Your Questions

Sir; I have heard of poisoned musket balls used by the French in references to both the French & Indian War and the Napoleonic War. Has there ever been a documented use of such a thing, or is this something of an historic urban legend? --Thanks, Terry

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I have recently read your Saxon Stories, and am horrified to discover that you will not be writing any more about Uhtred until 2009 or later! I will however be rushing to the bookshop to get 'Azincourt'. Will this be a one-off, or will the story be the first of a series? It would be very interesting to read what happens to the character (I hear he's an English archer) after the battle of Azincourt, with the Treaty of Troyes, the death of Henry V, Joan d'Arc, the protectorate of the uncles of Henry VI etc. (I've just studied the 100-years war!) Thank you for your time, and thank you for your excellent books. Yours sincerely, E.P.

Stephen King said something to the effect of, That a good author writes four hours and reads four hours. I was wondering, what is your opinion on his statement? Im an aspiring author and an avid fan of your work. Ive got a story Ive nearly completed, but I find myself with little time to finish it. Im happily married with a 8 month old daughter, teach high-school (World History, Psychology, and Sociology) and coach. As you might imagine, I have little time to write or to read. Do you have suggestions that could help me finish my story? Thank you for your time and know it was you (and Derfel) that inspired me to write. Sincerely, Jason Berube

Hi Mr. Cornwell, I have enjoyed many of your series. I hope to someday travel Portugal and Spain to visit some of the sites you write of. I particularly like your photos of sites that you taken. Seringapatam seems abandoned. Is there just fewer people living there now then in the past? Or is pretty much devoid of people? Mark Duntemann

I recently purchased the dvds of 14 books in your Sharpe series. Are there any plans to produce any more dvds of the rest of your Sharpe stories? thank you, John Buck

I am a 58-year old U.S. professional who is an avid British (and Irish) history buff. I typically read only non-fiction, but on the recommendation of a colleague I decided to give your Saxon Stories a try. I am currently reading "The Last Kingdom" and enjoying it very much. However, the novel is rich with characters and at times I lose track of who some of the characters are, especially the minor ones and if many pages elapse between appearances. This may be a sign of my advancing age, but nevertheless I was wondering if there is a character list available somewhere, perhaps on the internet or your web site? Wikipedia has a partial list for the novel, but does not include all the minor characters. Thank you.
Steven P. Gilbert

Have read your Sharpe books so many times - love them all esp: the fill in ones, where Sharpe and Harper sneak off and have fun making private wars! Havoc, Fury and esp: Escape. Just read the 'Azincourt' sample wow that looks as if it is going to be fabulous. What a dreary place the world would be without your wonderful creations esp: Sharpe. By the way loved Gallows thief and was hoping it would be a series -any chance of that? Many thanks for many wonderful hours spent marching with Wellington's magic army - long life and happiness Kindest regards - S

Have you ever thought of setting a story about the war between Britain and America set in the same time as your Sharpe stories. You could have main characters one from each side to illustrate the different opinions. After all Sharpe was nearly sent to the Americas in one of your stories. When he was sent back to find the missing conscripts.
Roddy Carter

Hi Bernard, Some time ago I contacted you for your advice on my ambition to write a novel about Banastre Tarleton. You said simply 'just write him' and you were right! Once you get into the swing of it, it fair pours out of you, though I do find some days it's better than others, do you find this? I try to write a chapter at a time and not always in the correct order, its just my way, but one failing I have perhaps, is that I keep going back over my work and making changes, do you think sometimes you can over-egg the pudding? At what point do you just say no that's enough? Also I'm curious do you think the world is ready for Tarleton as a literary character? bearing in mind he has such a terrible reputation One I heartily aim to repair in my writing as most of it is unfair I feel. Neil Pearce

Dear Mr Cornwell At the end of Sword Song you said the story would continue. Any idea when next book out? My only criticism of Sword Song was that it ended too soon - I always want them to go on and on!! Best wishes.
Sheila Stobbs

Finished Sword Song and from your ending notes there appears another one or two coming. great . love that series (and all the others) When are they coming????

Charles Sammis