Your Questions

Bernard

I know we are not out of 2015 yet, however, is there a possibility of you coming to the UK next year for a book signing tour?

Also if I may, have you had a chance to see the TV adaption of Wolf Hall in the US as yet? I thought Mark Rylance's performance as Thomas Cromwell was tremendous. I saw his Richard the Third at the Globe Theatre a few years ago, what a talent. I wonder how long before he is knighted?

Best wishes

Steven

I am reading and enjoying this book, but have a question. I realise it is a work of fiction, but well researched as to its historical setting, and as a result I have been puzzled by the reference to  Erkenwald, bishop of Londene. He was bishop between 675 and 693, yet the book is set in 855. Was this a device you employed to bring in a colourful character where no contemporary was to be found? (Please forgive me if this question has already been posed - I have looked for it) Many thanks; keep up the good work!

Peter Gray

Hello,

George McDonald Fraser (GMF) possessed a healthy streak of irreverence that found an outlet, not only in the Flashman novels but also for the Cinema in films like the Musketeer films, with a kindred spirit in Dick Lester. Did you only think you would reach a wider audience for your writing by writing scripts for Cinema?

Regards,

Adrian.

How about the Duke of wellington being Richard's father? He is the only man Sharpe ever feared. The Duke always helped him along but aways showed some distain for him as well. Maybe the Duke wanted to help his son but at the same time did not want to be reminded of his past indiscretions. Sort of Like King Alfred for his bastard son?

Nathan Myers

Hello Mr. Cornwell!

I heard that you were working on the tenth book of the Uhtred series, and I am starting Book Three. This brought up an interesting question to me.

What is your productivity like i.e. do you set a goal? Also, what is your process when creating plot lines? I thought so far that the Pale Horseman had an incredible plot. DO you create chapter outlines?

Keep up the INCREDIBLE work!

Nick

Dear Mr Cornwell,

Thank you for your previous response to my question regarding the next book. I have a couple of other questions and I hope you don't mind me bothering you once again.

I was wondering about "Serpent Breath" - The one they use as a prop in the T.V. series.

1. What is is really made of ? Have you seen / handled it ?
2. How did they (programme makers ) come up with the design ? Is it based on another / real ancient sword ?
3. Did you have any input into the design ?
4. Have you any comment on the way it looks / has turned out ? .

Regards Gwyn Mowll - North Wales.

Hi, sorry but I have one of those obnoxious questions for you about an event in the Winter King. It's been stuck in my head and I was wondering if you could explain it for me.

Prior to the battle scene between Arthur and  Owain, Owain implicates himself when he accuses Derfel when he said "He broke his oath." Wasnt is the fact that there was an oath to begin with enough to prove he was behind the raiding, and Arthur could have aboided the fight altogether with a guilty verdict? Am I reading to far into this or did I miss something?

Thanks and love all your books!!

Kyle

Hello, Mr Cornwell.

My girlfriend started reading your Arthur books.

In the very first pages she was completely in love with your writing. I never thought she could be interested in stories about bearded men beating his bloody swords against one another and rolling in each others tripes, after all she is a very romantic girl who loves stories filled with tears, love confessions and impossible romances... Oh, wait ... I think your Arthur books have a lot of it!

Like me, her favorite character it's Nimue.

She asked me a few times if, deep down, Nimue loved Derfel.

I said yes, because that's what I believe, but what would you respond?

(In the third book, when Nimue launches the plague against Ceinwyn, her attitude of sinister pleasure told me that, deep down, her real wish was to have lived a normal life with Derfel, as wife, rather than have turned into what she became. Of course she have her fascinating passion about the gods and her duties to them, but, as I say, deep down, I believe she envied Ceinwyn. She envied their happiness.)

Eilton Ribeiro

Bernard.

Following the release of 'The Last Kingdom' on TV I went back to the beginning and re-read all 9 Uhtred books.

I live in Northwich in Cheshire - one of the salt towns, and I get all excited knowing Uhtred may have passed this way. Chester is a very historical city and even though it is not the place Uhtred would have known I have found myself walking the walls with your books in hand trying to envisage what Uhtred would of looked out upon. I have looked at Bromborough as a different town since discovering its history through your writing.

Its possible he passed through my town after visiting Erce in Buxton then travelling to Chester, but 'Warriors of the Storm' has some very detailed knowledge of our area and its history.

I have walked around Eddisbury Hill a few times and it felt great to put a picture to your vivid descriptions of the land, even though I am 1000 years too late. It certainly brings the imagery to life. I must walk the route from Chester to Eddisbury Hill next spring.

I was also impressed by a paragraph with Uhtred discussing salt mining with Athelflead. Where did you do your research? Have you been to visit Cheshire to gain a vision for your descriptive writing?

If you have not yet been and ever find yourself passing through can I recommend a visit to a little museum - http://weaverhall.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk/. It has some enlightening information on the history of salt mining from early history, details on the hill forts at Eddisbury, Kelsborrow and Oakmere, as well as a history of the Cheshire Archers (from your Grail series). These archers reputedly wore green, which I am convinced explains why the football teams of Nantwich and Northwich both play in green to this day.

Please keep writing, every one of your books is a pleasure to read, although having consumed the entire 9 books of the Saxon stories in 3 weeks, I think I need a break and catch up on the rest of my life!

Simon James

Dear Mr. Cornwell,

Although my education virtually finished in 1939, (I have no qualifications whatsoever),nevertheless I acquired a love of English history. I don't make a point of reading fiction on the subject, but I find your work so enjoyable. My son bought 'Waterloo' as my Christmas present last year and I, as the saying goes, couldn't put it down. At present I am enjoying 'The Grail Quest', in which Thomas of Hookton travels to Puddletown in Dorset.

In 1948 I was stationed in an army camp in Piddlehinton and frequently walked to Puddlettown for a pint; it was all a private's pay could afford! I was informed by the locals that the original name was 'Piddletown' but changed to avoid embarrassment. I consulted Wikipedia which states that the name was probably changed in the 19th. Century but not officially sanctioned until the late 1950s.

Please tell me that, in spite of your incredible research and knowledge, this pathetic creature has discovered an error.

Yours sincerely,

Alfred MacQuillin.