Dear Bernard,
I just wanted to send you a quick-ish message following your open letter apologising for the delay of the latest Sharpe book.
I have never communicated with you before, but you are by far my favourite author. I am a full-time writer, with twenty novels and a number of history books published, and I can say without a doubt that reading the Sharpe books at a young age (probably too young!) had a massive influence on me. I’m aware there is a whole legion of authors you have directly inspired (many of them more successful than I), but I still felt it was about time I paid tribute to the positive impact you have had on my life.
I’m sorry to hear how difficult much of this year has been. It is quite telling that even your open letter was marvellously written. Life comes first, and sometimes even Mister Richard Sharpe has to be patient. If he can be, then so can the rest of us.
All the very best,
Robbie MacNiven