Your Questions

Hi Bernard, hope you are well. I'm just writing to ask how do you stop yourself from ending a story too soon? When I'm writing I find that I rush toward the ending. Are there any tips you can give to stop this? Did you have this problem yourself after writing short stories? Thanks for your books, they are brilliant. Ben

I was reading the book Fallen Angels and I was wondering if you could tell me the meaning of Ja develesa shukar, it has bugged me since the first time I read the book and stayed up till six to finish it if you could tell me I would be thankful. Kirsten

Dear Mr. Cornwell I'm not sure if you are aware this yet but there is a fantastic group dedicated to Sharpe on facebook.com entitled Sharpe's Rifles with some absolutely fantastic discussions and with some very dedicated people. If you have some time ( of which I'm sure all your spare time is precious) please check it out and witness the excitement, dedication and passion you have inspired and perhaps leave a comment as I'm sure everyone would be thrilled to have Sharpe's creator drop in! Yours Sincerely, Michael from Sharpe's Rifles

Hello Mr. Cornwell, I started a facebook group called Sharpe's Rifles, and today they are in a flurry, because apparently you had joined our humble group. Is this true or is there a person with an elaborate fake profile? Thanks.
Joel Castro

Dear Mr Cornwell, I have looked through the question pages and asked a few friends who are fans of the Sharpe series and still I'm unsure of something in regard to the Sharpe books. My reading of the series has never been anywhere approaching chronological so perhaps that has something to do with it and I've missed the answer. Perhaps you are unfinished with the character? My question is what becomes of the lawyer,philosopher and warrior extraordinaire Lieutenant Vicente? Thanks! Rhys Adamec

Good morning I read an interesting article about you called 'Essex Boy' in Limited Edition magazine. I am trying to track down a copy of the magazine but the local paper can't help. I would like to show this to a friend. Are you able to email a copy to me please? Many thanks in anticipation. Richard

Dear Mr. Cornwell, Where to begin, well I recently came across your books in the bookstore and was intrigued for I have never read anything about the Dark Ages or Medievel Times. I started with the Saxon Stories and was completely blown away at the way I was sucked in so hard to these novels. I fell so in love with those characters that I would be thinking about them at work. I also was looking for any excuse to find a little time to read so I could keep the story going. I never wanted it to end, but it did. Then I decided to start on the Arthur Books, I wasn't sure I would be able to let go of Uhtred, until I met Derfel, and wow, I was even more sucked in. I am most fascinated by these times that you write about in Dark Ages of Old Briton. I just started the Archers Tale, but my main question after all that is can you or anyone else recommend any other titles that are along the same lines with the same greatness as the Saxon and Arthur Books? I want to read more of life in those times but cannot seem to find anything. I love the battles, the romance, the valientness (is that a word?) of it all. I would really appreciate any recommendation that you may have. Thank you for the great reads, Josh

Dear Bernard, I was wondering (having never been to America) if you have a vote in the Presidential elections, and whether or not you would use such a vote. I find myself in peals of laughter at the candidates, stumbling over each other in their terror of using politically-incorrect words or terms or inflections or implied agendas... oh the list goes on. It's hilarious. Do you hold much truck with this nonsense? If I had a vote over there I'd probably vote Obama. Not because I want to impress anyone with my enlightened thinking, but more 'cos he's young and smart and seems like a solid bloke. I could never live there, though. Too many pitfalls and landmines that everybody has to constantly hop over. Has it ever grated on your nerves? Paul, Ireland.

I'm an avid Sharpe fan and have the complete collection and have just finished reading Sword Song and have now read and collected all the Saxon Stories. I'm not really a bloodthirsty chap but have thoroughly enjoyed all your work that I've read to date. Am eagerly awaiting the next in the series of the Saxon Stories. When will Uhtred next take his place in the shield wall? And hopefully in due course regain your old family home of Bebbanberg? Many thanks for all the pleasure your writing has given me. Keep at it - ink wet and sword sharp. Best regards, Tony.

Is there another Saxon Tale coming? if so when? Thanks

George Klein

Just a small note to thank you for your love for writing historical fictions. I just love you books. Your style. The plots. The characters and so forth. Just wish you would speed up a bit and give us more books faster. Just joking. I understand the hard work involved. Keep up the good work. I'm very exited about the coming of your next book in the fall, I'm sure it will be good, but I'm not tired of reading about the vikings. When will there be another adventure of Guthred? Once again, thank you and take care. >From one of your biggest fans. Which I could meet you in Canada one day. Michel Pilotte

Greetings Bernard Cornell, You are truly one of the best authors I have encountered. A master story teller! In the past six months I have read the entire Saxon and Arthur series. Do you plan on writing another book in the Saxon series? Thank you, Daniel
Hello Bernard: I've just completed Sword Song and have the impression there is more to come in the life of Uhtred. Any idea when we can expect the next phase of his life??? Also, loved the Grail Quest. Sorry it had to end. Thought of Tom as a friend, not just a character in a novel. Amazing how quickly he grew up across the 3 novels. Thanks for bringing so much entertainment and excitement into my reading again.
Walter

Hello Mr Cornwell I am a big fan of all your books especially the arthur ones as am a huge king arthur fan. I also love the saxon books and was wondering if you are planning on bringing out anymore of them? I hope this finds you well Shaun Ede

In a couple of your Sharpe books you state that crosses were driven into graves to prevent the restless spirits of the buried from wandering about. Can you point me to an "anthropological" source for that concept?
Phil Lord

I once conversed with a published author at the Oakbrook, IL Borders several years ago who stated he was working on a book about Vikings and Britain. Although he gave his name, I did not commit it to memory. I have since been trying to identify the author because his description of his project intrigued me and I would like to read his work. He said he was living in Oak Park, IL at the time. Please let me know if this could be you, or if not, if you might know of this author because of the similarity to your recent work. Thank you for your time. Rob Kepka