Bernard Have been a fan of your books since I first read Sharpe as a ten-year old. I am currently reading “Burning Land” and am thoroughly enjoying it as I enjoy all your books. Noticed in the family tree section at the start that you have Aethelstan as Aethelfled and Aethelred’s son when historically Aethelstan was Edward the Elder’s son. Is there any reason why you have altered Aethelstan’s parentage?

I am currently writing a WWI series based on a Scottish Sergeant in the Black Watch Regiment that is inspired by Sharpe. My aim is to have the book published and enjoyed by first world war enthusiasts. If I achieve a tenth of the success that you have had I would count myself extremely satisfied. Have you any tips for writers block? Yours, David Gilmour