Your Questions

Q

Dear Bernard, It has occurred to me that when considering the success of the T.V productions based on the Sharpe stories that the excellent but unfortunately as yet unfinished Starbuck Chronicles would make a superb mini series. I was therefore wondering if this idea has been put to you before as I'm sure it would be highly successful, particularly in the U.S. where I would have thought that studios would be falling over each other to produce such a thing as well as have the finances available to do it justice. Yours faithfully Graeme Collins

Submitted February 27, 2009

A

Thanks! But no plans for it at the moment.

Q

When will the DVD Sharpe's Peril be available in The U.S. in R1 format?
Greg Wolfe

Sir; I'm hoping that you might have your ear to the ground regarding a U.S. showing of Sharpe's Peril. I keep an eye on BBC America, thinking that it would show up soon. Likely I am just impatient, hm? Had you heard of anything in this regard? --Thanks, Terry

Submitted February 27, 2009

A

Sorry for the long delay in this response - but we still haven't been able to find out the answer to this question. We'll let you know as soon as we hear when 'Sharpe's Peril' might be available for viewing and/or purchase in the US.

Q

Sir, Hello. I am a huge fan. I have thoroughly enjoyed all the books I have read from your arsenal. My favorites have been the Saxon series. Looking forward to the fifth. Wondering, how much preparation goes into writing your historical fictions? Lots of research? I'll keep it short. Thanks for your work. -Nick P.S. Like the website.

Submitted February 27, 2009

A

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

Your writing is an inspiration Bernard and I've thoroughly enjoyed all your books! I know you' probably have a lot of work in the pipeline but do you have any future plans on visiting Hastings circa 1066? It's an epic story just begging for your magic! Keep up the great work!

Alex Digby

Submitted February 27, 2009

A

Hastings? It's not in the plans . . . but who knows?

Q

Mr. Cornwell, I am newly introduced to your books having read only six thus far. All have been excellent reads and I look forward to readying others. My question concerns Uhtred's take on Christianity. My question is in two parts: first, is Uhtred the "pulpit" you use to express your own views about Christianity (it seems to me that he, in fact, is), and secondly, do you see modern christianity closer to the mark of what it should be then its version in the Dark Ages such as in Uhtred's time?

Scott Meigs

Submitted February 23, 2009

A

Uhtred is the pulpit for expressing his own views, which are probably much more extreme than mine. I'm really not sure about the second answer; I suspect that Christ, if he were to come back (yeah, I know he's overdue) would be utterly astonished by the religion that bears his name and has, probably, almost no connection with his own ambitions which, as far as I can determine, were to reform Judaism.

Q

To Mr Bernard Cornwell, I enjoy reading your Sharpe novels, I would like to ask you - will you be writing any more novels about Mr Richard Sharpe?
John Richardson

Submitted February 23, 2009

A

Yes I will.

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, My name is Jed Itzkowitz and I am a senior a Parkway North High School in St. Louis, Missouri USA. I am currently enrolled in an independent study in mythology, more specifically Nordic mythology. As part of my class my teacher asked me to read The Last Kingdom. After reading it I immediately went to my local bookseller and bought the rest of the series! What I would like to know however is how accurately the Danish warriors were depicted. I would also like to know if you know of any decent sources of information on Nordic myth and culture. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, Jed Itzkowitz

Submitted February 23, 2009

A

Well, I hope they were accurately depicted. There are many sources . . . . .where to begin? I'd suggest John Haywood's 'Encyclopedia of the Viking Age' and follow his suggestions for Further Reading.

Q

Dear Bernard, I live in the Somerset town of Somerton and have recently moved in to a former stately home there. Whilst doing some research in to the history of the house I have moved in to I found out that Somerton its self was once the seat of King Alfred the Great. I was there for just wondering if Somerton will feature in any of your further saxon stories. I would love to be able to sit in my living room and read about Uhtred and Alfred's adventures going on out side my front door.

Also I know its been asked a hundred times, but when will there be a new Starbuck book? Thanks Heather

Submitted February 23, 2009

A

I'll do my best! I suspect (but don't know) that Somerton was a royal estate, because his capital was Winchester and that was where he had his main residence, but kings do have second (and third and fifteenth) homes and I'll try to work Somerton in! Thankyou.

I don't have a date for the next Starbuck book yet.

Q

will we ever find out what happened to Gwydre? (don't say no, don't say no, don't say no)
Stephen Marsland

Submitted February 23, 2009

A

I have no idea what happened to Gwydre and, sadly, I'm not going to find out by writing another Arthurian book. That trilogy stands by itself, and to add to it would only spoil it - which I regret because I enjoyed writing them. But alas, no more trips for me to Arthur's Britain!

Q

Hello Bernard, You are my favorite author - followed by no less than Tolkien, Rowling, Forester, and OBrian. I am aware that Im a bit daft, but am trying to determine to what degree. The image and voice of Nathaniel Starbuck pops into my head whenever I read of Thomas of Hookton. When I read of Nicholas Hook, another image pops into my head. Im not quite sure of whom, but it is not Thomas. For some reason, a version of you pops into my head when I read of Lord Slayton. Therefore, I have two questions: (1) When you write, do you attach voices and imagines to your characters when you are creating them? (2) Did you perceive as Thomas and Nick as being two distinctly different characters (despite their similar occupations and adventures), or were they based on each other? Best regards, Steve Rose

Submitted February 23, 2009

A

They're quite distinct in my head! And yes, the characters do have distinctive voices and appearances that I hear and see when I'm writing. Thomas of Hookton and Nick Hook are very different in my apprehensions of them, but there are enough similarities so I do see why they might be conflated . . . and Nick is definitely not based on Thomas (who is, as you say, much more like Starbuck!)