Hello,

I hope you are well.

You probably read this sort of thing all the time. I am quite star struck even writing this as I have wanted to write to you for years but always put it off or forget about it. I’ve never been brave enough to write to any author but since you are my favourite and I’m currently rewatching Sharpe I thought now is a good a time as any.

I love your books, the complexities of your characters that are very human makes the stories much more raw and believable. They really are wonderful portals to a different world. My absolute favourite books of all time are the warlord chronicles. I only realised afterwards that you were also the author of Sharpe which I have enjoyed watching with my dad since I was a very small child (I’ve always loved gritty historical fiction despite my mums protests).

I have always been drawn to Arthurian legends but your stories made it seem much more realistic and gripping. I was instantly drawn to Derfel as my own name is Dervila (Derv-la) or the Irish spelling Dearbhla. I have always hated when people confused my name with Dervel as I felt it sounded too masculine. So I love that you are Derfel a mans name.

I like that even though most of your books are set in different periods of English history you have thrown in a couple of interesting Irish characters along the way to aid and befriend the main hero.

Have you watched the Last Kingdom? Do you think their adaption has stayed faithful to your books?

I have read that the Warlord Chronicles are your favourite books you have written. I was wondering why that is? Also who is your favourite hero or other character you have created? Thank you for taking the time to read my message. Best wishes for the week ahead.

Dervila O’ Sullivan