Your Questions

Q

Hello,

Since George Macdonald Fraser's ( GMF) death in 2008, have any unfinished works of  fiction, GMF left unfinished  come to light? If yes, are you interested and/or,  have you been approached to complete  them  for publication.

Regards and thanks,

Adrian

Submitted June 7, 2016

A

I haven’t been approached and, if I was, I’d be hugely flattered and decline the offer! No one writes like George (and how I miss him!) and I certainly wouldn’t want to try and match him!

 

Q

I Just finished your first Saxon Stories book and did enjoy it very much. I noticed in your epilogue that you tie your family back to the real Ughtread. I am diligently attempting to trace my family history and have it all at least back to the point Thomas Outerbridge left England for Bermuda sometime before 1629. I have the semi complete tree for 13 generations. From what I can gather though Outerbridge was at some point Ughtredbridge and before that Ughtred which might make us cousins if that is so. I was wondering if you had a scholarly opinion regarding the history of my name.

Lance C Outerbridge

Submitted June 7, 2016

A

I’m afraid I don’t! I have my own family tree, and I don’t see any Outerbridge on that, but that doesn’t mean we’re not related. I imagine there are some dependable genealogy sites on the web? I’d search those.

 

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell

I know I run the risk of being a gushing sycophant, but I love your Last Kingdom series.

I come from the Wirral and so especially look out for Chester , the Dee and the Mersey.

Your description of the weather (good or bad) is so atmospheric do you come to England to get a refresher course in what it's really like or is it done from memory?

The same question really about the long boats; have you been out on one or is this from your imagination?

I went to Roskilde in Denmark where they make amazing replicas (and have a fabulous museum) I had a go at rowing which was back breaking; an odd technique where they suggest you almost throw yourself backwards. You clearly share Uhtred's love of the sea.

Looking forward to your next book.

Many thanks

Shelagh

PS Could I try and twist your arm  to write about the Godwinson clan, providing you change the course of history and the 'right' side wins at Hastings.

Submitted June 7, 2016

A

I do take a refresher course in  English weather a couple of times a year . . . and yes, years ago (too long to contemplate) I was handling an oar on a replica Viking longship – on the River Blackwater in Essex. And you’rte right – Roskilde is wonderful! These days I prefer something much more comfortable – a cruising yacht, with engine!

You can try, but I doubt it will ever happen, sorry!

Q

Hi Bernard,

I'm enjoying The Grail books as much as the other books of yours that I've read (too many to list). Just a quick question regarding 1356, is Roland de Verrec plucked from Browning's Childe Roland or perhaps Stephen King's Roland (The Dark Tower series). Loved the closing line of one chapter "And so Roland, to the dark tower came", and that's what got me thinking.Great stuff.

Doug Boardly

Submitted June 7, 2016

A

‘Roland to the dark tower came’ was a really a homage to Shakespeare who uses the line in King Lear!  It was then used by Robert Browning in a poem called Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came (which is the exact Shakespearean quote).  So I suspect Stephen King and I both borrowed from one or the other or both.

Q

Should (or have) the TV producers offer you a cameo role in Series 2? Father Pyrlig springs to mind

Andy Green

Submitted June 1, 2016

A

I hope they won’t! And they haven’t, mainly because I deliberately keep my distance, not because I don’t like them (I do, very much), but because their job is difficult enough without me getting in their way. Filming of the second series has started, but, like you, I’ll wait to see the programmes!

Q

Hello!

Waiting for the next Last Kingdom Book I found myself with time to read the English translations of Maurice Druon's "Accursed Kings" books and Nigel Tranter's "Bruce trilogy".  I loved the way they showed similar events from different viewpoints (2 sides of a triangle I guess).  I need to go back and reread your Thomas Hookton books that have overlap with the later Druon books from the English side but started after the Bruce trilogy has wrapped.  Do you recommend books that might show the early part of Edward III's reign from the English side?  Or is it not so exciting until Crécy?  Also, historical fiction that might be sympathetic to Edwards I & II?  Maybe that would be fiction indeed.  Thanks again for all the fantastic books you've written

APS

Submitted June 1, 2016

A

I fear I don’t know any historical novels that tell of the early part of Edward III’s reign – I’m sure they exist! Maybe the Historical Novel Society has a list? I know this is a terrible confession to make, but if you spend thirty plus years writing historical novels then almost the very last thing you want to read for recreation is . . . I’ll let you guess.

 

Q

Have you ever thought of having a book, or book series, take place in a more modern war, such as one of the World Wars? I absolutely love your writing style, and I can't help but feel like the trenches would be a perfect spot for some Cornwell-Style Action!

Samuel Gaul

Submitted June 1, 2016

A

No - I prefer to stick to the more ancient past!

Q

Mr. Cornwell,

i have just about finished the last of the series.  will there be anymore books following Warriors of the Storm?

I have enjoyed these books very much.

Eric Anderson

 

When will the next book be out please?  Can't wait.

Sheila Weston

 

Will there be a book 10? I very much hope so I love this series.

Thank you

Colleen

 

Just completed Warriors of the Storm and Uhtred has not reclaimed Bebbanburg yet.Can I look forward to future novels that will give me the rest of Uhtred's story? Can you tell me possibly when?  I have enjoyed all nine.

Michelle Johnson

 

Sir,

First of all, and I'll keep it short, thank you so much for your work. Your writing has provided me with entertainment, inspiration and joy that I would not trade for anything. I thought nothing could beat Hornblower until I picked up Sharpe! Many years of good health to you sir!

As for my question: I see you mention "The Flame Bearer" in a previous question, and can find no reference to this phrase anywhere else. Is this the title of Book 10? In any case I can't wait for it! I am always making excuses not to read your new books; I finish them so fast, I hate not having any more to look forward to!

Neil

Submitted June 1, 2016

A

The next book will be called The Flame Bearer and will be published in the UK in October and in the US in November.

Q

Do you think you will ever write a sequel to the Gallows Thief? I so enjoyed this book which surprised me as it's not normally a period of interest or my type of story but it was so good I would love to read another!

Kelly

Submitted June 1, 2016

A

I have given it some thought, so....maybe???

Q

Mr. Cornwell,

I'm a very picky reader and I've only recently discovered your books. I'm up to date on Uhtred, and just finished Sharpe's Trafalger. Needless to say, I'm hooked. You're singlehandedly responsible for hours of my reading pleasure and Wikipedia binges.

Are there any other topics you'd enjoy writing about? On this Memorial Day Weekend in Massachusetts, the courage and perseverance of the vacationer in Cape Cod traffic seems fitting, as does the resolve of the Cape Cod local preparing for the annual invasion.

Jon in Massachusetts

Submitted June 1, 2016

A

There are many topics!  I hope to live long enough to write many of them - but Cape Cod traffic is definitely NOT on the list!