Your Questions

Q

Hello, first I'd like to say that I have enjoyed very much the Saxon Chronicles and am eager for the next books. As soon as possible I intend to expand my reading into the other collections. What I'd like to know is if there will be, in the approximate future, any book signings in Brazil, specially in the South region. Another question, in the beginning of 2012 I had the pleasure of visiting London, and more specifically the British Museum, among others, and I saw a sword with engravings that fit what I had imagined for Uhtred's Serpent Breath, is there any connection, or was it just a happy coincidence? Thank you for the attention and my best regards
Walmir

Submitted October 9, 2013

A

I don't have plans for a book signing in Brazil, but I'd love to return there some day!

I think it’s a happy coincidence!  I know they have swords of the period, but I don’t think I based Serpent-Breath on any in their collection.

Q

Hello Bernard,
I am currently about half way through 1356 and really enjoying it, as I do all your books. Whilst reading it I was struck by the idea of after the success of Sean Bean as Richard Sharpe, an excellent series that did not do your books justice! Which other book could be made into a film or series and I thought of Thomas of Hookton. Though any of your books could be made into an excellent Film, the thought came to me that Harlequin would be an excellent action/historic film. With the excellent CGI used in films nowadays, a film about the battle of Crecy based on Thomas's story would be something I could watch again and again. Just like reading your books over and again. Such a film would be a success after so many Zombie films dominating the big screens, one that is enjoyable and also educational, as I find your books, would make a great change. What do you think of such a project? And if it did come to light is there anyone you would like to see play Thomas?
Terry Coulton

Submitted October 9, 2013

A

Thanks.  I'd be happy to see my books made into film, but I honestly don't spend much time thinking about it.  And I'd be horrible at casting!  Best to leave that to the experts.

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell,

Despite my name, I'm Brazilian, son of German and Portuguese.
And, as an avid reader of your excellent books, I would like know if you have the idea to write a story about Aljubarrota - when about 6500 Portuguese soldiers (circa 200 English longbowmen) won the huge franco-spanish 31,000 men army.

Thank You.

Franz

Submitted October 9, 2013

A

I think it’s unlikely, though thank you for the suggestion!

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell
Firstly I'd like to say thankyou for never just portraying the Irish as just drunken louts, yes the odd time but they did fight for the British.  I was shocked to learn that a large part of Wellington's army at Waterloo was Irish.  Have you ever been interested in writing about the Irish past like Cromwell or William and James?  If not, have you read any books on the subject that could be interesting to read?

Many thanks from an avid fan
Mark Mcauley

Submitted October 9, 2013

A

I’m not quite sure why you’re shocked!  Men rarely joined for patriotic reasons, but usually because they were desperate; either through poverty or because they were in trouble with the law (the Duke of Wellington reckoned many volunteered because they’d fathered an illegitimate child and wanted to escape the consequences). Ireland had extreme poverty and just about every regiment recruited there – the average English county regiment had about 25% of Irish, and, though they had little reason to love Britain they fought like tigers. Indeed, the man still celebrated by the Coldstream Guards as ‘The Bravest man in the British Army’ was an Irishman, a sergeant at Waterloo.  I love Ireland, and lived there, but I’ve no wish to write about Irish history – it’s a nest of snakes!

 

Q

I know this may sound an unusual question but as an incredibly successful and prolific author would be interested to know your answer. I remember reaching a certain age some years ago (I'm currently 46) and realising that there are books I will never read, or even be aware of. Do you ever worry that there are books you will never write and on this basis do you have a list of books you want to write in order of priority? On a purely selfish note I am hoping the Tudor period may appear somewhere on such a list.
Thanks for all the great books so far.
Phil Rimmer

Submitted October 9, 2013

A

Well I do have a very short list! It’s really one book ahead

 

 

 

Q

Hi Bernard

I firstly would like to say I'm delighted to here your doing a book on Waterloo personally this was one era of time I have been into since I first got In to history. Obviously this being your first non-fiction book I was just wondering and hoping in fact you will build some history on the likes of Somerset, Uxbrudge, Ponseby and Picton etc. not forgetting nay and Soult....

Can I also fair play that you reply to everyone I'm a top fan of yours and especially Thomas Hookton and Nathanial Starbuck and hope you get the time to add to both of their stories....

Kind regards
Nick Holloway

Submitted October 9, 2013

A

Waterloo....they’re all in there . . . .

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell

I've just finished reading your books for the 2nd time and I'm pleased to say that all of them have not only aged well but improved considerably over the past ten or so years. I understand that Hakeswill was one of your favourite characters or devices in Sharpe. But when he appeared on the scene again I almost felt like throwing the book, or something heavier, at him.

Although Sharpe is my favourite series, I'm very fond of Arthur, Stonehenge, and Stormchild. If I'm not mistaken I read somewhere that you have one or more daughters yourself. If so, has or have your daughter[s] read Stormchild? To me, the sob right at the end expresses so much more than could ever be said in words.

Thank you so much for all your creations. Couldn't you, now that you seem to have settled on just one book a year, create a short Sharpe story each christmas. I'm sure you'd delight a lot of people and maybe even some charities?

Thanks again.

Klaus

Submitted October 9, 2013

A

I think she read it!  I’ve never asked her. She’d probably laugh if I did.

 

I suppose I could, but will I?  I find short stories immensely troublesome to write, I’d much rather write a 130,000 word novel than a 12,000 word short story, but other people have asked me, so perhaps??

Q

Hello Bernard,

I finished reading the Pagan Lord today. I have one question. I was a bit miffed at the Welsh being heroic and turning up to support the Mercians. Did this actually happen? I know the Saxon Chronicles are a little short on details, but I was wondering if it was religious fervor or a few clever priests who managed it?

On another note, I liked the ending. Well done. (Don't want to post spoilers.)

Craig.

Submitted October 9, 2013

A

I don’t know why you should be miffed!  It’s all fiction, anyway, but the reality is that the Welsh were mostly in two minds about the struggle between the Saxons and the Danes. The Saxons were, after all, the ancestral enemy, but they were also Christians, so who did you support?

Q

Hi, loved the new book but was wondering if Uhtred will ever retake Bebbanburg?

Robert Burch

 

Bernard,
Just finished the above book and loved it- as I did all the rest. Intrigued with the link to Bamburgh- our favourite place in England but disturbed with the ending; unsure if our hero is dead and whether there will be another in the series. I do hope so, even if the Uhtred you refer to at the end of the historical note turns out to be the son.
Thank you for the many hours of wonderful reading.
Regards,
Graeme Whitehead

 

Dear Bernard Cornwell
First of all I really enjoy your books I have read most of them and I really loved 1356. I have just read Pagan Lord, which I read non-stop, but I am really upset. Please tell me Uhtred is not dead.
Thanks again for all your books. They really bring me a a lot of pleasure
Yours hoping Uhtred is not dead
Richard

Submitted October 9, 2013

A

There will be more to Uhtred's story!

Q

I am currently writing a book (using help from this website) but now I'm having a bit of an issue. The issue is with my romance between my characters Tiberius and Catriona. The problem is that the romance is developing too fast and while I think I've figured out how to fix the situation I can't be sure if it will work with the readers. In your Winter King series you were able to masterfully bring Derfel and Ceinwyn together in a way that the reader (myself included) didn't know if they would end up together so what I'm asking for is help in making that same situation with my own characters so that my readers won't know what's coming next. Any help is appreciated. Thank you very much and thank you dearly for such wonderful books.
Benton Walters

Submitted October 9, 2013

A

Well, the fix will work if it satisfies you!    Remember, you write for yourself first and hope readers like what you like. The easy way is to throw an obstacle in the course of true love, and you’d know best what that might be. But sometimes, when characters do what we neither expect nor want, it’s best to let them get on with it. Maybe they’ll surprise you?