Your Questions

Q

Mr. Cornwell, I have come late to your books but am devouring each one, currently reading Lords of the North. May I ask if you would consider adding more frequent detailed maps throughout your works? You describe battlefields, terrain, lofty crags (Dunholm), etc., but as a resident of New York City, I find myself struggling to visualize such ancient and rural settings. It would greatly enhance my enjoyment and bring me closer to the stories if I could see, in addition to read, the descriptions. Thank you very much for any consideration you give to this request and keep up the GREAT work. I don't expect a response, and certainly no need to. William K. Daley

Submitted September 9, 2011

A

Thank you, and I'll pass that on to the publisher. Maps do seem to be almost the last things to get finished, and they're often inadequate, but I must take the blame for not being more persistent - I'll try to improve!

Q

I am attempting to finish writing my first historical novel but am struggling with how much detail and quality I should put into the first draft. Do you recommend just getting the words down before going back to fill in details, character names and occasionally descriptions or should I be looking to finish each chapter to a more complete standard at this stage. I realise different people may have different approaches but as you are easily my favourite author your view would be much appreciated.

Chris Westcott

Submitted September 9, 2011

A

I usually reckon that the first two thirds of a book will be rewritten about seven times. I always start with a stick figure . . but there ain't no rules. I like to get the story straight so I write fast, pushing the story line ahead, but I revise constantly. I always think that writing a novel (for me! not for everyone!) is like climbing a mountain - I get a quarter of the way up, look back and see a better route, so it's back to the beginning and start again and that better route takes me halfway up, I look back, and so on and so on. Once that 'first' draft is finished I rewrite the whole thing, and it's then that I add lots of detail.

Q

Mr. Cornwell, just a quick note to thank you for so many wonderful books that I read over and over again. I can't pick a favourtite; but I have just finished Agincourt and I really like Nick! You truly make history come alive. Have you any plans to be in Toronto Canada? Thank you again for so many hous of enjoyment.

Joan Beattie

Submitted September 9, 2011

A

Thank you. No plans for Toronto this year, sorry!

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, I think I already know the answer to my question but thought I'd pose it anyway. Having read very little over the past few years, I managed to get through all four Starbuck chronicles remarkable quickly, this included a number of late nights, early mornings over breakfast and the occasional snatched few minutes at work. I cannot imagine how you can leave poor Nate in his current state, he's been shot in the face having fought his way through the bloodiest day of the American civil war - we - your loyal followers, must know what happens next....Please drop everything and and put him, and us, out or our misery!! Best Regards, Pat

Enjoyed the Sharpe series and just finishing Starbuck Chronicles. Your FAQ indicated this series is not dead. Any time frame for the next book? Really a good read.

Dan Markley

Dear Mr Bernard Cornwell I have read all your books I really enjoyed the starbuck chronicles but I am a bit sad because the story is not yet finished when will there be more the book called the bloody ground finished abruptly I would like to know are there any more books about starbuck and friends. Mervyn j.c.Rickard

Hi Bernard, It's that same old question again from me in Bolton UK, whens Starbuck back? I miss your books about him and the Civil War, I spend my time reading about the Civil War and shooting the weapons they used. I cannot start to understand how they did what they did with those weapons as I know the difficulty in loading them in a civilised enviroment never mind on a battlefield. Good luck with your new books and hopefully sometime soon you will get back to Starbuck. Tim

I enjoyed the Starbuck Chronicles so much. Can we look forward to another which should be about the time of Gettesburg I assume?

Richard Botwright

Submitted September 9, 2011

A

I do hope to return to Starbuck one of these days!

Q

Dear Bernard I'm sure you do not get tired of readers writing and telling you how much they have enjoyed your books, being told we are doing thing's right is motivation in itself to continue, and I, like so many others look forward to the next 'read'. One question if I may. I find one of the frustrating parts of 'collecting' a series of books is when the publishers decide to change to front cover, for example, The Warlord Chronicles, 'The Enemy of God' and 'Excalibur', i managed to obtain with the original covers, whereas 'The Winter King' i could not source the original, even your link on the web-site has the old cover, click to amazon and alas its the new cover. This probably sounds like a strange lament, but do you, the Author, have any control over the Cover and spine of the book? I just find the books look so much better as a collection if the Covers remain consistent. Kindest Regards Nick Buckingham Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK

Submitted September 9, 2011

A

I don't, and in truth cover-design is a mystery to me!

Q

Mr Cornwell, please permit me another couple of questions. I have just started Sharpe’s Fury and I am intrigued by the dedication. The book is dedicated to Eric Sykes. Is it ’the’ Eric Sykes and if so why? It must be the most fabulous thing to have a book dedicated to you. How do you decide who each book is going to be dedicated to? Thank you again, Barry Evans, Doncaster, UK

Submitted September 9, 2011

A

It is 'the' Eric Sykes, yes! He's a wonderful man and I'm privileged to know him slightly, and the dedication is a way of thanking him for his friendship and, of course, the laughter he gives all of us!

Q

Sir, I am now retired after 38 years of police/national security service , I am presently thoroughly enjoying the Saxon Stories, I am very pleased that 'England" is being portrayed as the Anglo/Scandinavian/Celtic entity that it was at that time. Given my former Intelligence activities I have often pondered the question, who betrayed Harold Godwinson? Every military movement carried out by this very capable man was obviously faithfully reported to Duke William .Have these same thoughts ever crossed your mind ?

George Davies

Submitted September 9, 2011

A

I don't know enough about the events of 1066 to offer you an answer . . . . did William time his invasion to coincide with Harold's march north to Stamford Bridge? It's possible, and it would obviously have been a clever move, but William was far more dependent on favourable winds to cross the channel, and would probably have crossed whenever he could (regardless of where Harold was). On the other hand we know there was constant contact between England and Normandy, so perhaps there was a traitor? Sorry, I just haven't studied the campaign closely enough.

Q

Hi Mr. Cornwell, sorry I didn't understand the first time that this is where I post my question. But as I said I am reading the Winter King and I am really interested to know what inspired you to write your own version of the Arthurian legend, and how much of this book is truly historical and how much is purely legend? Thanks! Josh

Submitted September 9, 2011

A

We know so little of King Arthur (not even whether he existed, and if he did he probably wasn't a king), and the round table, of course, is a mediaeval invention. My inspiration? growing up in England meant you were constantly reminded of its history and, like any child interested in history, soon encountered the mythical figure of King Arthur and so became interested in him.

Q

Hope all is well with you Bernard. I have a simple question. How does the UK editions and the US editions vary? I am itching to get started on Death of Kings, but I am torn whether to seek out a UK edition online, or wait and get the US edition next year.

Robert Long

Submitted September 9, 2011

A

No difference - except in publication dates and book covers (and the occasional spelling of a word or two).

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!