Your Questions

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, some years ago I wrote to you concerning the 18th century exploits of a young naval officer in the American colonies, so I was delighted to see that "The Fort" is a story from that period. On a new subject; One of my wife's ancestors, Mary Ann Cameron, was a daughter of Robert Cameron, born 1783 in County Down, died Bristol in 1857. Robert Cameron was a Master Sailmaker, Royal Navy. He seems to have amassed a considerable fortune, owning several houses in Clifton, Bristol before he died. It is probable that Robert Cameron was the Master Sailmaker aboard one of Nelson's ships at Trafalgar. Do you know where I might find any records that may confirm this?

Ian Green

Submitted November 4, 2010

A

The only recourse I can think of is to see whether the Public Records Office at Kew has the documents. I wouldn't know where else to look, sorry.

Q

The Fort is brilliant. It has gently got a stronger and stronger hold on me as the story unfolds. Characterisation is great as usual. Can I say that the video shorts on the home page are excellent as well although I'm not sure you will have endeared yourself to the Americans! So what's next please? I have a serious judgement to make about storage of the first editions, some 23 now and no spare room. With regards from North Essex (overlooking the site of Sharp's escape by Barge to London). Roger Gaspar

Submitted November 4, 2010

A

Thank you! Next is Uhtred.

Q

Hi Mr. Cornwell. With regards to Sharpe's father, could there be any possibility that Hakeswill could be Sharpe's father?? Just putting it out there or is that possibility just too cruel? Incidentally have you seen Sharpe's Peril? what did you think about the inclusion of Hakeswill's son? Thanks keep well and keep writing. Rob

With the exception of the Starbuck books, I have spent many wakeful hours speeding to end of your tales. The American Civil War never has held my attention. Either Crispin or Crispinian whispered Sharpe’s father’s name& Obadiah Hakeswill.

Kurt Irgens

Submitted November 4, 2010

A

Oh god, No!

Q

I am a great fan and have read many of your books (I'm happy I still have some to go). I just completed The Fort. It is one of my favorites but I feel as if someone took my plate away in the middle of dinner. Are you contemplating a sequel? If so ignore the rest of this e-mail. If not: I became very fond of these characters. How did they get back to Boston? What happened to Lt Moore and Lt General McLean? Did Paul Revere get his just desserts? How long did the British stay in Penobscot Bay? Did Cmdr. Dudley Saltonstall have to answer to a Naval Court of Inquiry? Finally how can I find out what happened to Gen. Peleg Wadsworth? I'm not lazy. I'll do my own reading but can you recommend the best books to answer these questions? I hope you do plan a sequel, it will allow me to spend my time reading your books instead of doing research. Your devoted admirer, Carolyn Miller

Submitted November 4, 2010

A

I thought I'd answered most of those questions in the Historical Note - but maybe not explicitly enough, sorry. Moore went on to great fame and died defeating the French at Corunna in 1809, McLean died of sickness just two years after the siege, Paul Revere never got his just deserts, but instead was elevated to the pantheon of immortal American heroes. The British stayed at Penobscot till the end of the war (it was the last post to be handed over to the victorious rebels), but retook the fort in the war of 1812. Saltonstall was summoned to a court-martial, but there's no evidence it convened, but he was dismissed from the Continental Navy, and Peleg Wadsworth survived the war and lived to a ripe old age. There's no one book that describes all that - you have to scratch about, but I listed the most useful sources in that Historical Note!

Q

I would like to know if you are planning to write any more Richard Sharpe books. It seems like there should be one just before Sharpes Rifles when he is fighting with General Moore and explaining how he becomes a Lieutenant. Mitch Roemer

Hello Bernard.. I love the way you write books it just captures the readers attention and gives you ideas on your own story. I love the Sharpe books that you have published, by any chance are you writing any more Sharpe books? That would be great!

Kathryn

Submitted November 4, 2010

A

There will be more Sharpe.

Q

Dear Bernard, May I ask, as you are an author of a huge portfolio of work at this stage, if you've ever struggled when writing a novel, as in, if you've reached a point where your initial excitement has blunted somewhat and you're starting to feel less enthusiastic about the project? If so, what do you do? Have you ever abandoned a novel, for example, or do you always stubbornly see it through? I had my first novel published last April, and I am not struggling as such with the second, just slightly anxious that it is not falling together as fast as I had visualised. Any tips on how to keep spirits up (and focus) whenever the shadows of doubt loom? Your advice on this would be massively appreciated. Many thanks, Paul Reid, Co. Cork.

Submitted November 4, 2010

A

I've struggled . . . but a long time ago, and yes, sometimes a book doesn't work (I've abandoned two, but neither was an historical novel). If you feel your enthusiasm flagging - well, maybe you've never written a book before, in which case you can be forgiven for the nagging suspicion that it's all a waste of time, but don't give into it! Keep going! Every successful author endured that ordeal, and you just have to keep faith in yourself and keep writing! If you're more experienced and feel the enthusiasm draining away then you're probably writing the wrong book. It ain't always easy, but it should be fun!

Q

Me are my friends love the viking history and I'm a huge fan of the Saxon stories we were both wondering will there possibly be a movie or show made on it like the Sharpe novels? We would love for that to happen in the near future.

Travis Abbott

Submitted November 4, 2010

A

I guess any thing's possible, but no plans for it at the moment.

Q

Hello Mr. Cornwell, I am a great fan of your novels, and just wondered if you have ever considered writing a something about the Battle of the Plains of Abraham. As a Canadian, I feel as though it would be most interesting. Cheers, J S

Submitted November 4, 2010

A