Your Questions

As an American fan why do your books come out in the UK before the states? I have to order from Amazon UK.. I have been a fan for years and you are a great writer--thank you for writing. William Padgett

Dear Mr Cornwell, I loved Sharpe and so did my son who gained an interest in reading from the series.The saxon series is just a great read, hope it goes on as long as Sharpe. Just one observation, there seemed to be a lot of unanswered questions in the Arthur saga, I was almost expecting another book to relate what happened after he died? Anyway I don't know how you do it but the books are better than tv and compete against sex some evenings. Best regards, Tom Faux

I have really enjoyed reading you Sharpe series. I espically like the books where Sharpe in young and in India. Have you thought about writing a book about Sharpe in Flanders? I think that it would be interesting becaue it's a very obscure campain and would give us more background on Sharpe. Erik Lokkins

Dear Bernard While the Sharpe series has concentrated in Spain and you have said you are reluctant to take Sharpe to North America (I and I suspect many others hope one day you might change your mind) I was wondering if you had ever thought about doing any books or a new series on the war of 1812 and some of the big battles in Canada like Queenstown Hieghts/Chryslers Farm etc etc. And the war did not happen in a vacuum many a peninsular Soldier did find himself over there and Wellington himself had strong views (written to the commander Prevost) on how to fight the war. And James Fitzgibbon who lead a group called the Bloody boys was a self made Irishman from the ranks seems very Sharpe like could he and Sharpe ever meet???? I say this since as a half Canadian/English man who lives in the US you would seem to be the perfect man to write about it. Anyway I will eagerly look forward to the next book. btw I can recommend Don't Give up the Ship the Myths of the war of 1812 by Donald Hickey which is a great read. Tony

Dear Mr. Cornwell. I'm a massive fan of your work, and have subsequently begun writing my own work while at university. How long should a novel be in your opinion? I'm about 40,000 words along so far, and wondered whether there was a guideline you go by? Oddly enough, I'm also beginning a disertation on Thomas Cochrane, which I'm looking forward to getting stuck into. At only 10,000 words, it should be a doddle! All the best, James Flower, West Sussex

Hi, Mr. Cornwell, In your Warlord, Saxon, and Grail series, I sometimes have a hard time conjuring(I suppose the right word?) up the images of certain armors, helms, sword, and several medieval items or places. Sometimes I see them clearly in my mind but sometimes I have no clue how something looks. Where did you base your ideas on a lot of the weapons and armors?
Trey

I have enjoyed the Sharpe series and I am curious about the difficulties involved in writing out of chronological order. In the original books, did you create backstory simply because it was necessary for an interesting, rounded character or did you contemplate the potential of prequels? Do you maintain your own reference guide to avoid inconsistencies between backstory described in earlier books and new history, does your publisher assist, or is there some other means? When you wrote the original series, did you create a general storyline regarding Sharpe and the other recurring characters? Thanks for all your efforts. Stephon Bagne

Hi Bernard, I've just finished listening to Fallen Angels, the first of the "Susannah Kells" penned novels and found it superb. All of your trademark characterisations and descriptions mixing real history with fiction. The numerous plot twists kept me guessing right to the end and when I found out that Lucifer was... (well I won't spoil the end for others) I certainly didn't expect him! Great. My question is this; on the case of the cassettes it says Susannah Kells is your wife, however, I was told by your agent that it was a name put to the book on its original publication in an attempt to see if your works would sell in anonymity. Also that it was a name from a bet made with fellow journalists whilst you were in Northern Ireland. Can you confirm which is right? Looking forward to Sword Song. Andrew Moore

Hi Bernard, I'm a big fan of your books particularly the Sharpes and Warlord/Arthur books, carry on the good work! Anyway I was wondering if you are doing a book tour this autumn and do you know where you may be going. I'm from the Cambridge area, are you doing any talks/signings in East Anglia? Thanks Heath

Hello there, I am a seventeen year old student and have been reading your Sharpe books for years! Just finished your latest one, Sharpe's Fury, and found it as entertaining as ever! I love that period of history and so adore your books. Will there be more of Sharpe? I do write a fair bit myself and you are indeed an inspiration so thank you. I wish someone would hurry up and make them into feature length films for the cinema! However much I love the Sharpe series with Sean Bean, I don't think it does it justice because of the time they were made and with a tv budget! Anyway, wicked stories, keep them coming!! Yours, Liam Harmon