Your Questions

Q

Sir, I'm curious about how you go about writing multiple books. Do you have a schedule to which you adhere? For example, from 8am-11am you work on the Saxon book; take lunch from 11am-12pm; from 12pm-2pm work on a Sharpe Book; etc? Or do you work on books as the mood strikes you? Is it a combination of set schedule and mood where you generally adhere to a set rhythm, but occasionally break the norm when you are so inspired? Or are you actually writing them one at a time? I'm curious because I find it difficult to muster the motivation to write a letter much less work on multiple novels at the same time. Mark

A

No, no! One book at a time.


Q

Dear Bernard I know this is something that might not be under your direct control, however, do have any say in the towns or cities that you visit for book signing tours? Last year's tour was mainly confined to London and as I live near Leeds it was not possible for me to attend. I presume that you will be doing a tour for the new book later in the year and if so can a make a plea for you to visit Leeds or another city in Yorkshire. I am sure this would please your many fans in this part of the country. Best wishes, Steven

A

I don't really have a say - it's all scheduled by the publishers. But I'll put in your request!


Q

I have read and enjoyed all the Sharpe novels. I just finished "The Fort" and was intrigued with the character of Paul Revere. What is the best source for understanding his military career? Some sources show him cleared of any wrong doing after the war. Also,the Marine killed by Lt. Moore bears a striking resemblance to your Sharpe. Was that deliberate?

Robert A O'Brien

A

I think I made John Welch similar to Sharpe, yes. As for Revere, there really isn't a good source on his military career because there was so little of it! The biographies mentioned in the Historical Note to The Fort are your best bet, but the only action Revere ever saw was at Penobscot, and the novel more or less covers it all. He did go with the Massachusetts Artillery Regiment to the siege of Newport, but arrived too late (not his fault) to take any part.


Q

Thanks for answering my question about the village of Barrosa, mentioned in the background of Sharpe's Fury. I know about the beach and that there is a resort there now. I was informed of this by the Spanish Tourist Board. But I don't think there was a village there in 1811. I'm only saying this because I could find no trace of it in any of the accounts of the action (Oman etc) I read. There was a watchtower and some ruins bearing Barrosa in their names but nothing else was mentioned. It doesn't matter really, I suppose, but I'm pleased my research was correct and I had not missed it. I usually research as many accounts, if not more than I need, in order to be as accurate as you can about anything. I'm very pleased to hear that there will be another Sharpe book in the future. It will certainly be on my list and can't come quick enough. Have you any ideas for the background action to the narrative? Do you mind if I suggest Fuengirola 1810 or Campo Mayor 1811. I think these actions have great scope for some very interesting Sharpe-like characters, especially Fuengirola. I would love one based around that action, although some of your fans may not favour it because the French and Polish won, although heavily outnumbered. They should have lost and that's why the events and characters involved, on both sides, really jump out at you. I can well imagine Sharpe there fuming against the Allied commanders and, as an author, I think you'd have a field day. My apologies for going on but I did have on video, the documentary series covering The Peninsular War which you narrated. I consider it best Napoleonic documentary series produced, to date. But the tape was accidentally ruined beyond repair. I wondered if you knew if there were any plans for the series to be repeated? Thanks again for taking the time to reply to my questions. Much appreciated. John Walsh (Sr)

A

Thank you! I'll be honest and say I don't know when the next Sharpe will be written - maybe in two years? And I probably won't make up my mind about what story to tell until I decide that's the next book. Fuengirola would mean taking him backwards in time again, and I'm really reluctant to do that again, so it's unlikely - sorry! And I'm afraid I don't know if there are any plans for the (UK) History Channel to repeat the documentary ('Sharpe's War') - nor do there seem to be any plans to release it on DVD.


Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, Just finished your latest book 'The Fort' and found it an enjoyable read. Your ability to weave historical fact and fictional characters into a succession of novels is truly remarkable. I think I have read all you books, including those of the indefatigable Mr. Sharpe. Thanks to the internet I was able to Google Castile, ME and see the locations described in your novel. I was disappointed that your Historical Note did not mention that what appears to be a baseball diamond has been constructed in the middle of Fort George! Regards, Jeffrey Lerbs

A

Well it isn't always there! The diamond was there a couple of years ago, but it had vanished on my last visit, so I thought it wisest not to mention it, simply because I'd get messages of disappointment like yours - only the other way round!


Q

Hello sir, this might seem too far-off but are there any plans, possible ideas for the book after the next Saxon Story? You seem to prefer doing a Saxon, then an Azincourt, then another Saxon, followed by the Fort. Cheers.

Jack Jiang

A

Yes there are, but what are those ideas? Well, one is to continue with Uhtred, the other would be a one-off, and forgive me if I don't say about what, but I'd rather keep it to myself for the moment


Q

Is there another book in the Saxon Stories in the offing? I finished all you wrote through 2009.

Jon Samuels

Hello Bernard Cornwell Well I have fallen in love. Not long ago I discovered 'you' quite by accident and after reading a couple of your books became hooked. I am reading The Saxon Stories at the moment and have fallen in love with the characters namely Uhtred. I anticipate having withdrawal symptoms when I have finished this particular series. What should I do? (lol) Will there be any more in this series or a new one perhaps. Sue Parker

Good morning, Bernard. I was wondering when the next "The Saxon Stories" will be published. I'm a huge fan of the series and you. And I can't wait 'til the next book comes out.

Kohath

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I'm a Brazilian fan, and last night I dreamed that I was talking with you (Bizarre, I know) so I decided to write to say that I really enjoyed your books, specially those about Uhtred adventures. Books in Brasil, unfortunately, are expensive and I'm just a student, so I have to buy it slowly, but I'm sure that someday I'll complete my Bernard Cornwell book collection. I wanted to ask how many books will have the saxon stories, and your prevision to the next book (I really love Uhtred stories) Sorry about my poor English, I'm just trying to express how much I admire you. Thanks for your attention, Amanda

I have just finished reading all five of your 'The Saxon Stories' and so enjoyed them, I had problems putting them down, so please tell me there is at least one more book to come and when. Uhtred is still such a long way from recapturing Babbanburg surely there is a lot more of story to tell. These books give such a wonderful insight in to the history and Saxon times.

Suzanne Miller

Mr. Cornwell, I am so glad that I found your books. I have read all the Thomas books and then the saxon tales and I plan on finding the Arthur books. I have one question and that is if you can tell me the date for the next book after the Burning Land and a possible title.. or hint it.. Thank you so much Lukas Miller

will there be more Saxon stories? When will the next one be published? Ken Quina

A

I am working on the next Saxon story now. We anticipate it will be ready for publication by October of this year. I'm not sure at this point how many books will be in this series - but at least a few more! Sorry, no title for the next one yet ....


Q

I really love the Sharpe books .. reading the last two now (Waterloo and Devil). Are you planning on another ? I would also like to purchase The Fort as an eBook but cannot find it anywhere online in Canada. Will that be made available online for eBooks soon? Many thanks for countless hours of enjoying your writing. Sincerely Steve Warner

A

There will be more Sharpe!

I would think so. I'll try to find out.


Q

I thought I'd let you know that I bought "The Fort" for my dad and he really enjoyed it. I'm hoping to read it myself. My dad (Rob) says that you are one of his top favorite historical-authors. He loves the background information in addition to the detailed characters. He's read the whole Sharpe series and the Saxon Stories. (I hope to "visit Sharpe" sometime in my lifetime) Maybe you'll think about visiting Starbuck again as we approach the next big Civil War celebration??? I've read all 4 books and keep hoping he shows up again.... (The Civil War is still my favorite time period.) Thank you for taking time to read this note! Sincerely, Megan Hamsher

I finished reading the Nathaniel Starbuck series and in the last book, "The Bloody Ground" it stated that there would be another book in the series, however, the last book was published in 1996. Any chance you will take up the series again to finish it? Would hate to see it end where it did. Thanks,

George Heilig

A

I'm hoping so....


Q

Can't find all your books on Sony ereader application. Is that something you can make happen? Love your stuff.

Steve Gannon

A

I've forwarded your message to my agent; let's hope it happens!