Your Questions

Q

Hello Bernard, it's been a while since I asked you a question but this is one that intrigues me, when do you decide on the title? Do you start with it or does it come to you as you are writing the novel? Have you ever struggled to settle on a title? Do you ever send a title to the publishers who then don't like it? And finally, why did 'Captivate, Kill or Destroy' become 'The Fort'. Having you finished the book I preferred the earlier title. Thank you, Barry Evans, Doncaster, UK

Submitted May 18, 2011

A

I preferred the first title too, but the publishers kicked and screamed, and they have to sell the book! So I guess I pick about 80% of the titles, and they argue over the other 20%. Usually the title comes to me while I'm writing the book, but sometimes it is a real struggle - like the new Uhtred which is finished, but untitled. I wanted to call it Crown of Thorns, but the US publisher decided that would upset Christians (why?), so it's probably going to be called Death Royal - but no decision yet.

Q

Hey Bernard, Any plans on a new series of historic novels? I have every book you've written about medieval England. I love that era. If you can recommend any good authors who've touched on this time period I'd appreciate it too. Thanks - Mitch

Submitted May 18, 2011

A

Yes, but I have to finish the others first, and I won't say what it is because someone else might say 'oh, what a good idea!'

Q

Hi Bernard. I love reading the letters on your web page, almost as much as I love your books. Just a historical point I'd like to add, somewhere in my studies I found a reference to the Napoleonic army testing Various Rifles, but found they fouled so badly that they were practically unusable after a few rounds. Perhaps the French powder or the design of the rifling let them down. I'd be interested if any of your other fans could throw more light on the subject.

Can't wait for the next Uhtred, have you got a title yet? Regards Roy Manton.

Submitted May 9, 2011

A

I've not heard of the French army testing rifles, though it would seem an obvious thing to do. I believe Napoleon had a strong antipathy towards them, and maybe because of what you said, that French powder (that was of much worse quality than British) fouled the barrels too readily.

No title yet, but you can read an excerpt of the book (due to be published in October) on the 'What's Coming' page of this website.

Q

Hi Bernard, Having read all of Sharpe, Redcoat, the Fort and now I am working through the Starbuck Chronicles, there is a question that often crops up for me. Whenever you describe the loading of the Muskets and Rifles, it appears that the order of things is that it is Powder, Wad and then the bullet. I had always assumed that the wad would go in last to stop the bullet rolling out. So is it that the bullet jams into the wad to hold it in?

Richard Blackwell

Submitted May 9, 2011

A

Either I've got it hopelessly wrong or I was careless or . . . . it's charge, bullet, wadding.

Q

Whilst recently re-reading your Saxon saga of books, which by the way i found utterly gripping, i noticed a small error. I was reading the Historical Note section at the end of the first novel in the series 'The Last Kingdom' and your opening statement is that King Alfred is hr only English king to ever be awarded the honorific of 'Great'. It then suddenly struck me that actually that is not true. King Cnut was awarded the same honorific. I'm sure you probably know who he is and don't mean to patronise you, i am just proving that i actually bothered to check myself before bothering you. He came to the English throne in 1016, and he then managed to gain Kingship of Denmark in 1018, and then finally Norway just before his death in 1030. I do not mean to detract from the thrilling story line of your novels, but i feel that it is slight to such a great (if you will pardon the pun) man's memory when no-one seems t have heard of him anyway. Thank-you very much for taking the time to read this and I'm sorry from distracting you from the next novel in the series which I am waiting for in eager anticipation! Thank-You Sam Upward

PS. i do realise he was Danish if that is the reason you have failed to mention him, and there may even be others, and I apologise for my ignorance. I am no historian other than GCSE History, which I am sitting next month.

Submitted May 9, 2011

A

Well, Wikipedia supports you! So you're right and I'm wrong. I'd never heard him called 'the Great' before, and I'm surprised. Is it used in his native Norway? It certainly isn't used much in the UK, though he deserves it (even if he was the bastard who took Bebbanburg away from my family by treachery!)

Q

Hi! this is a quote of my Private message from facebook! Greetings Mr. Cornwell!, I am writing this time to ask a few questions about the trilogy The warlord Chronicles. The first is: How close are you pagan manners described in the book to the real?, Any is invented?

Do any of the situations (betrays, friendships and others) that occurred in the book were inspired by your own experiences?

Could you give me some tips on creating characters with personalities as defined as you do? I say I'm reading the trilogy for the second time, and I must say it's really exciting even if i know what will happen, is awesome. Thank you for your attention and greetings!

José Lopez

Submitted May 9, 2011

A

Much of it is invention. We know almost nothing about the cultic rituals, or even beliefs, of the Druids, so it's an amalgam of what little we do know, analogous religions and imagination. I wish it were otherwise.

God no, I've lived a sheltered life.

My answer isn't going to be very helpful - let them live! I don't have a method (and in my own opinion I'm not very good at it), but a good character seems to come from the imagination fully fledged - if he or she needs work then he or she isn't a character. Some characters take me totally by surprise - General Nairn, in the Sharpe series, wasn't supposed to be on more than a couple of pages, but he arrived full of wit and bluster and so stayed for more than one book. In the new (untitled) novel that happened with a priest called Father Cuthbert who turned up, fascinated me, and survives to be in the next few books. So I don't know. I see them in my mind's eye, and they then start speaking in their own voice. I told you, not a helpful answer, sorry.

Q

I am a die-hard fan of yours. In fact, your books are the ONLY books I have ever pre-ordered and I do so with alarming regularity. Thank you so much for what you do - your books are an immense pleasure to devour. That being said, I am also an avid reader of Russian history, especially the medieval - Imperial ages. Have you every thought of basing a novel in that era? Perhaps Ivan the Terrible's infamous siege of Kazan? There are few things I can think of that would make me more excited (sadly) than a Bernard Cornwell book based in Imperial Russia. Again, thanks and be well...I recently spent a couple night's at my friend's condo right up the street from the Golden Goose reading the first of the Grail Quest books...seemed appropriate!

Corey Grier

Submitted May 9, 2011

A

Honestly, no. I'd need to learn Russian, travel in Russia, learn reams of Russian history and I'm getting old and life is short. Sorry!

Q

Mr. Cornwell, Hello, my name is Keon Denny, I'm 16 years old and i reside in Northern Ireland. I am writing to say that I am an avid reader of all your books and have enjoyed most recently your novel 'Azincourt'. I love this book and have read it more than four times! I especially love the way it is done through the eyes of an archer. Reading your novel and the grail quest trilogy has actually got me very interested in archery and i would just like to thank you for writing, and continuing to write, such wonderful books. Also, i was wondering whether or not any of these late medieval era novels could be put into the viewpoint/perspective of a man-at-arms/knight. (Just a thought...) But, nonetheless,hank you for an exciting read and i hope to read more from you. Yours, Keon Denny ( a Bernard Cornwell fan) :)

Submitted May 9, 2011

A

Possibly (possibly) the next one I write . . . so yes.

Q

Hi Mr. Cornwell, I want know one thing; Saint Derfel Gadarn, was really son of Saxons?? thanks, Lucas Burgie

Submitted May 9, 2011

A

No, I made that up.

Q

Is there to be a 6th book in the Saxon Tales? Thanks. Bill Stedeford

Have completed reading all you books bar the Sharpe series and really enjoyed them all i was wondering when you next novel was coming out.I am reading Wilbur Smith's new novel and its a great read, but will be looking forward to your next book. Stuart McConnell

I'm from Brazil and cant wait for the next book about the saxon stories.there will be one more?i have read all your books and would like to congratulate you.i am a urologist and the free time i have i spend reading.thank you for that.if you some day come to Brazil,please contact me.i would like to show you some of the wildest life in my country(we still have indians and a lot of wild animals)good bye. Murillo Tadeu Camargos

Hey Bernard, A lot of my friends seem to laugh that i read a lot lol, fact of the matter is when i pick up some of your work, i just cant seem to put it down, my mother first introduced me to your work with the Warlord Chronicles, which I've read 3 times now, Grail Quest is another favourite of mine, which i have literally just finished reading tonight, For the 4th time lol, The Saxon stories is another love of mine, Which i intend to read again!! i have a question if i may, Will we hear more of Uhtred Ragnarson? And of Thomas of Hookton? I'd just like to say you are an absolute pleasure to read bernard ! Dan, 22

Dear Sir, i am an avid reader of your books for many years and have in part grown up with them. i have recently reread the saxon stories and was wondering will there be another one coming out? Yours Faithfully, George Cunnell

will you be writing any new books on the "sharpe" series. and the "saxon stories"?? i've been waiting for a long while but it seems that the last sharpes book was a good few years ago and the last saxon story was a lesser while ago.. please update!!! ariudi

Dear Mr Cornwell, When my father first introduced me to your books at the age of 14, i was in total awe of the grail series. The when i subsequently read the Arthur books, stonehenge, the Sharpe books and the Saxon stories, it truly cemented in my mind who my favourite author was. Unquestionably the Saxon Stories are my favourite series, and it is to these that my question is addressed to. I know you are an extremely busy man but i must know when the next one is due to come out? It is a truly agonising wait for the next book after the excellent 'The Burning Land'. Many Thanks, Jack Truman.

Thanks for all your great stories! Have not read them all but would guess at least 80 percent. I have enjoyed my time with your Sharpe, Derfel, Starbuck and others. But my favorite is Uhtred. Like many of your fans looking forward to the nest installment in October and hopefully many more to come!? Kevin McClellan

Bernie.....It's been two years since a Saxon Book... (as my foot taps furiously). It's a sad pusher that can't supply once the habit is formed. Gerald Lamont

Mr. Cornwell, I just wanted to say that I really enjoy all of your books and series - I've read them all over the course of the last year and a half. You introduced me to the joys of Historical Fiction. I no longer feel guilty sitting on the couch and doing nothing but reading for 2 or 3 hours! I do have one quick question though. When can we hope to see the next installment in the Saxon Stories? These are my particular favorites and am anxiously waiting to see if Uhtred is able to successfully reclaim Bebbanburg. Just curious to know if there are plans for the next book. Thanks for all you do! Andrew Rosebrough

Submitted May 9, 2011

A

The next book (but not the last) of Uhtred's tale is finished and with the publisher. Sorry, no title yet! If you'd like, you may read an excerpt from the book on the 'What's Coming' page of this website. The book will be published in October.