Your Questions

Dear Mr Cornwell I would personally like to thank you for the books you have published. Both my father and I are very big fans of your work; my father likes the Sharpe novels, yet I prefer the Warlord chronicles. I first read them when I was 14, and have read them three times since. I'm 18 and I know three times doesn't sound much, but sadly I am at the time of my life, where all pleasurable things have to wait back while more pressing matters, such as exams, require my attention, however tedious they are. I am writing to you for two reasons. One is that I am a massive fan of your work and would just to like to make this known to you. The second however is about the Warlord chronicles. I was just curious about whether you would ever think of making a film about them? The reason as to why I ask is simple. The last film to come out about King Arthur was a disappointment really. The one with Clive Owen as the lead character? I am not at all attacking his abilities as a an actor, i just think that, the film spoiled the tale of King Arthur a little bit. Your portrayal of King Arthur though I think was the best that has ever been done. It shows his more vulnerable human side which makes him as a character easier to relate to. And having Derfel actually narrate the story, and tell of his own life is brilliance as well, giving a insight to the life of that time. I would like to know whether you would consider approaching a producer and getting it produced after the success of the TV Sharpe series. This would be a step up, but it would be very much worth it, especially if you had the correct actors for the appropriate characters Maybe Sean Bean as Derfel? Thank you very much for giving up some of your time to read this and reply. I am very grateful. Yours sincerely Joe Tucker p.s. can't wait for the new book

Well I have just finished reading your three books entitled, "The Last Kingdom", "The Pale Horseman", and "Lords of The North". I truly enjoyed these books and hope you do decide to write continuing books on the adventures of Lord Uhtred. There is only one favor I would ask of you however. Please stop being afraid to use the word "Ass". Using a substitute really grates on my nerves, and spoils the story. After all you have no problem using the word "shit", so why not use "Ass" also? All in all, I like your books so well that I have decided I might start a small collection of 1st Editions of them. My home library is a small one (only about 1000 books) but almost all are 1st Editions, and a large number are signed by the author. If I succeed in finding a good number of your books in good condition and 1st Editions, I may mail them to you (Postage paid both ways) for your signature. Once again, Thanks for being there.
Luis J. Orozco, II

I've read, enjoyed and appreciated all of your stories, from the very earliest on. Only one quick question...will we ever hear of Rider Sandman, again? John Leonard

Mr. Cornwell My uncle gracefully gave me 500 books from the back of his garage. Among them were quite a few of the Sharpe books (Rifles onwards). After months of them sitting on myself looming down at me, I finally read one at random - Sharpe's Regiment - then Rifles, Company, and Eagles in that order. Regiment is my favourite so far due to it's more diverse plot and more detailing part of what can happen outside the army. But to my point - I'm not here to praise endlessly . After Eagles I went down to my local bookshop and found that they had all the new Sharpe DVDs on sale, so I bought the Rifles/Eagles DVD. I hate to say this... But I was disappointed with it, Sean Bean will grow on me - but I felt it diverged far away from the plot - it felt too brief to me - only touching on everything and giving little climax at all, if any. Do these series get better ? I'm 14, short on cash so not keen to buy more unless I can have my image of Sharpe restored to its former glory. I adore the Hornblower teleplays yet have never read the books - maybe I'm biased? Thanks -Hugo, a worried fan.

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

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

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

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

Mr Cornwell. As always thanks for impressive books. I must say Sharpe fan 1st always, with Starbuck close behind. Small question on are the Sharpe editions ever updated? Just reread "Sharpe's devil" with the line "Sharpe's 1st sea battle" With his sight seeing tour of Trafalgar, an update in his ship fighting skills would be nice. The other small thing is I now walk my dogs past the old "Cyfarthfa iron works" in Merthyr Tydfil. So important in the wars against Napoleon. Nelson paid the works a visit. I believe we even made cannons for BOTH sides of the american civil war. Cheers Rhydian

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