Your Questions

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.

Q

Bernard, I loved your Grail Quest Searies. Is your new book about a English archer or a French Crossbowmen? Thanks, Zach

Submitted May 21, 2008

A

English archer . . . . . . .

Q

I love historical novels and have read almost all of the saxon chronicles and a few other, but Uhtreds adventures are by far my favorite. My question is: Will Uhtred ever become a christian? You don't have to anwser it but it seems he has gotten close sometimes and then went back to pagan mindset again. I'm a christian so I was interested. Any ways I enjoy your novels greater than any other writer in contemporary literature and I look foward to reading your works more. God has blessed you with a great talent.
Buddy Smith

Submitted May 20, 2008

A

I really don't know what the future holds for him until I write it . . . but I hope not?

Q

Hello Bernard, I have been wondering if you intend to write any more books for The Saxon Stories, If so when can we expect them to be published? Kind Regards Paul

Submitted May 20, 2008

A

I will write more - another Saxon stories will most likely be the next book I write. So there's a chance it could be ready for publication in October 2009.

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I would just like to say that I began reading your Saxon Stories about two weeks ago and I was very pleased with those books.They were the first books of yours that I have read and I was very impressed and will begin reading your Arthur books soon.I was wondering if there was going to be another book in the Saxon stories? If so I look forward to reading it.I wish you luck with your writing and hope that you will always find joy in what you do, because your writing brings joy to so many peoples lives and it is only fair that you have joy in return!
Carolyn J Frazier

Submitted May 19, 2008

A

Thank you! Yes, there will be more books of the Saxon stories

Q

Hello Mr Cornwell, thank you for your reply to my scot ale question. I was wondering if scot ale and the term scot free were connected? I do hope you will do a Robin Hood book[s] in the future. Regards Nicholas.

Submitted May 19, 2008

A

They are . . . and again it has nothing to do with the Scots, it's an old English term meaning an impost, payment or levy, and to be scot-free was to be spared such a payment - it first occurs in a document of 1066