Ask Michelle Anything!
Here are Michelle’s most recent answers to the questions and messages readers have submitted.
Wolf Brother Fan Art
Kay writes...
Hi Michelle.
We love your work! The Wolf Brother series remains one of my sons' favourites works of literature.
For his recent 15th birthday I made him some book art to celebrate the series. I have included a picture for you.
I have taken a video of the book also but can't upload it - If you would like it I can send it on to you.
Thank you for sharing your writing with us.
Kay Blackshah
Michelle Replies...
Dear Kay, it's brilliant that your boys like the series - and thank you so much for sharing that stunning picture! I'd never heard of the term "book art" before, but I love it; and your wolf is really something special. The boys are lucky to have such a talented mother. As for sending the video, I'm afraid my tech skills are very limited (Stone Age, you see...) but I'll have a word with my agent, in case he can work something out. In the meantime - thanks again. With very best wishes to you all, Michelle
Gods and Warriors series on Audiobook?
Kaida writes...
Hi, I was wondering where I can buy the complete gods and warriors series on audio.
Or if it's completed yet?
I can only find book 1 on audible and Spotify 🙁
Thanks
Michelle Replies...
Dear Kaida, I'm afraid the answer is that books 2-5 of Gods and Warriors aren't available as audiobooks, as Puffin decided not to record them. They didn't go into details as to why, they simply made the decision, and I didn't have any say in the matter. You're not the only reader who has asked about this, and I'm so sorry to disappoint you. However I hope you can still get hold of the books in hard copy or e-book, so that you can follow Hylas and Pirra's adventures to the end. With very best wishes, Michelle
Thank you: survival in the Stone Age.
Emils writes...
Thank you for your work! I have read some of your articles on your website and they truly mesmerize me, especially the one about survival in the stone age. I am not going to go into the modern world and it's differences, but as i read the article i realized that people lived much differently than how we live today. Everything from sleeping to eating, hunting and crafting, we've gone from that to almost like this imaginary world of unhealthy foods, TV's, internet, heaters, microwave's, cars and escalators. If some higher power would just take these away and just drop us un the wild, we would be nothing, unknowing, confused and naked. Those people thousands of years ago knew the actual game, the real world, they knew everything or at least the majority of it. They knew how to hunt, gather, sleep in the cold, craft boots from sticks, fish, even hunt whales, which was a suprise to me, knowing how big those animals can get. But on the other hand i am a 21 year old living in city where the nearest whale is probably hundreds of miles away from me, somewhere in the vast ocean. Anyways I learned a lot from that article, i am now hooked on this topic because of you, so thank you, thank you for what you do and have a blessed day!
Michelle Replies...
Dear Emils, I'm so glad that my writings have opened a window onto the past for you. It can be quite a revelation to realise that, for all our civilised ways (or rather, because of them), we wouldn't manage in the wild nearly as well as our Stone Age ancestors. Of course, there are advantages to living in the twenty-first century, such as modern medicine, to name just one. But we've lost something too. Anyway, I'm really delighted that you've become interested in this, and thanks again for getting in touch! With best wishes, Michelle
Wolf brother – will there be another series?
Joe writes...
Hi Michelle Paver, justed wanted say a massive thanks for the Wolf brother cronchiles. I love wolves. And loved the books. Iwas a member of the pack at the Wolf conservation trust uk. Which I heard you visited to see Torak. I’m sorry I was unable to meet you in person .What a beautiful wolf as they all are. Michelle my question is would you be writing another series based on the Wolf Brother chronicles and about Wolves ?
Michelle, a huge thanks for the Wolf brother chronicles. I wish you all the best. Keep beginning creative. Speak soon Jo Newgrange 🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺
Michelle Replies...
Hello, Jo (or Joe?) - how nice to hear from a fellow frequenter of the UK Wolf Conservation Trust! And I agree, Torak was a particularly beautiful, and charismatic, wolf; although each one of them had their charms. I'm so glad you liked the books; but in answer to your question, I'm afraid I've no plans to write another series, or even another sequel. I just feel that with the ninth book, Wolf Bane, I gave Torak, Renn, Wolf and the others a good send-off, and I prefer to end the series on what I hope is a high note. And although readers have wondered whether I might write something about that world, but with different characters, that's not something which appeals to me - I think because my conception of that world is so closely bound up with the three main characters. I hope that's not too much of a disappointment - and thanks again for getting in touch. May the guardian run with you! With best wishes, Michelle
Rainforest publication in Australia
Joanne writes...
Hello Michelle,
Quick question. When will your new book 'Rainforest' be available in Australia? Undoubtedly, like many others, I'm looking forward to reading it.
Thankyou, Joanne
Michelle Replies...
Hello, Joanne. I've just checked with my publishers, and they tell me that Rainforest will be published in Australia on the same day as in the UK, ie 9th October. In Australia it will be available as a paperback, rather than the hardback of the UK (I don't know why) - and of course, it will be up to individual booksellers to decide whether to stock it - but I'm told that the book will also be available online and as an e-book. And I think the audiobook will be out at the same time. Thank you for asking this, because I didn't know what was happeninig in Australia until your question prompted me to find out. I really hope you enjoy the book as and when you get your hands on it! With very best wishes, Michelle
Finding a publisher and/or an agent
Liam T writes...
Hello again Michelle,
Thank you so much for your speedy reply! You have been my favourite author since I was a teenager so your reply and acknowledgement of my book series WoodBound is a bucket list tick.
I should have mentioned in my last message that I am only published through KDP so I do not have a literary agent or official publisher yet. However I have an abundance of faith in my books. So much so that I will do the work needed to have it reach the success I feel it will have.
That being said, I am a wee author from Scotland. Do you have any advice on how to go about finding a good publisher and literary agent when I have no idea where to start with this kind of thing? I have been writing, editing, designing covers and promoting it all off my own back. Those who read it, love it. I just need to get it out there somehow.
Thank you so much for reading and replying to my correspondence. And for your writing all these years. Without which, as an influence, maybe WoodBound might not exist.
Kindest regards and best wishes,
Liam.
Michelle Replies...
Hello again, Liam. In seeking a publisher and/or agent, I think it's important not to rush to submit your work. First, make sure that it's absolutely the best you can possibly do. It sounds as if you've already done this, but I mention it just the same, because it's so important. Then I suggest you first try to find an agent; which (be warned) can be just as hard as finding a publisher, but it will really help in the long run, because a good agent will know the industry much better than you, and can fight for you. My advice might sound a bit out of date, as it's years since I had to do this, but the basics are the same, I think: you'll find lists of UK agents and publishers in two publications - The Writer's Handbook and The Writers' & Artists' Yearbook. I used hard-copy versions, but I would think online versions are available. And they or something similar are invaluable, because they tell you not only what kinds of books each agent or publisher will handle, but also, crucially, how each likes to receive submissions. For instance, one might want a first chapter and a covering letter, while another might just want a synopsis. If you don't submit in the form they want, your work might just go straight in the bin; whereas if you do, it will stand a chance, at least. Finally, do not be discouraged if you get rejections. Everyone gets them. I certainly did. But the trick is to pick yourself off the floor after each one, and simply carry on. That's all I've got time for, and I hope it helps a bit. Finally, I'd like to wish you all possible luck with Woodbound - and with your writing beyond that. Best wishes, Michelle
Writing Advice
L. T. writes...
Hello Michelle, if I may call you by your first name.
I am L. T. Stewart and I am a newly published, brand new author... which I attribute largely to your book series Chronicles of Ancient Darkness. It is by far my favourite book series and has stayed with me all these years.
Inspired by your approach to writing, I have written WoodBound. My norse fantasy book series. I would like to take the time to thank you for your writing and your influence over the years. You have captured the hearts and minds of many readers, including myself, with your immersive and emotionally honest writing style.
I would love to correspond with you but will happily receive even a one message response from you. Could you part with some words of advice for a budding author who knows nothing of the process beyond the writing itself (publishing, promoting, etc).
Thank you for taking the time to read this and or your work over the years. I do hope to hear back from you.
Kindest regards,
L. T. Stewart (Liam).
Michelle Replies...
Dear Liam, I'm so glad that you've been inspired by the Wolf Brother books - and thanks for the pics of those impressive tattoos! First and foremost, though, huge congratulations on getting published. That's really hard, and the fact that you've managed it shows that you have the comwho's mitment and perseverance not only to write a novel, but to find a publisher. As for advice... Well, firstly, I hope you have a good agent, willing and able to fight your corner with publishers. And by that, I mean pressurising them into giving your books decent marketing and publicity. That's vital, and it's never easy to get, because there are lots of other authors clamouring for their books to be heard. I would also suggest that you don't leave it all to the agent. Keep an eye on the process - get involved in cover design, ask questions if you don't understand what they're doing (publishers love "marketing speak", but it can always be translated into plain language). And if you think they're doing something wrong, or that won't work for your book, or that they've forgotten something - point it out! You can do so politely but firmly. But do speak up. As the saying goes, the squeaky wheel gets the oil.
Another point: some authors like to discuss their books as they write them - with their agent, publishers, or other authors - but personally, I avoid that like the plague; and unless it really helps you, I would advise you to do the same. It's best to keep your stories to yourself while you're incubating them. That way, you're less likely to be swayed by "market considerations" and off-the cuff (and off-the peg) remarks from publishers etc - and more likely to stay true to what sparked you to think of the story in the first place.
Phew. I hope all that isn't too off-putting. But again, huge congratulations on getting published - and the best of luck with Woodbound! Best wishes, Michelle
From Gruhuken to Wakenhyrst
Valda writes...
Hello Michelle.
(I don’t expect a reply to this message) I contacted you recently and mentioned that while we were having a heatwave in Suffolk, I decided to re-read Dark Matter, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Aside from the isolation, claustrophobia and terror, obviously.
It was interesting you mentioning that a publisher had recently said that readers don’t like ghost stories in the summer, whereas I would have to disagree. The glory of a book is that it can take you to another place entirely. Hence enjoying the arctic while it was 85 degrees at home.
Which brings me to Wakenhyrst. I was lucky enough to have you visit my shop to do an event in 2019 - Waterstones in Bury St Edmunds - and I remember reading and loving Wakenhyrst. Revisiting it recently - in the height of summer here - made me appreciate even more the dankness of the whole thing. It was downright dark, moist and damp and altogether pretty boggy and offensive.
I could have wept for poor Maud having her whole life ruled by a narcissistic, misogynistic father, and reading the book second time around I think I felt almost as terrified of the behaviour of him as I did the other sinister goings on.
Not to mention learning of Richard Dadd then falling down a Google rabbit hole at ten to midnight one night and then wondering why I couldn’t sleep.
Thanks so much for your stories. And your talent. I can’t wait to read ‘Rainforest’.
Michelle Replies...
Dear Valda, I know you said no need to reply, but your message was so delightful I couldn't resist. I remember that event in Bury St Edmunds, it was one of the best ones of recent years; and it's brilliant that you've enjoyed revisiting Wakenhyrst. I was also interested in your comment about finding Maud's father almost as frightening as the story's supernatural elements. The same thing struck me when I was writing the story. That happens sometimes, and it's never planned, but it's one of the fascinating things about the writing process. Finally, I had to laugh (and give a sympathetic wince) over your late-night Googling. Down a rabbit-hole with Richard Dadd: not a comforting place to be. No wonder you couldn't sleep! Thanks again - and I hope you enjoy Rainforest, as and when. With very best wishes, Michelle
Wolf bane – from a Mexican reader
Itzel writes...
Hola Michelle, me han encantado libro de las Crónicas de la Prehistoria de Hermano Lobo, solo que aún no he podido leer wolf bane, mi inglés es algo o muy malo... Soy de Nayarit, México, desde que tenía 10 me apasione con la travesía de Torak, Ren y Lobo... Pd... Ya tengo 26 años.
Michelle Replies...
Hola, Itzel! I'm very pleased that you've enjoyed the Wolf Brother books (Cronicas de a Prehistoria de Hermano Lobo) for so many years, and that you are still enjoying them in your twenties. I'm afraid I don't speak Spanish, but I think you said that you haven't been able to read Wolf Bane because it's not published in Spanish, and you can't read English. I'm really sorry, and I hope that it's available soon in Spanish; but I'm afraid I have no control over the Spanish publishers. Lo siento! Thank you very much for your message. With best wishes: mis mejores deseos. Michelle
Trans rights & a First Nations experience of Wolf Brother
Mel writes...
Hi Michelle,
I grew up on your books. I was a First Nations kid and your novels inspired me to recreate and follow the path of my ancestors. At least, partially!
I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail as a result of the inspiration Torak’s journey invoked in me. At 18 years old I travelled from Canada to Mexico by foot through the wilderness, with only a sleeping sack, a tent, and a water filter, as well as any food I could pack between each resupply. The whole thing took me 6 months! 🙂
Nearly 10 years later and I run a fairly popular Indigenous activism blog/tiktok account and I wanted to recommend your creations. I didn’t grow up with Harry Potter, I grew up with Torak, Wolf and Renn - I think other kids should too.
Gender queerness is a huge part of Indigenous society. Many of us First Nations in the so called Americas are proudly 2Spirit, and we have a variety of distinct gender identities.
I’ve read much of your commentary and I get the sense that you have always acknowledged the existence and validity of trans people and gender queerness in individuals, but I just wanted to ask for confirmation.
Today, I live in Australia on Turrbal and Yuggera land. I’m thousands upon thousands of kilometres away from my lands.
But on my bedside table is my favourite series of all time, the one I read when I need comfort and a sense of love in life.
Thank you for your time,
Mel
Michelle Replies...
Dear Mel, I was fascinated and delighted to learn that the Wolf Brother stories resonated with you as a First Nations child, and have continued to do so. I also admire (and envy) your wanderings - particularly the Pacific Crest Trail, which I'd very much like to do at some stage. I also love that term 2Spirit, which I hadn't come across till now. And you're right about my attitudes to trans people and gender fluidity. Indeed, that's one of the reasons that I so enjoyed writing the three sequels to the original six-book series: because they gave me the chance to follow Dark's character arc in depth, in a way that I'd not had time to, when we met him in Ghost Hunter. Thanks so much for getting in touch - and may you go from strength to strength in your Australian home! With very best wishes, Michelle