Does Sharpe (and Patrick) plan on going to America in the future? Fertile Grounds for a novel maybe?
David Baker
No - read Sharpe's Siege to know why.
Dear Sir, Several years ago my father told me of your books. He said there was a character in one of your works by the name of Colin Campbell. I know your characters are fictional, but is there any historical or factual basis for this character? Could you tell me what book he would be in? Thank you.
David Compton
He's real! There were many Colin Campbells in the army - but you're referring to the one who led the storm on Ahmednuggur (I think it's in Sharpe's Fortress). He thrived, survived Waterloo, was knighted, became eminent!
Hi- I have loved all your books. My faves are THE ARCHER'S TALE, the Sharpe series on audio books and the audio book of WILDTRACK. I especially liked the gifted reader of most of the Sharpe books and WILDTRACK, whose talent really made the stories come alive. What is his name? I couldn't bear to listen to the books on tape by some other man whose reading was as dull as dishwater. Thanks and keep up the excellent work. Diane
I'm not sure, but I think you might be referring to David Case? I confess I've never listened to any of my audio books but I am glad to know you enjoy them!
Hi Mr. Cornwell. Did the bow and arrow play any part in Saxon/Viking warfare? It seems to me that even though chain mail and shield would deflect most arrows, there was always the chance of a lucky shot (eg, Harold Godwinson)! What percent of a Saxon/Viking army would be archers? Also, was the sling still in use at the time? Simon Scarrow once told me that the sling was a more lethal weapon than the pre-longbow bow and arrow. Alan Kempner
Archery played a small part - but it seems likely there were few men who could use the longbow (see the historical notes to the Grail Quest books for the reason why), so the arrows lacked the penetrative force of the 14th and 15th century armies. But yes, they were used, but they were not the battle-winners that the longbow was.
Do you have plans to write about the better time of English history, the Bourbon Dynasty? Vive la France!! Frederic Lavoise
Not at the moment! But never say never.
First, I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your books. I haven't read any of the Sharpe series yet but plan to. I have, however, read the grail quest, Arthur books, and Saxon stories series and I enjoy everyone. Your books have inspired me to write my own stories, though I am young and have limited resources for my research. I am having particular trouble with naming my characters. Names I need have to be British names one would hear around 43 AD during the Roman invasion of Britain. Roman names are easy enough, but the British names are harder. I do not know how much you know about this time period, but I was wondering if you had some suggestion for names or if you knew any good resources I could use for finding strong names. I would greatly appreciate it.
Bryce Riddiough
Well, you use whatever sources you can find! You're looking for British (really Welsh) names, so rip off any Arthurian dictionaries for the original names - or find a good book on mediaeval Welsh history and use the index - just avoid really famous names like Owen Glendower!
Hello, I was just wondering how much time you spend editing one of your novels. Having written so many is it easier? Or do you still have to go back and cut large quantities of text? Lastly, do you have any tips for avoiding long editing sessions at the end? Many thanks. James
I edit as I go - thanks to word-processing. I don't finish, then edit, but constantly rewrite and rewrite and rewrite. I always think that writing a novel is like climbing a mountain - you get a third of the way up, look back and see a much better route, so you start again, following the new route, which propels you half way up, when you stop, look back, and so on and so on. That's how I do it, but not everyone does the same.
Dear Bernard: You've written many times that you're unwilling to write other authors'characters into your works (Hornblower, etc.) because of the bloody lawyers. This being the case, how is it that you have so little issue with the way screenwriters have abused your work (at least in many cases - Sharpe's Gold comes to mind)? Keep writing and pray (to whatever) that I'm never made King -- I'd clone you and until the clones were ready to write, I'd chain you to your computer. No more sailing for you! (This is a joke - not a threat) As always, I'll order Azincourt from the UK, not willing to wait for the US edition. Cheers, Scott
The films are different from the books. And I was not involved in the scriptwriting - not my area of expertise. But I liked the films - and am glad the script-writers felt free to invent whatever they wanted. And as far as the film 'Sharpe's Gold' (which was a bit weird) ...the story was changed due to the loss of the original actor slated to play Sharpe and concerns with an insurance company.
I just re-read Sharpe's Waterloo and enjoyed it just as much the second time. I think it is one of your best. Joel Chase is one of the few senior officers who really appreciate Sharpe. Any chance they will have a reunion or another adventure together? Does his child with Grace survive?
Howard Zlotnick
I liked Capt. Joel Chase so maybe we'll see him again. The child with Lady Grace? Read Sharpe's Prey.
I have been following the adventures of Uhtred and his companions since the books arrived on the book shelves. I was just wondering if the sequel to Sword Song wil be written soon. Hoping to hear from you soon, Jim Turner
Sir, can you say when the 5th installment of The Saxon Stories and the fantastic Uhtred will be available as I am close to finishing Sword Song and already chaffing at the bit for more, having read the other three adventures, one of which I was lucky enough to have signed by yourself. Thank you for many hours of thrilling reading. David Baxter
Dear Mr Cornwell, I am an avid fan of your books and have read all of them, except the Sharpe series. I am a particular fan of Uhtred from the Saxon Stories and have made a pilgrimage to Bamburugh to see the fortress and Uhtred's much sought after homeland. I would very much like to know when you are planning to release the next Saxon tale as after finishing "Sword Song" can not wait to hear more of Uhtred's tale. Yours Sincerely John Minett
Hi.I, like a lot of others i suppose, got into your books by way of the Sharpe`s tv series.i have just finished re-reading the uhtred/saxon series and being from Durham myself originally was wondering when the next in the series is due and will any of it be centered in Durham? thanks for the brilliant reading so far.
PhillipI love your saxon stories and grail quest and would like to know when you are coming out with a new book for Uhtred. i just finished sword song and want to continue reading already. you are a great author thanks. Zachary Carder
I have just finished my THIRD read of your four Saxon Stories and love them! Uhtred is a great character, and I hope he finally gets Bebbanberg back. When can I expect to see the fifth to be released, and do you have a title for it? Tom
Bernard, Hello, I hope everything is well with you. I was just wondering if any new Saxon Stories are slated to come out? Thank you. Stephen Gibson
I am addicted to your Saxon stories - they are first rate. When will the sequel to Sword Song be coming out. Thank you for making that period of history come alive. Jessica Jones
Dear Mr Cornwell I am sorry to bother you, as I appreciate that you must get a huge volume of mail. I have a very few select number of 'personal favourite' authors including Sharon Penman and Wilbur Smith, however none have been able to match the sheer magic which you are able to produce time and again in such a variety of settings. Having read most of your books, I am keen to know when you are anticipating picking up the Saxon stories and when the next instalment is anticipated for release in the UK? I hope that this request has not troubled you too much. I tried without success to find the answer on your site. With kind regards Alan Pattison
I haven't started the next book of the Saxon stories so no title yet, but it is most likely the next book I will write. If so, we'd hope to see it published in the UK in October 2009 (and possibly in the US in January 2010 ).