Bulletin Board

We were both born on the same day, February 23rd 1944 - what a great vintage! I'm a British expat, currently living in Arizona, where I write gun magazine articles and teach the natives the gentle arts of gunfighting. I've also published a novel, 'Snides', and my agent is currently looking over the sequel, so I'm hoping she can find a publisher. 'Snides' is first of a series, which has as its lead character an ex-SAS militaria dealer who happens across one of the four copies of Hitler's Polotical Testament, together with an album of incriminating photos of a British renegade, who fought for the Germans during WW2, as a member of the British Free Corps, a unit of the Waffen-SS recruited from British POWs. The sequel will have John Pilgrim, the hero of the series, getting his hands on the long-lost Nazi 'Blood Banner'. I enjoy your Sharpe books, and the Starbuck series, but I'm afraid that Arthur jest ain't mah period. Happy 63rd next February, Tony Walker

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I was surfing the web one day and I came upon an older article that said that you may be considering writing one more Starbuck book and killing him off, I urge you please don't do that! (it also mentioned parts of the story with Mrs Lincoln and stuff). Secondly, I'm torn I want you to write Sharpe to the indian rebellions and have the cycle come back to the beginning BUT though Patrick and Richard are my favorite characters I really wish you would write another Starbuck (I know you get that a lot but I truly consider them your best work, though not your best character). Also just wanted to say I've given my Sharpe books to my father to read-he hasn't read a novel since high school-over 40 years ago! (not to say he doesn't read-newspapers and horse racing but alas no novels) and I couldn't believe it, he not only read the book I gave him but asked for more! Congratualations - you are responsible for my father reading his first novel in almost half a century! Thanks and keep up the good work (and hopefully another Starbuck) Mark.

Bernard, I saw this, and thought of you! It may be of interest to you. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4997470.stm. If you can't catch the link, look on BBC News Magazine and search for 'London's Heart of Stone.' It is about the London Stone, saved from destruction by a builder! Apparently, it has sword marks across the top of it!? Barb Ford

Hello again Mr Cornwell. Just bought the latest of your offerings Lord of the North Country, not had time to read it yet but will soon. After a little plug myself, as I'm combining two of my favourite pastimes. Walking and visiting historical places. (If only there was a game of rugby it would be heaven) I'll be walking The Hadrian's Wall path in September and trying to raise money for the NSPCC. I was hoping you might post an address where people can sponsor me http://www.justgiving.com/jamowalk. As much as I love history, kids are out future and I'm sure you and Mr Sharpe would approve of trying to stamp out child abuse. Was also wondering if you ever did trawl through lists of French rugby players for a name for the villain in the new Sharpe? As ever your devoted follower. Nigel James

Just thought I would let you know there is a 'wellington' exhibition on at Alnwick castle in Northumberland on the 26th and 27th, just thought I would tell you as you'll be in York anyway and its just up the road!!! I was reading S.Waterloo at work on my lunch the other day and a elderly lady I work with mentioned that I should read the Arthur books, she's in her late 60's and claims to have read all of your books, who needs advertising when you've got old ladies! Andrew Watson

Hi Bernard. Just finished reading Lord of the North and had to write to say how brilliant it is. While simple to read, the story is wonderful and held me enthralled every step of the way; even in preference to the scenery viewed from a boat in the Norfolk Broads! Thanks for the hours of highly enjoyable reading following the continuing story of Uhtred (I still prefer Derfel but Uhtred is a close second!) Regards, Andrew Moore

Hi firstly let me just say that I'm a huge fan! I read constantly and pick up most of my books in charity shops. I stumbled upon your books quite by accident, the first being Harlequin. I couldn't put it down and went out and brought the Vagabond from my local book shop. Having finished the grail series I've moved onto the saxon stories which I think are even better. I've been busy wrting my own books for last few years and have never really known which direction to take, but after reading your style of work - I think they're definitely likely to be historical fiction. So thank you for inspiring me - I hope to have my first manuscript finished by the end of the year. Emma Shortt

I should just like to let you know how I have thoroughly enjoyed everyone of your books - all of which I have bought new (which I hope gives you some satisfaction!) and I am eagerly waiting for Sharpe's Fury and the Lords of the North to appear on Australian Bookshelves. Kind regards and thanks for the ongoing pleasure. Bill Dent

I just finished "The Last Kingdom." It was the first book of yours that I have read. I was hooked from the very first page. I cannot wait to read the second book of that series. Thank you for the visit back in time. Timi Hazle

Just a quick email to say how enjoyable and informative I found your lecture at the Guildhall in Winchester this month - I met a couple of very jealous blokes in the pub afterwards who had failed to get tickets and was happy to tell them that they missed an excellent evening. Top banana! thanks, Andrew Whittick