Your Questions

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.

Q

I ran across and old tape of you on Movies in Time on the History Channel. My question is did you get along with Sandy Van Oaker? I think that is the right spelling, but hopefully you know who I am talking about. He seems almost hostile at times during the interview. Thank you for your time Best Jeff

Submitted April 14, 2009

A

We got on just fine! I wasn't aware of any hostility - I think he was just reverting to old journalistic habits, but, as I was a journalist too, it all seemed fine to me!

Q

Hello again Mr. Cornwell: I need a bit of help. Im devising the framework of new novel, and need a bit of advice. I just wanted to know, if you remember back to Sharpes Tiger he was in the good old 33d of foot regiment. My question is, was Sharpes Company within the 33d entirely fictional or did slot your men into a real Company and just give a real Capt. Morris the traits you desired? My debate on the issue is Im not sure if I want to slot my character into the Irish Jasper Greens (A Company out of Georgia) or create my own. My debate centers around the new villain Im creating. A Nativeist Lt. (Im not sure if I should transplant him in IJGs or not..but I would have a hard time explaining why a non-Irishman was serving in a Irish Company..) Do you have any thoughts or suggestions? Another thing I have worked out is one of his buddies is an ex-Napoleonic War veteran from Scotland. Were there any Scotsman in the 95th or 60th Rifles (I chose the two regiments out of homage to you, as your books sparked my muse for military writing. I am forever in your debt, sir.) If not, can point me toward some rough and tough Scottish line infantry units? Most thankfully and sincerely, Adam Azzalino

Submitted April 14, 2009

A

Morris's company in the 33rd was entirely fictional - and I'd recommend you do the same - just to give you room to manouevre - if you write a 'real' company then you're stuck with their real life history and, believe me, it will restrict you. And yes, there were plenty of Scots in the 95th (probably fewer in the 60th) - as for rough and tough Scottish regiments of the line? Take your pick! I'd use one of the Highland regiments - but they're all rough and tough!

Q

Having just finished Azincourt I noticed the reference to Thomas of Hookton. I have to ask is there any chance you will be expanding on the character in another context? I doubt it! But I have to ask. Thank you the brilliant books.
Jack Cundliffe

Dear Mr. Cornwell , I've just finished ''Agincourt'' and now I feel the battle of Agincourt with all my heart.Wonderful work , I would like to say , you are the greatest author on historical fiction novels. I begun to read Arthur books and I thank you for your great books , I feel like I'm in the book when I read them. One more question , will we see Thomas of Hookton in different adventures ? Love and respect from Turkey...
Mustafa Yildirim

Submitted April 14, 2009

A

I doubt it too! I liked writing him, but don't feel any great urge to carry him farther - but never say never! Who knows?

Q

Hi Bernard Do you have any influence on what books of yours can be made into a film series like 'Sharpe'. The reason why I'm asking is that I would love to see the Saxon Stories made into a film or series.Regards Rod

Submitted April 14, 2009

A

I leave all such things to my agent, but I've always regarded my job as putting words on paper not pictures on screens so, believe it or not, I don't take much interest in what progress he makes.

Q

Thank you very much for the very good moments and trips I did reading your books here in Brazil. So, I´d like to know if The Saxon Stories will have a 5th book and continue? Congratulations.

Wagner Peral

Firstly, may I say that since I first came across you as an author some 9 years ago, I have delighted in reading your material. I find your books and style totally engrossing - keep it up !!! Now to my question, I have read all the Saxon stories and I note that you left the last one open, can you confirm that there will be at least one more episode in this story - if so when can I expect to see the next installment
Steve Hepworth

Could you please tell me if you are you working on another Saxon story, and if so when is the likely date of publication?
Maggie Fenwick

Please can you tell me when the next book in the Alfred series is going to be out as I have enjoyed the first 4 and can't wait for the next one.

Barry Stephens

Submitted April 14, 2009

A

The fifth book of the Saxon stories - likely to be called The Burning Land will be published in the UK in October of this year (January 2010 for the US).

Q

Hi! I am a brazilian fan that adores your books. You are simply the best! I suggest you to write stories with Scottish people, Scotland... It would be very good! Sorry for my poor english... Thank you.

Emerson Mexx

Submitted April 14, 2009

A

Thank you for the suggestion. I'm not sure it will happen though, as I believe it is probably better to let Scottish people write stories about Scottish history.

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, At the suggestion of a friend, I started listening to your Sharpe series books on CD (Frederick Davidson is a superb reader). I am, of course, completely hooked and would like to buy the books as a set. Unfortunately, Amazon and other vendors sell the books individually with various printings, covers, bindings, etc. I happen to own a set of the Patrick O'Brian Aubrey/Maturin series as a box set that the publisher put out a few years back. It was marvelous to have them all together. If your publisher were to offer the Sharpe series as a box set (hardback or trade paper) I would certainly buy it. That would help substantially since some of your earlier books are becoming hard to find. Perhaps other readers also would wish to have a box set? My thanks for allowing me to write. Your web site is nicely designed and very helpful. Best, Steve White, M.D.

Submitted April 14, 2009

A

Thank you! I guess a boxed set is a possibility, but not likely until the series is finished.

Q

Hello sir, may I ask what's going to come after Saxon 5? has the Spanish conquest of the Americas ever given you inspirations? no one seems to be touching the topic....I wonder why's that? is it because there's too little reliable record of the event? thanks for your valuable time sir!
Jack Jiang

Submitted April 14, 2009

A

A story of the American Revolution will come (I hope) after The Burning Land (the 5th Saxon book). And I'm afraid the tale of Conquistadors has never tweaked me - but someone should find inspiration there!

Q

Both my husband and I are convinced we have seen footage of at least part of the story of Sharpe's Devil especially the part where Sharpe and Patrick actually meet Napoleon (or at least Sharpe does)and they are given a picture to take on to South America. Can you tell me where this footage is from and if there are any plans to film Sharpe's Devil or any other of your wonderful stories? We are huge fans and have both the books and the DVD's/videos of Sharpe and the chosen men. I look forward to hearing from you.
Amanda Madeleine Ross-Edwards

Submitted April 11, 2009

A

I don't know of any plans to film Sharpe's Devil - I think sea stories are more expensive to shoot and prey to all kinds of disasters . . . but who knows? You think you saw part of Devil on film already? I have to be very cautious here, because lawyers are circling in the water, but you're probably thinking of the ending of Master and Commander which, purely by coincidence, bore a striking resemblance to the final sequence in Devil - but, of course, that must have been pure coincidence.