Your Questions

Hallo Bernard, Fabulous job on actually putting up a meaningful website in this day an age. It's a pleasure to read through your responses to your fans, and so nice to see you put the effort into writing back to us! I just wanted to comment on some of your "other" writings. I have long been a fan of your Sharpe novels, and your more recent ones as well. However, what drew me to you as an author in the first place were "Wildtrack", "Sea Lord" and the other "thrillers" you've listed on your website. I thought they were superb - especially as I really enjoy the first-person point-of-view. Have you any plans to delve back into that genre at all? I'd love to hear more about Captain Nick Sandman, John Rossendale, Jennifer Pallavinci, and others like them... Cheers, Luke

Hi Bernard I read some months ago that you use ordnance survey maps when writing. Do you use 1:250,000 (or 1 inch to 4 miles), 1:25,000 (or 1 inch to 1 mile), or a smaller scale? Thanks. I've read all your books and I am looking forward to the new one. James

Dear Bernard, I remember reading how you had worked as a journalist in Northern Ireland, and I can imagine how dark the situation must have been in those days, for all involved. I don't know if you still follow developments there, from the States. But if you do, I was wondering what you made of this week's announcement that the IRA had decommissioned all its weaponry. You must have a better feel for these things, borne out of your experience. Is it, as the Irish and British Prime Ministers are declaring, a new dawn in the troubled history of these islands? I am an Irishman myself, and I dearly hope so. But I have never worked in Northern Ireland, and I am too young to remember most of its horrors. I would sincerely value your opinion on this new development, because you at least 'were there' and you've known that province of Ulster in person. Thanks a lot.
Paul Reid

As a former member of the US Army I really enjoyed and appreciated your Sharpe series of books. Having studied British military history I know that the British Army has produced some of the finest infantry formations in history and many of the regiments have approached legendary status. I was curious if you had ever given any thought to writing a novel involving a young soldier fighting in WW 1 or WW 2 that could trace his family tree to Sharpe as a great grand-father and that legacy producing a bias against him as he tries to build a career in the British Army? Bill Dews

Please explain the meaning of words SEPT and SEPTS. In Fallen Angels Page 384 Paperback 2005, Lines 5 & 6. Roger Youden

Hello, I really enjoyed reading your Warlord series and am about to start the Grail Quest series (as soon as my order comes in). I was wondering if you might be able to suggest any other authors that write historical fiction similar to your stories (that are obtainable in the U.S.). Regards and thank you for many hours of enjoyment. Christopher Nielsen, Brookfield, Wisconsin USA

Have just finished the last of my brother's dvd compilation and have to say that the stories are great. But while Sean Bean is ok as Sharpe, Daragh O'Malley was the one that kept me watching the whole series. Is he American or Irish? Dei Victoria

Thanks for the great novels. I have been enjoying yours for several years now. I am also a fan of Jack Whyte's and am curious if you have had similar problems as he does when it comes to U.S. publishers tending to "dumb down" novels for the American public? I have already placed my order for "The Pale Horseman" from Amazon-UK. Mainly because I don't think I can wait until January for the U.S. release and secondly in the event that the novel may have been changed from what you originally intended/wrote. Whyte also has a novel out in November, "The Eagle" which I pre-ordered from Canada for the same reasons. Thanks again for the great novels! Bart Howard

Dear Mr. Cornwell, Awhile back, the Wall Street Journal review of The Last Kingdom caught my eye and, curious, I bought it. Been hooked ever since. My favorites are those with settings before the 17th century, especially the Arthur set. Derfel rocks! Any chance you will create more characters and/or stories from the Dark Ages or Renaissance? Have you thought about another one with a female main character, like Campion? Thanks for answering. God bless you and your word processor! Molly Vallelian

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I would like to know the status of the "Archer" series. It is obvious from the last book that the saga is yet unfinished. Am I wrong? Please respond at your earliest convenience. Alexander of Sanctuary

Dear Bernard, I am a 15 year old boy and have read most of your Sharpe books. I was just wondering have you any plans on writing more books about Thomas of Hookton? And please don't stop writing as your books are great. Yours Sincerely, Connor