I am reading the Saxon series and I have a question about an aspect of your style that intrigues me. I am wondering how you plot main characters and plot twists, so that every time I think I know where the story is going you either foreshadow a big change or surprise me completely. Never do your plot twists seem contrived to me, whereas I find most novels seem somewhat predictable or anticlimactic in a valiant effort to be original. This plot twisting is masterfully done in your Saxon books, and even though I have read some of the associated history you still lead me on a merry dance. I love it what tension, but poor Uhtred! Thank goodness we know he lives to a ripe old age. Anyway is this just instinctive or do you have some tricks up your sleeve, or both? Or in other words, if after you have read this convoluted question and by some miracle know what the hell I am getting at can you tell me how you do it!? Thanks John (in Canada).