Hi Bernard,
My girlfriend and I had the immense pleasure to meet you in York a few months ago when you were interviewed and stayed to sign copies of your books to celebrate the release of The Flame Bearer. You won’t remember us of course, but Zoë thanked you profusely for your creations and demanded, in the way women do, that you never let Uhtred die because she loves him. She really does, too. I made an off hand comment about my relationship being usurped by Uhtred and you laughed and also complemented her pagan hammer around her neck. Anyway, since then, it’s been our running joke that the next book will have ‘usurper’ in the title. She’d be livid if you were influenced by me and not her; I’m just here to say, if you want to use ‘usurper’ in the title, it’s ok by me! If not, just weaving the word alone in the book somewhere or other will put me ‘one up’ in our relationship for eternity. I’m sure you’ll do the right thing! Keep up the brilliant work, it was great to meet you.
Ben G.