Your Questions

Mr. Cornwell, I discovered your series while searching the bookstore for, medieval to Greek, history books. Some of my favorite authors are Stephen Pressfield(Gates of Fire, Last of the Amazons), George Martin, and Jack Whyte and his Camulod series. After Archer's tale I was hooked like a fish. I've continued to read through that series and into the Saxon series, as well as Stonehenge. I have thoroughly enjoyed all of them. I am inspired by you to write my own novel for my own amusement. I would appreciate it if you would recommend any informative websites or books that would help me in my quest. I am looking for medieval British, Roman, Greek, Macedonian, or any other history around that time period. You would be doing me a huge favor, but you already did that by writing your stories. And no matter what book you write next whether it be a grail quest series(Please) or a Saxon book I know you will do an amazing job as usual. Thanks.
Matt Bunch

I am currently reading Copperhead. It's a great read. I noticed that one of the characters, Col Lassan, sure does have some familiar sounding parents. I think that is a nice tie in that only your fans and not a casual reader would pickup on. Thank you for giving us that. At one point it lists some of Col Lassan's wounds. Have you ever thought of continuing the Sharpe tale with that of his son? I truly wish that you would. H. Shane Scroggins

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I finished reading the Starbuck series and while I was reading I had to laugh out loud when I found that Starbuck had run into Patrick, the son of Lucille and Sharpe--Bravo! I noticed that he had a scar like his father, a personality like Harper, and an eye patch like Fredrickson--did that just evolve or was it on purpose. Are you planning on doing any books that involve the wars he participated in?

Also just finished reading the Lords of the North. Wonderful--love following Uthred's adventures. Now I only have The Grail Quest series left to read. I have to wait a week for them to come in from the bookstore. So now I'm worried about what will happen when I finish those. Final question--what book are you currently working on--I checked What's Coming but nothing is listed. Sorry to want you to write nonstop like so many of your other fans--but I really can't get enough. Thanks for keeping us entertained. Janice Lewis

Hey Bernard, I just finished Excalibur and loved it. Are you through with the series? the mouse lord must die! p.s your saxon tales have inspired me to grow a beard. Jimmy Dowell

Hi Bernard I like many others immensely enjoyed your Arthur novels I find the amount of people asking for a further book amusing however have you ever considered writing a Arthurian novel told from the viewpoint of one of the other main characters? Perhaps Merlin he seemed to disappear for large chunks of the trilogy, maybe he scribbled down some notes before he met his demise or perhaps Lancelot/Mordred/Galahad felt it necessary to confess any sins they had in the written form perhaps to a willing scribe or monk. I would also add my vote for a solo novel for Harper as well if you have time and your muse is willing.

On a final note, do you have any plans for a book tour in the UK when Sword Song is released?

And have you ever had chance to enjoy the beautiful Snowdon national park? Best wishes Phil

Dear Bernard, I eagerly await you new novel. After reading all of yours, I read all of John Sandford's and now need more fodder. I attended and competed in the Nationals of the North South skirmish association last weekend. One of the divisions of the competition was the firing of cannons. The Parrot rifles were incredibly accurate, their cannon balls cutting into the same hole time after time. The range of the Parrot rifles was something in access of two miles, with the British built Whitworth gun it was even longer range. My question is why didn't Robert E. Lee see the danger to Picketts division and the other units of Pickett's Charge on Day 3 of Gettysburg? A mile and 1/2 of open ground to cover to come to grips with Hancocks command should have seemed like a suicidal proposition to a rational mind. Your thoughts on Marsh Roberts decision- making process on 2,3 July 1863?
Bob Long

Have you found that being an experienced author changes how you read fiction written by others? Can you read a book and enjoy it for what it is, or do you find that yourself unintentionally analyzing the structure, story flow, and language choice? Mark

Hi again, Mr. Cornwell. Have you given any thought to writing a series focusing on the border rievers and all the fighting that raged on the English-Scot border during Tudor times? I'd love to see your take on the battle of Flodden (1513), as well as Solway Moss (1542), Ancrum Moor (1545), and Pinkie Cleugh (1547). What do you think? Alan Kempner

Dear Bernard, Like so many of your readers, I can't wait to get the next Saxon book, Sword Song. I have become interested in reading the Anglo Saxon Chronicles and other sources, etc. that pertain to the reign of Alfred and all. There is so much wonderful material to make use of in fiction. You've said the books would go to the reign of Athelstan so I'm thinking you will also include Edward the Elder. Will you show the conflict between Edward and his inept cousin Ethelwold and which side will Uhtred be on. Also will Aethlflaed go to Mercia in the next book and will Uhtred accompany her there.
Ann Madonna

Mr. Cornwell, Like many others who've written, I'm a huge fan. I know, broken record, but still it needs to be said. While I discovered you through Sharpe, who I like very much, the Warlord trilogy and Saxon stories are especially amazing. I'm in your debt for writing them. I'd be very curious to hear your thoughts on the relationship between a writer, his manuscript, and audiobooks. Personally, I adore how all your books are performed aloud. The accents and dialogue are superb, and the pace of play is reduced compared to how I read, so I feel I get a rich absorption of what you write. For years I've "read" your works ( and re-read... and re-read...) via audiobook. I drive a lot, but even so I adore to sit and just listen to your stories. Do you spend any time listening to audio of your works? Are you involved in selecting a performer? And lastly, is there any progress on remastering the Warlord Trilogy into Audio CD? I love the books, I adore how they are performed, and as the tapes at local libraries are eroding, it would be terrific to have CD's to own. I'm assuming it would be a somewhat straightforward process? I really hope this can happen sometime. Sorry if this note is too sycophantic, but I'm very thankful for your efforts. Nick

Dear Bernard, I noticed how the Flashman books have been mentioned several times in this section, and you have professed your love for them. So I was moved to buy 'Flashman on the March', having never read any before, to satisfy my curiosity as to what on earth is so wonderful about them. And it's terrific reading! I am halfway through, after only two days. I haven't laughed aloud at a book in such a long time. But may I ask a stupid question? (Forgive me, I'm new to Flashy.) Is it a real memoir, or is it completely George McDonald Fraser's fiction? He has me convinced by his introduction and footnotes, etc, that it's real. Surely not? (Sorry. If it is indeed fiction, I must sound like a right simpleton.) Thank you, Paul, Ireland.

Hi Mr Cornwell I have been a fan for many years and I have got lost in your books everytime I pick a new one up(Thanks) I have a great interest in Roman and Greek history and loved the books by Conn Iggulden and also the books by Valerio Massimo Manfredi ,just wondering if you have ever considered doing a series based around those times ?. A loyal Fan Mark T