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Michelle's Mailbag

Here are Michelle’s most recent answers to the questions and messages readers have submitted.

about you

Jan writes... Hi my name is janice i am in primary school i am doing a school report about you I have a few questions 1.what is ur fav color 2.what challenges did u have to over come 3.what do you wish for to do in the future ty this will help alot i couldn't find anything about these questions Michelle Replies... Hi, Janice.  As you're written in text-speak, my answers are just as short:...

Dark Matter and Thin Air – I want more books!

Pamela writes... Hi, I’ve recently read both Dark Matter and Thin Air and I am devastated you don’t have any more books along these lines. I genuinely don’t want to read anything else. I absolutely loved everything about them: you’re writing style, the plot, the story telling, the atmosphere, the characters and all of the spooky parts were amazing. I’m begging you to write more books like these. They’re beautiful. I bought both on my...

Clan guardians

Jasmyn writes... Hi my names jasmyn and I have loved reading the chronicles of ancient darkness. I would like to ask you about clan guardians. Can your clan guardian be an animal that you are deeply connected too? Thanks, Jasmyn Michelle Replies... Hello again, Jasmyn, and thanks for this.  You're quite right, your clan guardian can indeed be an animal to whom you feel deeply connected.  In my previous answer about clans, I explained what...

Can you have clans today? Can your clan be a bird or animal you feel connected to?

Jasmyn writes... Can you have a clan today. Is a clan a bird or animal you are deeply connected too?Can that be your clan and guardian? Michelle Replies... What a fascinating question, Jasmyn, I don't think I've been asked that in quite the same way before.   First, let's look at what we mean by a clan.  In Torak's world, you're generally born into a certain clan: for instance, Fin-Kedinn was born to the Raven Clan. ...

Chronicles of Ancient Darkness and growing up: how did you tackle the last three books?

Isabelle writes... Hello, Michelle! Hope you’re doing well! I fell in love with the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness books as a pre-teen and has since re-read them in about every stage of my life and each re-read gives new perspectives on the books as my own life experiences grow. For example, while as a kid, I despised Hord, as an adult, I can also feel empathy for him. Sure, he is vain, prideful and a...

Wolf brother – how did you get the idea?

Jeffrey writes... How did you think of the idea to make the book wolf brother and what inspired you to make this specific book series Michelle Replies... Dear Jeffrey, I think the idea for Wolf Brother goes back to when I was a child, and mad keen on wolves and the Stone Age.  I loved the idea of making clothes out of hide, and not going to school!  Later when I grew up, I was...

Inspiration Inquiry & Prehistoric Fantasy Series Idea

Joshua writes... As a fan of both your esteemed historical fantasy series:- the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness, & having recently discovered Jean M. Auel’s own intriguing prehistorical fictional series:- Earth's Children—I would like to ask if you have been influenced by her preceding work. Is this so? Also, I would like to know if you have ever considered writing a series of books set amid the Late Pleistocene epoch—that combines themes from both the aforementioned...
Your books changed my life!

Your books changed my life!

Holland writes... I rediscovered the Wolf Brother series this winter when I visited my parents’ house. I was obsessed with the series as a kid (I’m now 30). I took the books home and re-read them; I was completely blown away by how much and how differently I enjoyed them as an adult. As a kid, I loved the action and the imagination of the story. As an adult who is fascinated by archaeology and...

Wolf Brother – does part of you want to revisit that world?

Anton writes... Hi Michelle! First of all I would like to thank you for creating such a captivating story and world with Wolf Brother! I’ve been an avid reader of the books since 2006 when I started out at 8 years old, and now at almost 27 I read it in class for my own students. As a member of the lgbtq+ community I must also thank you for including a storyline featuring queer characters...

Thank you – for ending my reading drought

Lauren writes... Hi Michelle, I was in the midst of a severe multi-year reading drought when I happened to pick up a copy of Dark Matter. I read it in less than two days - I couldn't put it down! I then read Thin Air within one day and it unlocked something in me - thanks to you and your amazing books I've now ready 7 books so far in the space of three months,...

about you

Jan writes… Hi my name is janice i am in primary school i am doing a school report about you I have a few questions 1.what is ur fav color 2.what challenges did u have to over come 3.what do you wish for to do in the future ty this will help alot i couldn't…

Read Michelle's Answer… about about you

Dark Matter and Thin Air – I want more books!

Pamela writes… Hi, I’ve recently read both Dark Matter and Thin Air and I am devastated you don’t have any more books along these lines. I genuinely don’t want to read anything else. I absolutely loved everything about them: you’re writing style, the plot, the story telling, the atmosphere, the characters and all of the…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Dark Matter and Thin Air – I want more books!

Clan guardians

Jasmyn writes… Hi my names jasmyn and I have loved reading the chronicles of ancient darkness. I would like to ask you about clan guardians. Can your clan guardian be an animal that you are deeply connected too? Thanks, Jasmyn Michelle Replies… Hello again, Jasmyn, and thanks for this.  You’re quite right, your clan guardian…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Clan guardians

Can you have clans today? Can your clan be a bird or animal you feel connected to?

Jasmyn writes… Can you have a clan today. Is a clan a bird or animal you are deeply connected too?Can that be your clan and guardian? Michelle Replies… What a fascinating question, Jasmyn, I don’t think I’ve been asked that in quite the same way before.   First, let’s look at what we mean by a…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Can you have clans today? Can your clan be a bird or animal you feel connected to?

Chronicles of Ancient Darkness and growing up: how did you tackle the last three books?

Isabelle writes… Hello, Michelle! Hope you’re doing well! I fell in love with the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness books as a pre-teen and has since re-read them in about every stage of my life and each re-read gives new perspectives on the books as my own life experiences grow. For example, while as a kid,…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Chronicles of Ancient Darkness and growing up: how did you tackle the last three books?

Wolf brother – how did you get the idea?

Jeffrey writes… How did you think of the idea to make the book wolf brother and what inspired you to make this specific book series Michelle Replies… Dear Jeffrey, I think the idea for Wolf Brother goes back to when I was a child, and mad keen on wolves and the Stone Age.  I loved…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Wolf brother – how did you get the idea?

Inspiration Inquiry & Prehistoric Fantasy Series Idea

Joshua writes… As a fan of both your esteemed historical fantasy series:- the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness, & having recently discovered Jean M. Auel’s own intriguing prehistorical fictional series:- Earth's Children—I would like to ask if you have been influenced by her preceding work. Is this so? Also, I would like to know if you…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Inspiration Inquiry & Prehistoric Fantasy Series Idea

Your books changed my life!

Holland writes… I rediscovered the Wolf Brother series this winter when I visited my parents’ house. I was obsessed with the series as a kid (I’m now 30). I took the books home and re-read them; I was completely blown away by how much and how differently I enjoyed them as an adult. As a…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Your books changed my life!

Wolf Brother – does part of you want to revisit that world?

Anton writes… Hi Michelle! First of all I would like to thank you for creating such a captivating story and world with Wolf Brother! I’ve been an avid reader of the books since 2006 when I started out at 8 years old, and now at almost 27 I read it in class for my own…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Wolf Brother – does part of you want to revisit that world?

Thank you – for ending my reading drought

Lauren writes… Hi Michelle, I was in the midst of a severe multi-year reading drought when I happened to pick up a copy of Dark Matter. I read it in less than two days – I couldn't put it down! I then read Thin Air within one day and it unlocked something in me –…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Thank you – for ending my reading drought

Inspiration and thanks – for Dark Matter, Thin Air and Wakenhyrst

Aly writes… Hi Michelle. I can't tell you how excited I am to read your new books. I have pre ordered both. Also it's great you are promoting independent book stores. I have fallen in love with Thin Air and Dark Matter and Wakenhyrst. There is something about your books that hooks in my own…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Inspiration and thanks – for Dark Matter, Thin Air and Wakenhyrst

The Witching hour

Maria writes… Hello I am keen to pre order 'The witching Hour' but the link took me to Amazon. I'd prefer to order it from an Independent bookshop like I could with The Rainforest. Do you know if this is possible? Many thanks Maria Michelle Replies… It’s great that you’d like to pre-order The Witching…

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WHO IS THE SEVENTH SOUL EATER ?*and you are the best author of all time*

Tali writes… Dear Michelle, my name is Tali and I'm 11. I love every single one of your books – in the wolf brother series . It started when I found a copy of wolf brother in a phone box / library in Leominster . Anyways,I have 2 questions : Who is the 7th soul…

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Digital Books – Wolf Brother

Kamille writes… Hello! I read the book Brother Wolf when I was probably 11 years old, it was from a community library, years passed and today, at 21 years old, I remembered it. Here in Brazil, they don't sell them anymore, so I wanted to know if you ever intend to put it in digital…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Digital Books – Wolf Brother

Thanks – and strange coincidences concerning your books…

Kira writes… Hi Michelle, When I was younger my FAVOURITE books were the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness. I was obsessed with wolves, and I attended a writing class you hosted at a wolf sanctuary here in England, many, many years ago. I must have been barely a teenager. I had a wolf themed bedroom hahaha.…

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Boeken – Your books: which ones can I buy in Dutch?

Melissa writes… Welke boeken van jou te koop Michelle Replies… Hi, Melissa. Sorry, I don’t speak Dutch, but I think you asked: which of my books can you buy in Dutch?  The six Torak en Wolf books were published by the House of Books – but I don’t know if they’re still in print.  The…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Boeken – Your books: which ones can I buy in Dutch?

Your favourite author?

Jenny writes… Hi Michelle, I hope you're well and I'm sure you're busy gearing up for your new book release which I'm extremely excited for! I'm taking part in a book challenge and the prompt for May is to read a book by a favourite author's favourite author. I'm a huge fan of Thin Air,…

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How long did it take to write the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness?

Marko writes… Hi again. It is Marko remember? Thanks for replay! I am happy you like my English beacuse I am teaching it from 1.class to now. I want to ask how much time do you need to vrane ancidant cronic of darkness? Have a nice day Marko Michelle Replies… Hello again, Marko.  If I’ve…

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A reader in Slovenia asks: how old are you, Michelle?

Marko writes… Hi, I'm 13 years old and I am from Slovenia. I fall in love with your books first time I read them. You are good writer. When I start reading your books I can not stop😀! If I can ask, how old are you? I am veary happy beacuse you're books are in…

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GRAPHIC NOVELS COMING?

Kirsten writes… I am a Teacher Librarian in British Columbia, Canada – many of my students are wondering if you plan to make your novels into Graphic Novels? Thanks! Michelle Replies… Hello, Kirsten, thanks for your question.  I’m afraid I’ve no plans for turning my stories into Graphic Novels – although that’s not because I’ve…

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Gods & Warriors and Chronicles of Ancient Darkness: a love of Archaeology and a return to reading!

Carla writes… Hello!! I'm sorry for the lenght of this message, but I wanted to explain how important you've been to me ^^. I just wanted to tell you that I read the Gods and Warriors saga when it released back in 2012/2013. I was a teenager, and I had a Greek mythology fever due…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Gods & Warriors and Chronicles of Ancient Darkness: a love of Archaeology and a return to reading!

Wolf Bane – a Spanish Edition for Mexico?

Luciana writes… Hi Michelle, I hope you're doing well. I'm Luciana Aramburo, I'm eleven years old and I live in Jalisco, Mexico. I have already read all the books in the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness collection, I liked them very much and I saw that you released a new book "Wolf Bane". I would like…

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Chronicles of Ancient Darkness – How did you create the names?

Fenella writes… Hi Michelle, I am relatively new to your books and I was wondering where you get all of the unique names from. Anyway I am loving your books and hope they get better as I keep reading. Thanks, Fenella Michelle Replies… Hello, Fenella, and welcome to the world of Torak, Renn and Wolf! …

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Daughters of Eden trilogy

Susan writes… I have just re-read The Shadow Catcher and it has made me want to read the rest of the trilogy, but don’t even know the titles, which weren’t available when I bought The Shadow Catcher. Perhaps they are out of print? You have obviously written many books since 2002! Best wishes, Susan Carson-Rowland…

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An update on Torak the dog and his human

Sasha writes… Dear Michelle, I wrote to you last year about adopting a dog and naming him Torak. I've come back to report that Torak is doing amazing in his new home! He's learned a ton of stuff, from boring old house rules (such as don't steal my slippers to get attention) to tricks. Most…

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Seals in Dark Matter: some thoughts

P writes… Possible spoiler, sorry, but am so curious. I couldn't help noticing the repeated reference to a small "wet dark round head" throughout the story. I also think that Algy's mistreatment of the seals is no coincidence. I think the explanation coming from the various minor characters is a red herring. I love Scottish…

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Forgot to mention in previous message on Dark Matter

Mona writes… That things are dark in the U.S. right now, very frightening, and it often feels like the news here is just more horrible and more horrible, and your bleak and haunting tale made me feel much better! I guess it was the escapism I needed. Thank you so much. Michelle Replies… Dear Mona,…

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Dark matter

Mona writes… I just finished dark matter and I loved it so much. The setting and characters were so vivid, I felt like I was there. I was trying to imagine a book that would suit me more in setting, atmosphere, characters, or story and I cannot. I cried at the end and thought the…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Dark matter

Dark Matter – photos from when you were writing it

Victor writes… Dear Michelle. I have just started Dark Matter. Very enjoyable so far and looking forward to completing. I do not often read fiction. When you travelled around the setting of the book. I assume that you took lots of pictures. Have you thought about showing some of the pictures on your website? Thanks…

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Autograph – can you sign and send one out?

David writes… Good morning, I have read all your books. I would love to have your autograph on a sticker to send to Italy. If you can of course. Thanks Michelle Replies… Hello, David.  I’m really pleased that you’ve read and enjoyed my books!  However I’m afraid that I can’t sign a sticker and send…

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Advice on writing and getting published

Daniel writes… Hi Michelle, I wrote to you a few days ago saying how much I love your books, and asking for advice about my own writing and getting published. I'd really appreciate a response, whatever it may be. I really love your books. Thanks a lot. Cheers, Daniel. Michelle Replies… Dear Daniel, I’ve paraphrased…

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New ghosts – that is, Michelle’s upcoming new ghost story

Richard writes… Recently re read Thin Ice and Dark Matter. Both fantastic and should be regarded as modern classics of the genre. Anyhow I googled to see if anything new was on the way and behold Rainforest. More than happy, cannot wait to dive in. Michelle Replies… Ah, Richard, I’m so happy that you enjoyed…

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questions about your Wolf Brother books and how i love them

Violet writes… I absolutely love the series Chronicles of Ancient Darkness. I have just finished reading the last one Wolf Bane. I’ve been reading them ever since a month before the summer holidays in 2024. For World Book Day [6th of March or the day I sent you this message] I went as Renn. And…

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Thank you – from a French reader who has grown up with the Wolf Brother books

Léa writes… Hello ! I don’t have a question to ask. I just want to say : thank you. I’m from France, and I read for the first time Wolf Brother when I was about 9 or 10 years old. I was immediately obsessed with the world and the characters. From book 1 to book…

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Daughters of Eden – Michelle’s earlier trilogy set in Jamaica

Aimee writes… Hi Michelle, I left a message around a year ago praising the three newest Chronicles of Ancient Darkness books. Since then I’ve read Dark Matter, Wakenhyrst (particularly thrilling as I live near Ely in the fens!) and Thin Air. All three had me on edge, and although I found Thin Air had its…

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DARK MATTER – where can I get a copy?

Whitney writes… Hello!!! I would love to read Dark Matter, i have heard wonderful things about that book and for some reason I can’t find it anywhere to purchase! Helpppp! Michelle Replies… Dear Whitney, I’m afraid that I’m not able to help with questions of availability of my books, as this is up to the…

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Rainforest cover

Ryan writes… Dear Michelle! Hoping, as ever, that you are well and 2025 is treating you well so far! I just wanted to write to congratulate you on the STUNNING cover for RAINFOREST which I saw Goldsboro revealed a few days ago. I love how it’s so colourful and yet so foreboding and ominous! It’s…

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wolfbane audio cd

lynn writes… Can you confirm how i can get a copy of Wolfbane on Audio Cd – we have every other one in the set andd whilst i can access it on some streaming sites i woud really like the CD to complete the collection – i cannot find it anywhere and am desperate to…

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Just a greeting – from someone who grew up in Sweden with the Wolf Brother books

Sofie writes… Dear Michelle, Hello! My name is Sofie, and I just wanted to write and give you my thanks. My mom gave me the 1st CoAD book for Christmas back in 2011 when I’d turned 12 years old, and we both got hooked – I’m 25 now and I still love your books so,…

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Wakenhyrst – I Want My Very Own Chatterpie

Rhona writes… I just wanted to say I think about this book constantly. I recommend this book to anyone I can. I want my very own chatterpie I live near a fen I want a doom painting Thanks so much for writing this true diamond xx Michelle Replies… Dear Rhona,  I’m absolutely delighted that you…

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Rainforest! Any signed editions or sprayed edges?

Daryl writes… Hello! I wrote to you previously praising Dark Matter & Thin Air and was ecstatic to learn you were writing a new book which we now know is titled Rainforest. Are you planning to do any signed editions or sprayed edges? Im hoping to preorder from waterstones but have jumped the gun before…

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On the Writing Process, Mrs Oliphant, and Reprints of Michelle’s earliest novels

Ryan writes… Hi Michelle!! I am a writer from Edinburgh, Scotland! I first read your books back in secondary school in Dundee, where I was born and grew up, and I have loved them ever since. Nightly listening to Ian McKellen reading "Chronicles of Ancient Darkness" was one of the best thing in my adolescence.…

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Developing Your Unique Writing Voice

Hilbert writes… Dear Michelle, I still remember when my brother came home from school one day with that orangey-brown book and I knew from the get-go I wanted to read it too. I think that must have been in 2009/10. We both devoured the whole Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series, returning each day with another…

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Mexico 🇲🇽

Ximena writes… hellooo. Good morning, afternoon or evening wherever you are. Let me introduce myself, I am Ximena Ortiz from Mexico 🇲🇽 and I am very excited to be able to write to you since she is my favorite author and her works on “Chronicles of Prehistory” have really enchanted me and allowed me to…

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Clancast Q&A From 1st November 2009 – Is It Available Anywhere? (Yes!)

Asia writes… Hi Michelle, I have been a fan of yours for a very very long time!! I hope you are doing amazingly and time has treated you well. My question is whether you have a recording of Q&A that took place on the 1st of November in 2009? I know this is a big…

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Wolf Brother in Russian?

Valeria writes… Hello! I love your books, especially the Wolf Brother series. I wrote to you in 2022 asking if the new books from this series would be translated into Russian. I understand the situation in the world, but I still want to ask this question again. Will the new books from the “Wolf Brother”…

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Just Wondering… What Was Torak’s Joke?

Rebecca writes… Hi Michelle. I was wondering some things: At the start of Wolf Brother, Torak tells his father a joke. What was that joke? Will the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness book series be adapted onscreen (film/TV)? Because I would love to see that. Do you already have any actors in mind for the cast?…

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Thin Air Sculpture

Nicola writes… We ( my husband and I ) have been reading aloud together your book thin air We are currently in Argentina on a holiday We are staying in a town called bariloche and took the cable car up the mountain We came across a sculpture I have a photo of it I could…

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Wolf Brother Book Series

Sam writes… Hi, I’m a student at university at the moment. I have been debating sending you a message for about a year or at least since I finished Wolfbane as an audiobook. I loved the book and I have bee a fan of the chronicles of ancient darkness ever since my dad introduced me…

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I LOVE your Chronicles of Ancient Darkness books!

Danni writes… Hello michelle. I just wanted to write to you and say I LOVE your chronicals of ancient darkness books. I first got introduced to them when I was in primary school, at around 11 years old. I would read your books all day, every day, my teachers had to tell me to stop…

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