Your Questions

Hello there, Bernard! I was introduced to your world of writing joy by my girlfriend, through the Grail Quest. I fell in love with Thomas's story right away and was wrecked by Eleanor's death. I mean it, I was miserable. I also love Genevieve and how she tells Thomas everything I always wanted to throw into his face. But anyway, here's my question. Eleanor told us and Thomas she was pregnant. Then she gets killed. And not in one single moment we see Thomas mentioning the loss of their child. And, in my humble opinion he shouldn't have been remembering Jeanette so often right after Eleanor's death. But anyway, what's it with the forgetting? It was one of your rare moments of failing or Thomas really didn't hurt from losing a child? And why remembering Jeanette so badly? So he wouldn't feel losing Eleanor? Because I don't think he truly loved the countess. Much love and admiration from one of your many fans in Brazil. Miguel

Dear Mr. Cornwell, as I just wrote yesterday I love the Uhtred saga and can't wait for the 6th book. The reason why I write again is I just read the comments from other fans. I would really enjoy seeing those books as a movie some day. I'm a huge fan of historic books, but I love fantasy as well. Could you imagine writing a book about the Irish Civil War and/or a book about the conflict between England and Ireland? Kind regards Lenio Raue, Germany

Mr. Cornwell, I have read all your books and enjoyed every one. Wondered if you've ever contemplated doing a historical novel on WW II? Jeff Shaara seems to be the only author doing it. Is it that WW II in novel form is just not marketable enough or younger people today are not interested in it? Many thanks!

Alan Kurland

I have NO ideas or manuscripts to send you, but man I wish you could keep going with some of your stuff. I love the Saxon Stories (and fear that the release in October is the last one), the Warlord Trilogy, and Sharpe. You say in Winter King that the Irish are Britons, I always thought that maybe the Vikings were the people group for whom the Irish came from, along with the Scottish? Ah, what do I know, I'm just an American.

Andy Lam

Dear Bernard, Firstly thanks for the hours of enjoyment you've given me. Reading your books has lead to a hunger to go and find out more about the periods you write about, which is fantastically enjoyable. I live and work in Cambridge as a church youth worker, and so was gutted to find out you're speaking in Ely on Monday - it's exactly the time I've arranged a meeting with my youth leaders! Alas. Being a Christian, I'm intrigued to see how often Christianity appears in your work - I don't think I've read one of your books where there's not a character who's Christian. (Swynard is a particular favourite, please don't let him backslide!) It's like an itch you can't seem to stop scratching. I was just wondering why? I fear you may have had a particularly bad experience of Christianity at some point? Surprisingly it doesn't put me off, in fact it's a very good motivation to make sure I'm not drifting into the pious religion of many of your characters!

On another matter entirely - you said you're planning to return to the Starbuck Chronicles at some stage. They're some of my favourites so I can't wait. I was wondering whether your reluctance is because after Fredricksburg and Chancellorsville, there's not an awful lot of victories for the Rebs to enjoy? I guess a hero who loses may not be as enjoyable to write or read about? Hope the time in the UK on the book tour goes well. Thanks again, Andy

I have two questions, one, have you ever considered a book set in the classical period, such as following the life of legionary?

And also, could you at least give another hint regarding Sharpe's father?

Edward Becht

I note that the Saxon series has changed from an annual release to a book every two years. Will that be the plan in future? I'm itching for the series to reach Brunanburh...

Greg

Hello. It is nice to find a favorite author who actually says he will reply. My question may seem silly but I cannot seem to find the answer anywhere I have looked. I am currently reading The Fort and in it is mentioned many times the phrase PK, in reference to a defense line. Would you be so kind as to tell me the meaning of the term? And the origin of it? I Have read some of the Shape novels and liked them very well. I also liked watching the series on PBS> I think the casting for Richard Sharpe was right on the mark, excellent choice. Thanks so much for your books and your kindness in answering my query. Sincerely, Karen

Dear Mr Cornwell, firstly let me thank you on behalf of my mother for convincing a young man of the merits of a good book! I always resisted my mothers' attempts to make me sit down and focus on a book until several years ago when, by chance, I encountered a certain Richard Sharpe. I have always been a passionate student of ancient and military history and I am currently going through the process of becoming an officer in the British Army. I only hope that I prove to be as capable and inspirational a leader as your Richard Sharpe and Uhtred - though hopefully my actions and attitude will take on a less reckless or self-serving nature! I must say that your books inspire me to the extent that I fully intend to attempt to pursue storytelling at some point in my future. As a reader of historical fiction, I am particularly attracted to novels based upon the Roman Army (both Republican and Imperial) as well as the Viking/Anglo-Saxon era. Whilst you are undoubtedly my favourite author, I am also a keen advocate of Simon Scarrow, Robert Low, Ben Kane and Harry Sidebottom. I have noticed that a couple of these authors quote your praise on the covers of their books. This being the case, I was wondering if there is a particular character that you wish had been your invention or of whom you are particularly fond in any of the books that you read?

Furthermore, I would be keen to know if you had given any thought to producing your own series based in the world of the Roman Army? I also wondered if you would recommend to me any other authors and series within these genre. Finally, I would like to thank you for introducing me to - and maintaining my interest in - the wonders of the written word! I eagerly await the publication of 'Death of Kings' and look forward to reading, and then re-reading it again and again, in the near future! Regards, Alex

Hello Mr. Cornwell I've been reading and re-reading your saxon books for quite some time now. I wonder if you have family history with the danes and vikings? What made you interested in writing about them? Did you happen across a good fiction about them?? If so I'd love to hear about it if you have the time. Good luck! Sincerely, Melissa J. Walker, an avid novel reader.

P.s. Your Arthur Saga is pretty good... I haven't finished it yet. Which of your series is your favorite? Does your wife read your books? Sorry if I'm asking way too many questions, and some what personal ones at that... I look forward to hearing from you!