Your Questions

Q

Was the kingdom of Cornovia, in the Arthurian novels, a real kingdom. If so how long did it last and did it cover modern day Lancashire. I have been unable to find out.

Richard King

Submitted December 1, 2010

A

I'm afraid I wrote those books so long ago that I can't remember much of the research . . . I have an idea that the name comes from some ancient sources, but my suspicion is that it was in the south-west of Britain? Sorry . . not really able to help.

Q

I've noticed, while the Saxon Tales, that you reference Frankia quite a bit. Do you ever plan on writing a stand-alone novel that takes place in Frankia during the Merovingian or Carolingian dynasties or possibly write a bit of fiction surrounding Clovis or any other of the first Frankish kings?

Jonathan Glasman

Submitted December 1, 2010

A

I really doubt it, mainly because I have my hands full with taking Uhtred through to the end of his story, though it is possible (not sure) that one of his tales might be set in Frankia - don't know yet!

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I am sad sad sad. I have finished the last Richard Sharpe book. I know that you have written other things. I have in fact read your Stonehenge novel, and quite enjoyed it. When I am finished grieving the loss of Richard Sharpe I will read your American Civil War novels. But it the meantime I feel as though I have been separated from an old friend. Actually, several old friends. You gave Sharpe a wonderful woman with the character of Lucille. She is perfect in my opinion. If we can't resurrect Theresa then Lucille is the best. But as a curious person I want to know about Sharpe's oldest daughter, What happened to her? Did she ever get to know her dad? I'm sure other people have asked similar questions. I simply wanted you to know that I very much enjoyed reading all of Richard Sharpe's story. Thank you very much for creating someone who seemed quite real. I especially liked his interaction with the Duke of Wellington. It takes a lot of skill I think to have fictional characters relate to real people out of history. Not all authors can do that. John Jakes is the only one I have read that does it as well as you. Once again thanks so much. And I shall read some of your other books, I promise. Norma McMillen

Submitted November 30, 2010

A

I'm glad to know you've enjoyed the Sharpe books. Perhaps we'll hear from Sharpe's daughter again?

Q

Briefly....when do you anticpate another novel in the "Grail Quest" series? I do like that archer.

Ron Moored

Submitted November 30, 2010

A

I don't - I think that series is most likely finished.

Q

Mr. Cornwell....I've been reading your work for almost 30 years now. I just had a reader spasm when I looked to see "Whats Coming" and there was nothing there. Please tell me you are in good health and that you are just "chillin".
Eric D. Hauptman

Submitted November 30, 2010

A

My health is fine, thank you. And I'm not 'chillin' - it's actually quite warm here right now! But I am working on the next book of Uhtred's tale. Too soon for a title, so it's not listed on the 'What's Coming' page yet!

Q

DEAR BERNARD HOW LONG DO YOU SPEND WRITING A DAY AND WHAT IS YOUR NORMAL DAILY ROUTINE? MANY THANKS GREG

Submitted November 30, 2010

A

I wake up, grunt good morning to whoever is in range, make coffee, sit down, start. I work from early in the morning till late afternoon.

Q

Kudo's to you Mr. Cornwell. You do make history come alive and I wonder when educators will realize how important a good story is to inspiring students. I believe it was in Sharpe's Company that the question was asked "Why are we fighting ?" ,,, I found that fascinating and insightful. Was Britain driven by the greed of the East India Company ? I wonder how many wars, had corporate greed as their driving force ? Today we disguise these motives better than they did in the 19th century but I fear there are so many hidden motives that drive conflict even and perhaps especially today. I've enjoyed all your books and again thank you for making history a wonderful adventure to discover. G. Mascari

Submitted November 20, 2010

A

I have a suspicion that 99% of wars are either fought for resources or for creeds, and some for both. Was Britain driven by the greed of the EIC? Yes, because the French were after the same resources and to allow France to dominate the sub-continent would have given her an incalculable advantage - if nothing else then France would have fought the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars with much finer gunpowder and Britain would have been reduced to scraping cesspool walls to find the necessary saltpetre. It's arguable that the revolutionary wars began over a creed (Liberty, Equality and Fraternity), but Napoleon turned it into a war for resources - and Britain had small choice but to fight back. This is a massive topic! I think I'll bow out now or I might be forced to write half a book in answer! Thanks!

Q

Mr Bernard Cornwell I read somewhere that the Saxon stories were based on a ancestor of yours but he was later .I have just got a book by Richard Fletcher called Bloodfeud that is about a saxon called Earl Uhtred who was killed in 1016 and a bloodfeud lasted 60years is this the ancestor of yours? Thanks Alan

Submitted November 20, 2010

A

He's a later member of the family - that's a wonderful book! It tells how the family lost Bamburgh Castle (what a pity). I met the present owner of the castle a couple of years back and said I thought it was only right if he returned it to me (considering how it was stolen in 1016) and he offered to show me the castle's heating bills which persuaded me to drop the claim.

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell: I just finished all the Sharpe books (and Starbuck's & Uhtred's books) & loved them all - thank you! I got caught up in the emails concerning Sharpe's Father & thought I would take a 2 guesses at it...In Sharpe's Prey, Sharpe meets a widow Astrid, who had a husband Nils who looked just like Sharpe. Could Nils' dad be Sharpe's Father? OR perhaps Lavisser's English dad? Lavisser had the blue eyes & sharp features a little like Sharpe. He was a second son, his older brother in England inherits. So....perhaps this older brother dies too & Sharpe somehow or other gets to inherit his very own Estate/Home Sweet Home??? "Lavisser" has 8 letters, but I couldn't figure out the horse bit. ;) On another note, I was happy to learn that another Saxon stories will be coming out next Fall 2011...and then perhaps another Starbuck????? Yeah! Oh, please, let it be so!!! Thanks, Lorena Hoo Al-Ali

Submitted November 20, 2010

A

Ingenious, and wrong. Sorry!

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, I have read all the Sharpe books and have enjoyed them very much. Thank you for writing them. I noticed that, in Sharpe's Regiment, you introduced characters called Merrill, Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith. Was this the result of an unhappy experience with the Thundering Herd? Yours sincerely Henry Male

Submitted November 20, 2010

A

I think you're the first to notice! Long long ago a member of the herd was appallingly rude to my wife. His name appears in some books too!