Your Questions

Q

Hello Mr Cornwell 2 questions. One is about your books! I enjoyed A Crowning Mercy recently, and notice that many others have enjoyed the book as well. Therefore, if a third book exists (after Fallen Angel), why do you say it won't be re-published? Surely it would make sense for your publisher to cash in on your popularity and reprint the third one? Secondly, (this is a bit cheeky). Harry Flashman is second (only behind Sharpey) as my favourite fictional character. You mentioned on 4th January that GMF is working on a new Flashman book. Is that true, so soon after Flashman On The March? he usually takes 4 or 5 years between books. I can't find this info anywhere else! A bit cheeky asking you this, but I'm almost as desperate for Flashy books as Sharpe books. Many many thanks.

Submitted January 18, 2006

A

I suspect the publisher feels there would not be much interest in it.

So far as I know it's true - his publisher told me that, anyway. I'm sure the wait will be worth it.

Q

Mr. Cornwell, I hope you & your family had a very Merry Christmas. I was delighted to hear that you are working on a new Sharpe novel as he is still my personal favorite. I know that the entire Sharpe concept was inspired by the Hornblower novels, but I was wondering where the inspiration for the character of Sharpe himself came from. Did you know somebody similar to him in personality, bad childhood, obstacles in the workplace, etc. I find his dual personality (stone killer vs. honorable soul) very intriguing. Thanks for everything. Darren Ivey

Submitted January 18, 2006

A

I think I made him up! There's certainly no model that I can think of. It seemed a good idea to have him promoted from the ranks, and I guess the rest followed.

Q

Dear Bernard in the past you have admitted you are a fan of Robert.E.Lee and his generalship so I always wondered what you thought his finest moment was since there is some debate. Longstreet always thought 2nd Bull Run his best. Others that Chancerolsville his Masterpiece and others the Overland campaign as a whole in fending off the Grant juaggernaught what do you think is he best moment and have you read Alfred Burns recently re-issued book on Grant/Lee and Sherman and the 1864 campaign as a whole which is an interesting counter to Fullers view???? Also you have written about the Saxon invasions and the Danish invasions will you ever write about the battle's of Stamford Bridge and Hastings which really settled the issue on who was master of England and of course Harold the last Saxon King??? P.S You have mentioned that you may write another book on the American Revolutionary war. Can you give any clue on what its about and will it be after the next Sharpe book??? regards Geraint

Submitted January 18, 2006

A

Robert E. Lee? I suppose I'd choose Chancellorsville . . the simplicity and elegance of the tactics are awe-inspiring. I do have the Burns book, and like it a lot. Thanks!

Hastings? It's not in the plans . . . but who knows?

I could give you a clue, but won't! I'm very superstitious about revealing the exact subject of future books, probably in case they don't get written. It won't be the next book - but I hope to get to it soon . . .

Q

Your surname is familiar to me, Mr Cornwell. Do you have any connections with the Sussex Weald and are you any relation to a Patricia Cornwell?

Submitted January 17, 2006

A

Not that I know of . . . Cornwell was my mother's maiden name and I only met her two years before she died, so never really learned that much about the family's history. She came from London's East End, but there's always a chance, of course, that the family originated in the Weald. As far as I know, Patricia Cornwell and I are not related.

Q

Mr. Cornwell, I always find the landscapes in your books laid out beautifully, and as a fellow writer (though not published yet) was wondering if you are like me: Inspired by landscapes and beautiful scenery. If that is not the case, what inspires you? Aaron Schmidt

Submitted January 17, 2006

A

Like you I relish landscape! I'm not inspired particularly by mountain scenery, but seek out coastlines. In my next life I shall live in Dorset . . .

Q

Mr. Cornwell: Let me first say that I have gotten and continue to receive hours upon hours of pleasure from your books. Please, keep them coming. I am currently reading 'Crackdown' and just finished 'Stormchild'. You obviously know a great deal about sailing. Simply fascinating! I have a question about 'Stormchild' if you please. It surely takes place mostly in Chile on the Pacific side of Southern South America. But in many places in the book you refer to Patagonia and its coastline. Current maps show Patagonia in Argentina on the Atlantic side of South America. I am simply curious. Thanks so very much and keep those grand books coming. Mac White, Avid Cornwell Reader!

Submitted January 17, 2006

A

I don't why the maps would show that - Patagonia usually is reckoned to include both coasts, and certainly the Chileans refer to their southernmost region as Patagonia - maybe it's the map layout? A wonderful place, anyway! Long way away, but truly worth a visit!

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, This is not a suggestion, just a question: have you ever thought of writing a novel on Regency boxing? yours sincerely, Thorkil Madsen

Submitted January 17, 2006

A

I haven't - mainly because George MacDonald Fraser's Black Ajax is so good - not that there isn't room for another novel, and the era is terrific, the boxing stories horrific- so who knows?

Q

Hi, Mr Cornwell, I was reading through your answers to a number of questions and I feel I just have to ask; how do you determine what time in history your next series of books will be based on? Is it just whatever grabs your interest at the time? For the record, I have read your Warlord Chronicles and they are without doubt my favourite series of books by any author. I have also just finished your second Saxons novel and thought it absolutely brilliant. I hope you continue to write many more novels, and I'll keep buying them. Oh, and for the record, I too believe your Warlord Chronicles would do justice on either the small or big screen! James Mack

Submitted January 17, 2006

A

It's probably whatever grabbed my interest a decade ago! These things marinate for a long time, then there's a long period of reading and thinking . . . so truly there's nothing very impetuous here!

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I want to start with a very deep thank you for the stories you have given us. I like to add that I especially enjoy listening to them in audio book format. I do drive a lot, and I also think a good actor can give the book an extra dimension (although the fact they are abridged is a pity). So a big thank you to the excellent Tim Piggott Smith and Jamie Glover (I have no clue where to reach them)! I cannot wait for the next audio book of the Saxon series... As an amateur historian I am interested in the crusades and the warrior monk orders of the time. Especially the politics and backstabbing of the time of the crusades is fascinating. It would be a rich environment especially for your writing skill. So I have to ask: do you ever envisage a trilogy on that subject? Thank you again and thank you for taking the time to read this - I shouldn't be keeping you from your work. Frederik Prins, Amsterdam

Submitted January 16, 2006

A

For some reason I can never get very excited about the Crusades, though perhaps that will change?

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, Do you have any plans for a sequel to Gallows Thief? I am re-reading it for about the 4th time at the moment. Also A Crowning Mercy and Fallen Angels count amongst my all time favourite books. Have you any plans for more in this series? Kind regards, Helen

Submitted January 16, 2006

A

A sequel to Gallows Thief is a possibility, but not any time soon. No plans for the other.