Your Questions

Q

Hi Bernard, Thank you for your response regarding plot complexity. I think you do yourself a disservice saying that complex plots are not your forte. A Crowning Mercy comes to mind as a very fine book where the plot is more complex. One final question if I may be so bold. I am currently writing what I think may be a pretty decent historical novel (It may never see the light of day but I get a buzz from it anyway). I actually love writing when I get going and derive great satisfaction from it once I've completed a couple thousand words. But getting started feels like being back in school looking forward to homework. Have you ever had similar feeling?? Also I am currently at approx 45K words. Right now and on occasion I can't figure out where to go with it. If I sit down and struggle over a few hundred words I usually get restarted. It's almost like struggling to get an old car started in cold weather. Do you ever have similar problems?? Once again Bernard thank you!! Regards Willie

Submitted July 6, 2008

A

I'm afraid I don't get the homework feeling . . . . . I think it's very difficult to write when you have no idea whether anyone (other than your long-suffering nearest and dearest) will read the finished product . . . so inevitably you're assailed with the idea that you're wasting your time. I had that feeling very strongly when I wrote my first few books, but now, after almost 50 novels? No . . . .

But I do get cold-weather problem . . . . you just sit down and write, and something comes!

Q

First of all, let me say that I adore the Saxon stories...I am waiting impatiently for the next book about Uhtred. I saw The Last Kingdom at a bookstore and bought it because I was out of good reading. I was hooked instantly and devoured the first 3 books! Now I've read Sword Song and all I can say is write faster!! ;0) But the true purpose for this message is about Uhtred's favorite saying "wyrd bid ful araed"...I love it but want to make sure I have the definition and spelling correct. can you please confirm spelling and the definition? Thankyou so much! Blythe

Submitted June 26, 2008

A

It comes from an Old English poem, 'The Wanderer', which is very beautiful and rather sad, and is the thoughts of an exile wandering the earth. In the original the phrase would have sounded something like 'Wyrd bith ful arade' which is English, believe it or not, and is usually translated as 'fate is relentless', but I preferred inexorable. If you can find a copy then you'll find the quote at line 5.

Q

Mr Cornwell, I'm a great admirer of your novels, in particularly your Arthur books. Basically I was wondering if there is any chance of an Arthur motion picture? And secondly I was wondering if there's any chance of a book or series written in or around William the Conquerer's time since my family history can be traced back to around 1000 a.d Leicestershire (Tilton-on-the-hill) area and I'm very interested in that era with the crusades and all? I would appreciate a reply in any capacity, and keep up the great work. Chris Tilton

Submitted June 26, 2008

A

Anything's possible...but there are no plans for it at the moment.

For some reason I can never get very excited about the Crusades, though perhaps that will change?

Q

What differences are there between the US and the UK versions of the Sharpe books? I live in the US and am interested in ordering books, but I'd like to know why there are different versions. Thank you. June Lombardi

Submitted June 26, 2008

A

No difference - except the covers (and the US publisher does Americanise the spelling of some words).

Q

I found myself recommending Harlequin to a friend of mine yesterday, this appears to happen at least once a week, and has done since I finished Heretic 3 years ago. I came to wondering if there are any plans for a film adaptation, most films nowadays are poor and uninspiring, I believe that The Grail Quest would be a big success. If there are no current plans, would you be willing to see it as a film? I understand any reservations, I have seen too many of my favourite books ruined in the cinema. I would happily start working on an adaptation, but as an engineering student I imagine it wouldn't the best. John Richards

Submitted June 26, 2008

A

There are no plans for it at the moment; but I'd be happy to see it happen!

Q

Mr. Cornwell, I have been a great fan of yours from 1994. I have traveled with Wellington's army, twice through Dark Ages Britain, The Hundred Years War, read about a gallow's thief, and modern terrorism. And I will shortly be ordering my copy of Azincourt. I recently broke down and read the Starbuck Chronicles. But now I'm in that frustrating spot I knew I'd be in when I opened the first page - when will you recall Nathaniel back to duty? He has had quite a furlough. Carol Mathias

Submitted June 26, 2008

A

Sorry, but Starbuck will be on furlough for a bit longer.

Q

I would like to ask when the next Saxon story is being released I am quite keen on these books, much like the warlord trilogy. I've never read so much in such a short time in my life. So basically thank you for writing such gripping storylines. I will be waiting for the next book to be released as until then I have run out of material. If you could reply to my email that would be very kind of you. Thank you Thomas

Mr.Cornwell, I would like to start this letter off by saying that I am a huge fan of your Saxon Stories. Picked The Last Kingdom by chance and fell in love. Looked forward to every single one, up to Sword Song. I am anxiously awaiting the next chapter in the story. Are you working on this? Do you have any idea how many you will have in the total series? I love reading about Uhtred and cannot wait to find out what awaits him. Thank you so much for writing these.
Carlos Nieto

What will be the title of the next book in the Saxon Stories? I have enjoyed reading the first four and want to watch for the fifth. Thanks and congratulations on your success!

Submitted June 26, 2008

A

I won't know the title til I write the book - and that hasn't happened yet! The next Saxon story will likely be the next book I write, so look for it to be published in the UK in October 2009. I'm not sure how many book there will be in this series - but at least several more!

Q

hi mister Cornwell, I have read your Starbuck books and I am now on to your Sharpe books, great books by the way. And I was wondering where the strong references to Religion come from? Is this a personal thing or is it related to the time period in which the books are set? I hope this does not affront you in any way and if you do not respond I will understand. yours, William

Submitted June 26, 2008

A

Religion was more prominent in the past than it is today so religion has to play a fairly large role in any historical novel.

Q

I have finished reading The Saxon Stories and have enjoyed them immensely. I have noticed that each year since 2004 you have published a new one, however there is no reference to a new book on the 'whats coming' section of the website. So I am writing to ask whether this trend will continue. Thank you for taking the time to read this note. Yours Eliot

Submitted June 26, 2008

A

But there is a new book on the 'What's Coming' page - the book AZINCOURT. I used to write two books a year, but now I've cut back to one. The next Saxon will most likely be my next book - look for it in 2009.

Q

Hi Bernard, I would like to know if you have read a book called "Khyber Pass" by Catherin Decours ? It is about the bloody campaign of the British army in Afghanistan in the 1830's. Thanks, Erik

Submitted June 23, 2008

A

I haven't, but I'll look for it, thank you!