Your Questions

I have two questions. How much money is generally made off of Historical fiction(bestsellers such as yours)? Secondly are historical fiction writers allowed poetic lisence as much as others, that is, is the author allowed as much freedom for poetic/ beautiful writing as other genres? thanks, Jeff Doerr

Dear Mr Cornwell, I bought The Last Kingdom for myself as an early birthday gift (my birthday's Feb 7th!) and I tried so hard to "save" it - but having devoured the Grail Quest trilogy, Stonehenge and a number of Sharpe books, I simply could not resist starting. I'm trying hard NOT to race through it but I just wanted to say I am loving this book so much - it really brings the period to life. I would very much like to know your opinion on the way history, and in particular British history, is taught in schools today. I think it's a terrible shame that the rich heritage of our nation's history remains unknown to so much of our younger generation. Jan Baxter

Hello Bernard, just to say that I'm currently reading 'The Last Kingdom' and it's so good that I'm almost finished!! I'm trying to ration myself now because I know that I'll have to wait for the next installment. Doh it's not fair! Any news on when the next book will be published?? By the way it was a friend of mine at work that got me hooked on your books with 'The Warlord Trilogy', Derfel is so cool as is Uhtred!! I especially like the relationship that Uhtred has with the Danes and what he thinks of Alfred, very funny!! As to my own book that I said I was writing, well due to my computer throwing a strop a few months back, I've got to start again. Anyway Well Done Sir on such an excellent book!! All the best!! Joseph Durkin

Hello Mr Cornwell, I'm Martin from West Brookfield Mass. I've been a big fan for many years, and look forward in reading your new release. I have one quick question, do you have any plans on writing a book about the 1812 war? I was born in southern Ontario and I'm quite interested in the era. Could you recommend any books about the 1812 war? Thank you so much for your time!!!......Martin...

Mr Cornwell, I recently read the "Gallows Thief" and enjoyed the Rider Sandman character. Do you have any plans to continue this character or are you too busy with the other series, like Sharpe ? thanks! Steve Barnes, Grand Bank, Newfoundland, Canada

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I truly enjoy your work; owning and having read most of your books. Just finished Redcoat and am on my way to the bookstore today to get The Last Kingdom. As I am an American Civil War fan, I am wondering if and when you will ever finish your Nate Starbuck series. I own all 4 of these books so far, and have waited for years for the continuation. Do you plan any additional works in this area? Keep up your great work! Donald Rhoads

Could you tell me if you are going to write any more Nathaniel Starbuck books and when will the next Grail Quest series book be out? Thank you for writing books that are a really wonderful read. By the way I love The Last Kingdom. thank you again. John Ives Keeler

Dear Mr Cornwell, I am a huge fan of your work and have read all of your books. My favourites are the ones that comprise The Starbuck Chronicles. Although an Englishman, I am very interested in the American Civil War and have visited a number of battlesites and civil war museums in the States. I felt the last book left the way open for more .. any chance? Yours sincerely, Ian Orford.

Dear Mr Cornwell, Firstly I would like to congratulate you on your latest release, The Last Kingdom. It is so wonderful to read suc a great book, knowing it is the first in what will undoubtedly be a fantatic series. I would be very interested to know you opinion on a debate that seems ongoing between myself and a few friends. Do you feel the Sharpe books are best read in chronological order of publication, or in order of the dates in the stories themselves? We normally come to the concclusion they should be read in release date order, but I notice on your site you list them in Sharpe's year order. Is this how you would advise them to be read? Many thanks, Matt

Hello Mr Cornwell, Just writing to say how much I have enjoyed reading your Sharpe books, only got Devil to read now and won't know what to do with myself once it's finished. Any plans to release a pre-India Sharpe book? Back to perhaps when Sharpe first joined the army. This would also give you a lovely opportunity to reintroduce Hakeswill. Also are there still plans to release another Sharpe tv series? I would like to see Sean Bean play Sharpe again, but if what I hear about the new Sharpe series being based on your India stories is true he might look a little too old to play a Sharpe who is still in his 20s. Has anything else been said in relation to a new Sharpe series yet? Thanks. Kindest regards Adam Booth

Are you planning a book detailing Will Skeat's early battles? If so when do you think it would enter into your plans?
Ben Ixer

Thank you for letting us contact you directly, and so easily. I just finished reading (actually listening to) The Bloody Ground. As an aside, my wife and I have an on-going debate. I say that a book listened to is a book read--just as if it were read in Braille, but she says that it doesn't count as a book that has been read. I've also read the first three volumes in the Starbuck series, and was looking forward to the next volume. So, I went to the library, but there does not seem to be another book in the series. So, I'm writing to ask if there is a fifth volume, and I'm just missing it; or, if so far, that's it. If that's it, are you planning another story in the series? I vote yes, if I get a vote. Can't let Billy Bligh get away. In any event, you've given me an exceptionally enjoyable reading (listening (?)) experience. Thanks again.
Nate Edelstein