Your Questions

Q

Dear Bernard Huge fan of the books and have read all the different series, thought that the Arthur series made the arthur legend even more magical, but the Sharpe books are great as well. I was wondering how you chose what to write about, it's a big jump from Sharpe to King Arthur for example. And would you ever think about doing a fiction series of books on the English Civil War? Ian

Submitted March 15, 2006

A

English Civil War? I've considered it, have done some research, think about it, but lord knows where I'll find the time to do it. One day, maybe?

Why King Arthur? I grew up in England and, like any child interested in history, soon encountered the mythical figure of King Arthur and so became interested in him. I chose to write about what interests me, simple as that.

Q

Are you going to continue the Starbuck Chronicles? In the last you said Starbuck would march again! Have read all your series, and loved each and everyone of them! Jason Harrison

Starbuck's vacation has been about 10 years now. I think he has rested long enough. I would like very much to see him continue his adventures. I hope you will consider continuing. Thanks, Richard Goldberg

Submitted March 14, 2006

A

I do plan to continue Starbuck - once the Sharpe series is finished.

Q

Hi Bernard I love your books which I find an absolute joy your contribution to producing stories from the fantastic history of our little group of islands is immense! I'm from an Anglo Irish background myself and note that you have spent some time in Belfast, have you ever considered writing anything about the plantation of Ulster the glorious revolution of 1690 or perhaps Cromwells time in Ireland? Theres so many rumours and counter rumours about this time in history maybe a well researched historical novel might set a few things straight . Jonathan Woodward

Submitted March 14, 2006

A

No plans - I've always taken the view that Irish history is best written by Irish folk.

Q

Why will the Lords of the North be released in the UK months before the US release? Just curious and a little jealous. Thanks.
Douglas

Submitted March 14, 2006

A

It is a decision made by the US publisher.

Q

I am an avid student of history, have a degree in history and have been reading history for many years. You have written the finest historical novels I have ever come across. Do you have any plan to do any other novels with Richard Sharpe in the Napoleonic Wars or continue that exceptional novel you wrote - Redcoat? I commend you on such fine work. Keep it up!
Jeffrey Johnson

Submitted March 14, 2006

A

I'm not planning on a sequel to Redcoat, but another book set during the time of the American Revolution is a possibility. And yes, there will be more Sharpe!

Q

Mr Cornwell, thankyou for many delightful hours reading all the Sharpe books. And of course am looking into beginning the other series. Back to the Sharpe stories. As a American I am struck by Sharpe's ,if I may say, "American" attitudes, behaviors and fighting style (for that time). His meritocratic outlook, his less then orthodox fighting techniques, his distain for titles (except his wifes!). And now we find his son in America in the civil war. Ever think of our man Sharpe making an American excursion? Perhaps an adventure with his daughter by Teresa running off to Texas via Louisiana or any number of good reasons. Surely his style of fighting would fit in well and be appreciated. Hmmm...lets see the Alamo is Only about 10 years of so after Sharpe's Devil...and there ARE good cheap horses for Ol'Harper...inquiring minds want to know! Thank you for the great adventures. Enjoy the vacation. Patrick Patriarca

Submitted March 14, 2006

A

Sharpe cannot go to America due to a promise he makes in Sharpe's Siege.

Q

Sir, First off thank you for signing my copy of Sharpe's Sword that I recently sent you it was much appreciated. My question is, I recently saw on a british old sword site that you originally had Sharpe using the 1803 pattern sword and not the 1796 heavy calvalry sword this would seem to make sense as I believe the 1796 was very difficult to weald and represented as much danger to the user as the victim. The 1803 however was much more user friendly. I own an original 1803 and a replica 1796. Thank you for your time and wonderful books. Paul Cooper-Keeble

Submitted March 10, 2006

A

Sharpe has always used, and always will use, the 1796 pattern. You're right - it's an ill-balanced, clumsy weapon, but it's his, and he likes it. In the hands of a strong man it was lethal, and Sharpe is strong enough - it's part of his perversity to like such a clumsy blade.

Q

I love Sharpe and enjoy listening to the stories via Audible.com. Unfortunately only the abridged versions (mainly) are availble to me since I am from Australia. Any chance you can prod the publishers? And will Sharpe ever become "Lord Sharpe"? Best wishes John

Submitted March 10, 2006

A

I really can't see it happening! It isn't his style - he wouldn't want a title, and I don't want him to have one (which doesn't mean much, because things happen to him despite what I want). I think it most unlikely!

I'll see what I can do about the abridged audio books.

Q

Hello, Like yourself I feel the Arthur books are my favourite. I first came across your work due to the Sharpe television series, which having read your books, now refuse to watch. How something as great as the stories you produce ends up like the on screen representation is beyond me, although many novels translations to screen is inferior. I say bring on Hanks and Spielberg, their adaption of Band Of Brothers is fantastic, having ready the book cover to cover numerous times, I can only imagine what they would do with Messrs Sharpe and Harper!! I'm currently reading Enemy Of God, and am looking forward to finding out how Derfal ends up as a monk and hoping that by the end of Excalibur he has inflicted some harm to Sansum, Excalibur is on the shelf ready to go. Also looking forward to seeing what you've got in store for Uhtred, last summer was spent in France deep in The Last Kingdom, fantastic. Are there any plans for Rider Sandman to reappear? Being a cricket fan also, I really enjoyed his character. My real request of you is that you produce the books faster. I can easily read 2 a week, any chance you can write them at a similar rate. In all seriousness the books are excellent and if you write 1 or 10 a year I'll remain one of your biggest fans. Regards Martin Dickie

Submitted March 10, 2006

A

Thank you! It is possible there may be a sequel for Rider Sandman - but it is not likely to be any time soon.

Q

Mr Cornwell, I love your writing, you're brilliant. Just a quick question, in the Sharpe books is there a way you pick the women names, Sharpe's women I mean. Thank you Sarah

Submitted March 10, 2006

A

I pick them by whim - meaning that they are names I like - or perhaps because they suggest happy memories? which is why there's a Sarah among them!