Hello, first I must say I am a massive fan of your books and I really love the Sharpe series! Now to my question, how long does it take you to gather research for a book? I am interested in doing a novel myself but I understand researching a time period can be a nightmare! Not only do you have to research the battles, the rank insignias, the conditions, the way people spoke, the way they dressed etc. So how long does it take you to research for a novel? Thanks a lot.

Michael Walker

Hi Bernard, Firstly i hope you enjoyed an awesome christmas. Ive been staying with my in laws for the festive peroid and stumbled across The Warlord Chroincles on my father in laws bookshelf, Im 25 and must admit reading is not the first thing i would think to do when relaxing (usually its sports or tv.) I started The Winter King on Tuesday and im just about to finish Excaliber (saturday) might not sound much but a achievement for me. Its the first time ive ever experienced reading a book and being totally caught up in what was going on and not want to stop reading and at the same time actually wanting to stop because you worry about what may happen on the next pages (without spoilers involves derfels family), they really are a work of art and so well written especially the different take on the arthur and merlin saga particuarlly your version of Merlin (personally i hate the tv versions of merlin currently on and the happy smiley characters in it) Ive just ordered all available Saxon Stories and Azincourt from Amazon they should have arrived when i get back home and no doubt they will be as engrossing. Thanks again 3 book alone have literally made me want to devour any book I can get my hands on. Also a quick question how long did you take to reseach the characters and background for the story and characters its feels deep and authentic Thanks Terry (Cheshire, England)