Your Questions

Q

Hi again, Mr. Cornwell. I've noticed that in the past couple of years, Harper-Collins has come out with 2nd Edition trade-paperback versions of "Archer's Tale" and "Vagabond" (they're a lot nicer than the original small paperbacks). But they have not done the same with "Heretic" and there is no indication in Amazon.com that a 2nd edition of that one is coming out. If you don't know what is going on here, could you possibly have a word with Harper-Collins and find out? Thanks, Alan Kempner

A

Yes, the word from HarperCollins US is a new Trade Paperback edition of Heretic is scheduled to go on sale 25 September 2007.


Q

hello Mr Cornwell, a couple of those "what if" questions that you like so much!

1)if the British army and navy had joined the Confederates, would they have been able to beat the industrial north? 2) if the English lined their long bowmen up like they did with their musketiers, would they have been able to hold their stretch of the line? is there any examples of this happening? also, why did no one use skirmishers in India? well, I can't find any record of them being used. not even the British battalions who had them did. why? thank you for your time! best regards Chris

A

1) Well it would have been a right royal mess! Who knows? I can't see British generals working smoothly with Robert E Lee (who would have been better than anything the Brits sent), thought the Royal Navy would undoubtedly have made a huge difference, and the south would have been well supplied with materiel. But would the north have invaded Canada? Maybe. And would another country have intervened on the North's side to take advantage of British distraction to snap up parts of Britain's empire? And is there honey still for tea? It's an impossible question, I think, to answer, beyond that it would have been an unholy mess!

2) In essence bowmen were in lines, but rather thick lines, because the trajectory of an arrow allows you to shoot it safely over the heads of the guys in front (can't do that with a musket). And the British certainly used skirmishers in India! Only they're probably referred to by that period as light infantrymen.


Q

Have just finished reading your excellent book, The Heretic, and am wondering if there is a follow-up planned? Thanks. Gerry Manser

Greetings Mr. Cornwell. I am great fan of your works. Particularly the Medieval works, because I think Sharpe is too much... even for a fan of historical fiction like me. And mostly because I love the raw feel of late Antiquity/early Medieval Age. I am looking forward to the next Saxon Story - it is called Sword Song as listed on Wikipedia. Just to mention, that I am involved with updating your page at Wikipedia. You might go check it out. I am User:Painbearer and you can see my page as well :). I noticed on your FAQ that you have said 3 years ago that you have started another Thomas of Hookton novel, but you have scrapped it, because you "felt that his story ended in Heretic and I was just trying to get too much for him." You also hinted that you might return in the future. I know that you are tight with writing Saxon Story currently, but is it possible for you to return in the future with another Grail Quest novel? I really love your Medieval works, as I said, to the point that I think you should concentrate on writing only such books :)).

I also noticed that you are mostly concentrated on writing fiction centered around the British history. Do you plan to jump on other ages or cultures? I also remember a couple of years ago that I mentioned to you that I think that writing a pirate novel is a good idea and you seemed to agree. I don't know if you still think it's a good idea, but I really would like to know what are your plans beyond finishing the Saxon Stories. I hope that knock on wood and the Creek don't rise, everything will be ok. I wish you good health and fruitful future work. With all my respect: Chavdar Likov

One quick simple question; what comes after Sword Song? Lee Menzies

A

I'm certainly going to write another mediaeval book (probably the next project), but it's very doubtful that it will feature Thomas. Though I might go back to him one day!

Well I have plans, but for some reason I am horribly superstitious about revealing them! That's partly because I once did and someone else leaped in and wrote the book instead of me (no names), and partly, well, superstition. So please forgive me if I don't answer the question! But I've never hidden the fact that I want to write about Agincourt, and maybe soon?


Q

Dear Mr Cornwell Once again thank you for the many hours of pleasure your books have provided me with over the years. I have noticed that you frequently state that you regret killing off Sergeant Hakeswell and have made mention that he may have a twin brother who may appear in one of your future novels. However, have you ever thought of writing a novel devoted Hakewell's early life and army career? I know that you have made reference to some aspects of this in the Sharpe novels but there are a lot of gaps to fill and this would make interesting reading. John

A

I have thought about it, it does tempt me, but I'm not sure it will actually happen.


Q

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

A

Not responsible for the screen version! And I can enlighten you to the extent that it is all clearly explained in Sharpe's Siege! And by saying a deal is a deal, and a promise is a promise. OK?

I have no idea why no one has written about him! You're right, he'd make a terrific subject! I think the Americans have demonized Tarleton because, in many ways, he's rather an American type! He's innovative, energetic, ruthless and effective, and much of the American version of the revolution is based on a comforting myth (part of which is that the British were over-mighty but stupid). The myth crumbles very fast (and the crumbling, to my mind, in no way detracts from the achievements of the Continental Army), but Tarleton doesn't fit the myth so he's turned into a pantomime villain.


Q

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

A

Who said he died? The snakes wouldn't touch him! He survived. He couldn't be killed (says so in the scripture)!


Q

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

A

All of the above will be included, but what Uhtred will do, I don't know. Don't know what he's going to do in the next chapter! Honestly! Let alone the next book.


Q

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

A

I don't listen to the audio version of any of my books and I have no involvement in selecting the performer, although I've heard others say some of the performers are quite good. Still no news on a CD version of the Warlord Chronicles, sorry!


Q

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.

A

You're not the first, I promise, by a long, long way! And George would be so pleased that he's convinced someone else, but (lowers voice so no one overhears) it's all fictional! Made up! But terrific stuff! Thanks.


Q

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

A

I've made a rule (rules are made to be broken, I know) that I will never, ever, write a book about the Romans and Greeks. One reason why is that I can then enjoy fiction about the Romans and Greeks without ever worrying that it will have an undue influence on me - and I particularly loved Robert Harris's Imperium recently, a book I probably wouldn't have read if I was thinking about a Roman setting myself.