Your Questions

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I'm Gianni, from Rome (Italy). Just finished to read Stonehenge (Italian ver), I was charmed by historical and archaeological references. I can't find, in historical notes of book, nothing about "SUL" in Drewenna. I tried to search on google about some thermal bath in Stanton Drew but I not found anything. What about this "hot water"? what is the rock with monster shape? Thank you, Gianni

Submitted July 12, 2010

A

Sul is fictional, I'm sure - and the monster stone? If I remember right (I wrote the book a long time ago) it was a stone at Avebury (Drewenna) which is described by an antiquarian, but which has since disappeared. I think that's right, anyway. And grazie!

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, once again I come to you for advice. I am a 16 year old boy, and I am planning to write a novel set during the first world war. I do not plan to have the novel finished until I am about 17 , however would an agent take it seriously if a manuscript written by a 17 year old landed on his desk ? I feel confident about my plot and characters and I would hope that if an agent read it they would enjoy my story. Once again I thank you for taking the time to read my comment and thank you in advance for your help. Jordan W

Submitted July 12, 2010

A

The usual reason that young authors find it difficult to be published is really quite simple. Most of us write what we know about, and when you're young you don't know as much as when you're old. But some do get published, because they write a good book, and that's honestly the key to the whole thing. You may not have the experience of the world that infuses a book with realism, but you have experience of a world, and if you can bring that to life, and tell a story, then publishers will be interested.

Q

I own a nook e-reader, from Barnes and Noble. I have been slowly purchasing your titles in e-book form, but cannot find the Warlord Trilogy(My second favorite behind the Saxon Tales). Is this your choice or is it B & N withholding just the one series?

Brian Russell

Submitted July 12, 2010

A

No, it's not Barnes & Noble. This is in the works, but there seem to be some copyright issues that still need to be worked out. Hopefully you have it soon!

Q

Hello Mr Cornwell, I am a huge fan and have read almost all of your books. As an expat Brit living in the US, and having lived in Winchester and been a frequently visited the Greenjackets museum, I have a love of the SHARPE books. To save your readers unnecessary pain please make our year, one more Sharpe book! I'm sure that you are a little tired of that question but we really do love his character. Please dont make us wait years. Sincerely Andrew Pyke

Dear Mr. Cornwell... Do you have any plans of writing any further book in the series "The Saxon" stories". I'm so anxious to read, what happens next to Uhtred!! :) Thank you for the many hours of fantastic entertainment :) Tonni

Hi, the past few years I have been reading, and rereading, most of your works, and have been simply infatuated with them. My favorite of your books is Sword Song, in the Saxon Stories, and I was curious when the next book (after Burning Land) is set to come out. I have grown up with history, and the time around Alfred the Great had, until reading your books, not peaked my interest. Your books, being fiction, have also expanded my desire to learn more, and research the events and some of the people of your stories, so that I can have a greater perspective on the stories. Thank you for taking time out of your day to read and reply to your readers, it means a lot to us to hear from you. Sincerely, Andrew Pospisil, age 17

Hello, I've just finished your last novel of the Saxon series. I'm sad to say that I am addicted to them and I don't see any indication of the next book. Could you give me an indication of your next novel for this series? I have already read quite a few of your books including The Grail Quest, Arthur, Azincourt (which by the way was excellent), etc... Thank you.

Joseph

I have loved all your books and especially the Sharpe series. Are you planning any more of these? Thanks and best wishes Phil

Submitted July 12, 2010

A

Sorry to disappoint you Andrew, but I do think the next book I write will be Uhtred, hopefully ready for publication in 2011; so a new Sharpe is more than a year away.

Q

I have enjoyed the Sharpe series more than anything I have ever read. I shall look forward to your other works. Is Sharpe's Devil the last in the series??
Neal Parent

Submitted July 12, 2010

A

Sharpe's Devil is the last book in the series chronologically; but there will be more Sharpe books slotted in the existing books.

Q

I have written down a book that I thought I saw on your website. I was checking to see when it was coming out and now cannot find it. It was Captivate, Kill, or Destroy. I think it was about the American revolution? Did you stop this book or am I wrong about it? Please let me know because I have read all your books and was really looking forward to reading this new one. I have loved every book you have read. Started with Agincourt and have just finished off the Sharpe series to finish all your books. All I can say is I love you writing. The characters are so interesting. I love the time frame the books are set in. I would say that you are my favorite writer. Can't wait to hear from you and looking forward to what ever you write next.
Russell E. Duncan

Submitted July 12, 2010

A

Same book, different title. The book will now be called The Fort. Look for it to be released at the end of September. Hope you enjoy it!

Q

Hello Bernard! I read your previous posts and you said that Sharpe in the post-Napoleonic ages is quite a possibility, since you never state when Sharpe retires I think this will be an excellent idea! Perhaps the India, Afghan campaign? There's a lot of very interesting campaigns he can do, and I got a feeling his soldier spirit wouldn't be able to cope with retirement, ever. Perhaps you could bring back old unfinished enemies and friends alike in your new novels? I really enjoy your Sharpe books, but personally I believe he could use a change of scenery. The India novels to Copenhagen were a great change of backgrounds, and brought in new interesting facts from you.
Michael Sharpe

Submitted July 12, 2010

A

And I do think Sharpe is best when he's fighting the French - so I'll probably keep him in the pre 1815 time frame. I think he coped with retirement very well - he has Lucille? Lucky guy.

Q

How far ahead do you plan your books. Do you just think about the current book your writing or do you already have plans for the next one and the one after that. Do you make notes so if you're unable to finish a book, another author could finish it for you. (I'm thinking of the unfinished Hornblower and the crisis). Would you consider allowing another author to carry on your work. (In the way Eric Lustbader has taken over the Bourne novels). Sorry to ask questions to highlight your mortality but as a pragmatist I hoped you wouldn't be too offended. Daniel Taylor

Submitted July 12, 2010

A

I do have plans for about two books ahead . . . . and I read around the subject matter while I'm working on the current book . . . I'm looking about three books ahead right now. I do not make notes . . . . if I can't finish a book then it will stay unfinished! And I really don't want to have someone else write them for me . . . .it isn't that I think that's a dreadful idea, just wouldn't work for me! I'd have to spend so much time explaining what I wanted that I might as well write the book!

Q

I listened to your interview on NPR some months ago and enjoyed it tremendously. You are definitely was one of my favorites. I loved your Grail Quest series with Thomas of Hookton and have shared that particular series with a number of my friends who have gone on to purchase them. My true passion for your books is Nathaniel Starbuck. In your interview on NPR you eluded to the fact their is work in progress for a fifth book; Fredericksburg. Are there any updates? Keep writing and I will keep reading. I am currently beginning to Saxon Tales and, as expected, having a great time.

Matt Butow

Submitted July 12, 2010

A

I've done some of the research, but I'm not writing the next Starbuck now. My next book will be more of Uhtred.

Q

Hi, I'm a Brazilian fan. Your histories about Saxons and Artur are amazing. I wonder if I will read your book about Second World War and the Battle of England? I'm sorry for my English, I'm just a student. Lucas Gava Triches

Submitted July 12, 2010

A

I don't have plans to write about either World War - sorry!