Your Questions

Hello Mr. Cornwell my name is Adam. I have recently decided on starting a book and I want to thank you because I never use to read anything until I read your books of Sharpe and many other series. My reading ability has much improved and has become most useful in my exams of which I have just finished my gcses. In beginning the planning for my fictional book I understand the great depth needed to go into things before I even begin to write and my full appreciation goes out to you for the effort and time you put in to bringing joy and hours of engaged reading to thousands. If it is ok and it is also not too much trouble, depending on what information you can give me, I would like to know how or where you were able to get information on the war ships of Sharpe's Trafalgar? This would be highly useful for my book. I would much appreciate your help thank you sir, because without your books I would not be reading or would have found the inspiration to write my own book. Have a good day and I wish you the best in all you do, I hope there are still many years of amazing stories to come our way. Even if you do not reply thank you so much you saved me from a life without ever enjoying the pleasures of a book, with greatest admiration, Adam

Dear Mr Cornwell To warn you, I'm a Sharpe fan. (you're probably sick and tired of us, but anyway....) I'm having a heck of a time trying to find information on the "Officers Mess" in Lord Wellingtons army. So I decided to ask you, since, you wrote 21 books on a British officer in the peninsular war. First, I would like to know what each officers duty was,. (like, what would a major generally do?)

Second, during the Napoleonic era, which officer would command a company? a battalion? a regiment?

Also, I was wondering, can you please recommend a book(s) that will break down a battle(s) to tell me what was going on at all ends of the battle field, what each regiment, battalion, etc.., was doing at certain times. Most of the books I've read give a brief overview of a battle that doesn't give me a good insight to what really happened.

Also, I was wondering, if you have ever met Sean Bean? (or any of the cast members of the Sharpe series). I'm terribly sorry for these bothersome questions, by now you have probably lost interest and really don't want to bother with another Sharpe fan, but it would be extremely helpful if can. Austin

Why don't you list the book "Killers Wake" on your list of book? J. Deurmier

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

would you please in your infinite wisdom tell me why did you treat such a memorable character (sweet william)so briefly and cruelly?,e.g,sharpe stealing his bird. Andrew Beynon