Your Questions

Hello Mr Cornwell. Thanks for your reply about Starbuck's cause. I was grateful for the explanation but I might have worded my question wrong. I meant to say that was it hard to place a hero on the losing team? We know with Sharpe, or Uhtred even Derfel (possibly my favourite character all time) that they can endure the worst because we are content knowing that they will win in the end. (I know Derfel kind of loses eventually), but we know that at some stage Starbuck has to get his ass kicked in the end and that's not a happy ending. Oh, and thanks for clearing up the argument. Adrian.

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I've read all your historical fiction books at least a few times over. I've recently finished Azincourt, and I've begun to notice a religious/supernatural trend in your writing. It started with the Arthur books and continued with the Grail quest books. The difference between these books and Azincourt, I feel, is that you used supernatural elements rarely and always blended them with realistic elements. So, only at the end of Excalibur do we see a genuine bit of magic, and Arthur's departure is still ambiguous. Same goes with Thomas finally discovering the 'real' grail. but in Azincourt you have two disembodied saints talking to your hero throughout (unbelievable) and extorting him to 'get revenge' for Soissons (even more unbelievable, if they are saints).. it's a radical departure from your usual work. That's not a complaint, but I am curious to know what your thoughts are. Am I reading too much into your writing? Many of your books express a deep cynicism about christianity and religion in general (especially the Saxon series) but on the other hand, Azincourt presents a more nuanced position. Thanks.

Jesse

Hello Mr. Cornwell! I'm an American college student who has read almost all of your work. Thus, I was very excited when I came across this article (http://blog.moviefone.com/2009/07/16/bernard-cornwalls-agincourt-to-be-adapted/) about the potential adaptation of Agincourt into a movie. Is there anything you can tell us about that, or is it still top secret?

Also, although I haven't yet read your Starbuck books, I was wondering if you've ever visited the Southern Historical Collection here at the University of North Carolina at Chapel hill. Besides the fact that there's an enormous amount of fascinating primary source material here from the civil war, I noticed while searching the library website that the school has one of your Starbuck books listed in the "Rare Books" collection. Is there a story behind that? Thanks for reading this, and my father and I can't wait until the next Uhtred, or whatever you're working on, comes out!

Ben

I have just finished reading Azincourt and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am a member of a medieval reenactment group so as my persona is that of an archer, I identified with Nick Hook (as I identify with Thomas Hookton for that matter) but I have to say my favourite character had to be Sir John Cornwaille. His little speeches during the story, particularly "What are your new duties Hook? - To Rid the World of anyone I don't like!" Brought a smile to my face. So in the spirit of Sir John I have some question for you... Are any of the character's personalities based (even loosely) on people you actually know?

Secondly, as I write this I noticed the similarity between Sir John's surname and your own, is there a link or is it just coincidence? Further to that... Have you ever researched your own ancestry and found a Cornwell that was at Waterloo for example? If you did, would you consider writing a story about him? Thanks for your time... Dan Machulka, Australia.

Hello! I have just finished reading book number 4 "Sword Song" from the story of Uthred. I am wondering if there are any plans or hypothetical theories about filmatizing these books? And, as I am about to open "The burning land", I keep wondering if I will see such scenes on film. Thanks! Evan

Hello, Just finished reading "The Winter King" and I have a question about names of people in the story. Many of the names look more-or-less Welsh (use of "ll" and "dd", for example). So I have been hearing them in my head with Welsh pronunciation; the "voiceless lateral fricative" for the "ll", and "th" for "dd". And "Derval" for "Derfel". Just wondered if this is how you hear them, too? If I were reading aloud, would it be correct to say them that way? Thanks. Cyn

I would just like to thank you for writing your books!!! I was introduced to your books by my mother several years ago and have now read just about every book you have written (except the Sharpe series). The first thing at the top of my birthday and christmas lists are always any new books you have written. So far my favorite has been "The Warlord Chronicles" since I am a huge Aurthor fan. I love the lore that surrounds him and I enjoyed the books you wrote about him. A question I have is, do you try to write historically when you write? I know you usually include a section at the end of your books outlining any true historical facts about the books, but I was wondering if you try to research the history behind the events you write about, or do you just write and match them up later if things pan out? (I ask you thinking I already know the answer, but it never hurts to ask. thank you). I hope you are doing well and life has blessed you with many great times. I hope to be able to read more of your books soon (I'm currently in the middle of the fall semester at a local Bible College. Its called Eternity Bible College in Simi Valley, California.) Please come to the area soon because I would love to thank you in person for the many sleepless nights and for allowing me to loose myself in such wonderful books. Brandon Arrieta PS. do you plan on writing any books on Robin Hood? I know he is a very popular hero of English lore...well at least he is in California.

Hi Bernard. Do you have any plans to write more on the Hundred Years War? You have a great take on that period, in my opinion. LOVED "Azincourt" and the Grail Quest Series. The ending of "Heretic" was beautiful! That's all. Hope you're doing well. Best regards, Sir Bernard! Dan Bergeorn, Gabriola Island, BC Canada

Mr Cornwell, I am enjoying your new book, "The Fort." My question: as a long-established author, do you pay any attention to the reader reviews published on sites like amazon?
Kelly Quinn

Mr. Cornwell, Obviously, you do a great deal of research for works. I was curious as to whether this research served the imagination as much as the accuracy and details of the time. Information seems to open up doors for the imagination to, well, imagine more. You have said that you like reading history, who would have guessed? Does all this study help you to see the settings and characters vividly. Does the research make the writing all that much more fun? Wish you the best and looking forward to sneaking off to the book store for The Fort in the next week or so.

Any chance of seeing you on facebook anytime soon? Respectfully, Daniel