Your Questions

Q

What was Sharpe doing during Rolica and Vimeiro? Bill Bullen

Submitted July 11, 2006

A

He was probably at both. I say probably because - obviously - I've never written that period - but it's possible they'll feature in one or more short stories.

Q

I'd like to begin by saying that I'm quite the fan, and also found the piece you wrote here about becoming a writer very helpful and interesting. I've just finished a degree (in Psychology) and have bugger all idea what to do for a living. As a child and adolescent I loved writing, and lately wrote about a hundred pages of a story during university holidays, which I really enjoyed doing. If I decide to try and make a go of being a writer, do you think it would be best for me to try and get an agent as soon as possible, or wait until I've finished the story (meant to be the first part in a trilogy, around 300 pages in total)? I know another author who suggested I finish it first as she had difficulty meeting the deadline, but I have plenty of free time, so I'm not sure that'd be a problem. Thank you for reading this, and also for writing your various books, especially the Warlord Chronicles. Richard Kilner

Submitted July 11, 2006

A

Finish the book! Or at least write a chunk of it before you approach an agent. You want the agent to sell the book, so they need to know what they're selling - so yes, get it done!

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell Congratulations on your OBE, never did a writer such as yourself deserve anything less. I only have one question/comment that you probably hear alot of the time, Starbuck. Why did you write yet another Sharpe Novel, surely his time is over and the ink run dry. I have read all the Sharpe novels and will probably read Sharpes Fury, however when is Starbuck returning?. On your website you state that we'll have to "watch this space" but nothing comes of avail, could you not write about anything else and focus on Starbuck next time you begin a novel? Kindest Regards S McShannon

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I have noted the progress in your promises on this site that "Starbuck will march again". 2004 was vague, 2005 more definite. Any chance of something nice and concrete for 2006? Will Penelope ever finish her knitting? Simon Waters

Submitted July 11, 2006

A

I'm not sure when it's going to heppen, but I intend Penenlope to finish her knitting.

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, Congratulations on your OBE!!! I am a Yorkshire man living in Miami waiting for my greencard. But I have a work permit and work in Law Enforcement!!! I have started to read all your wonderful Sharpe book's and my question is have you ever been to Wetherby Yorkshire? You mentioned in one of your Sharpe books that Richard was there? I went to School in Wetherby so I am curious? Best Regards, Michael Kelly

Submitted July 11, 2006

A

I have been there, but not for long . . . so alas, no personal connection.

Q

I am a librarian in Lancashire County Library and one of my readers insists that you have published a book called 'Sharpe's Challenge' I can only trace a video of this title. Can you help, please? Peggy Eccles

Submitted July 11, 2006

A

Sorry, you must tell your reader he is incorrect. There is no book titled Sharpe's Challenge, but there is a DVD (available through Amazon.co.uk - see the link on the 'Sharpe's Challenge' page of this website).

Q

First off: compliments. I recently finished all 20 Sharpe novels. I enjoyed them. I really appreciate the way history sneaks up on you in the novels. After I read a few, I had a history discussion with a co-worker. I suddenly knew way too much about that period in history without realizing it. I now have a question. Can you recommend good historical material to review to learn more about the British Zulu era? Specifically, I'd like to learn more about Isandhlwana and Rorke's Drift. Keep up the good work. Rory Toma

Submitted July 11, 2006

A

The best answer to your question is a message recently received from another reader - Martyn Kerr - thanks Martyn!

Jon Horlor wrote about Isandhlwana and Rorkes Drift. Pity you don't care for this period, but we all have our own preferences. Rorkes Drift is interesting enough, but none of the structures were there when the battle was fought (the museum and the church are built on top of the original buildings' foundations). For what it's worth, "Zulu" was filmed in the Drakensburg, not on the site. Isandhlwana is different. The battlefield hasn't really changed since 1879, and it has a definite atmosphere. The only other battlefield where I've experienced the same feeling is Culloden (Drumossie Moor in 1746) which is also pretty much the same as it was, apart from the modern road and a few copses which weren't there at the time. I certainly recommend a visit to anyone coming to South Africa who is interested in military history, but allow a bit of time because these battlefields are quite a long way from any of the main centres. The best place to stay is Dundee, unless you can afford the incredibly expensive private lodges which are being developed around Isandhlwana! Martyn Kerr

Q

This may seem like an insignificant question to ask of the author, but when is "Heretic" coming out in trade paperback? The last information I had from Harper Collins indicated a June 2006 release, but I haven't seen it appear yet, and Harper's website carries no mention of it. Don't call me cheap - I own the Grail Quest books in hardback, but I like to have trade paperbacks for carrying around on trips or to work when I (inevitably) re-read them.

2nd question: Two of your characters - Richard Sharpe and Thomas of Hookton - are closely identified with particular types of weapons - the Baker Rifle and the English warbow, respectively. Have you ever shot either of these weapons, which have featured so significantly in your novels? Gary McCormick San Jose, CA USA

Submitted July 11, 2006

A

My New York publisher sends their apologies, but apparently the trade paperback edition of Heretic has been pushed back to June 2007.

I've tried both. Or rather I've fired a Baker Rifle many times, but the longbow was altogether more difficult - I shot a thirty pound draw-weight bow made of American yew and the arrow went somewhere, nowhere near the target, but when I tried a 110 lb draw-weight bow (which is still weaker than the bows used by Thomas of Hookton) I couldn't get the cord back more than a few inches - much too feeble! But I did watch an archer use that 110 lb bow to shoot seventeen arrows in sixty seconds, fifteen of which hit a man-sized target at 150 paces - not bad! Better than a Baker Rifle!

Q

Hi Mr. Cornwell. Do you ever regret Sharpe making that promise to Cornelius Killick in Sharpe's Siege, by which he can never go to America to fight in the War of 1812? He could have had some great adventures after things quieted down in Europe. Alan Kempner

Submitted July 11, 2006

A

I don't regret it at all. Who is he going to fight? I'm married to one of them, happily married, and having Sharpe burn Washington is not worth a divorce.

Q

Your books are fantastic and I am sure you are sick to the teeth of people making suggestions but...as you live in America a story about the Indian wars would be great, and please resurrect Derfel. David Edgell

Submitted July 11, 2006

A

Both noted, but no promises . . . . not sure about Derfel, though - I fear his story is finished, alas!

Q

Congrats on your OBE! I think it is richly deserved. Just finished Pale Horseman and can't wait for LOTN. Don't know how you publish two books a year and maintain a high level of quality, but I'm glad you do. Ever thought of writing about St George? The only thing I know about him is that he slew a dragon. Perhaps you could let Sharpe collect his pension and bring Starbuck back from furlough. Hope to see him at Fredricksburg. Whatever you write, I'm sure it will be top notch. Take care, Michael

Submitted July 8, 2006

A

St. George? Never thought of it. According to the church he doesn't exist. And you have to believe in what you write about and I have difficulties with dragons.