Your Questions

Q

Just read Sword Song and loved it. Uthred now rivals Derfel for my favorite character in your books. I read it so darn quickly, though, that now I'm having Saxon withdrawal. Any idea when the next in the series will be? One more note. my jealousy of you living in my favorite place in the world intensified as we were unable to swing our summer vacation there this year. Oh to be on the cape! Bob McNamara

Just finished book 4 in your Saxon tales and was wondering if there is going to be a book 5? Also looking forward to Azincourt, Henry V is one of my favorite plays. Chip Ebel

Greetings just wonder when the sequel to "Sword Song" will released? It's painful waiting LOL!!!! Ps: The Warlord Chronicles were absolutely superb and coming from Sussex, England and living in New York it helps fight the city blues. Cheers, Mark

My students and I love the Saxon tales books, but we are desperate for the next one! When can we expect to see Uhtred again? Amy Duncan

I would just like to say what probably millions have said to you and that is I love your books, I have never laughed or cried so much or spent so much of my time thinking about a book before, I know you said your favourite is the Arthur books which are amazing but I do love Uhtred, are you writing a new one? Again just a thank you for creating such gripping characters and brilliant dialogue Frances Foley

Submitted August 19, 2008

A

I haven't started the next book of the Saxon stories, 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 ).

Q

Dear Bernard,is Nick Hook related to Thomas of Hookton? regards Nick.

Submitted August 19, 2008

A

He isn't. I took the name from the muster roll of the archers who really were at Agincourt and it just happened to be the name I liked best and, by coincidence, shared the Hook with Hookton

Q

I was very pleased to see that Sharpe's Peril is set to air this fall. Hopefully we can see it on BBC America here across the pond. Anyway, I noticed that on the Internet Movie Data Base site, one of the characters credited is "Corp. Barabbas Hakeswill". Does he appear in the books and is he related to Obadiah Hakeswell (perhaps a typo on the website?)? I'm just getting started reading the books, after having been introduced to the TV series on BBC America a couple of years ago. Just curious, did the producers or director of the TV series ever ask you which actors you thought would make a good representation of the characters in the books? I think they did an excellent job of casting; I'll picture Sharpe, Harper, Simmerson and Hogan as they actors who played them when I'm working my way through the books. Thank your for sharing Sharpe with us! -JP

Submitted August 19, 2008

A

I have neither seen film, nor script, and the first I heard of Barabbas Hakeswill was when a reader wrote into this website recently. I had no input - none at all, which is a good thing because I'd be horrible at casting!

Q

"Bernard Cornwell, the Chatham novelist with an international following, is the bumbling Erronius, stirring the audience into giggles simply by walking across the stage." So how are you enjoying being a player? Sounds like you're getting your share of laughs pretty easily.
David McKissack

Submitted August 19, 2008

A

I love it! I'm in three plays this summer - we finished Forum (standing ovations!), now we're performing The Front Page and in a fortnight we begin The Merry Wives of Windsor. Once that's done I shall sleep for a week.

Q

Hi Mr Cornwell, Although Sharpe is my favourite, I am loving all the other stuff you have produced especially the Saxon stories as I have a fair amount of Norse blood coursing through my system.I have two questions: first, when are we likely to get a new Sharpe?

and second, is there any possibility that Sharpe at some point could find his way to the Nepal Uprising of 1824 ( I think )when the British Army so impressed the Nepalis that the Ghurkas were formed?. I am sure that there could be some mischief there for an old rogue like Sharpe?. Thanks for some cracking tales, David.

Submitted August 19, 2008

A

I wish I could tell you . . . I don't know. I'm giving him a rest (he's always better after a rest) and I need to revive my Napoleonic research, so it will probably be a couple of years.

I honestly don't know! My instinct tells me not to write any more post 1815 stories, but never say never!

Q

If all your heroes had to fight each other (unlikely but fun) who would win and why. I suspect it would be Sharpe or maybe Uhtred, but I would love to hear your view. I came to an evening with you at Waterstones Canterbury and was thoroughly entertained but was to nervous to ask the question. Thanks for endless hours of entertainment. Duncan Hall

Submitted August 19, 2008

A

Oh, I have no idea!! Truly! I think they'd all like each other far too much, but if they had to? The biggest rogue would win, Sharpe?

Q

Please can you tell me if you will be doing any book signings in the U.K this Autumn? And if so where? Thank-you!
Stella Noble

Submitted August 19, 2008

A

I will be in the UK this Autumn. Click on the link for Diary at the top of this page for a look at the itinerary. Only two postings right now, but I expect a few more before October comes.

Q

When may we expect the book following Sword Song in the Saxon Chronicles?

We just finished reading The Fury of the Northmen by John Marsden [1993]. It details the history that you incorporated in Saxon series. Was the "blood eagle" commonly used in that era by the Norse? Where are the remains of Saint Cuthbert currently housed, including his original coffin?
Martha Scott

Submitted August 19, 2008

A

I haven't started the next book of the Saxon stories, 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 ).

I think the Blood Eagle is a bit of a myth . . . but I could be wrong. Not sure about the original coffin, but Saint Cuthbert lies in the glorious cathedral at Durham.

Q

Mr. Cornwell, Just wanted to thank you for the awesome Warlord Chronicles books. I am sad to say I just finished them but I have really enjoyed the last few months of reading. I can't find too many series to capture my interest the way the Arthur books did and I applaud your skill. These would make a great movie trilogy - thinking a little Peter Jackson mixed with Braveheart - but if they ever lock you up don't change too much! What book of yours should I read next? Mike Devine

Submitted August 19, 2008

A

Perhaps you'd like to give the Saxon stories a try? Start with The Last Kingdom.

Q

Dear Bernard, I have just started Excalibur, and i have been neglecting most other aspects of my life because i have been completely addicted to your Warlord Chronicles! My brothers have lent me your books and the Sharpe series on dvd and I cannot wait to read the rest of your novels. i have one question. I have found most pronunciations of the names like Derfel and Ceinwyn, but I would really like to know if you had any idea how to pronounce Scarach? I think it's an amazing name but nobody seems to know how to pronounce it! (that i can find . . .) but I LOVE your books. Honestly, I think I am in love with Derfel!! Respectfully, Gabriella x

Submitted August 14, 2008

A

Was that one of mine? I'd say Scarach, like the English pronunciation of 'garage'.