Dear Bernard Such great novels! I am steadily working my way through your inventory, though slowly, as I sadly have too little time to read and like to read widely. I would say that the Grail Quest series is my favourite of your books, as it's my favourite period of history, though when I open another Sharpe, I feel at home. Certainly looking forward to the next instalment! One question: As a keen writer myself (only for pleasure - no plans to publish) I am constantly amazed by some of the things the pros so effortlessly achieve. For example, the thing that sticks most in my mind from the Sharpe series is Sergeant Hakeswill's catchphrase, "Says so in the scriptures." I have tried to introduce similar things into my own writing, but have always abandoned them as sounding too contrived. Just wondering if you remember how you thought of that catchphrase. Was it something you spent a long time dreaming up, or did it just spring to mind? Keep up the good work and all the best. Chris. PS. Any plans to tour Australia soon?
Honestly don't know. These things just come. Wish I could be more helpful! Sorry - Australia's not in the plans at the moment.