Your Questions

Q

Dear Bernard, In regards to statements of future Sharpe works. I was just wondering how many more books do you see Sharpe in and will some of the lose ends like Pumpherys murder of Astrid and payback for Murray ever be tied up. And have you ever thought of going back again and writing about Flanders/ Rolica and Vimero. And will ALbuera/El Bodon/Burgos and Orthez be in any future works. As for Sharpe and the war of 1812 well in Sharpes Triumph/Fortress that Frenchwoman (Forget her name) stole his Jewels and hightailed it to the USA. will Sharpe ever go and get them back. As for the promise apart from his vows to kill somone when did Sharpe ever make a promise he did not break??? btw can I reccomend both Eagles over the Alps by Christopher Duffy on Suvrov and with the exceptions of both Napoleon and Wellington argubly the greatest general of the Napoleonic/Revolutionary wars and John Saddlers Border Fury a book on the English/Scottish wars that lasted from the 1200's to the 1500's. Cannot wait for the next book in October regards Geraint

Submitted July 26, 2005

A

Maybe. I honestly don't know. I'll think on all of them, but until I write the books I rarely know what they'll be. You win some, lose some. Sharpe wins more than he loses, but he doesn't waste time on lost causes and, knowing Sharpe, I suspect he thinks that the jewels were a small price to pay for the pleasure he got. Thanks for the recommendations.

Q

Dear Bernard I have read all your Sharpe books and the Warlord Chronicles and they are so much fun to read. Never a dull moment amongst them, which for some one as jumpy as I am dull moments in books can really try my nerve. I was curious if you could tell me1. What happens to Nimue in the end. 2: Did you ever intend to do any thing concerning Arthurs Sister Anne in France. And finally who is your favorite character from the series, aside from of course Derfel. Demetia.

Submitted July 26, 2005

A

I left the ending to the reader - which is not very nice of me, but there it is.

I doubt I'll ever return to the Arthur series . . . . I wish I could, but alas, it's done.

My favourite character? Ceinwyn.

Q

Just finished reading The Last Kingdom, an excellent tale and I look forward to the next book. The storylines in the books of yours that I have read are similar to each other, which I don't mind at all, does this mirror your life the way that you have achieved success by starting from the bottom and working your way to the top of the literary food chain? Your books are amazing and the come down after reading them and waiting for the next in the series is practically unbearable but I am a glutton for punishment and the next books are always worth the wait. Thank you, Jason Vernon.

Submitted July 26, 2005

A

I honestly don't know whether the plots reflect my life. It isn't something I think about (though I obviously should). I think, on the whole, that I've been extraordinarily privileged - and most of my characters probably are not. Dunno. Lousy answer, sorry, but the best I can do.

Q

Mr. Cornwell I am a fan of the Sharpe books. But the TV series disappoint. I watched the first three episodes and they don't seem to fill-out your charactors or stories.. Curious what grade you would give the TV series, and whether someone like director Ridley Scott or actor/director Mel Gibson might do a better job telling Sharpe stories. Best DW

Submitted July 26, 2005

A

If Mel Gibson was in it then Sharpe would lose. If Ridley Scott directed then it would be multicultural heaven. I'm happier with the series as it is.

Q

Mr. Cornwell, A few More Questions.. 1. What is your absolute favorite Hornblower story? 2. How did you come to the realization that the 4th Thomas of Hookton book wasn't working and that you should retire him? Is that about the same time you began delving into Alfred's history and switched to writing the Last Kingdom? Is it painful to abandon a story that you've put a lot of work into? 3. I've read a quote from you in an interview where you state "I've noticed there are no great films, plays, etc., about the [American] Revolution, but plenty about the Civil War -- the truth is that, once you examine the Revolution closely, you discover that a lot of it is myth, and so it's probably best left where it is -- in the realm of magnificent legend." That leaves me feeling a little forlorn because I am currently writing my first (hopefully not last) novel that is set during the Revolution. Can you share some of the hurdles in writing about this time period that you had to overcome while creating Redcoat? It would be much appreciated. Thanks Again For Your Time R. Kulb

Submitted July 26, 2005

A

My favourite Hornblower story? The Commodore. Don't know why - but I've always treasured it.

I realised about 30,000 words in - and it should never have got past 30 words. The grail quest was over. No, it isn't painful - there are always more stories to write. Wasn't it Frederick the Great who gave the advice that you should never reinforce failure? It's terrific advice. 30,000 words are a small price to pay for realising that you're ignoring that good advice.

The only hurdle is truth. You're (presumably) discovering that for yourself right now. When I wrote Redcoat I talked with one of the pre-eminent historians of the Revolution (an American) and asked him what George Washington's greatest contribuition was. He thought for a long time, then said 'he extended the revolution by two years through sheer ineptitude'. I think that's unfair, but not untrue. That's your hurdle.

Q

Are we going to follow any more adventures of Thomas of Hookton? Frank Casey

Submitted July 22, 2005

A

The Grail Quest series is done. Thomas of Hookton may be back, but not anytime soon.

Q

Sorry to bother you but can you tell me if you have any book signings coming up in the south of England? Thank you. Rachel

Submitted July 21, 2005

A

I don't know yet, is the answer. There will likely be a book tour for the release of The Pale Horseman, but we have no schedule for it yet. Keep your eye on the Diary page as all appearances will be posted there.

Q

Mr Cornwell, I was just wondering if there will ever be a series based on the war of the roses. Thanks for your great books! Christian

Submitted July 21, 2005

A

I'm not planning anything on the Wars of the Roses

Q

Dear Bernard, I've read many of your books, but this last one of yours, The Last Kingdom, was just great! I LOVED IT!!! I see the next one will be released in October in Britain but not until January in the USA. Why the three month wait? I'm sorry but I just can't wait for The Pale Horseman to come out! And finally, will this be a trilogy? Thanks and keep up the great stories! Wayne

Submitted July 21, 2005

A

I wish I knew how many books will be in the series, but more than three and probably less than twelve is about all I can tell you. I see it as a decade's work, at least, but I can assure you that they will be written in chronological order! Why the difference in the publishing times in the UK and the US? - I don't know! It's a decision made by the publishers, not me.

Q

Bernard, This is the umpteenth time I have written to you and can I say thankyou for always taking the time and trouble to answer my questions. I have a couple more on slightly different subjects. First, despite many scrapes and one or two near misses, inparticular in Sharpes Fortress which I have just finished reading, Sharpe lived happily ever after. Did you ever consider killing him off at the end? He could have died a hero, had a fantastic send off and we would still have had the same outcome - no more Sharpes after 'Devil'. Secondly, do you have any say in the book tours. I would like nothing better than to have a book signed by yourself but you never seem to come to Yorkshire. Have a a word with the organisers and please come to Doncaster or Sheffield on your next UK visit. Regards, Barry Evans, Doncaster, UK

Submitted July 19, 2005

A

I don't really approve of killing off heroes. Dead men pay no mortgages!

I'll see what I can do about the next UK book tour.