Dear Mr Cornwell, I am currently living in Honiara, Solomon Islands in service of the Australian Government. Given the lack of the usual social outlets in Honiara, I am now around two-thirds through the Sharpe’s series and enjoying the read immensely. I have also recently finished Azincourt which I found to be equally enthralling. (I am a former Army officer and history of student so your books have enabled me to re-visit the adventures of my past!) I must confess however that I am now thinking that your most valued piece is your advice on writing included on the website. I am about to finish the first unit of a Masters in Communication (Professional Writing) and have been champing at the bit to actually start researching and writing a novel, unfortunately I cannot do both at once. I have a few ideas in mind already for a novel, although self doubt has yet not permitted me to start along that path. Do you have any advice on the merits or otherwise of post graduate qualifications for an aspiring novelist? I know I will never be the most technically proficient writer, so maybe I should save the cash and just crack on with the book? I understand your first books to have been completed whilst working as a correspondent? How did you manage to dedicate yourself to writing after a day at work? Thank you for the hours of enjoyment you have provided, I look forward to my next foray into Sharpe’s world via ‘Sharpe’s Honour’! Kind regards, Paul Henry