Best of the Spectator Speaker series: Bernard Cornwell – Sharpe's Storm
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Dec 18, 2025 Bernard Cornwell, a prolific historical novelist known for the Sharpe series and The Last Kingdom, shares insights into his writing journey and career. He discusses how his daily writing routine fuels his prolific output, the balance between historical research and storytelling, and the evolving character of Richard Sharpe. Cornwell also reflects on his literary influences and the impact of Sean Bean's portrayal of Sharpe. He reveals anecdotes about his experiences in historical settings and hints at future tales in the Sharpe saga.
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How Sharpe Began
- Bernard wrote Sharpe's Eagle after moving to the U.S. to be with his wife and needing to make a living.
- That decision launched his career writing the Sharp series.
A Land Hornblower Idea
- Cornwell wanted an army equivalent to Hornblower because the Navy dominated heroic fiction.
- That concept shaped the Sharp series' core appeal and structure.
Let Characters Lead The Way
- Don't over-plan your novel if you thrive on discovery; let characters surprise you.
- Cornwell prefers to discover the story as he writes and adapts when characters change course.
