Questions you have asked, and answers...

Answers to questions you've asked about The Pillars of the Earth, film versions of my novels, sequels (or not), autographing books and bookplates, appearances in your country, sex in my novels, pronouncing my surname, my favourite authors, advice for aspiring writers, and more…

I've read The Pillars of the Earth, and wonder if there really is a Kingsbridge Cathederal?
The historical background in 'Pillars' is authentic but Kingsbridge and its people are fictional. The cathedral was partly inspired by both Wells and Salisbury cathedrals. Kingsbridge is located roughly where the present-day town of Marlborough in Wiltshire is. Read more about 'Kingsbridge'.

The Pillars of the Earth is quite different to your other novels. What inspired you to write it?
When I started writing I found I had no vocabulary for describing buildings. I read a couple of books on architecture and developed an interest in cathedrals. I would go to a town, like Lincoln or Winchester, check into a hotel and spend a couple of days looking around the cathedral and learning about it. Before too long, it occurred to me to channel this enthusiasm into a novel…

Is there a reading or discussion guide for The Pillars of the Earth?
Yes, there is one for students and reading groups. You can find it here.

Is there a chart or tree showing the principal characters?
Yes, there is a comprehensive chart showing the characters in both The Pillars of the Earth and World Without End, and an interactive 'tree' showing the principal characters in The Pillars of the Earth.

Will The Pillars of the Earth been made as a movie or TV series?
It has been optioned for a television miniseries by Munich-based Tandem Productions and acclaimed director/producer Ridley Scott. Further details will be posted here as the project develops.

Are any of your other novels going to be filmed?
The German production company Network Movie has acquired the rights to A Dangerous Fortune and Whiteout and intends to film them jointly with Munich-based Constantin Film and ZDF Enterprises for ZDF, a German national television network. Both will be produced in English as international co-productions.

Are you planning to write sequels to any of your other books?
There are no current plans for a sequel to any of my books.

Would you autograph a copy of one of your books for me?
I am very happy to sign an autograph card or a bookplate, or to send you a signed photograph. I am also able to sign a copy of one of my books – if you post me the book. Just mail me with your request, enclosing the autograph card, bookplate or book, and remember to include the return postage and packing fee. Write to:

Ken Follett, PO Box 4, Knebworth, Hertfordshire SG3 6PT, England.

You should enclose cash to cover the return postage and packing for your item – not a cheque or international money order, please, as the bank charges for processing these exceed the face value!

I am happy to accept Pounds Sterling, US Dollars or Euros. Allow sufficient time for your item to be returned to you, especially if it is intended as a gift for someone. Please note that I can’t service dealers, so please don’t send or ask for more than one item.

The return postage and packing fee for a signed picture, bookplate or autograph card is:
If you live in the UK send either:
US$1 (one US Dollar)	50p (fifty UK pence)	€1 (one Euro)
If you live in Europe send either:
US$2 (two US Dollars)	UK£1 (one UK Pound)	€2 (two Euros)
If you live in the USA or the rest of the world send either:
US$3 (three US Dollars)	UK£2 (two UK Pounds)	€3 (three Euros)

The return postage and packing fee for a signed book is:
If you live in the UK send either:
US$7 (seven US Dollars)	UK£4 (four UK Pounds)	€6 (six Euros)
If you live in Europe send either:
US$9 (nine US Dollars)	UK£5 (five UK Pounds)	€7 (seven Euros)
If you live in the USA or the rest of the world send either:
US$14 (fourteen US Dollars)	UK£8 (eight UK Pounds)	€12 (twelve Euros)

>> a note on forgeries

Where can I get a copy of one of your books in languages other than English?
Try the on-line bookstores, and please see the 'Links to Publishers' page, which provides links to many of my publishers around the world. If you do not find a publisher in your country or language, please contact me, and I'll try and get more information to you. Not all of my books have been translated, however.

When will you next be in my country?
I will post details of future public appearances, book-signing sessions and media interviews on the ' Personal Appearances' page of my website.

I have a very good idea for a novel, or have written one. Can I send it to you?
I get a lot of requests such as this, but I’m afraid that I don’t have time to fulfil them all; so I made a rule, a long time ago, that I only do it for members of my family. You would be surprised how many members of my family try writing!

Do you accept suggestions for future storylines?
I prefer to dream up my own ideas for my books, thanks.

Are The Eye of the Needle and Storm Island the same novel?
Yes, the original title of 'The Eye of the Needle' was 'Storm Island' in England.

Can you send me a précis or an overview of one of your books for my school assignment?
I'm afraid not. If one of my books has been set as a school assignment, then you are meant to read it, and of course, I think you should!

Why do you, as an English author, use so many American terms?
My use of British and American terms varies according to the book. When the characters and setting are predominantly British, I use British terms and British slang. However, in the few books I have written with American characters and settings, it seems odd to use ‘Britishisms’. I’m not sure how much this matters, though: almost everyone understands both.

Is the sexual content of your books suitable for young teenagers?
Yes. Both 'The Eye of the Needle' and 'The Pillars of the Earth' are often recommended to fourteen-year-olds by their schools. In my stories, having sex is usually a moral decision with consequences for people and families. For example, in 'The Eye of the Needle', Lucy Rose is a passionate woman in a cold marriage, and she decides, rashly, to have a love affair with a stranger. The ethics of this decision, and its effects on her family, are part of the ongoing drama. She is not presented as a wicked woman – in fact she is the hero of the novel – but, on the other hand, the story is definitely no advertisement for casual sex! Moral questions often do not have simple answers. The sooner young people come to grips with this fact, the sooner they will be ready for the joys and responsibilities of sexual love.

How do you pronounce your surname?
My surname rhymes with 'wallet'.

Who are your favourite authors?
Living – Stephen King, Richard North Patterson and Lee Child. Dead – Jane Austen.

Which author inspired you when you were a child?
Enid Blyton (1897 – 1968), prolific author of the 'Five Find-outers' mystery series, and the 'Famous Five' and 'Secret Seven' adventure series. She was probably the most successful British children's writer of the twentieth century.

Where do you get your ideas for your books from?
Most of my ideas come from history, newspapers and non-fiction books.

What advice would you give to would-be writers?
Check my ' Masterclass' page for advice to would-be writers.

Is there a collection of your early works, notes and papers?
Yes. Much of the material relating to my work is held in a collection at Saginaw Valley State University in Michigan, United States. These include outlines, first drafts, notes and correspondence, original manuscripts and copies of early books now out of print.

How many books have you sold worldwide?
To the best of my reckoning it must now be about 100 million.