Your Questions

Q

I have enjoyed reading and re-reading all the Sharpe books.  I know they are not written in chronological order, and given that it is impressive how consistent they are.  But one inconsistency niggles - Sharpe meets Daddy Hill in Havoc, but in Eagle he meets him again, FOR THE FIRST TIME!!!!!  I have often wondered how many other inconsistencies I have missed?
Alastair Harris

Submitted February 27, 2014

A

Oh quite a few, I'm sure!  In one book I say that Sharpe and Hakeswill were together in the breach at Gawilghur and I knew that perfectly well when I wrote Sharpe's Fortress, but the story simply wouldn't work if they were, so I ignored the earlier book reference and wrote what, to me, was the better story. I suspect this is slightly frustrating for some readers, and it can be very frustrating for me, but there it is. Alas, if only I had my own reference guide, but the Sharpe books emerge from a mind as disordered as my office . . . .

Q

Thoroughly enjoy your books, but have never read the Sharpe series. Wondering if it's possible to buy the Shape series as a set or do I have to buy them one by one?
Bruce Kahanyshyn

Submitted February 27, 2014

A

It may be possible to buy the series as a set some day - but that's not likely to happen until the series is complete and it's not finished yet!

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell,

I could never thank you enough for introducing me to my own love for history since I began reading your books almost 15 years ago.  If only I'd begun reading your novels in my formative years, I'd have made for a much better student!

I'm sure you already have a long queue of what you intend on writing in years to come, and that's extremely exciting! But have you ever given serious thought to covering The Roman Empire, The Mongols, or the Ottoman/Byzantine empires in future works?

I can only imagine the incredible color your narrative could bring to one of these time periods!!  The very idea of you weaving a tale around the pre and post Genghis Kahn era is just exhilarating to me. I'm sure so many others would concur!!

Something on the Spanish conquest of the new world in the 14th century would be thrilling as well.

Lastly, I can't imagine a time when I can no longer look forward to a new Cornwell novel, so please eat your vegetables and be healthy!! The world needs you sir!

With my utmost respect and admiration,
Matthew B. Maysonet

Submitted February 27, 2014

A

Thank you!  You're right, the queue is long and I'm afraid most of what you suggest is not on the list...

Q

How do you pronounce Uhtred?
Debbie

Submitted February 20, 2014

A

Uhtred? to rhyme with hoot, but with a slight guttural inflection - oot-red.

Q

Hello Sir,

Big fan of your work.  Thank you for your books.  A year or 2 ago it seemed that you were hinting at a book either about, or taking place during the reign of, Elizabeth I.  I suppose you then got distracted by 1356 (great read, by the way), then Waterloo and Pagan Lord, and now your next Saxon book.  Will you be revisiting this Tudor-era tale any time soon?
Thank you and best regards,
Will P.

Submitted February 20, 2014

A

I will!

Q

In a recent interview you mentioned the book "The Face of Battle" by John Keegan. I got a copy and realised you've covered 2 of the 3 battles in it - Agincout and Waterloo. Any plans to cover the Somme sometime? If anyone can pull that one off well it would be you.

Tim Hodkinson

Submitted February 20, 2014

A

I really doubt I’ll ever write about the First World War – too many ghosts and altogether too depressing!

Q

In a recent interview you mentioned the book "The Face of Battle" by John Keegan. I got a copy and realised you've covered 2 of the 3 battles in it - Agincout and Waterloo. Any plans to cover the Somme sometime? If anyone can pull that one off well it would be you.
Tim Hodkinson

Submitted February 20, 2014

A

I really doubt I’ll ever write about the First World War – too many ghosts and altogether too depressing!

Q

Hi Bernard,

I think all your readers would agree that you are the best man to write a credible, realistic story about Robin Hood !
Ben

Submitted February 18, 2014

A

I have considered Robin Hood....who knows?  maybe one day...

Q

As an aspiring short story writer and a fan of your work, I was wondering if you have any advice or tips to help me progress.
Chris Platt

Submitted February 16, 2014

A

I do have some writing advice you might find helpful?  http://www.bernardcornwell.net/writing-advice/

Q

Mr. Cornwell,

Last week I discovered The Pagan Lord at my local library and couldn't put it down. I read a great deal and lately, I've not been able to find anything that satisfies me. However, your books have thoroughly hit the spot and I cannot put them down. After I finished The Pagan Lord, I read all the Arthur Books and can't wait to start at the beginning of the Saxon Stories. Thank you for your wonderful work and I know I will be lost again once I've finished them all. Can you recommend a few authors for me to turn to once I've finished the Saxon Stories? I also love both JRR Tolkien and George RR Martin, so anything along those lines would be great.

Also, from your responses in the question portion of your website, I know that you do a great deal of research before you write a novel. Is Derfel a historical figure?

Sincerely,
Mary Beth Martin

Submitted February 16, 2014

A

For books by other authors, you may wish to take a look at the Reading Club pages of this website:

Derfel is identified in some of the early tales as one of Arthur's warriors and it is noted that he later became a monk, but we know nothing else about him.