The spark of an idea
Hi Michelle – Ive seen in your recent posts and in the acknowledgements to your new Book, Rainforest, that the "idea for the setting erupted from my unconscious after that nasty bout of writer’s block I mentioned in a previous newsletter – and when something like that happens, and with such power, I’ve learnt not to waste time asking why."
Well, I think I can help explain! You may not remember but I wrote to you in May 2021 as follows:
"I visited the rainforest in Borneo in 1992 as part of a scientific expedition. We use to walk a few miles every week to an area of Heath forest (I can explain the science) where the trees were all stunted. The Dayak tribes people hated going there because they said it was haunted because there had been a battle there between dayak tribes and many had been killed.
I love ghost stories. I love your ghost stories. I think there is room for a rainforest ghost story about people on a scientific exhibition and think it would be an ideal juxtaposition for your stories based in the world of ice. I would just love to be an acknowledgment. Happy to tell you what I experienced."
To which you responded:
"Dear Nigel, thanks so much for getting in touch, and I'm really glad that you like my ghost stories. The rainforest is something I've considered from time to time – and what you say about the Dayaks is fascinating, because I've adapted a few of their beliefs in my Stone Age books for younger readers. At the moment I've no plans to write another ghost story, but if I do, and if it goes anywhere near a rainforest, I will probably take you up on your kind offer to hear about your experiences. Again, thanks for getting in touch."
I wonder if this planted a seed??
Nige
Dear Nigel, thank you for reminding me; and you’re right, until I read your message just now, I’d completely forgotten about your email describing that haunted forest inj Malaysia. When my writer’s block finally broke near Christmas 2021, and I wrote Rainforest, I relied on my own rainforest experiences over the years – the Peruvian Amazon in the late 90s, the Caribean in the early 2000s, and Costa Rica in 2018 – and your email about Malaysia never crossed my (conscious) mind; although perhaps it was somewhere in the mix in my unconscious. Who can say? The unconscious moves in mysterious ways. Anyway, thank you very much for getting in touch – and I do hope you enjoy Rainforest! Keep reading the ghost stories. With very best wishes, Michelle
Upcoming Live Events With Michelle
Incredible… Inspiring… In Person!
The Witching Hour with Bridget Collins, Michelle Paver and Laura Shepherd-Robinson – Waterstones Canterbury
Join Bridget Collins, Michelle Paver and Laura Sheperd-Robinson as they discuss their stories in a brand new collection of ghostly tales called The Witching Hour.
Yeovil Literary Festival
An experience like no other. From a writer like no other...
Successfully published as an adult author, the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness (“Wolf Brother”) were her first books for younger readers, followed by her brilliant 5-part series set in the bronze age, Gods and Warriors. On the adult side, her first ghost story, Dark Matter, was a UK bestseller and won massive praise from reviewers and readers alike, as did her second ghost story, Thin Air.
Toppings Bookshop, Ely
It’s nearly Halloween! Where better to get in the Gothic mood than with Michelle’s spine-chilling world of the supernatural? Come along if you’re in the Ely area (book your place first) and enjoy a thrilling evening of shadows!
Venue: St Peter's Church
Broad Street,
Ely
Cambridgeshire CB7 4BB
Doors Open 6.40pm Start Time 7pm
Shadows and Spirits: Writing the Unseen
Step into the shadows with three masters of modern Gothic and supernatural fiction - Michelle, Syd Moore and CJ Cooke - as they explore why dark stories continue to captivate us. From haunted coastlines to Arctic wastelands, and from age-old folklore to the secrets of the human psyche, these acclaimed authors weave tales that blur the boundaries between the real and the uncanny. In this compelling conversation, they’ll discuss the enduring appeal of the Gothic, the influence of myth and landscape, and why stories of ghosts, spirits, and things unseen still resonate in today’s world. Expect insights, chills, and a celebration of fiction that thrives in the shadows. Tickets are limited so get them while you can!
Goldsboro Books
23-27 Cecil Court
London WC2N 4EZ
Time: 6.30pm (doors from 6pm)
Women in Horror Weekend
Come and celebrate Women in Horror Weekend with Waterstones Nottingham! Including author talks from the some of the best women writers in horror, a classic film screening and spooky goody bags and workshops from Lush Nottingham! Michelle will be in conversation with Julia Armfield on Saturday from 5;15pm onwards... See you there!
Waterstones Nottingham
1/5 Bridlesmith Gate
Nottingham NG1 2GR
Te. 0115 9470069
WINTER HAUNTS 2025
Online event! Ghost story, gothic and supernatural fiction day 10:30am - 6:30pm GMT... Michelle with Lucy Rose, Jess Kidd, Emilia Hart, CJ Cooke, Hollie Starling, Emma Glass. Connect with fellow fans of the strange, the eerie, and the otherworldly!
Oxford Literary Festival 2026
The Oxford Literary Festival takes place in venues across central Oxford, such as Blackwell's bookshop, the Bodleian Library, the Sheldonian Theatre, the Weston Library, and Oxford colleges such as Christ Church and Worcester College. The festival includes international authors, journalists, intellectuals, historians, and poets.