Your Questions

Q

Hello I began watching the Sharpe series on television with my dad when I was a small boy. Enjoying then the explosives and the story. Though it was only till later on in life when I hit my late teens I was given the complete set of the Sharpe books which completely changed the way I looked and thought about Sharpe. The television series was really good and the choice of Sean Bean as Sharpe I can now see was a very good choice but the books are so superior to the films. Since then I have been an avid reader of all of you books enjoying your writing style and the themes and plots of your books. The one thing I have a problem with, is that I am always going back to the Sharpe books and reading them over and over again. I can't put them down. The main thing I wanted to ask is are you writing more Sharpe novels in the future??? Or has Sharpe fought his last battle? thanks very much great novels all of them.

Alisdair Castle-Smith

Submitted May 22, 2008

A

There will be more Sharpe...

Q

Hi, I'm a massive fan of the Warlord Chronicles and I'm starting to get into the Grail series and the Saxon series. I was just wondering if there are any plans to make the TV/Film adaptation of the Warlord Chronicles? This is by far and away the best ever interpretation of the Arthur legend and would lend itself wonderfully to a screen version in the ilk of the recent Rome tv series. Chris Kirk

Submitted May 22, 2008

A

Thanks! No plans for it at the moment.

Q

You use a phrase fate is inexorable in several of your stories. I was wondering what language you are using? I have been unable to locate it. Thanks, Berdetta Colbert

Submitted May 22, 2008

A

English! But the English spoken in Uhtred's time, which these days we call Old English. But it is still English. The quotation is from an Old English poem, 'The Wanderer' . . . and I've known of the poem (a bleak thing) for over forty years now.

Q

hi first I would like to say thanks for introducing me to the world of reading. The first book I ever read (without flicking though) was Sharpe's Company and since then I can't put a book down! I was just wondering, would you consider writing the books to Sharpe's Justice and/or Mission? I cant help but think how much better they would be with your insight and creative genius and I know you are probably sick of hearing this, but please don't keep Starbuck too far from your thoughts - there are so many unanswered questions! Matt Nicholls

Submitted May 22, 2008

A

I can't write novels for the films, "Sharpe's Mission" and "Sharpe's Justice"; those stories have already been written by someone else. Although I may use "Mission" and/or "Justice" as a book title sometime in the future, my books will not be connected to the stories in the films in any way.

Q

Hi Mr Cornwell. I am re-reading Sharpe's Trafalgar and have a couple of questions. Is the character Peculiar Cromwell based on someone you knew? His "christian" name and comments he makes about his particular religious group upbringing tends to relate to your own background. Did you deliberately name him after the Peculiar People? Many thanks for your time. Tony

Submitted May 21, 2008

A

Yes, he was named for the Peculiars, but I did come across a real life person with that name. But he wasn't based on anyone I knew . . . I made him up and rather liked his name.

Q

Me and two of my friends are writing a book. It's sort of like your grail quest series but no grail and we have magical armor. Can you please suggest a medieval war or battle? Thank you. Alex Ward

Submitted May 21, 2008

A

Try the civil war between Stephen and Matilda - it hasn't been done (as far as I know) and there's a lot there.

Q

The Sharpe books are very well written, and I enjoy them all. My question is how can you be pleased with the TV adaptations? Sean Bean does not resemble Sharpe, nor does Darragh O'Malley resemble Harper. The TV adaptations change, omit, or just plain make stuff up? And finally, the TV adaptations involve such a pathetically small contingent of soldiers.
Jimmy Fuerte

Submitted May 21, 2008

A

I liked the films - and am glad the script-writers felt free to invent whatever they wanted.

Q

Hello Sir, how are you, good I hope. Can't wait for Azincourt to be release. Do you know of a release date for Canada? Two further questions for you; First do you ever think on writing on the Wars of the Roses and second where do you stand on Richard III. ,Edward

Submitted May 21, 2008

A

Canada generally follows the UK schedule, so look for Azincourt in October of this year.

I've rarely contemplated it! It's crossed my mind . . . but I have no plans for the Roses . . . and I'm a Shakespearean on Richard III, but other than Josephine Tey's book have never read the other side's arguments.

Q

Bernard - I have just finished all of the Saxon stories and really enjoyed them all, when will the next be published - can't wait. Andrew Stockton

hi, have really enjoyed the books so far and was wondering when the next installment of the saxon stories will be released. thanks very much Doug. brilliant books once again!!

dear Bernard let me just start by saying I'm 21 and only ever read a hand full of books in my life but I have in a month read the Last Kingdom, the Pale Horseman, Lords of the North, and today I have finished Sword Song. The story of Uhtred has entertained me more than I thought books ever could and so I thank you. But I have two questions; when will the next one be out and what will it be called and if the saxon books entertained me so much can you suggest any of your other books that might pull me in like they have? Thank you very much best regards mark c

Submitted May 21, 2008

A

I have not started the next book of the Saxon stories, but I believe it will be the next book I write. If so, look for it to be published in the UK in 2009. Of course, I won't have a title for it until it's been written!

For reading suggestions, please be sure to take a look at the Reading Club pages of this website.

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