Dear Mr Cornwell

I have spent many years enjoying your wonderful novels from Derfel though Uhrred and Thomas of Hookton you have provided many hours of reading pleasure for which I must thank you.

Could you tell me, as someone who has set so many books against a historical back drop and actual events, how do you  decide how much of historical liberty you can take?
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When you begin writing do you draw broad outlines and then add detail later or do you prefer to write in great detail and work in a chronological order?

If you are able to offer a first time writer any insight I would be most grateful.

Kind regards

Hadley Davydaitis