Your Questions

Q

Hi Mr. Cornwell. I recently have finished my readings over The Grail Quest, and I can tell you right away, this was the best book I´ve ever read ( otherwise, I wouldn´t be here). I didn´t read it like a "book", it was almost like a movie going by. And that´s my point: I´m from Brazil, and I´m beginning my writer career as a playwriter, music writer and poet. I´m developing a new project, which is a script for a movie (short length, I don´t know how to write this word). So, I would like to know if there´s any project of adaptation to these books to the big screen? Because I´m dreaming (literally) for a couple of weeks (the day I´ve finish my readings) to tell you how I would like to be part of such a project. I don´t know if you sold the rights to the books for any movie company, did you? Whatever, thanks for the time (for trying hard to understand these words) and above all else, thank you for the books. As I´ve said before, I felt in love with all the pages and all the characters and I´ve share with them all their emotions. It was the first book I´ve read that really took me up to another level. Words cannot describe what it meant to me. I´m not trying to be ambitious, but we could write a hell of a script to the movie industry. Does it ever past by your head? Thanks once again, best regards, Tiago

A

Thank you so much for your many kind words. I'm pleased to know how much you have enjoyed the Grail Quest books. I would be thrilled, of course - as any author would - to see my books turned into movies. However, there are no plans in the works for this at the moment.


Q

Mr Cornwell - I am reading The Last Kingdom at present and it is as wonderful as I'd anticipated it would be. I have enjoyed every single one of the novels of yours I have read so far, but particularly those written in the first person. Which made me wonder - would Richard Sharpe like to tell us a story from his point of view? (Sharpe's Story, perhaps?) Are there any gaps left in his personal history that would lend themselves to such a treatment? Keep up the great work. FM, Norfolk, UK.

A

I'm not sure about a Sharpe first person - maybe it would work? I'm sort of reluctant to change the style too much, but perhaps, in my rapidly nearing old age I'll give it a try.


Q

What happened to Antonia (Sharpe's daughter) and Jane (his wife)? they seem to have fallen off the world in later books after Waterloo. Are there any plans for more movies about Richard Sharpe? My wife and I just watched all 14 DVDs for about the third time. Sandy Friedlander

A

Antonia? She lived happily ever after, I'm sure. Jane? Most likely nothing good at all. There is some talk of a new Sharpe film, but nothing is definite yet. We'll keep you posted!


Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, I noticed a couple of slip-ups in 'The Last Kingdom,' one is on the first page of Chapter 6, I forget where I saw the others. It appears that 'Alfred' becomes 'Arthur,' does this mean that your mind dwells on the warlord chronicles and that you want to bring the series back as much as we want you to?! Kind Regards, Dan

A

You're absolutely right. What's truly annoying is that I found those errors before the book was printed, let the publishers know, but they were all off to a long lunch or something, so they slipped through the (usually very good) net. It's still my fault, of course. I think when I hit the capital A the mind takes over - I do the same thing when writing Starbuck and have to go through the chapter changing 'Sharpe' to 'Starbuck'. I'd love to write more of Arthur, but alas, the series is finished!


Q

I've just finished reading 'The Last Kingdom' and I loved everypage. As a resident of Nottingham I'd never previously heard of the viking siege here. Can you suggest further reading so I can find out more. How many books are you planning in this series. I've read the book you're currently working on is the follow up to 'The Last Kingdom' which won't be out till next October. Aren't you planning an April release for next year. I've been used to two books a year from you. Thanks Dan Taylor

A

The books mentioned in the Historical Note ought to give you a starting point - or your local library? I have some unpublished archaological papers on Snotengaham's early history, so perhaps I drew some stuff from there - but your library ought to have some excellent local histories. Don't know right now how many books will make up this series. And - sorry! - I am not planning a release for April of next year.


Q

How about Brian Boru, The Wallace, or the Bruce? David

A

How about them indeed?


Q

Mr. Cornwell, I am a very recent devotee; having never read any of your books I have, in the past three weeks or so, read the first four Sharpe books and am now eagerly reading The Winter King (and I love the historio-realistic spin you have put on the legend [?]). You're a master to be ranked with one of my all-time favorites, George Macdonald Fraser. Which leads me to... My questions are two: first, are you a reader and / or fan of the Flashman series? What do you think about it, if anything. And wouldn't Sharpe and Flashman meeting make a great book? (Yes, I know, it could never be done, lawyers and whatnot, even if authors were willing, but I still smile at the thought. I think they'd despise each other.) Two, why isn't the Archer's Tale on your list of books on the website?

A

I adore Flashy! But you are right - it's not likely Flashman and Sharpe will ever meet. The Archer's Tale is listed on this website - under its correct name Harlequin.


Q

An odd query, perhaps. Having read "Wildtrack" some time ago, I was surprised recently to discover, in Sarah Caudwell's "The Shortest Way to Hades," some detailed references to sailing that reminded me of "Wildtrack," and even a boat named Sycorax. The coincidence struck me as curious. Is it mere coincidence, or were you consulted on the sailing passages of Ms. Caudwell's book? Anne Coventry

A

I've never read her! Sycorax, of course, is the witch who is Caliban's mother in Shakespeare's 'The Tempest', so I guess we both got the name from there. But it is pure coincidence.


Q

Dear Bernard, I have just finished 'The Last Kingdom' and am about to embark on 'Fallen Angels'. Thank you very much for these books. 'Last Kingdom' looks to be the start of a terrific new series with a successful narrator/hero in the mould of Derfel. I found it interesting the way the Uhtred changed sides, is this something that Nate Starbuck may do or is he too much of a 'Southron' now?!! One aspect of your books that I always enjoy are the maps which give a terrific support to the text itself. I have read on this sight that you plan to have the second novel in the series 'The Shadow Queen' (cool title!!) in October 2005. What do you have planned for March 2005? or am I being far too greedy!!?! Best wishes and thank you for your continued excellence, Berj.

Mr Cornwell, I say again you are a masterful weaver of historical fiction. I have just finished reading the Last Kingdom. Thank you for another wonderful book. I found myself living the the world you created for Uhtred, Ragnar, Ubba. I can think of only 2 other Authors whose writing leaves me wanting more, the way The Last Knigdom has done. This may be a cruel question, but when will the next book be published? Thom Walters

Dear Mr Cornwell, I have just finished reading The Last Kingdom. Congratualtions. Uhtred is easily the best character you have created since Derfel who, for whatever reason, really captured my imagination. When do you plan to have the follow-up books on Uhtred/Alfred published? Again well done. Bob Lester

I have just completed reading THE LAST KINGDOM can you tell me when the next book in the series will be published? do you intend using the characters from GALLOWS THIEF in another book? as I though you might. anyway congratulations on yet another unputdownable story!! G W Carr

Dear Bernard I have read everything you have ever written (that you have published). I haven't got any favourite because they are all just brilliant. I don't know how you do it but don't ever stop you are the best author ever. Anyway I have just finished kThe Last Kingdom, eagerly await the follow on. Please could you tell me the title and when it will be on the shelves? thankyou, Spencer Lee

Hello Bernard, I live in Sydney, Australia and just wanted to thank you for your work.... I have read all your previous books, and have loved Sharpie and Harper like brothers.... their adventures have kept me entertained for hours.... and I look forward to passing on the collection to my son.... I have just finished The Last Kingdom and immediately turned back to the first page and started again.... what a great yarn.... the characters were great and the discriptions of both the shield wall and the country side were outstanding..... I cannot wait for the next installment in the life of another fine rouge.... Any idea when we can expect to see the next book? and at this stage do you have any idea how many books may be in the series? Looking forward to your reply.... Kind regards Craig Behringer

A

Don't know about Nate Starbuck just yet, but a follow up to Gallows Thief is a possibility. I am glad to know you enjoyed The Last Kingdom. I am working on the second book now and had been considering The Shadow Queen as the title - but it looks like we will be going instead with the title The White Horse. It will be published in October 2005. I'm not sure right now how many books will make up this series - I suspect at least four, maybe more. Sorry, nothing is planned for March 2005.


Q

Hi, I would like to know when "the Last Kingdom" is going to be published in Brazil? Thank You. Patrícia

A

We have not heard of any plans yet to publish 'The Last Kingdom' in Brazil. But I have heard that 'Gallows Thief' will be published in Brazil sometime this month.