always imagined that Sharp would come for her when the dust had settled, to live with him and Lucille on the farm in Normandy. Also, does Sharpe ever get those ten thousand guineas back from that wixen Jane Sharpe? Best regards, Siri Helge

I was wondering if Sharpe will see his daughter again. Perhaps when she is grown up she might track him down and see him in Normandy. meany thanks, Joe

Dear sir, I have read and enjoyed all your series and I have just a couple of questions about the Sharpe series. First why did you decide to kill off Michael Hogan? was he a real character who died at that time? I thought he was a great character and was disappointed when he died. Secondly why did Sharpe have to break Sweet William's heart. Could you not have just let Frederickson fall for some other girl who he actually did marry and that way Sharpe could have still kept Lucille? John

Hello Bernard I am a great fan of yours and amember of the Hookton forum about your books.We were having a discussion about time periods/characters you could cover and knowing the fantastic job you did with Arthur,I wonderred if you would ever consider another mystery man, namely, Robin Hood. http://www.hookton.com/board/index.php Thanks for all your writings Russ

My dear Sir. May I first start by saying well done for producing a enjoyable collection of books , and that iIwait eagerly for your next one. I have read the Arthur books, Starbuck collection and I am at this moment reading Sharpe, which was turned into a excellent tv series. Is there going to be any more in the Sharpe collection , and if so when are they to be released? I myself live near where one of your books were set in the Arthur trilogy not far from Thunreslea Essex on Canvey island.Keep up the good work as I enjoy reading your books ,well done ,. Best regards LES BAKER.

Hello Bernard - Great Books you write, have read most of them, really cheer me up. I have heard a rumour that a new Sharpe book is on the way. Is this true? I certainly hope so. Darrell Foley

Just a little thank you note for many hours spent immeresed in your book, and a little question. Did you watch the King Arthur movie? I almost wept at the end because it was such a lame, poorly researched, badly directed film. Utter tripe. Anyway, hope that some durned Yankee reads your Warlord trilogy and gets the money to make a trilogy. The characters are larger than life and the story line is gripping. I'm also a Welshman and have read the trilogy at least 6 times....awesome! Owe Phillips

I am an avid reader of your tales. The Arthur trilogy is my favourite tale and probably is the closest and most creditable story about Arthur the legend. Is there any chance that it might be made into a film? Although it may lose some of the magic your book grips the reader with?
Peter Hinton