Your Questions

Dear Bernard I want to say that I think the character, Obadiah Hakeswill, is one of the most realistic, believable & enjoyable characters I have read about. I think it's the whole face-twitching thing. I am a bit hesitant to watch the Shapre TV series because I'm afraid he won't live up to my image. I'm currently reading Sharpes Gold & I am desperately hoping that Hakeswill will make a re-appearance in the latter Sharpe novels. Can you confirm this? (please say yes!) What was your inspiration for Hakeswill? Did you base him loosely on somebody you know? And that face twitch, were did you get that from? Thank you for taking the time to respond, it is appreciated more than you ever could imagine. Kindest regards Michael, Australia

I've enjoyed your novels greatly through the years. Richard Sharpe and Patrick Harper have marched along with me to some pretty inhospitable spots. The Penguin paperback format was small enough to stuff in any duffle, cheap enough to be traded when finished, and the tiny print was no challenge to young eyes. Now safely enjoying my pension on the retired list, my priorities (not to mention my eyesight) have changed somewhat. I have the leisure to reread my favorite books, albeit with the help of glasses, and shelves on which to store them. Is your publisher entertaining any thoughts of bringing out the full Sharpe series (to date) in either hardback or a larger trade paperback format? If not, may I suggest considering it? As for Sharpe - long may his series and his author continue! Barb McColgan

Hi. Any thoughts of visiting New Zealand to promote (not that it needs it!) your next book? Would be great to see you over here. Best regards and thanks for many good hours of reading. Peter Harris

I recently read a posting in which you indicated that you had stopped writing the fourth Hookton book. I assume this means that you are discontinuing the series? When do you believe the Viking book you're working on now will be finished and released? Thanks for your time. Matthew Jacobs

Greetings! I know this probably has already been asked, but I can't find an answer on any of the forums, so here it goes: You said you stopped writing the 4th Thomas book. Does this mean the project is "dead" or are you planning to resume it some time later. Looking forward to your Viking book, love scandinavian culture! However, I would also love some more books about Thomas... I think it's one of your best characters ever! (being that Culwch was probably my fave hehehehe) Keep on writing, thus enriching all our lives. Thank you. André.

I have heard that you have stopped writing the fourth novel about Thomas of Hookton. Will this novel never be written or are you planning to write it in the future. Thanks. Michael Jones

Bernard, let me get this straight: You WERE writing a fourth Thomas of Hookton book (but not in the Grail series), then you decided NOT TO write it and are now working on a Viking story! I'm sure a lot of Thomas fans would want to know why. May I be so bold as to ask? Kevin Wakefield

I read that you have given Nat Starbuck an extended vacation,and that some of the recommended reading about the Civil War is by the author Stephen W. Sears. Are his books fiction (Gates of Richmond and Landscape Turned Red.) I have enjoyed the Starbuck Chronicles and feel a closeness to Nat Starbuck. Thank you. Nancy Charls

Dear Sir, are you ever going to write a Sharpe's book that will tell what happened to Sharpe's daughter in Spain after the war ? thank you for your time T.D. Young I

As an avid reader of your books( with an odd 'Flashman' novel thrown in). May I pick your brains? I loved 'Gallows Thief', strong hero (Waterloo veteran of course!) and side kick (hard ex sergeant, of course!) Is there going to be an other? Also enjoyed 'Red Coat', one of the first I read of yours, did you ever intend to continue this character? More power to your elbow. Matt Rowe

I've been a devoted reader of your work for years and especially love the Sharpe series. I recently visited Ardsley House in London and felt as if I knew Wellington. But as much as I love Sharpe, will you continue the "Gallows Thief" as a series? I can see that one really taking off! John Collins

When will Sharpe's War be available on DVD in the US? Frederick Marks

Mr. Cornwell, I am trying to obtain info about the UK History Channel's series on "Sharpe's War." Do you know if it is available in the US? Joy Fry

Re: The Nathanial Starbuck Chronicles Dear Mr. Cornwell, I have just concluded book four of the Nathanial Starbuck Chronicles. Please write additional volumes to augment this wonderful series. I feel that Nate and his friends are my friends and his enemies are mine as well. I was crushed that Lucifer died, but delighted that Nate avenged his death as he did. Certainly, you cannot permit Billy Blythe to escape unharmed. And do Sally and Nate marry after the War; do Sally and her father reconcile; do Nate and his father reconcile? We know what happened to the real actors but now we need to know (pardon me) the rest of the story. At the conclusion of your historical note to The Bloody Ground, you promised that Starbuck will march again. I certainly hope so. Many thanks for your contribution to a number of evenings of entertainment. Bill Broaddus

Mr. Cornwell...I became instantly enamored with your StarbuckChronicles, bought and read them all, and then passed them on to a kindred soul who also read all four without stopping (well, maybe a dime novel in between)...our question is regarding wether you have plans to write a 5th installment and if so when? We would anxiously await it...in the meantime, we've both decided to start the Sharpe series....thanks for all you do...Jack King

Hello Bernard, I have loved every book of yours that I have read. I hope that you will continue the Starbuck series. Do you have one in the "pipeline" now? I miss it!! Thanks and keep up the good work. Scott

Sir, I have ejoyed reading and rereading several of your books, especially the Starbuck Chronicles. I love history and live in Richmond (Chesterfield actually). I am curious to hear if you are planning to continue the saga? Respectfully Jeff Auxier

Dear Mr Cornwell, I feel that I cannot go on waiting forever to read the conclusion to the Starbuck Chronicles. I think that eight years is a bit long to wait. I am seventy-five now and I don't suppose I shall last out the time . What was the the point of saying that Starbuck will go on when he won't. You keep adding to Sharpe books when some of them don't really relate to his later life. I am so disappointed that I no longer buy your new Sharpe books. I have got everyone of your books, but I think I'll stop now because you don't finish what you start . Yours sincerely George Davies

I discovered your books browsing through Barnes and Nobles. Just read the Startbuck Chronicles and they were absolutely excellent. I have shared them with my father. We are both military veterans and my son is in the Army today. You somehow captured so much of a soldier's soul in this series. Nathan Starbuck could go on for as long as you would want and we would love to read his post war adventures too. Believe that Hollywood is missing the boat, all your books would translate into the most exciting of cinema. I will pray that you live and write well into you century mark. You are a genius! Thanks for the wonderful enjoyment that you are providing the world with your books! I am planning on buying and reading them all. Want to make sure that I own these for my personal library. I will read them again and again. David C. Wedner

g'day Bernard all the way from Sydney Australia. Trust you are keeping well. I have just re read the Starbuck series for the 3rd time. Taking the train to work every day helps in my reading. You gotta bring back Nate. you promised, your last lines in the Bloody Ground-"Starbuck will march again". but when I ask.......... take care, regards David

Dear Mr Cornwell A huge thankyou for you enthralling books in the life of Richard Sharpe. I only started reading the books following the television series and I did not have an interest in the History of the Pernisula War until I read the books.I have always had an interest in the Legend of King Arthur and your books of this Myth have also been great reading. Again I thankyou for your work. Is there any time in history you have not written about and would like to? Richard Jarvis