Your Questions

Q

Mr. Cornwell, I am an avid reader and I just finished the Sword Song book. I was wondering whether the next Saxon book would be the last, when Uhtred takes back Bebbanburg, or are there a couple more before then? thanks for all of the great books! Hunter

When do you plan to release the next book in the "Saxon Tales" series and how many additional books to you envision it will take to complete this series? Thanks!

Dave LeGrande

Submitted April 16, 2008

A

There are still a few more books to the Saxon stories. Not sure how many there will be, but the next one won't be published until at least 2009.

Q

Sir, just wanted your own opinion on who was the better General, Napoleon or Wellington? I can't understand why Napoleon is still regarded as the General everyone is measured up to and revered as a genius, it seemed to me that his tactics in attack were based on the front ranks of his armies effectively committing suicide (surely life should not be regarded as so cheap?) Wellington however defeated all of Napoleon's chosen Marshals and Napoleon himself. Although there's debate about whether that was a British, Prussian or an Allied victory. Wellington did appear more concerned about his men than Napoleon. What do you think?
Lee Revell

Submitted April 16, 2008

A

My vote would go to Wellington, but I'm dreadfully biased. Nevertheless it's a fact that W never lost a battle (his only defeat was the 1812 failure of the Siege of Burgos), and Napoleon lost several, including, of course, the final of the Napoleonic Wars. That said it's also true that Napoleon operated on a much greater canvas than Wellington, who was the servant of his political masters. Napoleon gambled with whole countries and, for most of his career, was his own political master. There's no doubt that Napoleon was a master strategist on a continental level, and Wellington never really operated at that level (and probably would not have wanted to). As tacticians there's probably not much between them; at their best they were both battlefield geniuses (Austerlitz and Salamanca). Where, I think, Wellington has the edge is in his understanding of the whole machinery of his army. He is an engineer of war, fighting a temperamental artist. Wellington, also, has a consistency that Napoleon lacks. My guess is that the question best answered with another question; which one would you rather serve? For me the answer is Wellington!

Q

Are you ever planning to write anything for Richard Sharpe prior to him joining up? Life in the orphans home / work house, fights with the establishment, the adventures he had running away etc. I tried to write it myself for amusement but it faltered after a couple of pages. I'm rubbish but you are great. Please write it. If it was made for TV Sean could be replaced by some up and coming young star saving cash. David

Dear Mr Cornwell As usual I am a huge fan and avid reader of your work.Can you tell me when we can look forward to any more Sharpe adventures .I would love to see a new "first" book dealing with his parentage,childhood and entry into the army.I know we have had glimpses but I am sure there is a fantastic tale to be told. On the flip side all good things must come to an end and no doubt Richard must pass on, saving a beautiful woman while in the service of the Iron Duke I hope. Rob Perth Australia

Submitted April 16, 2008

A

There will be more Sharpe books, but most likely not of his youth. I am disinclined to take him back in time again - although who knows? Perhaps as a short story?

Q

Both me and my partner are great fans of your books and cannot wait for Uhtred to retake Bebbanburg, although it will be devastating when the series ends. Can you maybe give some indication of how long we have to wait for the next book?? Thanks for taking your time to read this E-Mail. yours sincerely Abigail Pullen and Richard Suddaby Hadleigh Suffolk. ps- Will you give a talk in Suffolk soon???

Submitted April 16, 2008

A

You will have to wait until at least 2009 for the next book of the Saxon series. I'm not sure when I might be in Suffolk, but check the Diary page every now and again as all my appearances do get posted there.

Q

Dear Mr Cornwall, I have followed your books since my Dad gave me his copy of the Warlord Trilogy when I was 12. I have always been an avid fan of Arthurian legend and now studying English at Loughborough University I say to my friends it's the most realistic and interesting account of the tales I have read. You must get these emails a lot so I'll quickly get to the point. Why after the success of the Sharpe TV series has the Warlord Trilogy not been made into three films? Obviously the ins and outs of the film industry are beyond me, but after watching the latest King Arthur with Clive Owen it just goes to show that your story has a much better plot and more substance. In my ideal world of the silver screen I could imagine a director like Ridely Scott doing justice to your book; in a Gladiator esk kind of way. Is the reasons for not making it into a film because you would rather that the trilogy remain as fiction, or have you not found a director to your liking? I apologise, at the end of the day it is none of my business how you use your material, it just frustrates me that when I come out of films about King Arthur I can't help thinking that your story would be much better. Obviously as a fan I'm bias, but I reckon a lot of other people feel the same way. Thank you for your time Mr Cornwall I understand you get many emails so thank you for reading over mine. Yours Sincerely James McNulty

Submitted April 16, 2008

A

Thank you for your kind words! I'm not a filmmaker so it's up to someone else to do it; but I suspect it may prove too expensive to make. I take the view that my job is to put books on shelves, not pictures on screens. If it happens, great! but I don't spend much time thinking about it. Thanks again for your message!

Q

I was just wondering if there was boxset of all the Sharpe books or if there is one planned? Thank you.
Mike Topley

Submitted April 15, 2008

A

There is not one currently available - and I don't believe the publisher will consider it until the Sharpe series is complete, which it ain't yet!

Q

My husband and I Love your books!! We have especially enjoyed listening to the Saxon stories read by Tom Sellwood. You Will have Tom Sellwood narrate the complete & unabridged Sword Song, won't you???????? Keep those books coming!!
Sandy

Submitted April 15, 2008

A

I do believe an unabridged recording of Sword Song narrated by Tom Sellwood will be available in October of this year.

Q

I have all the Sharpe books and films and just love them .I have also met most of the actors playing the riflemen.When ,when will you be writing another Sharpe book? I know they are now filming Sharpe's Peril.

Mike Attias

Submitted April 15, 2008

A

A new Sharpe book is at least a year or two away.

Q

Hi just a quick question do you have a favourite battle field, from all of the sites you have been to and if so why ?? thanks for your time, Richard.

Submitted April 11, 2008

A

Assaye, probably, which I've only visited once. It's more or less completely unchanged. I kicked the furrows and found musket balls. The village still doesn't have a metalled road, and the houses are so unchanged that you can recognise windows and doors from a print of 1804. It was eerie to stand there and think that Wellesley had seen just what we saw, and, as well, that part of India has a wonderful beauty! I also saw an eagle-owl there, and that was a privilege . . . and the villagers were so proud of what had happened there, and so welcoming, so it was a magical visit!

Q

Mr. Cornwell, It has been my pleasure to begin reading the Sharpe series. I also have read your Stonehenge. Both have captivated my attention and sucked me into the literary world you create. Sharpe is a genius creation and I am amazed that you are able to add to a story you began years ago. It is astounding to me. The reason I write you is that I beg just a small amount of advice; you see, I'm 17 and about to enter college. My parents and teachers have been pressuring me to figure out what I want to be. I have loved reading since I was little. It is my dream to be a writer. I have so many stories in my head already. When I can't sleep at night I think up a good story to get me into my dreams. I have written what I think down as well. It never turns out how I want however. But that's beside the point; Mr. Cornwell, I was wondering as one author of exceptional skill if you would give me the benefit of your expertise. What is the most important thing for an author to remember? What is the best way to become an author? My parents don't really think that I should become an author. They don't think I will be able to find success. Maybe they are right. Yet, I do want to pursue it. I just wanted to know if you had any advice. Thank you for your time. Chad

Submitted April 11, 2008

A

Well, read my page on this website . . . .advice to writers (go to the FAQ page and scroll down to the 10th posting and click on the link 'writing advice'). That said . . . parents are usually very boring and want you to become an accountant, lawyer or hedge-fund manager, and they're absolutely right! Ignore them, though. Follow your dream! It might not work, but so long as it is a dream, you must pursue it. That all said, I suspect that most writers don't come good until they're much older. I began at 36, and a lot of other writers started in their 30's and 40's . . . I suppose the reason for that is by then you've collected enough life-experience to make the books believable? So, read everything, pretend you REALLY REALLY want to be an accountant or lawyer or proctologist, and secretly work on the writing. When you become a best-seller tell your parents that they were wrong.