Your Questions

Q

I was wondering if John Welch the American Marine Captain in your most recent novel, is the Father of Sharpe? I know Patrick the Frenchman in the Starbuck Chronicles is Sharpe's son, or I believe so. I guess this suspicion is based on a feeling and nothing more, however I figured I would ask. I am a devoted fan of Sharpe, Uhtred, and every other character you have written about, and I would like to say thank you for getting me into reading. I have read many books by many authors, and while there are many that I love, I always seem to find my way back to you.
Jared Cedarlund

Submitted December 7, 2010

A

It's a nice thought, but the dates don't work!

Q

dear Mr Cornwell, I recently finished reading the Fort and I'm happy to say it was up to your usual standard, excellent. interesting characters on both sides, I particularly enjoyed your portrayal of John Moore and would love to read more of his exploits. On a different note , I have a question: I have all your works but I am unable to find a copy of 'growing up perculiar'. for some reason I did not buy it when it came out and now cannot locate one anywhere. any suggestions, thanks. Andrew Mathison

Submitted December 6, 2010

A

'Growing Up Peculiar' can be found in the book Family Wanted: Adoption Stories edited by Sara Holloway and published by Granta. I believe the book can be found on used book sites (such as alibris.com and/or abebooks.com). A similar essay, called 'Cakes and Ale' can be found in the back of the short story book Sharpe's Story. Click on the 'Short story books' link for more information.

Q

Hello Bernard Cornwell. I'm such a big fan of your work, and I was wondering if you will ever be interested in writing about the templars or something around that time. In my point of view there is a lack of good novels about those mistical templar knights, and I could not think of anyone better to tell their story. Your novels are brilliant. I've read some comments where you say that you were never interested in writing about this topic, but please, consider to do it one day. Best Regards from a brazilian fan! Yuri Flach

Submitted December 6, 2010

A

I'll consider it, but no promises!!

Q

Hi, Would love to get all of the Sharpe books in a sequential special edition. Is anything out there or brewing? Martin

Submitted December 6, 2010

A

Not now; perhaps once the series is finished? Still a few Sharpe books to go....

Q

Hi Bernard I have read & heard that Agincourt is being made into a film. Is this true & if so how is it progressing & how much input will YOU have? Thanks again for the Warlord & Saxon books as the Arthur stories are easily my favourite books of all time. The fact I'm going for a few drinks in Isca Siluria this evening may explain my biase !!!!
Lee Davies

Submitted December 6, 2010

A

I have no input and honestly don't know any more than you do!

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I am a recent graduate of University of Nevada Las Vegas, and one of my degrees is in history. I love reading your books, and have realized I would love to be a historical researcher for historical fiction. My question is, how does one become a researcher for an author like you? Is it through the publishing company? Do you have your own researchers? I am looking into getting my history master's, but I want to make sure this is the correct path. Thank you for your time. Thank you for creating such fascinating books and plots. Sincerly, Samantha Anderson

Submitted December 6, 2010

A

I do most all my own research, so I'm probably not the one to ask. Maybe through a publishing company? Sorry not to be more helpful!

Q

I was curious to know if you would be going on a lecture and book tour regarding "The Fort". If so, where will you be going and when will it occur?

Mark Schmidt

Submitted December 6, 2010

A

I did a brief tour in the UK in October. No book tour is planned for the US.

Q

I see on Masterpiece Theatre that Sharpe has returned to India as a Colonel, with Harper at his side. These are not books you have written, but I must assume you have had a role? Is another person being authorized to pick up the standard? I enjoy your work very much!

Barrett King

Submitted December 6, 2010

A

I do not have a role in the film-making (other than cheerleader). The most recent Sharpe films ('Sharpe's Challenge' and 'Sharpe's Peril') are written by scriptwriters and only loosely based on the books.

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, I am working my way through the Sharpe series in chronological order and am now on Sharpe's Honour.You may have heard of fishing and golf widows but my wife says that she is now a "Sharpe widow." They are truly brilliant books and have given me an interest in history of that period.You seem to get so much into them,the heroism and horror of war but also details of daily life,soldiers pay,moments of great sadness and moments of briliance and incompetence on both sides of the conflict. In Richard Sharpe you have created a great hero and in Obadiah Hakeswill, a truly foul villain. I have noticed that different editions of the Sharpe novels have different cover illustrations,is there any way to purchase any of these in print form? Or are there any websites where they could be viewed?

Also would you be able to answer one final question.What was the highest position that a soldier promoted from the ranks ever achieved? Mr Cornwell I thank you again for writing these amazing books and look forward to finishing the Sharpe series and starting some of your other novels. Yours sincerely, Carmelo Russo

Submitted December 6, 2010

A

I don't know of any way to purchase the book cover illustrations; or even one site to view them all, sorry!

I wish I were at home and not travelling, because I could consult my library, but certainly they made full Colonel and I have an idea that some became generals. I'll try and remember this question and answer it more fully in a couple of weeks!

Q

Will you be finishing the Starbuck Series?

Sonny Crowley

Submitted December 3, 2010

A

Hope so!