Your Questions

Q

Something is driving me MAD! I read one of the Sharpe books years ago where Sharpe had all his belongings stolen from storage before boarding a ship. In the end he had to "persuade" the local crime boss to give him it all back in his own particular way. Which book was this, I want to read it again. Please advise. David

Submitted April 11, 2008

A

Sharpe's Trafalgar . . . . one of my favourites

Q

I've been reading your books (jumping back and forth between the series) and am intrigued by the way the Church acts in the Grail Quest series. I know that the Church acted very selfishly at times throughout history just from things I hear here and there. I was wondering if you had any suggested readings that delve further into this topic. I'm looking for a historical view on some of the things the church did, specifically in that time period, that may have been an abuse of their power. Thank you, and keep up the great works!
Derek Flesner

Submitted April 11, 2008

A

Try the crusade against the Cathars . . . . plenty of good books on it . . . I've always been fond of the Papal Legate's advice . . . . he was asked how the crusaders could distinguish between Christians and heretics and his answer was 'kill them all, God will know the difference'. As I understand Christian theology this answer is absolutely correct. I've never understood why Christians are so reluctant to die . . . if you're so sure of heaven, why not get there fast? My idea of heaven is bacon and eggs for breakfast, blondes all day, cricket in the afternoon, more blondes, roast beef and yorkshire pudding for dinner, a brunette for a change, plenty of Jameson whiskey and no hangover, another brunette - oh well, you get the idea, and I could get all that, forever, for free, just by dying!!! I'd take the option!

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.

Q

Mr. Cornwell, How would you feel about another writer using the Richard Sharpe character (and perhaps others from the Sharpe books) in a novel? Would you sanction that? Thanks, Scott

Submitted April 11, 2008

A

No! That sounds very churlish, but I'm not sure anyone could write Sharpe (he comes from my head, after all, and not theirs), and why should they receive money for a character I created? I'd happily allow it for charity, but otherwise it would be like me deciding to use Harry Potter in a Sharpe book ('the French battalion disappeared, replaced by headless chickens'). Joanna Rowling would be rightly upset and would sue me and I'd lose. Of course I could write to J.K. Rowling and say, 'hey, I've had this brilliant idea . . . if Harry could time-travel would you let me use him at the Siege of San Sebastian,' and if she was mad (she's not) she'd say yes, but she'd expect me to pay her some of the proceeds from the book . . . and that's really not such a bright idea for me! I know that sounds venal, but using someone else's character only ends up making lawyers rich, and I'd hate that. But, as I said, I would allow it for charity and, right now, a charity book is being prepared and the authors are using Sharpe and Harper, and good luck to them - the money all goes to charity! So that's good!

Q

Will a movie ever be made of the Saxon tales? I just bought the series, love them all. Thanks, Ann Geercken

Submitted April 11, 2008

A

Don't know? I don't spend much time thinking about it really.

Q

I'd love to see you write something about the Normans ,who they were, what they did, impact etc etc ...Thanks...D.Pegg *Love your books!!!

Submitted April 11, 2008

A

I've thought of the Normans, but it is not likely to happen any time soon.

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, I`m in my middle sixties and my eldest son, in early thirties, told me how good your Sharpe Books were. I have read about twelve of them, finding them packed with one terrifically gripping and convincing scene/portrayal after another. We have both commented on how we have to make an effort to stop reading and do some work (I`m a painter and he`s a landscape architect). Invariably, if I have come across a "weakness", or a part I find unconvincing, it has been "reconciled" later. However, in Sword, which I have just finished the fact that the bullet is left inside him (along with shreds of clothing? ) does not seem credible, in that, despite the doctors saying he may have a reversal, he actually defeats an expert swordsman..albeit with a bad leg..and has apparently made a full recovery. I know he is meant to be tough, but is it possible to survive the leaving of such a large lead object inside ? Sorry for long query, and it`s fantastic that you offer this service, and at least it`s made me break off from the uninterrupted Sharpe Readings..and get back to Naomi Klein`s The Shock Doctrine ! But I miss Sharpe already (a week !)but do prefer that he isn`t turning TOO mystic...a bit is OK ! MB

Submitted April 11, 2008

A

I asked that of a combat doctor, who said yes . . . . . and he's more expert than I ever will be, so the answer is, yes!

Q

Hi Bernard, I have just read the contact from Jonathan Glasman on 3rd April re weapons. I suggest that he visits the Royal Armouries in Leeds - a fantastic museum with a superb collection.

Also I have just read Robert Hardys book "Longbow" well worth reading , especially for those reading the Grail Quest books. Did you read this prior to writing the books. Regards, Bob Warburton

Submitted April 11, 2008

A

Yes, thanks for that suggestion!

I did, and re-read it for writing Azincourt. It's a really terrific book!

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell you probably hear this countless times but your Arthur trilogy is without doubt the best fiction based on fact that has been written. I am at present a budding author, I hope, and would like to ask, do you live and breathe your characters and do they come with you when you are out and about and do you carry a note pad with you when an idea comes to you and do you keep one by your bed? Greg

Submitted April 11, 2008

A

You do live and breathe the characters, and yes, they're with you all the time, and I hear them speaking in my head, but I don't carry a notebook - if an idea comes it usually stays lodged in the memory, and if it doesn't stay lodged then it probably wasn't a good idea anyway! Oddly enough the best ideas come in the shower! Have no idea why that should be, but I'm very clean.