Your Questions

Q

Fantastic books! Is there going to be more on the lines of Stonehenge and A Crowning Mercy and Fallen Angels? I have read all and now am enjoying the Last Kingdom and waiting impatiently for more! Joanne

Submitted June 15, 2005

A

There will be more Alfred books - the second book of the series, The Pale Horseman, will be out in the UK in October and I am now working on the third book of that series (no title yet).

Q

Dear Bernard, you are someone with an obvious love and talent for story-telling. I was curious as to how you cook up ideas/characters/plots. Is it a measured process, whereby you will deliberately sit and think? Perhaps in a special place? Or do the stories come to you unbidden, when you least expect or even welcome them, whilst driving the car, etc? I am fascinated by the thought process of authors. Do you stand on a mountainside or battlefield and find inspiration? Does it come just as readily when you are buying orange juice at the supermarket? How does it work for you? Do share. Paul Reid Republic of Ireland

Submitted June 15, 2005

A

I tend to sit down and work, which is usually the best place for ideas. If they come to you in the shower, or in the supermarket, they're generally a nuisance because you can't write them down immediately. I'm sure all authors are different, but for me it's an evolving process which takes place mainly at the desk by writing and writing, and seeing what develops. That said it's true that once a book is under way it becomes the over-riding obsession, and you think about it fairly constantly, but I never try to kick-start the process by sitting down and deliberately sketching a character or a story that might be useful. When a character comes along I let them develop as they want, and likewise the story. I'm on Chapter Three of the 3rd Alfred book at the moment and genuinely don't have a clue how this chapter will end, or what will happen in the rest of the book. To me writing a book is like climbing a mountain - you get a quarter of the way up, turn round and see a much better route, at which point I start again, using the new route, and that provides impetus to get halfway up, or a third of the way up, when you repeat the process. The most important thing, though, is that telling stories is intensely enjoyable - whatever way you do it.

Q

Just wondering whether you are going to be writing any further books following on from Gallows Thief? Thank you for all the great books you've written. Rhiain

Dear Bernard Cornwell, I'm supposed to be answering phones (I'm a resting actress temping!) but found it much more interesting to browse the web-sites of my favourite authors, of which you are one. I particularly enjoyed the Sharpe series which I often re-read, and more recently the Grail trio. I especially enjoy the strong and independent women you create, although I can't say I mind the sexy men! In my head anyway. On that note I wanted to ask if there are to be any follow ups to The Gallows Thief? I studied a-level history, much of which focused on British and European political throughout the 18th and 19th centuries...hence it struck a chord. Thank-you for your fantastic books. Regards, Catriona Dickie.

Submitted June 15, 2005

A

I have considered it - and it may happen - but not any time soon.

Q

I would just like to say thankyou for all your books. They get me in a vice like grip that sometimes threatens my marriage (actually she likes it when I have a new Cornwell as she can go off doing girly things). My first Cornwell was Stonehenge and the historical detail was mesmerising.I have now read all the Sharpe, Arthur and Grail books and found them superb. Now I am eagerly looking forward to the new series about vikings and saxons I believe. I particularly like your sensitivity and understanding in depicting Welsh (and Scots and Irish) characters, giving a more balanced view of history rather than the anglo-centric concoction we are taught. Are there any plans for more television programmes like the real Shape? It was great having you visit the places and explain the history. Nathan Price-Saleh

Submitted June 15, 2005

A

No plans at the moment Nathan, but if any come up we'll be sure to post the information to the website. Thanks for your message!

Q

Mr. Cornwell: I know you get compliments like these every day, but I have to let you know that I have thoroughly enjoyed your books. I just now finished "Sharpe's Escape," and am always looking forward to the next one on the series. I today picked up "Gallows Thief" and look forward to being immersed in 19th century London! (sidenote: I just noticed that Rider Sandman and Richard Sharpe share the same initials, as well as a military background. Did you originally intend this to be another Sharpe novel?) I only discovered your books a few years ago, after having accidentally catching the "Sharpe" series on PBS. I have since devoured every book in the entire series, and introduced your work to all my family and friends. Since then, I've also finished the Starbuck books, and thoroughly enjoyed the Grail Quest novels. Do you plan more entries in either of these series? Finally, I'm curious if you plan to make a series out of your characters introduced in the American Revolution novel, "Redcoat." Keep up your excellent work. It should whet the appepite of anyone even vaguely interested in history. Rick Trice

Submitted June 15, 2005

A

No it was never intended to be a Sharpe novel; the characters are very different, I think, despite their shared background. I've always been fond of the name Sandman, which I once used as a nom-de-plume when I worked for the BBC and wasn't allowed to freelance for newspapers, so Sandman hid me, and I've used it in a couple of books now. Rider, I suspect, came from Rider Haggard.

I do plan to return to Starbuck someday, and perhaps another adventure for Thomas of Hookton - but not any time soon.

There won't be a series for the characters of Redcoat though perhaps there may be a further single Revolutionary War novel.

Q

Dear Bernard, I am a great fan of all your books, particularly the Sharpe books. You have probably been asked this a thousand times!, Possibly a million Times!! are there any further sharpe stories in the pipeline? Post Sharpe's Devil. Just to say thankyou for your books it has inspired me to write a thriller, although it may take 10 years to complete as I don't seem to have enough time!. Many thanks and Regards, Gary Barrowcliffe

simple question really, when is the next Sharpe book..?? love them..
Andrew Letherbarrow

Dear. Mr. Cornwell will you be writing any other Sharpe books? I have read all the others and they are the best. Joey

Submitted June 15, 2005

A

Nothing post Sharpe's Devil. The next Sharpe book will follow Sharpe's Escape - but it won't be out, most likely, until 2007.

Q

I just wanted to say a quick thank you for the update on the Sharpe film currently in the works. However, I was wondering if you could let us know if you would be helping with the writing of the film or if you have been asked for any ideas on what it could be about? A new Sharpe book and film to come, not a bad way to end the day! I'll also like to say thanks on taking the time to answer people's questions, not every writer does this. Dan Price

Submitted June 15, 2005

A

I'm not a screenwriter - my role is strictly cheerleading. As far as I know, it will be an adaptation of Sharpe's Tiger and Sharpe's Fortress.

Q

First In reply to the gentleman with reccomendation. Thank you. I did try Urban's book but sadly it does miss New Orleans as well as Barossa and the Beunos Aires expedition. Shame! Second to Bernard in regards to your Starbuck series Copperhead ends at Gaines Mill. Do you have any plans to go back and write about the rest of the 7 days including Malvern Hill???? Also in your reply posted on May 12th about getting Stabuck to Chickamauga please change your mind. It was considered the soldiers battle of the US civil war and would be literary crime if Starbuck was not to get there. Especially with people like Forrest/Cleburne/Longstreet/Hood and Thomas/Granger and Sheridan who were involved in that fight. Also have you read Jefferey Dwert's biography of James Longstreet, if not I can recommend it??? Geraint

Mr. Cornwell, I was wondering if lately you've thought about starting up the Starbuck Chronicles again. I would sure like to read the continuing adventures. Joshua Ladwig

Submitted June 9, 2005

A

I have thought of it, and I do plan to get back to Starbuck one day, but it's not likely to happen soon. I haven't read the biography of James Longstreet - you can recommend it, and thank you - it's on the list now.

Q

Absolutely love the Sharpe books and am collecting the series as fast as I can. Also love your other books. Do you do your own research? I don't know how you have time to write so many brilliant books as well as research!
Jennifer Richardson

Submitted June 9, 2005

A

Thank you for your kind words Jennifer. Yes, I do my own research.

Q

Hello Bernard, As an avid reader of your books, I was delighted to find an article about yourself in today's (8 June 2005) Guardian Newspaper. It was extremely interesting, and put me in mind to ask if you have ever considered writing an autobiography? I am sure many of your readers would be delighted at such a prospect. Keep up the good work. Regards, Nathan Ling, St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex.

Submitted June 9, 2005

A

Thank you - but I have never really been tempted to write my autobiography. I don't want to relive my childhood, that's for sure. I think the most you're going to get are the seven pages in a forthcoming book, Family Wanted, edited by Sara Holloway, and published in July in the UK by Granta Books. I open the batting with a memoir called Cakes and Ale, but it is only seven pages!