Your Questions

Q

Can you please provide me a date for the publishing of The Burning Land in Portugal. I tried to contact the local publisher and got zero answer. Thank you in advance
Ricardo

Submitted July 5, 2010

A

I'm sorry to hear that Ricardo. I don't think there is a publishing date set in Portugal yet, but hopefully there will be one soon!

Q

Dear sir,I'm a huge fan of the saxon stories and I'm wondering when you will be writing a new book?many thanks
Robert Wakelam

Hi, Just wanted to say that of all your books I get so much joy from the saxon stories - perhaps because they cover such a pivotal period in our history. I don't mean to be pushy but... When can we expect to see the next one?! Every now and again, I wake up in a cold sweat, thinking "what if he dies before he's finished them??" Thanks Paul

Mr.Cornwell, I really enjoy your books especially your Saxon Series, I was just wandering, are you going to write another book to the series, The Burning Land left me wanting more, Thanks. a fan.

Submitted July 5, 2010

A

I plan to begin the next book of Uhtred's tale later this year (if I'm still alive, of course).

Q

dear Mr Cornwell, you may remember that I wrote to you a few days ago regarding whether or not publishers would take someone my age seriously and I would like to say how helpful your comments where in boosting my confidence. Your advice page has helped me to turn my book from a historical account into a story which I really look forward to starting some time next month (fingers crossed). But I seem to have stumbled at a point of my planning which I hope you can help me with seeing as it was by far my favourite part of "Sharpe's Fury". The problem is that the only account I can find of the assault on the fire rafts by the 87th and 67th is yours. So I was wondering where you got your knowledge on the attack from? any help will be much, much appreciated. thanks Tom

Submitted July 5, 2010

A

As far as I remember the only source I had was John Severn's book on the Wellesley brothers, Architects of Empire, published by the University of Oklahoma Press. There may have been follow-up sources, but I never cite sources in my notebooks because 1) it takes time and 2) I don't need them for footnotes. Which is wretched of me, sorry.

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I am a great fan of you from Germany. My first books of you were the Warlord Trilogy. Here is my question: Are you writing a new Celtic roman next time? A book like the Uhtred Books just with Celtic topic? Hear you soon and many greetings from Germany. Your fan Thomas

Submitted July 5, 2010

A

I don't have any plans to write a Celto-Roman book, but who knows? One day?

Q

I was thrilled to see that audible.com had added the 3 books of the Warlord Chronicles. Unfortunately, they are abridged, and I won't take a chance with abridged books. I read these in print, and would love to listen to them. Is there any possibility of getting these masterpieces in unabridged audio versions? PLEASE?!?!?!?
Stan Dickens

Submitted July 5, 2010

A

I don't know, but I'll ask for you!

Q

Living in (South) Africa, we don't fit into the usual uk/usa/australia/new zealand/eec known areas although I can assure you we do exist- in fact you must by now have heard of us recently - Vuvuzelas!? What is my best source of your books please?

Ian McDonald

Submitted July 5, 2010

A

I am told my books should be readily available in South Africa. Exclusive Books, which is a national chain of books stores does carry my books. And an online retailer called Kalahari, http://www.kalahari.net/ also has them. (I noticed a number of what looked like your vuvuzelas at our recent 4th of July Main Street parade!)

Q

Hi there I am a massive fan of the Saxon Stories, and 'the Burning Land' has simply fuelled my appetite. Will Uhtred campaign again in the next few years? Also, just as a matter of interest, do you research your subject matter before writing, or are you constantly researching during the writing process? I was curious how you would put together a work such 'the Winter King' or 'Sword Song', as I find it such a fascinating way of learning about period through a fictional character. Simon

Submitted July 5, 2010

A

Yes, Uhtred will be back soon!

Research is a lifelong occupation. I've been reading history since I was a child, and all that reading contributes to what I know. When thinking about a new book I'll spend some months reading in a very concentrated way, though how long and how much depends on the book. For my next book,The Fort, set in the American Revolution, though I know the period well, I still needed six or seven months of reading. And I will continue to research as I write.

Q

Hello Mr. Cornwell, I have been quite impressed by the level of historical detail in all of your books. You produce an entertaining narrative that also teaches me many new things about the era that it is set in. This leads me to wonder, are you ever going to write a pure history book? I would be quite interested to read it if you ever did. I enjoy all your books, but the saxon stories are by far my favorite. What books did you read for your historical info on this era? Thank you for your time, Matthew Rowley Caroline, Alberta, Canada

Submitted July 5, 2010

A

The trouble with non-fiction is that you have to be accurate, which is really why I write fiction. Once in a while I think about it, and lie down until the feeling passes, but perhaps, one day, I'll give in to the urge.

The two essential primary sources are 'The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle' and Bishop Asser's 'Life of Alfred'. For more, be sure to take a look at the 'Suggestions for Further Reading' page for the Saxon stories.

Q

Hi Bernard I wondered whether you have retired Sharpe now for good? I was recently reading about some of the wars in Europe in the 1830s. The British Legion went to fight in Spain in the 1830s. I wondered whether you could send Sharpe back to Spain again in his latter years and maybe meet some of his old characters? The legion at the time consisted of 8000 infantry, cavalry (lancers), marines and foot artillery (all still wearing Napoleonic uniforms and carrying flintlocks). Duncan Johnson

Submitted July 5, 2010

A

I've looked at it . . . . maybe thought a little about it . . . . maybe?

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I just finished my bi-yearly reading of the Warlord trilogy, and wanted to say again how much I appreciate all of your hard work. Also, just a quick question - have you seen the trailer, or seen the movie "Valhalla Rising"? You can view the trailer here: http://www.valhallarising.dk/. The movie looks really interesting, and it sounds like it has more layers than just surface violence.
Cheryl O.

Submitted July 1, 2010

A

I haven't seen it, but thanks for the link, and I'll put it on the list!