Your Questions

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

Hi Bernard, Thanks for your prompt reply to my last enquiries. I have yet to read Sharpe's Siege so do not know what his reasons for not fighting the Americans were-can you enlighten me? In the film version with good old Sean Bean it is not mentioned, although in the screen version of Sharpe's Battle he does make the comment about the Americans never having anything good to say about the British. My reasons for wanting to see Sharpe involved in the war of 1812 are purely selfish, I have an avid interest in that conflict and also the American Rev war, especially from the British perspective, as far too much guff has been written that is biased towards the Americans. Simple fact is in a straight fight the redcoats were nigh on unbeatable and won virtually every battle, but of course in the case of the revolution lost the war-ho hum! As for you not placing Sharpe in America.... well he's your creation and you are perfectly at liberty to send him where you like, and anyway I guess he would have been too busy pasting the Frenchies.... the timeframe would have meant he would have had little time to scuttle across the atlantic and sort them out as well, more's the pity! Please don't think I am anti-American...far from it, it's just I get a bit hacked off reading a lot of poorly researched material that neglects the fact that the Rev war was essentially a civil war, and often portrays the Brits as redcoated nazis- the film Patriot readily springs to mind-what a load of tosh! Right rant over.

Incidentally, have you read the memoirs of John Peebles? This is a fine insight of the trials and tribulations of fighting in America and illustrates how many of the Brits caught up in this were fine honourable men. Finally...Tarleton! One of my favourite historical characters. In my humble opinion a man who could do with a much needed re-evaluation. Much maligned, and oh soo far from being a saint, but nonetheless not the demonised man of American folklore. In my study I felt compelled to de-bunk the myths and I would love to write a novel about him. Why do you think no-one has really done this before? Too stigmatised maybe? What are your thoughts? Kindest regards for your time. Neil Pearce

Ok I'm sure you get constant praise but I just have to say Thank You for giving us Richard Sharpe. My friend's think I'm daft as I gave up my obsession with proud brooding Mr Darcy, for a tortured soul of a soldier in Sharpe. A quick question though Obidaih Hakeswill how come he dies at the end of Sharpe's Fortress and then appears again in Sharpe's Company? I don't mind but he's such an awful B******D that gives me the creeps. Ally

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