Your Questions

Hello Mr. Cornwell, Your southern reader here just wanted to check in and ask when you plan on putting out your next Saxon book and can you give any hints on the plot without giving a whole lot away. Thanks I really appreciate the contact form it's nice to be able to talk to the author of some many great books. keep up the good work sir. Your Southern Reader, Bleu Marceaux

I really enjoyed reading about Uhtred in the Saxon series of books. I was interested in finding out if and when the next one will be available and how many you have in mind for the series. Steve Hynard

I have read your writing advice and it is valuable not only for its straight forwardness but also for your admission that, in the beginning, you imitated authors you thought best represented the format you wished to achieve. If you were to recommend one of your works to an aspiring scribbler (really word processor these days) to do the same, which do you think best represents nearest attainment of the ideal you strive for in terms of story construction, pace, etc? That is, of course (a) realizing that every story is different (b) as the creator, you probably like each in a different way and (c) you might just say I should choose the one I like best...which I have but am looking to do two so as to see where they are similar. Thanks for keeping me entertained for all those hours in the past and the ones yet to come. Alan Whitney

Mr. Cornwell, First, I must express how much I enjoy your books. I just started "Sword Song" after having read the other three and I am completely enthralled in them. I have one question concerning the prologue to "Sword Song". At the end of the prologue Uhtred was having a short conversation with his new wife and he called her an idiot. Then in the first chapter we find that Giesla is his wife but I know that he adores her. Was Giesla the reference to the "new wife" in the prologue? He also references a "newer wife" in his story as well. I appreciate you taking the time to answer. Keep up the good work and I look forward to reading more excellent Cornwell novels. Jonathan Clark

Bernard, I want to sincerely thank you for your books. I'm a used bookstore bum that got lucky enough to have Sharpe's Tiger recommended to me a few years ago, and it has been a non stop journey ever since. Your books have opened me up to reading history I had overlooked, and really turned me toward reading historical fiction, other than the books of the old west (which I'd like to see you take a shot at, would be great). Do you have any plans to come to Canada any time soon? (Toronto would be great, you can sleep on my couch if you need a place to stay, hah!) Do you ever give seminars on writing historical fiction? Thanks again! Matt W. Peterborough, Ontario, Canada

I have read some of the comments, and am struck by the fact that several people claim to be your biggest fan. Let's get something straight right now. I'm you biggest fan! Got that? In Winter King, you describe at least one and perhaps several helmets as being decorated with horns, as in many a Viking movie. And yet I recall hearing many years ago (I'm almost as old as you!) that decorations like that were unlikely since they would easily catch a sword or axe blade. I realize Winter King is not "historical," but it has a sense of veracity about it, as do all your books. Care to comment on the helmets? Thanks, man. Keep it up. Frank Eskridge

Dear Bernard Noticed, from the Waterstones website that Saul David and Damien Lewis (and two other authors)will be debating Britains Greatest General on 30 October at Salisbury Guildhall. Would your vote be for Wellington? Or might you be tempted to vote for Marlbrough or perhaps Montgomery? Can I ask if you will be one of the other authors joining the debate as I am sure you would bring some valuable views to the debate. Best Wishes Steven Shaw

Have just finished "Azincourt" having got it just two days ago. Great story and thanks. One question - Thomas of Hookton (Grail Quest series)is mentioned as one who was an archer and went on to become lord of an estate, so how did this happen?

David Eric Coote

Dear Mr Cornwell, I am a massive fan of all your books,i loved reading the sharp novels,Excalibur,and vagabond. I have just finished reading sword song and i loved it. My Favourite books are the Saxon stories, manly because of the viking elements to the books. My mothers side of the family, are from the isle of Mann,(ellan vannin veg veen)which has a huge history of the viking ancestry. I was wondering, would there be any connections of the isle of Mann vikings,to Alfred the great?,If so would that have a effect lord Uhtred in his future battles? I am really looking forward to the next saxon novel, (Gura mie ayd)thank you. Dean Duffy

Dear Bernard, I have a comment or perhaps a question, and please correct me if I am wrong, but whilst reading the Arthurian saga I could not help linking Derfel Cadarn to Sir Bedevere. Is it not Bedevere who threw Excalibur into Dosemary Pool. Is not Derfel Sir Bedevere. Also, what do you think about the allusion that Massimo Manfredi makes about Excalibur being Ensis Caliburnis etc etc, i.e., the Calibean Sword of Julius Caesar. Excalibur is not at all an ancient Welsh or Celtic word. What do you think. Kind Regards.
Lucy

Hello Mr Cornwell. I'm writing to ask is there any chance of the Saxon stories being made into films. Because they have to be some of your best books and I thought they would make good films. If not who do you think would be best to play Uhtred? Thank you for all your fantastic books. Jack Way