Your Questions

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

Mr. Cornwell, I was browsing a website for buying and selling guns, both antique and new. I noticed an antique rifle brand called Sharps Rifles that were made in the 1800's. Is this by any chance where you got the idea for Sharpe's name and Company? Thanks, Robert

Submitted April 14, 2009

A

The name Sharpe came from a great (brilliant) English rugby player - Richard Sharp - and from nowhere else!

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.

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).