Your Questions

Q

Hi, Well... where to begin. Ok, I'll start with your books. I have read as many of the Sharpe books as I can get hold of, have read the first of the Arthur books (I am saving up to get hold of the others), and am currently up-to-date with the Saxon stories. I really enjoy your work - I have just finished reading the Saxon series (so far) for the fourth or fifth time, and I am still enjoying them as much as I did when I first read them. I started reading your books at around 12 years old, beginning (I think...) with one of the Sharpe books my parents borrowed from our local library, and have been trying to get hold of as many as I can ever since. Now for a couple of questions to do with the Saxon books: - In book 3, Gisela mentions that she and Uhtred will have 2 sons, and one of them will break Uhtred's heart while the other will make him proud. Will this part of his later family life feature in any of the upcoming books? - In the first two books, Alfred's eldest daughter Athelflaed is mentioned a lot, along with a barrage of hints that she may (and probably will) be very closely linked with Uhtred once she has grown up. Will she become more closely linked with him than she is at the end of book 4? That's all I have question wise. Other than that, all I can say is that your work is great, and has influenced my own writing style tremendously. Thanks for reading all that! - Chris

Submitted April 16, 2009

A

Oh, yes! (same answer to both questions)

Q

Hi Mr C, I am eagerly awaiting Burning Land. Is it the last one in the Uhtred series? Like so many of the Saxon fans, I never want the series to end! Hope you're having a good day :) Ang

Mr. Cornwell, I only want to know if "The Burning Land" is the final book of the Saxon Story ? Or is there a plan to continue the series? Thank you for your great books. Greetings Tobi

Submitted April 16, 2009

A

I've no idea how many books there will be - but I can assure you The Burning Land is far from the last!

Q

Hi Bernard, Just wondering about the titles to your books. Do you come up with them or is it your editor/publisher?? Does your publisher view the title as a vital part of the package?? Thanks Bernard Willie

Submitted April 16, 2009

A

I usually think of the title, then argue (sometimes) with the publisher who does indeed (and rightly) see it as part of a package. Most of the time we agree. I fought like a demon to keep Sword Song, which they wanted to change, and they won on Azincourt, which I wanted to call 'Slaughteryard'. But we're friends!

Q

Bernard, How different do you think the overall plot of the Sharpe series would have been if you had started off writing the series in chronological order beginning with Sharpes escapades in Seringapatam? Do you think Sharpe would have ended living contentedly in Normandy with Lucille or do you think another fate would have befallen him?
John MacCallum

Submitted April 16, 2009

A

I think another fate, probably - but it's impossible to be certain. My biggest regret is that I was forced to kill Lady Grace, who I think might have kept hold of Sharpe forever . . . . . but she wasn't in the later books so, sadly, had to vanish.

Q

Have you ever thought about Richard Sharpe meeting up with Horatio Hornblower?( I know you would need to get permission to write about another person's chractor) or travelling to America? I love your stories...keep up the good work
Thomas Rivers

Submitted April 15, 2009

A

I suspect the copyright difficulties would prevent this so it is very unlikely. Sorry, I can't send Sharpe to America (if you read Sharpe's Siege you'll know why).

Q

Hi, I was just wondering if you will ever consider writing a book set in WW2, because there aren't many I know of and I think you would do a great job of it!If not, are there any good ones you can suggest? Thanks, Very useful website thankyou
Bill Herklots

Submitted April 15, 2009

A

I don't have plans for a WW2 book - I prefer to stick to the more distant past! Did you check the Reading Club pages of this website for a book recommendaton?

Q

Dear Mr. C I ran into your one of your books about a 2 years ago it was "The Last Kingdom". I had bought it cause it was on sale and after I began to read it you caught me like a wild fire! it was amazing! and I have finished all the Saxon series and waiting the best I can for the 5th book! I just absolutely love your writing style and books! and I was wondering when or if you are ever coming to Oklahoma city area? and to let you know that is the only series I have read so far but I am about to get the Arthur series pretty soon but I can't stop thinking about the Saxon saga!

Justin Hensley

Submitted April 15, 2009

A

Glad to know you like the books! I don't have plans for a visit to Oklahoma City, sorry!

Q

Mr. Cornwell, I just wanted to say that it is a pleasure to read and listen to your stories. My co-worker and I have listened to several while we water gild picture frames in a small Utah town. Your stories make work much more enjoyable! We've listened to Agincourt, the Grail Quest series, Stonehenge, Sharpe's Eagle, Sharpe's Company, Lords of the North, and most recently, Crackdown. All were great. One question: Will you ever make it to Salt Lake City for a book signing? Thank you, keep writing!

Jordan

Submitted April 14, 2009

A

Thanks for your message. No plans for a visit to Salt Lake City at the moment, but check the Diary page every now and again - maybe I'll get there one day!

Q

Mr. Cornwell, I've heard talk of a graphic novel, of more films;there's audio books out,electronic readers... any chance that there could be a Sharpe's video game in the foreseeable future, or even a big Hollywood production? Don't get me wrong, as an aspiring writer myself, nothing can beat the book, but obsessions grow. Also, I would like to personally say thank you. I am currently applying to University here in Ontario, and I am going in for English, history, and possibly even teaching. Your books have guided me towards the career of writing.Not only that, but I've pretty much driven everyone nuts with the 19th century, crusades, and second World War, at least as a writer, I might be able to get a following of people interested, not stuck with me like my mates and family. I would love to achieve even the smallest portion of the success you have attained. So thank you, Sir, you are a role-model to me, and I hope I can have your blessing.
Matthew

Submitted April 14, 2009

A

You may have my blessing, but I'm not sure you'll need it! I suspect you'll do just fine!

A video game has been talked about, but I haven't seen it happen yet. A big Hollywood production? I take the view that my job is to put books on shelves, not pictures on screens. If it happens, great! But I really don't spend any time thinking about it.

Q

Hi Bernard. I just wanted to know how much time you need to write a book like the 2d volume of the Grail Quest (about 550 pages). Knowing that you are a full-time writer, how many months did it take you and also how many hours per day ? (Then is it a morning of research followed by an afternoon of writing for example). Forgive me if you find my question boring. It was a pleasure reading your books. Bye, Marc

Submitted April 14, 2009

A

Usually takes me about six months to write a book. Hours per day? I'm usually in my office early, around 5.30 or 6.00 am and work until 5.00 or 5.30 in the afternoon (with a lunch break). Research is a lifelong occupation, but obviously, for any specific book, you begin dedicated reading and research a few months before. So, I've spent a lifetime reading about mediaeval warfare, but the detailed research for Azincourt, my latest book, probably began about a year before I started writing.