Your Questions

Q

Hello Bernard, I have been hooked on your writings ever since I read the Arthurian Books and at the mo I have just finished the Saxon stories to which I am addicted to and after reading Sword Song I awaiting the next in the saga. Please can you notify me on the release of the next part of the saga of Uhtred. Cheers, Jason Breed

I wanted to know if you're coming out with another Saxon Tale and when. Thought about films for this series? Jack

Just finished the brilliant Sword Song. Can you tell me when the next Saxon Story is likely to be published?
Sue Thomas

I have just finished 'Sword Song' - an excellent read. As you have broken the mould of 'trilogies' how may more times can we expect Uhtred to ride/march/sail? Presumably, at some point, he will try to recapture Bamburgh best rgds, Ian Dethridge

Sir, My wife and I are eagerly anticipating the Azincourt book. Being very active in a medieval re-creation organization we get much enjoyment from your work. I've even applied some of your tactics on the battlefield, successfully I might add. This very afternoon we finished the Sword Song. I am wondering if there are plans to finish the tale and get Uhtred back to Bebbenburg? Many thanks, John Alvey AKA Sir Ian Mac Baird Kingdom of Ansteorra Society for Creative Anachronism

Submitted July 17, 2008

A

The fifth book of the Saxon stories is likely to be the next book I write. If so, look for it to be published in the UK in October 2009 (and possibly January 2010 in the US). No film plans. Don't know yet just how many books there will be to this series.

Q

Dear Bernard, My main reason for contacting you is to try and find out when I can get the next part of the Saxon Stories. I have read some of your other works but have really got into this series. You mention that Bamburgh is close to your heart and I share your feelings as I live a few miles away in Belford with great views looking to the left to Holy Island and to the right Bamburgh Castle. I'm sure your thoughts and plans for developing the story of Uhtred are made but my love for this part of England is such that maybe you could bring some reference to St Cuthbert and the magical feeling of Lindisfarne and the Abbey ...OK I will leave you to be the story teller. Have you ever been to St Cuthberts Cave which is just North of Belford? If you are into horse riding there is a new stable where you can trek around the area and get the feeling that our ancestor's would have felt. I guess you have a 1001 contacts but I do offer a warm Northumbrian welcome to you and your family if ever you are in these Northern parts! Kind regards Colin

Submitted July 17, 2008

A

I haven't started the next Saxon book yet Colin - but it will most likely be the next book I write!

I've not been to St Cuthbert's cave, but I will! Thank you!

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, First, I must thank you for taking all money and time from me buying and reading your books! I own all the Sharpe series books and also the books in your Saxon series and live only in the knowledge more are coming. Which other series or book you suggest I read next while I wait for the next Saxon book to come out(o and if I may ask when is that)? a very humble reader and fan, Christopher Patrick Waters

Submitted July 17, 2008

A

Perhaps you'd enjoy the Arthur books? Or the Grail Quest series?

Q

In "Sharpe's Fury", the British Consul in Cadiz, James Duff, comments on the quality of the '03 sherry. This must be an error, in that sherry does not have vintages, any sherry being a mixture of sherry from at least three successive years. I have recently started to read the Sharpe series, in their correct order, and find them most enjoyable. Regards, Martin King

Submitted July 17, 2008

A

So he got it wrong, sighs.

Q

Hello Bernard! I recently did some study on my family heritage and discovered that I'm a descendant from Cornwall and was wondering if you had any suggestions on where i could learn more about ancient cornwall (or cornwallum as you like it). I've read your Grail books and your Arthurian novels and just finished the saxon series(what is finished of it anyway) and have to say Uhtred is my favourite character so far.I was at work yesterday and met a girl from Newcastle and I mention Bamburgh Castle and she was like "oh yeah I've been there" and couldn't help but think about Uhtred and Ragnar and Alfred I am truly immersed in your world of story telling and i love it. Thankyou for taking the time to write quality books for us all.I only know of one person who doesn't like you...My partner hahaha Just one more question; Any St George books in the wind???
Mark

Submitted July 17, 2008

A

There have to be a lot of Cornish histories . . . . . why not look on Amazon.co.uk ? I used books by Charles Thomas, who is good . .. . but really I'd start with a search on Amazon!

Not that I know of! Certainly none from me . . . . . .

Q

I'm sure you have been asked this but! where can I get the book of the latest film 'Sharpe's Peril'? I have all 23 books and all the videos and would not like to miss this one. May you live for the next 100 years and continue with your writings. (Especially about Sharpe) Ken

Submitted July 17, 2008

A

There is no book for 'Sharpe's Peril'. The film is based on a script written by a screenwriter.

Q

Dear Bernard, Firstly may I thank you for the many years of pleasure I have had reading and re-reading your books. I have been with you since the very first Sharpe and have pretty much everything you have written. I am especially enjoying the Saxon series, probably because I myself am one! Having just read Sword Song, I noticed the phrase in what I assume is Anglo Saxon for "Fate is inexorable" and thought it would make an excellent tattoo and rather than take your book to the artist I wondered if there was a web resource I could utilise to not only print the correct letters but also to try and locate a suitable font? Once again thank you for all the enjoyment you have given me over the years. Best Regards Tony Stone

Submitted July 17, 2008

A

It comes from an Old English poem, The Wanderer, which is very beautiful and rather sad. I don't know of a website, but you could go to a library, find a book of Old English poetry (or Anglo Saxon poetry, same thing) and look it up! If you can find a copy then you'll find the quote at line 5.

Q

Bernard, I really love reading about history in your books. My ancestors ultimately came from Germany then went to Wales and finally to Virginia in 1687. The original name was Lang, Anglecized to Long. Do you have a clue what would have brought my family From Germany to Wales in the 1400's?

My next question, My son has a scholarship to Oxford in the fall. Mom and Dad are going to. Can you suggest a few English Castles to go to? I have already been to the Tower of London. Keep writing, Bob Long

Submitted July 17, 2008

A

To be honest, I don't have a clue! Did they go to South Wales? In which case perhaps they had mining skills that were exportable? But beyond that vague thought I don't have a clue.

There are so many! Obviously I'd suggest Bamburgh, but it's way up north . . . . the good thing about going to Northumberland is that it's extraordinarily rich in castles. Bamburgh has been heavily restored, but is still worth a visit. Alnwick (very near), pronounced Annick, is quite magnificent (it's used in the Harry Potter filming) . . . and in the same area you have Chillingham, with its wild cattle, the little gem of a castle on Lindisfarne and the magnificent sea-cliff ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle (a bracing walk from Craster). The Welsh borders have some wonderful castles! The little town of Ludlow is worth a visit, with its fine castle, and not far away is (to my mind) the prettiest castle in England, Stokesay. Nearer London? Leeds Castle (in Kent) is spectacular, as is Arundel . . . it's really a pretty endless list!

Q

This is the "back seat singer" again. In a previous answer to one of my questions, you stated that you do not write from an outline but rather have in mind a beginning and ending and then let the Muse drag you through the manuscript. My current question: how many drafts do you normally develop and is your editing for content or copy? And, do you have someone else help you on copy editing? Just once again raising my voice in song...Lewis Knickerbocker

Submitted July 17, 2008

A

It's hard to say how many drafts . . . back in the Dark Ages when I used a typewriter I'd reckon on four or five, but the ease of a computer means that you're constantly rewriting and some passages might go through a dozen drafts (and I don't count). I always think that writing a book is rather like climbing a mountain - you get a third of the way up, look back and see a better route, so start again, and the new route propels you halfway up, when you look back, see a better route . . . . and so on. The effect is that the early chapters get rewritten far more than the last chapters. The publishers employ copy-editors, so yes, I get lots of help with that (and need it).

Q

Hi Bernard, I do enjoy your books, I particularly enjoy The Grail Quest series. I was wondering if you had any plans to add to the Thomas of Hookton series? I do hope so. Yours hopefully, Paul.

Submitted July 16, 2008

A

No plans for Thomas at the moment...