Hi Bernard,
Just got out of hospital ( not the dreaded Covid, just a broken ankle.) and was so pleased to find a copy of War Lord awaiting my return. I was bursting to get a copy, but one usually arrives on my birthday, so I have to be patient each year. I really enjoyed the book, as I have enjoyed all your books so far. It wrapped up the series well. I have read on this site that a lot of people are sad that the series is now at an end. I suppose I am too, but I can always go around again, which I did in the year before this last tale.
At a bit of a low point, a friend asked me to write a book for her, as a bit of therapy. I did. It has turned into a bit of an epic. I only had a few printed. You were part of this process, as I read a piece by you about writing a book, probably on this site, so thank you for that. You also mentioned that it was easier to write a book than a film, as there were no limitations in a book. You need a regiment to appear to save the day, so you just write one in. I took this on board, too. These days we can simply CGI the regiment, so things have changed a bit since Sean Bean first led his dwindling band through the Peninsular. I still hope to see a big screen Sharpe, using CGI. A bit like the Hornblower film being made up from three novels. That would be something to see.
For my second book, I am going back into history, but not as deeply. ‘It’s history, Jim, but not as we know it.’ My books just pop up on a digital site, so I don’t expect to make a living out of it. As I am pretty much retired, I just enjoy writing.
Thanks so very much for your books, all of which have given me great pleasure. I have a whole shelf in my library ( I keep all my books ) just for you. There is room for a few more.
Hoping you are both well and keeping busy.
My best regards,
Ian