Your Questions

Q

Hi Bernard I've been a fan of yours for some seven years now and was wondering if you would ever consider writing a novel set during the Crusades. It would be interesting to see you go up against the likes of Robyn Young, Jack Whyte etc. Looking forward to the publication of Death of Kings, by the way.

Michael Egan

Submitted September 14, 2011

A

I have no plans to write anything about the Crusades

Q

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO WRITE AN AVERAGE NOVEL, ONCE ALL THE RESEARCH AND PLANNING HAS BEEN DONE

Les Taylor

Submitted September 14, 2011

A

For me? Usually takes around five or six months to write a book.

Q

omg just finished reading 'Excalibur' (the french translation) but i still dont understand what happened to Derfel ? how did he die ? and what happened to his daughter who was on the boat with Arthur ? was the best collection I've read so far (except maybe the wheel of time) also what happens to Galahad and Nimue ? plz plz plz plz plz tell me thank you best regards, Liam Little

Submitted September 14, 2011

A

I honestly don't know what happens to my characters once a story is done....and I do not plan to add to the Warlord Chronicles. I guess the rest is up to you to decide!

Q

Hi Bernard I've only recently been introduced to your work when I was lent a copy of Azincourt. Although I was quite familiar with the story of the battle, this really made it much more tangible. You clearly do your homework before setting it down don't you? I read somewhere that there have been discussions about making a film of it, is that a likely prospect? Would you like that to happen?

I'm slowly working through the Saxon stories now, only one more to go and then the new one next month. One thing I've learned from these was about the battle in Reading in 871, I lived there for the first 24 years of my life and I had no idea it had ever happened. There seems to be little detail available about exactly where this took place and I'd love to find out more. All the best, and much appreciation. Chris

Submitted September 14, 2011

A

As far as I understand (and I'm utterly incurious) there is such a deal and even a script, though I couldn't swear to that. If it all happens, wonderful, and if it doesn't, then it's still wonderful.

I know - it's extraordinary how we've forgotten so much of our early history in England (which is one reason I'm writing the Saxon books!). I'd suggest that the best source is John Peddie's good book 'Alfred, Warrior King', and the bibliography might give you some follow-up ideas.

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell. Is there a chance for publishing The Starbuck Chronicles in Poland?

Mike

Submitted September 14, 2011

A

I think it unlikely....

Q

I'll keep it brief, as per your instructions. Having just read The Fort and Azincourt, I realised that WW1 is crying out for the Cornwell treatment (there seemed to be plenty of mud in both books). There must be plenty of good stories, from Reserves/Regular/TA/volunteers/Conscripts, and the range of open warfare, to the trenches, to the movement battles of 1918. Then there's Italy and the wars in Russia, lots to draw on. Good luck with your next projects.

Guy Gibson

Submitted September 14, 2011

A

No plans for a WW1 book, but thanks!

Q

I just finished "Agincourt" (I'm late reading it b/c I teach and so store books for a happy summer as a squirrel does food for winter). At one point Nicholas Hook counts the old way, the way his father used to count his sheep (paraphrase), and three numbers are given. Now I can't find the numbers, and I didn't recognize any of the Anglo-Saxon numbers when I looked them up. Where in the US paperback does this scene occur? I just reread the book twice (and with pleasure!), but can't find the reference. Thank you.

Bruce Leslie

Submitted September 14, 2011

A

I can't remember where in the book that is, but you'll find a good treatment of the old shepherds' counting systems in Wikipedia - look under Yan Tan Tethera. I remember the system from my childhood when I encountered it in the West Country, but I'm sure it's virtually extinct now.

Q

Mr. Cornwell I am dying to read Death of Kings!!!! I am a huge fan and I can tell you are known throughout my entire country per your fantastic stories that combine myth, history and romance... Any idea when it should be release here in Brazil? Honor to talk to you. Sincerely, Daniel

Submitted September 14, 2011

A

I'm sorry I don't know....hopefully sometime next year?

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I don't think there are other books I enjoy reading more than your awesome medieval somewhat bloody adventures! It's almost giving me insomnia as I can't put them down at night... Have a very simple question: Are your books also available as ebooks for Apple Ipod? Regards, Brian

Submitted September 14, 2011

A

Yes, a number of my books (including The Fort) are available at itunes.com for the iPad, iPod and the iPhone.

Q

Hello. I’m an aerial rigger in the RAF and quite often whilst on ops we get in to a bit of banter (all be it friendly) with the yanks. Having just read The Fort I’m quite looking forward to the next one. I’m also looking to get Redcoat when I get back. After reading The Fort I read more in to the war of independence as I am a military history enthusiast and I know very little about that war. I came across a web site called www.redcoat.me.uk which provided a very different view to the one the Americans give, a view which describes the war as not as just as they would have us believe (rebel atrocities against loyalist and such). I would like to ask if you came across this version much whilst doing your research and what you think about the points made. I always the historical notes ant the end of your books as much as the novels involved. It makes me read more in to each campaign once the book is finished. Thank you for your time Anthony De-Lucchi

Submitted September 9, 2011

A

The American revolution has entered the world of myth - and it's an important myth because it's the foundation story of a great nation. But it is myth! Most Americans have no idea that a French army was involved (it was the largest force at Yorktown) or that a Spanish army was sent to their help. The British have tended to ignore the war altogether (just too embarrassing), while for the French, though they were victorious, the war proved a total disaster (it bankrupted them, in brief). So the myth is a small band of gallant patriots defeating an overmighty army, and it's a good myth! A great corrective view can be had from Mark Urban's brilliant book 'Fusilier' which I recommend highly!