Mr. Cornwell, May I trouble you for some advice please? I have been working on a historical novel for the past two years(first one!). It is set in ancient Roman times and is based on a true story. I have written quite a lot of words and it is certainly not near completion. What I once ‘feared’ has now happened! An American novelist(‘Give me back my legions! by Harry Turtledove) has just had his novel on EXACTLY the same theme and characters published!! Question: do I call it a day and write on some other character in history or, continue? Would a publisher want the same again? I am really into the novel and write daily(sometimes not a lot-I cannot ‘force’ it. But I am making progress). Grateful for any advice. Thanks in advance. I’m 62 years of age-wished I’d started writing years ago!!!

Jeff Adams