Your Questions

Q

First of all, let me start off by saying that I love your books. I pay the extra shipping costs to get the books from the UK instead of waiting for January. My question is about the Arthur series. Why did you decide to make Lancelot a bad guy/person/warrior/ruler? Thanks. I look forward to the fifth book in the Saxon series!
James

A

Lancelot? Lancelot was a very late addition to the stories . . . and I never much liked him, so decided to make him a villain. The stories are endlessly changeable (and have changed hugely over the years), but making him a despicable coward was entirely a whim on my part!


Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I am halfway through your book "Azincourt", which I find very hard to put down. Indeed I shall be sorry when the story ends. I have spent the last 8-9 years training as a Man-at-Arms specialising in the Hundred Years War and the Wars of the Roses. Like Hook I started originally as an archer and have shot with men capable of shooting war bows i.e the Towton Archers. It has been a journey of discovery, not only of a steady appreciation of the physical attributes required, but of the various capabilities inherent in different weapons and armour. A hands on approach has taught me that skill is not enough, without speed and aggression. You seem so familiar with this form of combat, have you indulged yourself? I live the life when I am at events and when I am researching period equipment and training and to me you have it taped. My training partner recommended "Azincourt", "It's as if you were there", he said. I agree and I haven't even got the battle yet!, Best Regards, Phil Berry

A

I have, but I'm quite incapable of drawing the heavier weight of bows . . . . I tried a bow with a 100lb draw-weight and could hardly get the cord to my chin! The guys at Agincourt were drawing 120 pounds plus!


Q

Mr.Cornwell, A short time ago I dropped you a note asking you to consider doing a Conan series.I don't know if you have ever read any of Mr Howard's Conan series, but they are a lot like the heroes in your books (Derfel, Uhtred). I have greatly enjoyed reading your books (Warlord chronicles my favorites) and would try to persuade you to someday consider weaving a Conan tale. I just finished one of his swashbuckling adventures and all I could think of was Uhtred. I believe that with your talent for weaving a tale; from his birth and upbringing that you could fashion a series for your legions of fans to enjoy. If you have never read any on Howard's works I encourage you to and pray the you will get inspired. Sean Hester, Danvers,Ma

A

I'm sure the copyright problems would be immense, and that alone dissuades me. I'm grateful for your suggestion, but think I'd be sensible to leave Conan alone!


Q

I have read every book you have put out to date and wait upon every release(as has my twin brother). I often pick up a few series by other authors in the mean time but nothing is a gripping read like a book with your name on it!, I have found the Saxon series my favorite aside from Sharpe, I was just wondering if you have any idea what series you will add onto after you complete the 5th book in the Saxon series (any ideas for a title?!)? Also do you plan on coming to British Columbia Canada anytime soon ?

Zachary Thorpe

A

No plans for a trip to Canada at this time, but be sure to check the Diary page on occasion as all appearances do get posted there.

No title for the 5th book of the Saxon stories just yet; but I'll be sure to let you know when there is one! Can't say right now what I'll work on next....


Q

Mr Cornwell, I have been reading your books for some years now, and I have only just ventured onto your site. I apologise. Your books are fantastic! I love history and your books seems to bring it to life so. I recently finished the Saxon stories, but feel I must ask, is there to be any follow on from the Sword Song?

Ian B

Mr Cornwell, I have read about three quarters of your books. But the series I have liked the best as do two of my friends are the Saxon stories but the lat one Sword Song has sort of left us hovering over the edge so to speak. If you had finnished the series with any of the others it would have been OK. But Sword Song it's sort of finnished but not finnished even anothe chapter to roud it off would have been better. Is their anothe book in the pipe line to round The Saxon Stories off?
Pam Ellis

A

Yes, there will be more books to the Saxon tales. I am working on the fifth book of the series now.


Q

I have been, until recently, what is commonly known as a "Lapsed Reader"; avid until I discovered women; and then .... That is, until my father (in his mid-seventies) started waffling on about Sharpe, and how amusing, exciting and well researched your books were. I was still unmoved. Then, on our weekly outing to Tesco's, he saw the first of your two Grail Quest books in a special offer double package. Needless to say, he bought them for me and now I'm 'Hookton-hooked - as it were! I, of course, have now just finished both Heretic; and now today, Azincourt. Looking at you recent correspondence and feedback, it would seem that you have many more potential 'irons in the fire'; however, perhaps maybe Thomas can fly once more? As the remaining characters at the end of the Heretic, and the historical events during their forthcoming time-line, perhaps give the potential for one last fling. At the very least, it will prevent me from having to try to sample the other love of my father's literary life - Zane Grey.
Steve Foulds

A

Sorry - no plans to add to the Grail Quest series.


Q

hello Mr Cornwell, I would like to ask a question which may seem less frequently asked. I've read your Saxon stories an I love them, well done! They're my favourite of all your books. I've just finished reading Azincourt, it took a while as I was worried Melisande would be killed and my friend convinced me to read on which gave away the story a little (sounds strange but I do get wrapped in your books), but can I ask where did the idea of St Sarah come from? Was she real and did the event really happen? It was just something I wondered when I finished. Thanks for the stories it really has renewed my love for historical times.
Daniel Tunbridge

A

Sarah is entirely fictional, but the burning and hanging of the Lollards? Yes, that happened . . . and more or less wiped out Lollardry in England. By any measure it was tyrannically ruthless - the Lollards were good guys, but the church hated them, and Henry was a very pious monarch.


Q

Hi Bernard...I am currently reading "Sword Song" and wonder if you or anyone else has looked into making the Saxon series into a series of big screen epic movies. If a producer approached you on this would you consider it ? Thanks and I look forward to #5 of the series...Lorne in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada

The grail series and the Sharpe series are my favorite of your books. The other day I noticed that the were Sharpe tv shows. My question is would you ever consider making three separate movies to the grail series? The detail of your stories captivates me and I believe that movies of the grail series have the potential to be 5 star hits. There is an idea and I hope that you like it. Sincerely Zack

A

Sure, I'd be happy to consider it.


Q

I like your books, but I did notice in the Winter King you made reference to corn being harvested. I'm not sure they had corn in England at this time. It's not a big deal I guess in my old age I am getting to picky. Keep up the good work. Mark

A

The English word 'corn' (remember? you read it in the bible? Jesus wasn't eating maize - - that's a clue!) means grain - any grain; wheat, barley, rye - they're all 'corn'. The English call corn 'maize'. It is confusing, but don't blame the English - it IS their word, and it's a very old word, and it has a very plain meaning in their language, and it's the US that has restricted the meaning to one crop.


Q

I was just wondering when the next book in the "Saxon Series" is due to be published in the UK? They are a great read! Best Regards, Peter

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I am a great fan of your books, in particular Saxon Stories!! I love Vikings and Uhtred of course. I cannot wait therefore with my husband for the next book. Can you please be so kind and let us know when we can expect the next book?! Thank you sincerely in advance. Kamila

please please please,when can a follow up to Sword Song be expected as I have just finished reading it as I pulled into Benfleet station,I will never look at Benfleet creek in quite the same way again,I have thoroughly enjoyed everything I have read by you & can't wait to read more. Kind Regards.Kate.

I would like to know if there is already a fifth book of the The Saxon Stories, because i have finished my fourth book and in historical notes disclaime about a continuous history. Best Regards. Mauro Lages

Do you have any plans to continue The Saxon Stories? I have read all four of them and desire more. Thank you!
Douglas

I have just read the `Saxon `series & am quite desperate to find out what happens next ! Is there a follow on to `sword song ` yet. If not, will there be one soon ?

Jane Lenton

Dear Sir, I am a great fan of your Saxon Stories. They have kept me thoroughly entertained, content, and inspired. However unfortunately, I have been longing for a new book in the series! I understand that for certain reasons you cannot divulge such information, but I would like to ask what, if any, information you can release about the next book in the series? In the least, can we expect it any time soon? Best regards, James Taylor

Dear Mr. Cornwell. I just wanted to thank you for the many happy hours of reading that you've provided me with. I stumbled upon your fantastic Saxon series recently, and bought them as a reward to myself after I submitted my MA thesis. I don't believe I've ever been happier. :) Old English and studies into the Anglo Saxon period was always a delight during my undergraduate days, and your wonderful books are a treasure as the world of which you write is so familiar to me. May I ask if you are planning to write more in this series? Thanks once again for this fantastic series. Wishing you and yours a very happy and prosperous new year.

Lucy Lyons

A

I am working on the fifth book of the series now. Hopefully it will be ready for publication in the UK in October 2009 (most likely January 2010 in the US).