Your Questions

Q

Hello, I guess you get this a lot but I am a MAJOR fan of your work especially the Sharpe series. ever since the second grade, I have wanted to be an author. One thing I think is particularly great about your books is the originality of the characters. So I was wondering, how did you think of the character Richard Sharpe? Will McMahon

Submitted May 10, 2007

A

Richard Sharpe was born on a winters night in 1980. It was in London, in a basement flat. I had decided to marry an American and, for a myriad of reasons, it was going to be easier if I lived in America, but I could not get a work permit and so, airily, I decided to earn a living as a writer. Love makes us into idiots.

But at least I knew what I wanted to write. It was going to be a land-based version of C.S.Foresters Hornblower books. The character of Sharpe? Wholly from my imagination.

Q

Bernard, Hello again. It has been a while since I have written but I continue to work my way through the Sharpe novels. Can I just say that I haven't read them in any order but it hasn't mattered at all, I have enjoyed each and every one. I have just finished reading Sharpe's Rifles. Thinking back can you remember how easy/hard it was to write seeing as it was the first prequel you wrote. I think it was a great story and loved the tale of Sharpe's and Harper's meeting.

You say that the next Uhtred novel is due in October. I know you won't want to give anything away but how far is your planning for the next novels? Do you know the subjects, story lines etc. How far do you think/plan into the future?

One more question. Do you have any plans to write your biography?

And finally a plea. If you do a book signing tour in October have a word with whoever and please, please visit Yorkshire, preferably Doncaster (or Sheffield)you'd love it. Thankyou, Barry Evans, Kirk Sandall, Doncaster

Submitted May 10, 2007

A

I don't remember, to be honest! Except I was writing it for the convenience of the TV series producers, who wanted a 'prequel' story, and I do remember thinking it was a pity to use Sharpe and Harper's first meeting in that context, but I was short of time and that was an easy way out!

I think as far ahead as the next paragraph. Honestly! Part of the joy of reading a book is to find out what happens, and that's also the joy of writing one. I have no idea what Uhtred will be doing in the next chapter (well, sometimes I do, but he can always surprise me), and absolutely no clue about the next book!

No! None!!

I'll see what I can do!

Q

Hello Bernard, having worked my way through the Grail Quest, Arthur trilogy and (to date) the Saxon stories I set myself the 'chore' of tackling the Sharpe series, in chronological order as recommended by your good self! My question, did you ever get around to re-reading Sharpe's Eagle? I'm just reading your introduction and your narrative made me smile, I wondered if you ever got back to that dazzling romance! Dean Tams

Submitted May 10, 2007

A

Still haven't re-read it! Perhaps I will one day.

Q

Hi, I read your book. The last kingdom. And I really want to know something. Will it be adapted to theater? I think it would be really great. Yves

Submitted May 10, 2007

A

There are no plans for it, but thanks!

Q

Hello Mr. Cornwell, Its been a few years since I've written you & I'd like to thank you again for the many hours of enjoyment I've had reading your novels. As a matter of fact I've just recently finished re-reading all the Sharpe novels & the Starbuck Chronicles, & enjoyed them as much as the first read. I know you've been asked this question many times before, but as an American Civil War buff I must ask it again, when will we see the conclusion of Nate's journey. Its been 10 years & having just finished reading them for a second time I recalled my desire for more. Mostly, I was eager to see how Starbuck would exact his revenge on Gilespie(for the torture he inflicted on Nate),& Blythe(for his murder of Rothwell). I beg you sir, its been long enough, please release Starbuck from limbo & let him march again. Again, thank you for your fine works, I've enjoyed them. I wish you well & many more years of literary productivity. John

Dude, I Love your work, just finished The Bloody Ground. Just wanted to know, are you doing any more books in the Starbuck series? Plz say yes man, I'm doin the American Civil War next year, and I find your books really helpful. Cheers anyhow. sincerely, Sean

Submitted May 8, 2007

A

I do plan to add to the Starbuck series, but probably won't get around to it for another few years yet.

Q

Dear Bernard, My Father has read many of your books, including the Saxon Stories. He was under the impression that there would be a 4th book in the series to tell how Uhtred would regain his inheritance. Has this book been written yet please? If not, when do you think it will be available? Kind regards, Jill Ratcliffe (Manchester, England)

When is the next Uhtred book due? I have read all three twice so far and I am waiting eagerly for the rest of the story. I love your writing - it's so primal and down to earth (is that the same thing?) Gillian

Hi Mr. Cornwell, I am a big fan, and am really excited to read to next Saxon Story. When is the next one coming out? Scott.

I have just completed "lords of The North", and I'm just wondering when the next book is coming out? Yours, Mike Watson

Is there a new Uhtred book (part 4) on the way? Love your books btw - especially the ones set in Britain. Kindly, Sanne

I loved The Saxon Stories, and I would like to read more about Uthred. Are you going to write a fourth one please? Katja Jones

Bernard will there be a 4th book to follow on from The Lords of the North? Andrew Mackus

Dear Mr Cornwell, I was recently given a copy of the Last Kingdom by a friend and became so gripped that I immediately bought The Pale Horseman and Lords of the north. I have now read all three and am hoping that there is more to come (???). Thank you, I feel like I'm learning all the time I am reading your books. I studied the period during my degree but did not enjoy that module as I found it so dry - if only your books had been available then! Best regards, Jane

Submitted May 6, 2007

A

There is more to come. I am working on the fourth book of the Saxon stories now - likely to be called Sword Song. We hope to have it published in October of this year.

Q

I am a great fan of all your books. I have noticed though that there is often a feeling of paganism running through them. As a point of interest is this something you personally atune to or is it just a good story line? Paul Brown

Submitted May 4, 2007

A

Well, I often write books set at times when there's conflict between Christianity and paganism, so I guess the inclusion of paganism is inevitable. I don't really think it's more than that, though I do feel that religion played a far more important role in the lives of people way back when, so must be represented in historical novels.

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, In Lords of the North, UK hardback, at the top of page 247 there is a conversation between Guthred and Uhtred regarding the state of Guthred's kingdom and who he should ally himself to. It includes an interjection from Gisela (which is over-indented), and I can't follow the passage. Is it a misprint? Quote: '...You've got me now, and you've got Earl Ragnar. He's the best man in your kingdom. Look after him.' 'And you,' he said, 'I shall look after you. I promise.' 'I am,' Gisela said. 'Because you're going to be my brother-in-law,' I told Guthred. End quote. Thank you so much for your fine body of work. It's a great achievement. I got frustrated waiting for the sequels to The Winter King and Harlequin to be published so I resisted reading The Last Kingdom and The Pale Horseman until I had Lords of the North as well. I'm twelve pages from the end of the book and it's clearly nowhere near the end of the story, and I've now learned from this website that Sword Song is to be published but not until October. Damn. Fate is fate. Thanks again, David.

Submitted May 4, 2007

A

You're right! There's a whole passage missing! And you're the first person to notice it, for which many thanks. It should read:

"You've got me now, and you've got Earl Ragnar. He's the best man in your kingdom. Look after him."

"And you," he said, "I shall look after you. I promise."

"I've had your promises before," I said, making him flinch. "Besides, once we've killed your enemies, I'm going back to Wessex. I don't want to, but I promised Alfred I would." Guthred glanced at his sister. "And she's going with me," I added.

"I am," Gisela said.

"Because you're going to be my brother-in-law," I told Guthred.

Q

Hi Bernard. I'm from Australia and very much enjoy reading all your books. I'm just wondering where the inspiration for a multi-dimensional villain like Billy Blythe comes from? I mean, he's so easy to hate but then again his motives are really quite easy to understand. As much as you hate the things he does, in some ways you catch yourself finding a guy who can go up and flat out lie his way through a conversation with stonewall Jackson humorous! Do characters like that come from someone you meet? Anyway, thanks for your stories...won't bore you with another "please write another Starbuck soon request..." All the best and thanks for being so accessible. James.

Submitted May 4, 2007

A

laughs. Not sure I should confess this... Let's pretend I'm NOT answering your question, ok? And instead I shall pass on the totally unconnected piece of trivia that President Clinton was born William Blythe, and had his name changed when his mother remarried. But as I say, that is a totally unconnected piece of trivia.

Q

Hi again, Mr. Cornwell. I saw the film "Pathfinder" last week. It centers around the resistance of Native American tribes against the invading Norsemen. The movie had a number of inaccuracies, such as the vikings having fantastic horned and spiked helmets that made them look like monsters, and that they brought horses to the New world. But more importantly, it seemed to me a very biased film against the vikings, portraying them as a pack of blood-thirsty psychopaths who would routinely kill every man, woman and child in whatever village they encountered just for the fun of it. I get the impression from the Uhtred books that they were more discriminating in their raids, and would usually not bother with poor villages where there was likely to be little or no booty. They preferred rich targets where they would be likely to make a profit, such as larger towns and rich manor houses. And usually, they only killed those who resisted them. Is this borne out by your research for the Saxon stories? Alan Kempner

Submitted May 4, 2007

A

I think so. They were feared, of course, and could be unbelievably nasty . . . the Viking culture is essentially a warrior culture, and what goes along with that is a code of honour. They did, doubtless, slaughter a lot of people, enslaved many, but also settled and lived peaceably with new, foreign neighbours. My feeling about 'Pathfinder' (which I haven't seen, but am making an assumption from your question) is that it's in thrall to the current fashion to ennoble American Indians. The myth of the noble Savage is nowhere so alive as in the American media whenever it comes to a discussion of native Americans.