I was lucky enough to catch your talk at the Imperial War Museum at the end of last year (coinciding with the release of The Last Kingdom). I really enjoyed the experience, particularly your start when you said that you write popular rather than literary fiction, it was an inspiration to hear someone as successful as yourself praising story-telling. The only thing I found annoying at the IMW was the number of people who asked you questions on the TV series, despite your making it clear that it was little to do with you. I couldn’t get my own question in & one I think you might have enjoyed answering! My main reason for writing is that I am about to make my first serious attempt at publishing my own work. It happens to be in the crime genre, but I have none the less found the advice to authors on your website absolutely invaluable (see FAQ page). I would like to thank you for providing such a comprehensive guide for others to follow. I also think it’s a mark of your own skill that, unlike many other authors, you are content to share your methods with others. I look forward to The Pale Horseman, with which I wish you every success (not that you need it). Once again, many thanks. Rafe McGregor