Bulletin Board

I have just finished reading Sharpe's Devil. I have got to say I have absolutely enjoyed reading all the books from start to finish, and would like to say thanks for your hard work in making the books happen. I am now currently looking at reading some of the other books on offer. So once again thank you for writing such good books. Dean Mumby

Mr. Cornwell, I do not want to have you waste any time sending me an answer. I just had to tell you how much I enjoy your books. I have read the Arthur books, the Grail, The Starbuck, the Saxon Stories and many of the Sharpe. I eagerly await each release and race to the bookstore to acquire and read them. Thank you for being such a magnificent story teller and so prolific as well. Allen Williams, Franklin, MA

I came upon SHARPE"S RIFLES while traveling to the U.K. many years ago. After that I came upon SHARPE'S Eagle in a used bookstore. I shared the books with my mother and brother, then people I commuted with daily became interested. (Except for my brother, all of us are women - it may seem odd for a group of women to be interested in books about the Napoleonic Wars, but we are all history buffs!) I discovered, when MASTERPIECE THEATRE began to air the shows in the States, that there many more books than I was aware of. I accumulated all of the books, and as you write a new volume, I re-read the entire set in chronological order. Last summer, when BBC America televised an episode every Saturday, I introduced my partner Bruce to the series, and now he is as addicted as I. WE had a Saturday night date each week to view the episode. Bruce has just opened a fly fishing shop in Newton MA, based on the shops we saw in Scotland and England, so money is tight. I decided to read the series again, start to finish to save money on entertainment. We plan to watch the series on DVD this fall. I cannot tell you the pleasure you have provided for a small circle of readers. Thank you so much. Robin Laverdiere

Would you please be so kind as to pass onto Mr. Cornwell my heartfelt thanks. I am a new author, my book was published today, and I owe a debt to him. First, he has posted some very good advice for authors on the web. Some items such as his response to how much research do you need? which was 'Justt enough and no more', might sound trite but I understood him at once. It helped enormously. His other tips on writing were just as sound and highly useful. Second, my book is historical fiction, Mr. Cornwell's primary motif. I was influenced by and included a version of what he called 'dabbling in magic' or as I put it, magic that is 'plausibly deniable', Strange events long ago might or might not be magical, but they can certainly help a story. Only after I had completed my manuscript did I realize I also used the device of an old man thinking back upon his adventurous life, which Mr. Cornwell used in his Grail books. This was inadvertent on my part, but then Mr. Cornwell did not exactly invent that format of story telling. Still, he is an influential writer, and I may have unconsciously mirrored that technique. Third, when I wrote to Mr. Cornwell asking about agents he, or at least one of his people responded, and responded courteously. I appreciated that very much as it is, alas, not the normal treatment would-be authors usually receive. Thank you for your encouragement. If he is interested he can see a synopsis of my book online at http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/BookStoreSearchResults.aspx?SearchType=smpl&SearchTerm=Thos.+Pinney Should he be interested I would be delighted to send him a complimentary copy. After all, I have enjoyed his writing for years; perhaps he would find my efforts entertaining. Should he read it I would value any comments he might have. It might be too late for *this* book but the sequel is already written. I made the same mistake many new authors do I let my story run on; it was just so interesting to me. Later I found that >500k word manuscripts are a bit much for publication. But it is not too late to listen to any offered advice. Finally, should Mr. Cornwell ever be in Texas, (better make that the Greater Houston area, Texas is a big state) I would be delighted to stand him a pint of whatever beverage he should desire. That is the advantage of being a good author you have friends all over the world. Thomas Pinney

I am in love with Richard Sharpe. PLEASE, more books about him. Thank you. Bettie Kimmel

Many years ago I read the Starbuck books while on a rather long aircraft trial in Canada - 6 winter months . I still consider the Starbuck novels to be the most enjoyable of all your series (they are all good) At the time I contacted you and asked the obvious "When will the next one be produced". Since you still do not seem to know yet when /if this will happen can I implore you to continue with Starbuck rather than Sharpe(for the time being at least). Ultimately however please just continue to write whatever takes your fancy since I enjoy all your novels, re-reading them regularly. Best Wishes Peter James

Dear Bernard Cornwell I recently read your book the winter king, and enjoyed it very much. One thing though, which I don't know if it is due to the translation into Danish, but as a blacksmith I found the description of the making of swords very hard to swallow.. one cannot cast a sword, they are forged from steel. Cast iron is an invention of the industrial revolution, and thus only a couple of hundred years old. Subsequently one cannot melt a sword into liquid metal, at least not then. In my eyes the story suffers greatly from the lack of this basic knowledge, that I'm sure any bladesmith will be able to tell you much more about. best wishes Jokum Lind Jensen

I love your saxon stories! While waiting for the next tale of Uhtred, I read the books about Arthur and Derfel. I would have liked to have seen Derfel do away with the saint Samsun. Derfel had such a ordeal during his life, it would have been good if he could have made a nice little mess of the spineless villain Samsun. Anyways I loved reading about your vision of Arthur... Read them all 3 times..... Thank you Sir, I didn't like to read very much until I found the Last Kingdom. Now I can't get enough!!! thanks again.
Randy Ellis

Mr. Cornwell, Thank you for your wonderful books. My Father and I have recently discovered your books and not only do we get to read fantastic stories, but we also have enjoyed discussing your books which has lead us to read more books (by you and others) together and discuss them as well. It has really added to our relationship and I thank you for your part in it. I also think it is very refreshing how you take time to answer so many of your readers' questions (even though many are repeat questions). It seems that many authors are too full of themselves and put themselves above their fans, thanks for being down to earth! Please keep the stories coming!!! -Chris

Dear Mr Cornwell I have not read any of your books however I have a large collection of your books in audio format (tapes). I would like to thank you for the pleasure and joy you have given me. I constantly re listen to the books and find I discover a slightly new experience every time I listen. My favourite are the Arthur and the Saxon stories. It is easy to imagine what it must have been like to live in days gone by when life really was a struggle and death was a sword stroke or an arrow shot away. When an oath and loyalty meant something between men. When I was young I did not like reading and since I have discovered the audio book I have not looked back. I am encouraging my children to read and listen to books. If possible can you tell be if there is another trilogy due to be published. Regards David Marshall