Bulletin Board

Well from all accounts, this new Arthur film doesn't exactly make the grade. From what I've heard there is a distinct lack of emotion in it and only Keira Knightley's Guinevere makes it worthwhile watching. I find it difficult to understand how they made Arthur into a half Roman half Russian warlord in any event. It seems now, more than ever, that Hollywood has made a huge mistake in not using your material for Arthur. Point made, I hope you enjoy your holiday - well deserved! Rachel Malone

Hi Bernard With the release of Antoine Fuqua's film about King Arthur, I could not help but think your Arthur series would have made a far more interesting film or even TV series. And probably more accurate. Ashley Baldwin-Smith

Mr. Cornwell, My father and I are avid fans of your novels. We have read almost all of your novels, and loved them. I have a history degree, which explains my passion for your novels. I wish to be a writer, and your style has inspired me, although I am a big fan of fantasy, so I'm looking at historical fantasy right now. I just wanted to say that I am a scout leader in the Province of Quebec, and came back from summer camp with the kids. Every evening I told them some Sharpe stories (Havoc and Eagle), and the kids absolutely loved them. The fact that it is in Quebec is important. Being a bunch of French Canadians, we usually tend to favor the French MUCH more than the English (I don't count, I'm something of an anglophile). The kids still kept on asking me 'are you gonna continue Sharpes stories tonight?'. One kid even threatened a revolution if I stopped. I was going to tell the Arthur story at first, disguising myself as Derfel and using props. But during spring camp, the kids asked for a story, and I told them about Sharpe. That was it. Thank you for the work you do. Jean-François Gagné

I have just finished reading the Arthur books for the second, or perhaps third time, and I want to thank you for being who you are, and for being the incredible writer you are. Your books have inspired and entertained me ever since I read "Sharpe's Eagle" almost 23 years ago. Reading your books has helped motivate and push me to pursue my goal of being a writer. And it happened! I went back to school several years ago for a diploma in journalism, did some freelance work for a time, and recently became a senior writer/editor for the province of British Columbia, which means I actually do get paid to write professionally, no mean feat! I am also working on my first novel. So...thanks for the inspiration. Thanks for the great stories. Please keep them coming. And thanks for writing your advice page. I re-read it whenever I feel frustrated with my writing, or that I'm getting diverted into the trap of too much research -- not enought storytelling. It helps me keep on track. Best regards, Jon Chant

I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your writing, and I have never even read a book! (No offense...) My father is visually impaired and we often have a hard time finding large print editions of books he enjoys. He absolutely loves your books, and is eagerly awaiting the next Starbuck book, even if it might be awhile. God bless you for your efforts! Jessica Kenyon

Hello Mr. Cornwell, Just this morning of July 4th I finished reading your Stonehenge, and I want to thank you for creating the fantastic world I could easily return to each night. Last November I had the privelege to visit Stonehenge and the photos I took, especially the panoramics, provide a perspective I didn't get being so close to the monument. It's like that with your book. The story you wrote is much more satisfactory than the vistor' phone explanations which were necessarily brief and vague. Your novel, though fictitious, is a fuller, richer and believable explanation. In a way I wish I'd read the book before seeing the site; on the other hand could I have appreciated it? There's the same feeling about your Historical Note. I guess the only solution is to read Stonehenge again, some of the other books you cited, and visit the site again. And I'll be giving the book to several friends. Happy choices all around. "... and the stones were left to the spirits. Which holds them still." A perfect ending, which gave me chills. Thank you. Sincerely, Pat B Seattle, WA

I just wanted to say "Hi" and let you know I just finished Sharpe's Escape. It was a Father's Day present from my daughters who gave it to me knowing I have read every Sharpe novel. I also wanted to let you know we are almost neighbors. I understand you live on the Cape - I live in Plymouth. Small world!! Enjoyed the book immensely - can't wait for the next one!! Joe Kleinberg

I started reading your books with the Warlord trilogy, because I greatly enjoyed Mary Stewart's Merlin trilogy and Amazon.com recommended your books. I'm sure you get many emails on this, but I was won over immediately, with Derfel becoming one of my top three favorite literary characters of all time. I have gone on to read Stonehenge, the first three Grail Quest books(Heretic is my next read), and The Starbuck Chronicles. I have not read any of the Sharpe books, but I'm sure they are in my future. I've become somewhat obsessive about the Warlord books, having re-read all three numerous times and am getting antsy, because I loaned them to my brother and it's been awhile since I read them. I've enjoyed all your work, but also really enjoyed the Starbuck books and am here to tell you that you simply must pick them back up! There is still too much left to happen within the story, not even taking into account the Civil War back drop. I'm kidding, of course, having gotten an idea of how busy you are from seeing this site, but I truly hope you pick up the tale again(Inside, I wish there was a way to continue the story of Arthur and Derfel, but I know this would be a tough putt, if not impossible, so I'll just have to keep re-reading). Truly, this email is a tribute, not a request, to a really enjoyable artist and I'm looking forward to future works. Thanks! Kevin Scott

I am an avid reader (I have over 900 books in my library) but I've never in my life written a fan letter to any author... before now. I first bought your books after watching several Sharpe films on PSB. At the time I had a crush on Sean Bean, but after reading the Sharpe novels I realized it was the dialogue and characterization that I really enjoyed, and that had more to do with you than with Mr. Bean. I have all the Sharpe novels (& the Arthur Books, Grail Quest & Stonehenge) and I eagerly await each new addition. I recently visited the historic Citadel Hill, a British Fort in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and I entered into conversation with one of the tour guides. He was amazed at how much I (a 40 year old French Canadian woman,) know about early 19th century British soldiering, until I admitted my knowledge mostly came from your Sharpe books. I hope you continue writing many many more novels, though it's a bit frustrating having to wait almost a year before a new novel comes out, have it read in 2-3 days, then have to wait another year for the next one... haha. Sincerely, Odette Dugas

Mr. Cornwell: I feel compelled to send you a letter of thanks for the books you have written. In the past 2 months I have completed both the Grail Quest series, and the Arthur books. I have absolutely enjoyed them. I fell in love with Thomas of Hookton and assumed I would never find a character as enjoyable as him. Then I began to read the Arthur books and fell in love with Derfel. What an incredible imagination you have. I love the battle scenes and the character development of your protagonists. Both Thomas and Derfel were men of integrity and courage. I enjoy reading about characters like this. I am sad to finally be wrapping up Excalibur. The twists and turns keep me spellbound throughout the entire series. I hope you will take time to continue this vein of stories. The dark and middle age fiction fascinates me to no end. Thanks again for your stories and your imagination. Jason Mackey Student Minister First Baptist Church Cassville, MO

Bernard, you are a genious and a god. The first book of yours i read was the Winter King, followed swiftly by Enemy of God and Excalibur. I can tell you that I felt bereft once I'd finished them - I didn't know what to do with myself so I just moped around for a couple of days. From then on I've been slowly making my way through the Sharpe series and the Grail Quest with a bit of Stonehenge somewhere in the middle. Once again, thank you for your books especially The Warlord Chronicles - bloody hell! Matt Simensky