Bernard,
I just wanted to get in touch as I watched a Christopher Hitchens interview in which he said how grateful he was to hear from his fans and encouraged viewers to write to their favourite authors. So decided to write to you to thank you.
I remember the Sharpe books as being the first stories to really get me interested in reading. I read each one as a young teenager and it inspired a lifelong (well, as long as life can be at 26) love of books and reading which subsequently inspired me to go into writing myself. I remember my school librarian once telling me that although yes, it was good that I was so keen on reading, would I not just TRY to give books by a different author a go?
I resolutely refused for a good two or three more years before finally spreading my literary wings. I think I learnt a great deal from the well-crafted and enthralling stories you wrote. So thank you, and keep up the good work!
All the Best,
Tom Edwards