Your Questions

Dear Mr. Cornwell - Like many others, I have admired your writing for a dozen years, and have read most of your books. I do have a specific question - throughout the Anglo-Saxon book series you use the term "shilling" in money - indeed use it regularly. Am I wrong that actually the shilling did not arise until hundreds of years later, in the middle ages? I would be interested in your view.

Secondly, while NOT giving you a plot idea - I am hoping at some point you might turn your attention to the La Plata Expedition of 1807. Fascinating material, several interesting accounts by anonymous officers - plus things going wrong for the likes of Home-Popham and Craufurd. In fact the Buenos Aires attack seems like a classic urban warfare disaster - it could have been Falluja in Iraq. I live near St. Andrews, New Brunswick (Canada) and so "The Fort" is of special interest, as so many arrived here from Castine to rebuild their lives in 1783. Having also sailed into Castine in a small gaff-rigged sloop, and explored the details of some of the families that came from there, I especially enjoy it. And the house we live in was built by an Isaac Cook - who had been a soldier earlier in the Rev. War under PELEG WADSWORTH in Bailey's 23rd Mass. Regiment at the defence of NY, White Plains, and attack on Trenton in 1776. Your book helps Peleg come to life. The soldier Isaac Cook is my wife's 3greats grandfather. I also have an ancestor that was in the 88th Regiment (Connaught Rangers) in the La Plata Expedition and Peninsular War, so must say how much I enjoyed your Sharpe novels through the years. All the best in the future - Tom Moffatt

I have happily read all your Sharps novels over the years and enjoyed the tv episodes,although they fail to match your level of authenticity. I have also read the first 2 Starbucks novels(the final 2 are on order). The Latest book I have read is Azincourt,witch I couldn't put down.I will now finish reading the starbuck chronicles before going onto the Anglo Saxon Chronicles,being a Celt I find ancient British history fascinating and look forward to reading all 5 books of the series. I have one question though,Is Nick Hook going to appear in any other stories,I know Agincourt was the last major action in the 100 years war and I do like your series. All the best your devoted Cornishman Lee

Dear Mr. Cornwell, seeing as though Leif Ericson Day was on Oct. 9, have you ever been tempted to write a novel of Leif Ericson's journey to Greenland and the discovery of North America? I finished The Warlord Chronicles and thought the ending was terrific! - Chris Moore

Dear Mr. Cornwell Please may I take the liberty of asking you a question - how do you come up with names for your story characters? I am writing an article on this subject and I will very much appreciate your views to quote. I'd love to know what sort of names do you tend to lean towards or away from and why. Are there any names that you avoid using? Many thanks for your time. Yours sincerely, DB

Hellooo. I'm a big fan of your books, especially Sharpe and the Lords of the North series. I really think Lords of the North would make a great Tv series/film. Have there been any talks about filming these or any other of your stories? (Other than Sharpe of course). Phil.

My husband and I have truly enjoyed the stories of Uhtred. Can you tell us when the 6th book will be coming out. Thanks, Pat Deasum

DEAR SIR PLEASE CAN YOU TELL ME WHEN THE NEXT BOOK IN THE SAXON SERIES WILL BE AVAILABLE? I MUST ADMIT THAT I WAS EXPECTING IT TO BE OUT THIS MONTH BUT YOU HAVE RELEASED THE FORT. THE SAXON SERIES MUST RATE AS YOUR BEST WORK TO DATE.

David Robson

Hey Mr. Cornwell I'm a great fan of our books, and have read a lot of them. I do have an question about a follow up to "Sword song", are you planing a 5. book in the series... you have left open a lot of good ends to make it... ;o) Best Bjarne Laursen, Denmark

First I must say keep up the good work ! read the Arthur books, fantastic really stood that on its ear and if BBC's sniffing round please give it to them. The grail quest was another great story but what I'm interested in lately is how Uhtred makes out, so if you have any spare time ? and did I mention my father is reading them also and he's 91, not to put too much pressure on you. Ed Schumacher

Hello Bernard, I've read all the Sharpe, Saxon,the Winter King and have just finished the Grail Quest trilogy. This is the first time I've felt the need to ask for a little clarification regarding the plot! Heretic only contains the one vague passing reference to Jeannete[ The Blackbird] by Thomas. While the character was firmly self serving, she did fight on the same side. I just feel Thomas wouldn't have abandoned her with out knowing her fate? My other little question concerns Bernard des Taillebourg torture of Thomas; I thought Thomas not only had his fingers broken but his toes also? this would have made his long walk back to Castillon d'Arbizon a slow painfull process and the crossing of the weir by the mill impossible for some one with impaired balance? I enjoy all your historical fiction and appreciate all the hard work that proof reading, etc takes before a good story ever reaches the book shelves! More power to your pen. Best regards, Tim Button

Please write novel on Sparta. I think it would be fantastic.

Esther

Hello there, I would like to say how I have reading your books, my favourite being Gallows thief and Azincourt, absolutely brilliant, I just could not put it down that I have read more than twice, (how sad am I),but keep up the good work, I wonder if you would ever consider a second series for Gallows Thief.

Carolyn Bayne

Hi, I always read the questions board with interest and have one to put to you. You often say that a tremendous amount of research takes place prior to writing your next novel and many books are read on the subject. I am presuming that you keep them all so how big is your reference library at home. Over the years it must have built up into a huge collection of books - perhaps one of the best historical reference collections around? Regards Andrew