What did you think of Sean Beans characterisation of Sharpe?
I thought he was terrific. Absolutely wonderful, as were most of the actors in the series. I don’t see Sean as I write, though, but I do hear his voice. In that respect he’s had a huge influence on the books. Sharpe’s a womaniser but you avoid sex scenes. Are you uncomfortable with them, or do you believe your audience doesn’t want them? I’m not uncomfortable with them, but don’t think they have a place in the Sharpe books, which are about adventure. I don’t want to cut off my younger readers by making the books explicit. Besides, everyone knows what happens between a man and a woman – or ought to know – so I don’t need to tell them. But they don’t all know how best to avoid an attack of French lancers. Now Patrick O’Brien’s Master And Commander has hit the big screen, are there any plans for Sharpe to follow suit? No plans that I know of! I dream on. You recently traced your natural parents. Is it something you’d like to write about? I have no desire whatever! My real mother is a read
