Your Questions

Q

Are there to be any more Rider Sandman books to come? By the way was it you I met at the mayflower marina in Plymouth just in from the Texas I had trailed our boat from Rock?
Paul Ancill

Submitted August 17, 2005

A

Weren't me! Maybe a lookalike? I have a doppelganger? More Rider Sandman is a possibility...

Q

Hi Bernard. firstly, thank you for providing me with another wonderful story to read! I had not read one of your books for some time since finishing the Sharpe novels and started your Warlord Chronicles by chance - and finished all three within the week! Needless to say my wife isn't particularly happy - nor my boss - so I think I'll have a break for a week or two before I start the Grail Quest books! Anyway, the reason for my writing is that I have not been as affected by a character in a book for a long time but I thought Derfel was great and more importantly admit that I may have fallen for the beautiful Ceinwyn! I see that others have asked this question and your reply has been to leave it up to the reader's imagination but in your own mind do you think Ceinwyn and Derfel spent at least some happy years together before he went in to Sansum's service? Could he, even for an oath to Sansum that saved Ceinwyn's life, really have just walked away and renounced all the past and possible future happy days with her? It seems strange that after their years of bickering, Derfel would respect any oath to Sansum, or that he would even think of leaving behind his star after all they had been through? Thanks in advance, Toby

Submitted August 17, 2005

A

I'm sure they had some time together. But it's not anything I've really thought about - perhaps I should? There might be a story there . . . .

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell. As a historian I would like to ask some advice from the author that inspired my coursework. Here is the question "War has been the great engine of technological advance." Disuss with reference to the history of any period you have studied. I'm going to study the period featured in the Sharpe books roughly 1795-1815 and wanted some advice about sources as I'm having some difficulty in researching technologly from that period particularly some of the weapons featured in the books. I have tired the local libraiy and found nothig very useful and the internet doesn't seem to be helping either. I have also checked coursework instructions carefully and advice for coursework is allowed even from a great. Yours Sincerely, Willliam Bray P.s I think your books are wonderful and gripping!

Submitted August 17, 2005

A

I'm not certain how much it was a war of technological advance - off the top of my head I can't think of very much. The French developed synthetic saltpetre to make gunpowder and, more usefully, tinned food. There were, of course, endless proposals for balloons and submarines, but nothing came of them until the peace. The British came up with the carronade, but nothing revolutionary there, and they invented shrapnel. The basic weapons at Waterloo (apart from shrapnel) were much the same as those that went to war in 1793. They'd been refined, of course, but not revolutionised. I could be wrong, but is this the war that proves the exception?

Q

Mr. Cornwell, Just wondering if you have read any of Steven Pressfield's novels? If so what do you think of them?
David D.

Submitted August 17, 2005

A

I fear I haven't - another gap in my education.

Q

Mr. Cornwell, First of all, I love the Sharpe books, though I must admit I resisted reading the ones set earlier than "Sharpe's Rifles" because there was no Harper. I write to ask some advice. I too write, both for a newspaper and freelance for a host of magazines, mostly history-- my first love. For the longest time, I have been developing a character that I hope would be the protagonist young army officer in a series set in the American Revolution. No problem there. My problem is that I have a hard time writing of the British as the enemy. I lived for a time in the UK, was once engaged to a woman in Yorkshire (still the love of my life), and have a deep and abiding love of the British people. You've created sympathetic French characters, but still they're still the enemy. Maybe, though, you never had such feelings for the French as I do for the British. At any rate, I'm putting that project on hold and am now fleshing out a character and plot set during the French and Indian War. Any thoughts on the subject would be most welcome. Cordially, Ray Chandler Clemson, South Carolina USA

Submitted August 17, 2005

A

The main thing I learned as a writer of military historical fiction is that the protagonist's enemies are almost all on his own side! Part of that is the constraint of plotting - a French enemy is rarely close to Sharpe, so to keep the story bubbling it's much easier to have a villain like Hakeswill in his own army. As for not hating the enemy - why not make it a feature of the series? It was, after all, a civil war - many Americans fought for the British - so brother can fight brother. And you have the French to play around with - they were, after all, the largest army in the theatre by the war's end, so PLENTY of villains there! A good project - and good luck!

Q

Mr. Cornwell, You sir, are a marvelous storyteller. While difficult to pick the best series, the three grail quest stories have to be at or near the top. Any thoughts about Wales or Ireland as scenes for future books? I wish you a long life, as long as you keep writing wonderful books. Bill McConville

Submitted August 17, 2005

A

They're not on the radar at the moment - but never say never!

Q

Can you please tell me were on earth does Sharpe's Misson and Sharpe's Justice fit in. Becasue I have only found that Sharpe's Revenge, Waterloo and Devil as the last three. Digby Evans

Submitted August 17, 2005

A

The two Sharpe films, 'Sharpe's Mission' and 'Sharpe's Justice' are not based on any of my books but were written by screenwriters for the TV series. In the order of the films I believe 'Mission' comes after 'Sharpe's Siege' and 'Justice' after 'Sharpe's Revenge'.

Q

My name is Gail Clough, and I am writing to thank you for all the hours of enjoyment you have given me and my husband via your Richard Sharpe novels. We are in the process of re-reading all of them in order, and are completely enthralled. The India series is unforgettable, Sharpe's Tiger, is my favorite book, thank you so much for writing such compelling, historically authentic literature. Have you any plans to continue the Sharpe saga, please? My husband and I would both love to hear of Sharpe's adventures in America (I am sure we are not alone considering the world-wide appeal of your work). Does he meet up with Simone Joubert? Reclaim his American investments, the ones made for Jane by Lord Rossingdale? Does he invent the Sharpe's repeating rifle? I beg your pardon for all the questions, and apologize for the impertinence, but the Sharpe stories are so compelling, we want more! How about some more films, too? It's too late to stop now! Thank you for your time and attention. Joseph and Gail Clough

Dear Bernard, You have provided me with hours of enjoyment reading the sharpe series of books and I am now determined to learn more of the penninsular campaign and visit the sites of the battles, thanks to you. Do you have any plans to write more about the heroic Mister Sharpe? Kind Regards Keith

Anything about a new Richard Sharpe book ? I am on my 3rd read of the complete series to date and await his next bold adventure. As a fellow officer up from the ranks, his adventures bring back fond memories of how things were back when. Also your Revolutionary War stories could be expanded. Interesting reading on both sides of the pond. Sejnd the hero south to Cow Pens. Any information would be appreciated. Semper Fi. Jack Burke Capt of Marines / Retired

Submitted August 16, 2005

A

I do plan more Sharpe books - although a new one isn't in the works at the moment. There may, however, be a new Sharpe film in the works by the end of this year. We'll post all the details when we get them.

Q

Hello Bernard Cornell. I have enjoyed your books a lot, and have one question and an invitation. First, the joy of battle - that feeling that you have used for R Sharpe, Uhtred, Derfel and others - that overwhelming sensation when everything around you slows down, when you have all the time in the world to move and look around you. Has that happened to you? I have experienced it twice, and can only say it is a joy that is remembered all your life. I'm a 58 year old former U.S. Marine and you are the only person I have read that describes that transformation so well. I figured that you had experienced it yourself. I now work for the U.S. Navy in Fallon, Nevada, training Navy, USMC and Army Special Forces in desert ground maneuvers. If you and your wife ever travel this way (60 miles east of Reno on U.S. 50) and care for a tour of the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center and the surrounding desert, please contact me. Best Regards, John Kirch

Submitted August 16, 2005

A

I fear it's almost all imagination and 'borrowing' from the memoirs of warriors like yourself. The only times I saw action were as a journalist and I was mighty glad to survive - but came away with a renewed admiration for the professional soldiers who had saved my precious butt.
Thanks for the invitation - I do hope to take you up on it some day.

Q

I am hoping there are going to be more books in the Starbuck Chronicles , if yes when can expect to see them as their are only so many times I can read the original 4. Richard Hill

Dear Sir Could you please let me know if you will be writing anymore stories on the starbuck series?
James Swift

Submitted August 16, 2005

A

I do plan to get back to Starbuck one day. Sorry, I don't know right now when that day will be.