Your Questions

Q

In your serial books, before you write the first one, do you sketch or outline the entire story? I am thinking in particular of the Viking series. I recall a fair amount of foreshadowing, eg. Gesiela's comment concerning what her children will grow to be.

Cin

Submitted June 18, 2011

A

An outline? No, I don't. I have a very broad idea of where I want the book to go, then just let the characters sort it out amongst themselves. I'm not saying this is the right way to do it - some writers plot very carefully, and their books are great, but others, like me, leave it to instinct.

Q

dear greatest author have you any idea when Sharpe will march again? I can't wait, I'm lost without your brilliant stories of him.

James Wilson

Submitted June 18, 2011

A

I don't know, sorry! Not for a few years I suspect.

Q

Hi Mr. Cornwell - having read all your books, I'm particularly impressed, and look forward to the historical notes at the end. Odd question - but I'm trying to plan a family vacation to visit some of the locations mentioned in the Sharpe series, Agincourt, even Uhtred's stomping grounds. Any suggestions on where we might get the best experience from a historical perspective and where the locations are still similar to what they were at the time of time? Thanks!

Rob Allred

Submitted June 18, 2011

A

Make sure to have a look at the indispensable guide Wellington's Peninsular War, Battles and Battlefields by Julian Paget (Leo Cooper, London, 1990 - updated since). Visit the National Army Museum in Chelsea (Royal Hospital Road, I think), and a visit to the Duke of Wellington's London residence - Apsley House at Hyde Park Corner. Arthur and Alfred are MUCH more difficult, and really there's very little (nothing?) in the immediate London area. If you wanted to be adventurous you could visit Winchester (Alfred's capital) where there's a fine local museum, and if you wanted, a visit to Bratton Downs (battle of Ethandun) or go to Caerleon in South Wales which is surely a place (Roman amphitheatre) that Arthur would have known. Other than that? The Tower of London is always worth a visit, and legend says Arthur buried a cauldron there . . . . .

Q

Hello Mr. Cornwell, I enjoy your books and expect to eventually read all of them. Our local library has a large number of them. My question is; How many books will their be until the end of the Saxon Stories? When do you expect to write the last book? Thank you for your reply.

Steve Ogletree

Submitted June 18, 2011

A

Sorry, but I just don't know! At least a few more books!

Q

Hi Bernard! I noticed that there, somewhat surprisingly, is no translation to be found of the Saxon Stories in any of the Scandinavian languages. Particularly intriguing, there seems to be no Danish version. Considering the fact that the Danes play a key role in these novels, would they not be of high interest to them? Surely, they have already been read by many in the books' original forms, but there would no doubt be room for Scandinavian versions, as well.

Martin

Submitted June 18, 2011

A

I understand from my agent that the Saxon books are published in Denmark by Lindhardt & Ringhof. You can find more information on their website:

http://www.lindhardtogringhof.dk/Default.aspx?EcomQuery=bernard+cornwell&x=0&y=0&ID=107.

And Bazar publishes Uhtred in Finland, Sweden and Norway.

http://www.bazarforlag.fi/etusivu/hae/bernard%20cornwell.

http://www.bazarforlag.se/hem/sokresultat/bernard%20cornwell.

http://www.bazarforlag.no/forsiden/sokeresultat/bernard%20cornwell.

Q

Hi Mr Cornwell, I have recently started reading your Saxon chronicles Series, and though I started a bit out of order with Sword song. Then reading them from the beginning of the series. I really love this series, and would like to know if you will release a box set once the 6th book is released(hardcover). I am a huge fan, and would really like a collectors edition of the books. Will you be doing any book signings here in the US? Looking forward to the next book in the series. Thank You Trevin Blair

Submitted June 18, 2011

A

The sixth book of the Saxon stories, Death of Kings, is not the last book of the series. So no plans for a boxed set at this point. And I don't have plans for a book signing in the US, but check the Diary page on occasion - it something comes up it will get posted there.

Q

Mr. Cornwell, I have read, and re-read, most of your books and I have only one complaint; you have yet to write a sequel to Gallows Thief. Rider is one of my favorite characters and I think there is a lot of potential for additional mystery/detective books featuring Rider and Sgt. Berrigan. Also, I can see Gallows Thief as a perfect choice for a feature film adaptation. Are there any plans for a film? Thanks for the years of enjoyment!

Dmitri Reavis

Submitted June 18, 2011

A

I've thought of a sequel to Gallows Thief, but I'm not sure when it might happen! No films plans at the moment.

Q

Hi Mr.Cornwell. I'm a big brazilian fan of you and I am the responsible for a fan-site about your work called Bernard Cornwell Brasil: http://bernardcornwellbr.vilabol.com.br/.
I just wanted to send this message for say the following: I love your work, you are one of my favorites authors, I have all your 23 books released here, in Brazil. And I hope you continue doing this amazing and marvelous work. Can't wait to read The Fort and Death of Kings!! But, I wanna to ask you something about history books: I'm a college student, studying History and would like a indication about the Napoleon period. I know you like of this historical moment, so I hope you can indicate to me a very complete book about this subject. And would like to know too, what in your knowledge, is the best book about the Napoleonic army? Best Regards, Michael Hasfel

P.S: Recently I did a section on my website that contains almost all the covers of your books around the world. If you're interested in checking out the link is this: http://bcgaleria.vilabol.uol.com.br/capas.htm. I hope you enjoy!

Submitted June 18, 2011

A

Thanks for the link! I haven't seen a lot of those covers, so really, thank you! The best book on the Napoleonic army? Honestly I'd start with one (or two) from Osprey Publishing. They're short, beautifully illustrated, accurate, and the bibliographies will give you a guide to further reading! You'll find their Napoleonic Catalogue here: http://www.ospreypublishing.com/store/napoleonic/.

Q

Have you changed your mind regarding writing a follow-up to Heretic? The Grail Quest is an exceptional read and I'd love to read more about Thomas of Hookton. Hope you'll give writing additional books about Thomas and the mid-1300s consideration. Thanks.

Solange

Submitted June 18, 2011

A

I just started the follow-up - though it'll be delayed because of the summer's theatre activities, but I have a feeling the next book will be about Thomas of Hookton (now Sir Thomas).

Q

Dear Bernard Thank you for the years of enjoyment your wonderful books have provided! While I now live in the US I am from N. Ireland and so I fully appreciate Sgt Harper's humor which I assume you encountered during your time in Ireland and of course from your friend that you based Harper on. Thank you for the laughter and mental transportation back home that 'Harper comments' provided for me. I wondered if you had any thoughts of writing with your wife again? A Crowning Mercy and Fallen Angels were such fun. Thank you.

Denis

Submitted June 18, 2011

A

I'm glad you enjoyed the books but we've no plans to write more together.