Your Questions

Hi, I have just discovered Sharpe on dvd at the video rental shop - just released here. Loved the films and discovered that they were based on books (to my joy as I'm a great book lover). But - they don't seem to exist in Swedish??? I've searched the net in vain. Please let me know if they do exist in Swedish or if they are going to? I am waiting eagerly! Love/Eva

Are there any plans in the works to make the Arthur series into a movie trilogy? It would truly rival "The Lord Of The Rings". Thom Donnelly

I have continuously been impressed by your quality of writing. From your story telling ability, historical research and your incredible use of imagery. I am curious about your writing process. I see three parts becoming one. Research, story outlining and characterization. Which follows which? For example, does Uhtred take the story where he wants to go or does the story take him. And of course, you need to follow history. Then you add your extremely detailed imagery of the landscape and people. All appearing woven together so effortlessly, but I know that is not true, it's your skill and talent that creates this illusion. I never read historical fiction before so I am curious about this.

Also, ever thought of doing a WW2 story? Best wishes...Marcus in Thailand

Hi again, Mr. Cornwell. From your Uhtred books, it seems that Saxon and Viking warriors were very similar in their equipment. During battle, how did they tell each other apart, especially when it was a free-for-all type melee? Alan Kempner

Dear Bernard, You have mentioned that your next book you are writing about the battle of Agincourt I was curious if there were any plans to write about some of the defeats of the archers in the hundred years war like the battles of Patay/Forgimby of that war from the British perspective as well as simply the victories????

On another note could you give any indication of when another Starbuck will ever happen you have said you want to finish off Sharpe but even if a Sharpe book came out once a year that would still be at least 4 or 5 years away. Surely Sharpe's story is finished and it's just individual battles that need to be filled in as opposed to Starbucks story that has lots of hanging plot points???

And will a future Uhtred book focus on the actions that happened around North wales and Chester. Which slightly leads on to the next when you are next touring is there any chance you will be in Chester or the North west??? And as a fan of some of your book reviews in the papers that are always clear and concise and a joy to read is there any chance of anymore reviews being published???

And finally have your ever considered writing about the wars of Edward 1st. If Alfred had a vision of England its fair to say he had one of the UK and some have remarked that he is Britain's greatest military commander do you think that's true????? Yours sincerely Tony

P.S Mark Urban's new book Fusiliers on the 23rd and there time in the American Revolution is really worth getting if you do not have it and a great companion to the 95th.

Hey Bernard. You must read everyday messages about "Hey, I'm you best fan" or things like this. But I want to say something different: Hey, I'm your best fan from BRAZIL. Maybe someone have already done that too, but who cares? I felt like I had to say it. Your plots just own every other history based book's plot. Uhtred? He's becoming my alter-ego. The way you describe battles is so real that I feel it happening in front of me. Actually, reading your book while hearing "The Battle of Evermore" from Led Zeppelin was a really far trip, since I really got away from my mundane thoughts last time I tried it. Your books inspire some of my songs Lyrics, so keep writing or you'll cut half of my inspiration. Now seriously, grats for your work, and if you read this, I'd like to receive an answer telling me which music you hear to inspire your spirit before writing your books. A hug fro then fan, Antonio Lombardo.

Dear Bernard In reading about the real Guthred's life it says that he defeated a scottish invasion with the help of the spirit of Saint Cuthbert. I was curious if Uhtred might be at that event giving his brother in law a hand and also how someone can claim spiritual assistance and get away with it even back then when surely an undead spirit rising from the netherworld would be noticed in a battle.

And although this might be a bit tricky I wondered how much of Alfred's vision of England survived the Norman invasion and will you ever write about the Saxon stand at Hastings some say its Britains most famous battle???

On another note you have said might do another book on the American Revolution from the British perspective I was curious if it was Lexington and Bunker Hill???

And You have said in the past that you gave Starbuck a rest in favour of Sharpe will you ever give Sharpe a rest in favour of Starbuck it has been over 11yrs since the last Starbuck and there are more unanswered plot points in Starbuck than Sharpe???? Yours sincerely Geraint

P.S People in the past here have mentioned David Gemmell to you if you ever do try one of his books try Wolf in Shadow and the brilliant character of Jon Shannow its worth a read. As for factual books Peter Cozzens excellent book That terrible swift sound on the battle of Chickamauga is also worth a read.

Dear Mr. Cornwell, Will you forgive me for sending a book suggestion if I promise to forswear fat lawyers? I would like for someone to tell the tale of Hermann, Arminius of the Cherusci, victor at Teutobergerwald in 9 CE. History knows him through Tacitus and Dio Cassius (and one or two other Romans), but his story begs for a non-Roman perspective. The best I could do is a short poem at http://www.billiter.com/hermann.htm. Cordially, Jim Billiter Laurel, Maryland

Dear Mr. Cornwell- I can speak of your Saxon series only in exponentially complimentary terms! I have read and re-read the first 3 books too many times to remember and race home from work to check my mailbox for the fourth! One of your many talents in writing is to create characters that reach across the centuries -and I find that we are not so very different after all.... But to the point, will Father Pyrlig appear in any further novels? He is quite an engaging character and I hope to see more of him in the future. Thank you very much...Jennifer

How about sending Lt Col Sharpe off on an adventure in America in a future novel?
Lt Col R. Scott LeCheminant, USAF (Ret)