Dear Mr. Cornwell,
I hope this message finds you well. I’m not really sure how to even start this but I’ll try. I want to thank you wholeheartedly for providing the world with such vivid, moving and memorable stories. I have admired and respected so many characters you have created or crafted in your own way from Thomas of Hookton, Derfel Cardarn, Arthur ap Neb, Uhtred of Bebbanburg, to Ragnar (both father and son).
I’ve been engrossed with your novels since I was a young boy looking up what the word ‘Harlequin’ meant. Now I’m a young man of 25 living on my own, and I can truthfully say that my love and respect for your stories has never wavered.
I mulled over writing this thank you letter for over 10 years, thinking it was silly. But I wanted to let you know that your stories have impacted my life in a positive way. They challenged me to improve my English/writing skills and nurtured a healthy respect for history and historical events.
More importantly, they got me through some very tough childhood times. When things were not looking good for my family, I was able to escape into your stories and let my imagination run free. Often times I would wonder “What would Arthur do?”. I ended up trying to emulate the more heroic and kind characteristics of the heroes you created.
In short, thank you for all the amazing stories you have crafted and the gifts you have given this world in doing so. You have done more for me than you will ever know, and I appreciate that from the bottom of my heart. Thank you.
P.S. I was extremely proud when The Last Kingdom became a TV series and I bragged to all my friends that I collected and read so many of your novels since my childhood. I was here first!
Respectfully,
Your loyal standard bearer, Michael Vo