Bulletin Board

Hi Mr. Cornwell,

I'm contacting you in response to your commencement speech on Sunday, May 19th--or rather, in response to the response I've seen since. One professor in particular, Teresa Stores, took offense to the way you addressed females as "girls," but males as "men" or "guys." I've seen claims that, in your speech, women were over-sexualized, under-appreciated, and otherwise degraded.

Personally, I thought the speech was grabbing and entertaining. Some who are now offended did as well. Others were uncomfortable, but too intimidated by the positive crowd response to react or even think negatively to your speech. They argue that humor is not an excuse to espouse sexist rhetoric, and I agree. The question is whether or not your speech falls into that category.

I'm extremely interested to see how you would respond to these claims. Professors have called for the administration to apologize for allowing your speech, which they say is, at the very least, inappropriate for the setting. It was seen by some as discouraging to young women who worked hard for four years to earn a spot at that ceremony. I'm not sure if you have received any notice of these claims, but if you have I imagine my query comes from a different perspective.

What interests me most is how to dissect the layers of your humor. How seriously were we supposed to take "girls: be better than dogs" or any other potentially offensive parts of your speech? If nothing else, the whole affair has made from some very enlightening facebook discourse, and I would love to have your thoughts in the mix. I look forward to your response.

Best,
Jacob Silver

PS. I've been attempting to counter claims that you are a sexist. If you in fact are a sexist, please let me know in a timely manner so I can stop aligning myself with you on social media.

Hello,
Thank you for delivering the best commencement address (at the University of Hartford) I've ever heard. You made the entire day a pleasure. My husband and I have five children; we know commencement addresses.
Your words warmed us up on the cold, damp day, and best of all, we laughed like fools.
Sincerely,
Michelle

My daughter, Megan graduated from the University of Hartford on Sunday. I must say, we all loved your speech ( my daughter, her friends and all the parents). It was quite entertaining, which is refreshing.
Thank you and have a great day.
Pat Arce

Dear Bernard,

We met once, in 2006. I came with a friend - both of us huge fans of yours - to your talk and book signing in Sterling, VA. It was a huge thrill, and I brought a big stack of first editions, all of which you graciously signed.

A bit star-struck, I fear I gushed, "Mr. Cornwell, you are a god. May you live a thousand years, and write every day." You gave me a wry look that seemed to say, "The same to you, pal." Perhaps you remember.

And so the spell rebounded, to borrow a JK Rowling line. Last year my wife's dementia forced me into retirement, and I found in writing the mental and creative outlet I need to cope. I do not need to write to eat, but I need to write to endure.

Now I too sit at a desk and write, hoping to emulate, even imitate, but not duplicate, you and to approach your skill in time. In the last year, I wrote: a 500+ page memoir - an anthology of ninety true sea stories of undersea adventure spanning a half-century in submarines and deep submergence, which hit a publisher's desk today; and my first work of historical fiction, 480 pages of medieval adventure about to undergo a content editor's blue pencil. A sequel to it is plotted and has reached 70 pages to date. Don't know how good it is yet, but my buddy loved the first 180 pages and bugged me endlessly for more until I had the balance finished. Now I only need a thousand more fans like him.

I find writing historical fiction a wonderful challenge: the hunt for an interesting period no one has covered, research to find noteworthy factual persons and events, and then the mental thrill of interweaving a truly interesting set of characters and deeds among them to take credit for their success. Sharpe did it; Uhtred did it; I'm learning to do it, and ohhh, is it fun!

Your writing advice rang true to me, so I thought I'd express my thanks and send best wishes. With luck, we'll meet again someday and you'll ask me to sign your copies of my books!

All the best,
Tom Vetter

Hello and Good Tidings,
I'm 66 and have enjoyed the Sharpe's series since I first watched the BBC shows. I'm a combat disabled vet of Vietnam and being an Infantry Sgt. your portrayal of Richard is spot on, even though I fought in a different time and place certain things remain the same. Another thing that struck me was your accurate knowledge of the firearms of the time period. After my wartime service I only hunted with a muzzle loader and it was a .50 cal. flint lock for me. I have bought a few of your books and recently read Sharpe's Christmas and I wasn't disappointed. I wish to thank you for both adding to my knowledge of history and entertaining this old cripple.
Wayne Grindstaff

Mr Cornwell -

as the premier writer of historical fiction you have my sympathy.
I have read virtually everything you have written and like many others continue to 'demand' more - sorry about that.
I note from the postings you will complete and release a new Uhtred book in the autumn - great - I will buy it and read it in a day(and know I will enjoy it completely) sadly then, how long will I have to wait for your next book (any will do - I'm hooked on them all).
This is not really a complaint obviously but Scarrow/Iggulden and others just can't work as fast as you so I suffer long periods re-reading my books (unless my mate nicks them as he just did with 1356).
I am sure you work long hours to produce your books and I just wanted to say how much they are appreciated.  Thanks

Chris Cooper

Mr Cornwell
I have read most of your books, excluding the later Sharpe ones. I am particularly addicted to Uhtred although I also loved the Harlequin series.  I have just read the Fort and congratulate you on not only a fantastic novel but also the selection of such a little known event as a subject One minor point regarding The Fort (and you may have done it to differentiate between the two sides); I am a Royal Marine, and as such I am compelled to tell to that we were not Royal until 1802!!! hence the expression 'in 1802 the Corps turned blue'. In 1779 we were His Majesty's Marine Forces.  A tiny criticism of my favourite author. thank for so many hours of literary enjoyment
David Maslen

I am delighted to hear of the September release of the PAGAN LORD.
Uhtred is by far my favorite character.
I have enjoyed reading most of your books, with only a few left on the read list, I was close to panic mode.
You are truly my favorite author.  Keep up the good work.
I would like to see another Sharpe book in the near future as I am presently reading the last book in the series.
Herb Hunt

Dear sir,
Thank you so much for your wonderful work!  Each time I pick up one of your books I have trouble putting it down.  In fact, I have recently forced a restriction upon myself to alternate authors after finishing one of your books so as not to read through all of your work too quickly!!  I thank you for all the amazing stories, which so eloquently add a new depth and life to the history of the eras you write about.  I look forward to turning your pages for years to come!

Cheers,

Seth Foley

I've read the Grail Quest Series and am about to finish the Saxon Tales. I have been engrossed with your characters and miss reading about them after I finish a book. I was a history major in college and can appreciate the factual/fictional details that you bring to life. You obviously have incredible historical knowledge, something I can't imagine to have. I haven't committed  to the Sharpe Novels but hope to get to them soon. Uhtred and Thomas Hookton are great characters and although they aren't perfect by any stretch do have a human and compassionate side to them in a time of barbarianism and cruelty. I enjoy the authentic pronunciation and spelling of cites, people and locations. This puts the story in a more accurate and historical context. Thanks for your work and will enjoy reading your new books as they hit the shelves.
Rusty Smith

Mr. Cornwell
I came across your books rather late, having had a complicated working life that didn't allow much reading time, however in the last ten years I have make up for it.  Reading all of your work that I can get my hands on and, at times having to do the public library thing when I cannot find a specific book to purchase.   All I can say is thank you for entertaining me so much over such a wide subject area.   You have saved a grumpy old man (64) his sanity.   A favourite, sorry I like them all.   Thank you.
Warren Reye