Your Questions

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, Thank you so much for all of your books. They are all a pleasure to read and I always look foreword to what's coming next. Do you have any plans to write a Sharpe book about his life before the army? Something that describes his childhood? Also, why are you "Britain's Storyteller" if you live in the US? How about being "America's Storyteller"? Or maybe "America's British Storyteller"? Give it some thought. Thanks, Sean McCarthy

A

I don't have plans at the moment for a book on Sharpe's childhood. The tag was given me by my publisher, and I suppose it reflects that I write mostly about British history. Difficult to slot Arthur, Alfred, Hundred Years War and Sharpe into America's story.


Q

I know it would be difficult, but do you think Obadiah will ever march in a new book? I know it would screw up the timeline in Sharpe, but it would be worth that blunder to see one of your greatest characters and his twisted minds at large again. Perhaps in a novel based around the sergeant? You always did say it was a huge mistake killing him off, so why not bring him back? Best regards, James Trethowan

A

It would be good, wouldn't it? Maybe his twin brother, Jedediah?


Q

Dear Sir, I just read somewhere else on your site that you are planning on writing more Sharpe books. I was just wondering if any of these books will slot between "Eagle" and "Gold"? I enjoy all of your work and look forward to each new addition. I am also interested to know if there are any ideas for stories about the British and French in North America (War of 1812, Plains of Abraham etc.). Thank you so much for your time and your writing. Lindsay Parry Ontario, Canada

A

Probably not is the answer to both questions. I've gone backwards once, and have vowed never to do it again. And, although I've researched bits and pieces of the War of 1812 - it is not high on my list of priorities.


Q

Hi, I read the trilogy about Arthur, and found it just one of the better books I have ever read. At them and the grail quest, the way you discribe the battles, the feelings and thoughts of that time, is just perfect. Anyone that reads could perfectly imagine how it would be to be just there, near the scene. By reading your books, and looking that you are writing about the Vikings now, I wonder if anytime you would set us again in another location of history. If you ever considered about stories from mid east, or even a deeper story involving the grail, like the knights of the temple, that take part on Thomas quest. Thanks for the attention, Krystopher

A

Um, no. For some reason the Crusades bore me, so it isn't a likely topic, and I have a feeling that the Templars have been overdone by novelists.


Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, Is there a DVD copy of your doco Sharpe's War? I do not think the series ran in America and am trying to see it. Any plans for a full length Sharpe theatrical release? Also, something I've always wondered (being a huge Sharpe fan) does the fact that Sharpe saved Wellington in the first film, rule out any plans for the filming of the Indian Trilogy? Thanks for writing and making somany people happy. Quite rare these days. Yours, Joseph.

A

'Sharpe's War' - the four-part series shown on the UK History Channel - is not yet available on DVD or video. If and when it does become available, we will be sure to post the details to this website. There is some talk of it being shown on the US and/or Canada History Channels, but no definite information yet. We will keep you posted!

No plans now for a full length Sharpe release; however there may be (and again, nothing is definite yet!) a new Sharpe TV series in 2005 - an adaptation of Sharpe's Tiger and Sharpe's Fortress. We'll keep you posted on that one as well.


Q

Mr. Cornwell, I have not yet had the pleasure of reading your books because today is the first time I have heard mention of your name. I saw it on the website of George R. R. Martin, who is one of my favorite authors. You will probably not like the reason i'm writing so i'm going to get it over with! I've tried to find out as much as i can about the Authurian books that you've wrote because I love the subject. What I've been looking for is how Christians are depicted. The reason that I ask is because I'm a Christian, but would not consider myself a "fanatic". I believe in a message of God's love, and not that everyone will burn in hell or so on. There is alot about God that I don't understand, but there's alot that remains to be seen. I have my reasons in believeing the way I do, and I will never be judgemental of someone else feeling different about the issue. That being said, I understand that there are fanatics out there. Crazy people who shoot doctors in front of abortion clinics so I know that an image of this kind of Christian is being burned into the mindset of the American public. The only reason I mention all of this is because I want to read your books!! Are Christians in the books depicted soley as "evil" the way I have seen it done so many times? Were you writing the religious parts of the book written from personal experiences or pure history and the things going on at the time? I try to be as open-minded as I can and i don't get angry or upset when the plot lines turn this way, but I just don't think it would be interesting to me if it broke down my beliefs and threw them into a sop bucket. Do you feel like I'd be open-minded enough to read the books? I apologize for even asking you this, but I can't seem to stop myself from doing it! Please keep in mind that I realize I'm an idiot for asking, but I would appreciate an honest answer. Robert Stevens

A

I honestly have no way of knowing how open-minded you might be - but I hope you'll give my books a try!


Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, I have now read your Arthur trilogy three times, and, as a huge fan of Arthurian History, must say that it is by far the most realistic and entertaining book I have read on the subject. I recently saw the very poor film, 'King Arthur', and walked out of the cinema wondering why Hollywood had not turned their eyes to your work. Have you been in contact with any Studios as regards to making either a series (such as Sharpe) or film? I must admit that it would be a dream come true. Many thanks for hours of reading pleasure. Regards Pascual

A

No films in the works at the moment, but I'd be happy to see it happen! Thanks for your message.


Q

Is there any chance of you writing anymore books about King Arthur? I have read almost all of your published works and feel that the Warlord trilogy is by far your greatest work. Ryan Henson

A

Thank you Ryan for your message. I don't plan to write more King Arthur books as I feel the story has been told.


Q

PLEASE tell me in which book Richard Sharpe marries Jane? I know the book in which they met. The next I read, they are already married. Surely, with all the romantic liasons Sharpe has had, you would have at least devoted a chapter of his marriage in some book. I love them all, by the way, and admire your thorough knowledge of the period. I am going crazy, tho, with your filling in periods that happened beforehand while Sharpe has gone on with his career, life, battles, etc. I am not helped by copyright date as a result, nor can I find any summary in such descriptive lists as Novelist. Help! Please.Thanks, P.Oliver

A

I do believe it does happen offstage.


Q

Dear Bernie! (No offence) I have read your books from an early age, I think Sharpes rifles was the first book I ever read apart from Rhoald Dahl, and as a consequence have enjoyed everyone more than once. Utterly dissappointed with the recent Arthur film and that is probably to do with the high expectations I have for such an enterprise after reading your incredible Warlord Series. Sorry to ramble, I have a couple of questions, I apologise for any repetitions but am a newcomer to your website. 1) What is the correct pronunciation of Ceinwyn, it's a name which seems mythically wonderful to me. No kids yet though. 2) Lord Rossendale? Being born in this wonderful valley (where just for another twist Sharpes Regiment was filmed, not in Yorkshire) just wondering where the name came from? Cheers for the books. Who would play your Arthur if your books were ever filmed? I would love to see Guinevere played by Nicole Kidman! Ben Fortune

A

Ceinwyn is pronounced - Kine-win. Rossendale is a name picked from thin air I do believe. And Nicole Kidman sounds like a good choice to me!