Your Questions

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I am huge fan of your books since I read the first: The Winter King about six years ago. Since then, I have read all of your books published in Brasil, The Warlord Chronicles, The Grail Quest Novel, The Saxon Stories, Stonehenge, Gallows Thief and Azincourt. I had never read the Sharpe's novels because there are just 8 of them in Brasil. However, I decided to read them all and so I ask my girlfriend to bring the 13 other when she travelled to the USA. That was about two months ago and was the point I began reading Sharpe's Tiger. Today I finished Sharpe's Devil, and I am writing to thank you for the extraordinary books. I've seen your favorites on your website and I quite agree but I think The Eagle and The enemy should be there as where. I have never written to you before despite of my love for our other books, but reading the 21 Sharpe's in a row was an outstanding experience and I would like you to know how I love your books and I really really hope that you will write tons of other books. I am also writing to ask if you intend to write further Sharpe's books(If so, I am also curious if the book will be inserted between the books or you consider writing beyond the point of Sharpe's devil.) or some sequel to other books as Gallows Thief, Azincourt or even Grail quest and Warlord Chronicles. I intend now to read the Starbuck books, just waiting any friend to travel abroad.

Another thing I was curious is if you had already an idea of the prequel books when you were writing the original series, because there were times in the original series that seemed oblivious to some fact in the first 5 books chronologically, as Sharpe many time seem ignorant of naval battles despite his part in Trafalgar. I notice some facts that were not continuous to the prequels, what makes me remember of your visit to the Rio de Janeiro(where I live) book conference, when someone asked about the change among the descriptions of magic during the development of the warlord chronicles and your answer was : "I hope you wouldn't notice it." I noticed, but doesn't change how amazing the series are. Speaking of that, your presence here in Brasil was amazing and I hope you can return soon. Be sure there will be people, the line was incredibly huge! And of course, I would have the opportunity to have another book signed. Oh, sorry if I've written too much. Best regards, Tiago Flórido

A

I'm really not sure when I'll write the next Sharpe, though I hope it won't be too far away. It will follow Sharpe's Prey. I doubt I write anything post Devil. No plans right now to add to either the Grail Quest or the Arthur books. Perhaps there may be a sequel to Gallows Thief and/or Azincourt, but I'm not sure when I'll get around to either!

I did not have an idea of the prequel books when I wrote the original Sharpe books - I wish I had!!


Q

Hi my father and I are huge fans he's got every book you've ever published. I just finished Vagabond and can't wait to read Heretic and well as a history student what I love about your books is your brutally true and realistic description of warfare and military campaigns. I was just wondering if you have had any personnel experience of war or just research your story's really well? Shavez Parkinson

A

I tried to join the army when I was young, but was told that with my eyes I'd be useless, which is probably true!


Q

Hello Bernard, when oh when will we see the Arthur trilogy on the big screen? What a fantastic read as are the stories of Uhtred. These books have got me back into reading again but to see them made into films would be something I would like to see. Andy

A

Thanks Andy, but I suspect it may prove too expensive to make.


Q

Please can you tell me if you have any plans to do a book signing in the u.k this year? Or if you plan to visit the u.k this year for any other reason.Thank-you!
Stella Noble

Eagerly awaiting the launch of your new book , The Fort . Could I ask if you are planning any book signings to promote your new book ? Not sure if this is the correct way ,but would highly recommend :- 1066 DVD which gives an account ( part fictional ) of the Saxon's battle of Stamford Bridge against the Vikings , then marching down to Kent to confront the Normans . 149 mins of exciting drama behind the shield wall . Best Wishes, postiebob .

A

I will be in the UK (and possibly elsewhere), but we don't have an itinerary just yet. Look for it to be posted to the Diary page of this website once we do have the details.


Q

Hi Mr. Cornwell, i've noticed on the question board that when people have asked would your write about Romans or the Greeks, etc you have often answered "thought about it, but no" so I was wondering what other periods of history would interest you for future books? Thanks, keep well and keep writing. Rob

A

Well I have plans, but for some reason I am horribly superstitious about revealing them! That's partly because I once did and someone else leaped in and wrote the book instead of me (no names), and partly, well, superstition. So please forgive me if I don't answer the question!


Q

Hi, I have been a fan of your novels for a long time, as my first edition paperback of Sharpe's Eagle proves (bought with my lunch money at 6th form). I have just ordered a Kindle, and had intended to purchase a few Sharpe and Saxon Chronicles to put on it, but was disappointed to discover the books are not available in the UK, I see from searching your FAQ you have been asked before by US readers, any chance of letting this UK fan know when she might be able to buy them.
Jane Taubman

A

You can buy them today! Amazon.co.uk now carries Kindle books for UK customers.


Q

I enjoyed The Saxon Stories very much and was wondering if there will be more in the near future? I am going to try The Arthur Books next. Regards, Jim Kelly

Dear Mr Cornwell I would like to thank you for great work. I love the Saxon series and I would like to ask you if you are working on the next book? And if so when you think it is realised. Your book usually are realised a few days later in Sweden. I cant wait! The series are the best I ever read. Kind regards Carin Steiner

I have just finished reading The Burning Land and I cannot tell you the joy I have had sitting on the bus and being in the middle of one of Uhtred's battles. I have missed my stop many times. I absolutely adore these books, thank you. When will number 6 be out? I need to have closure on his life and know whether or not he recaptured Bebbanburg.

Pauline Wood

Will there be more of The Saxon Stories???? I love this series and hope there is more! I first became acquainted with your books through The Arthur Books. I reread mine periodically. I can always count on you for much reading enjoyment.
ljohn

A

Uhtred will be the next book I write...


Q

I' m expecting for the last novel about Uthred (Burning Land) translated in French. Could you give me a date please? Kind regards,

Lory

A

My agent tells me they may be looking at a 2011 publication date for the French translation of The Burning Land.


Q

Hello, I was hoping you'd be able to help me. See I'm planning next year to go to Europe and visit the Napoleonic battle fields and I was hoping that you'd be able to tell me which ones in your opinion are the ones most worth visiting.

David Jones

A

The indispensable guide is Wellington's Peninsular War, Battles and battlefields by Julian Paget (Leo Cooper, London, 1990 - updated since). Don't miss Salamanca, Ciudad Rodrigo, Fuentes d'Onoro and Almeida. And try to get to Fort Conception (north of the battlefield). Have a wonderful time!


Q

Arthur is my favorite series as well...Lord Derfel seems to ask the same questions about his world that I currently ask about mine. (recent divorce, multiple abrupt change, backstabbing, LAWYERS, yadda yadda) The way you keep a variety of philosophical viewpoints consistent with each character helps me get my maniacal fluttering thoughts grounded in amazingly acute words. I wish I'd had some of Merlin's curses to use in court.. Or perhaps if I had plucked a golden eyeball out the judge would have seen things my way? Nevertheless I survived to live and love in Lyonesse ... well Key West... which may be historically...no never mind. But thank you for keeping me sane (is that Merlin I hear chuckling in the palm fronds?). Oh and Nimue was not in the list of phonetical names... can you tell me how it is pronounced...best guess 3 syllables...Nuh mew ee ...the cat sound in the middle may be why Merlin loves her so much. I do too. Even named my blog after one of her curses
Anna Costello

A

I'd suggest Nim-you-ay (to rhyme with way) - although the cat sound is quite nice!