Your Questions

Q

I love the Arthur series. Do you think that Arthur could also be the warrior Riothamus, who fought in France? The name means King of the Britons, and it was around the same time that Arthur is believed to have lived.

John Carlson

Submitted September 9, 2011

A

Honestly? I have no idea. Not a clue. Some people doubt he ever existed, other people have passionate ideas about who he really was, and me? No idea.

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, I love your books and I can't wait for the release of "Death of Kings". I just looked at the amazon UK site and they are selling the electronic version for more than the hardcover version... I realise you probably can't do much about their pricing but I find it shocking that we have to pay more for an electronic copy over a physical one. On another note, I'm not sure if you have heard of David Weber but he is also a fan of C.S. Forester and has taken the same sort of protagonist as Hornblower and Sharpe into space which might not be to your liking but I really enjoy reading his books too. He has released many of his books onto the Baen Free Library if you would like to read them.

Ben Borseth

Submitted September 9, 2011

A

That does seem weird . . . . I'll try and discover why the pricing is so strange, thank you. And thank you too for introducing me to David Weber - I have a lot of travelling over the next few weeks so I'll be needing some entertaining reading!

Q

Completely absorbed in listening to The Fort on CD. I keep checking online maps to understand locations of troops and ships. One question. What does PK stand for? I'm guessing picket but I don't think that's correct.

Ken Iciek

Submitted September 9, 2011

A

PK? I haven't a clue! I can't see those letters on the map in my copy of the novel . . if you give me a URL of one such map I'll do my best to find out!

Q

Dear Sire, Am i mistaken or did you made a movie deal for Agincourt. If so congratulations. Could you share some information. Kind regards, Frank Kramer

Dear Mr. Cornwell: I am an avid reader and collector of your novels. I am greatly anticipating your newest Saxon work. I have noticed recently that there are a variety of rumors concerning the adaption of Azincourt into a film. I was interested as to whether there was any factual base o this. As a student of history at the university it is quite nice to have a selection of well written historical fiction along the lines of O'brian and Forrester. Thank you for all your work. Also out of simple curiosity I noticed there are no numbered chapters in the UK versions as compared to the US. And yes I do order your books from the UK so I can read them before the American release.

WILLIAM J BRATTON

Submitted September 9, 2011

A

I didn't! My agent has, I think, but I honestly take no notice (truly!). 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.

Q

Hello Bernard. Despite being a proud Lancastrian I have found myself on the wrong side of the Pennines and I now live just outside Keighley in West Yorkshire. I was talking to a friend recently who, like me, is a huge fan of yours. He is convinced that Richard Sharpe is based on a highly decorated Keighley soldier called Christopher Ingham who was a member of the 95th Rifles Regiment and fought against the French in Spain, France and Belgium (including the Battle of Waterloo). I disagreed with him at the time but on reflection Sharpe flees to Yorkshire as a youth and the TV show Sharpe's Justice is set in Keighley, so perhaps there is some truth in what my friend says! Forgive me for asking, as I am sure you have been asked this countless times, but is Sharpe loosely based on a real person?

James Moss

Submitted September 9, 2011

A

Sharpe is utterly fictional - based on my imagination.

Q

I am recently retired and have been studying to learn how to write historical novels. I've finished most of the extension courses at the local university and am 70,000+ words into my first historcal novel, set in the American Civil War. Since you are one of my favorite wrtiers, I would like to ask: Do you find value in paticipating in a read-and-critque group? How did you collect and organize a group to read your drafts? Okay. Two questions. Thanks, Kevin Smith

P.S. I own a paperback of every book in each of the series, plus most some of the one-offs. I've started collecting hardback first editions via the ABEBOOKS website. Love Uhtred the best, even over Sharpe.

Submitted September 9, 2011

A

Absolutely not! Writing is a solitary vice, not a group activity. The first judge of your work is you, and after that a professional (an agent or publisher). It might be an idea to let a friend or family member see what you've written, though I never did. You write what you want to read! So close the door, switch off the cellphone and do it!

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!