Ask Michelle Anything!
Here are Michelle’s most recent answers to the questions and messages readers have submitted.
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 hiking in a forest in California and I had a very frightening encounter with a black bear. And a few years after that, when I'd become an author, and was wondering what to write next, it all came together and I had the idea for Wolf Brother. It didn't take me long to realise that Torak's story needed more than one book, and I sketched out the rest of the series. If you'd like to hear more, you could go to wolfbrother.com, click on Videos, and you'll find one about the inspiration for the series. With best wishes, Michelle
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 series. Has the idea crossed your mind? I think a series prehistoric fantasy series with a similar story arc and characters to the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness—but set at a time when anatomically modern humans coexisted and interbreed with other species of Homo—like the Neanderthals and Denisovans, along with other unidentified archaic hominins—would be a fascinating premise. This would be especially so—given the recent advancements in our unfolding understanding of the complex political & personal interrelationships between ourselves and other archaic human species. Would you be so kind as to shed some light on my questions?
Michelle Replies...
Hello, Joshua, thanks for such interesting questions - and I'm so glad you've enjoyed my books! I wasn't influenced by Jean Auel's stories, because I haven't read them. I dimly remember taking a look at the start of her first book around the time I was writing Spirit Walker, but I soon decided that it wasn't for me, and that given the difference in period and in her approach, it was best left alone. (And to be clear, by that I mean no disparagement to Ms Auel, for whom I have great respect!)
As for setting a story in the late Pleistocene, you're right, it is a fascinating period, particularly given the potential for interaction between modern humans and other hominids such as Neanderthals. However for some reason, it never appealed to me. For me, it was always the Mesolithic - and probably always will be. I don't know why this should be; but there's always an element of mystery about these things, probably because stories come from deep within the unconscious. So that late Pleistocene epic which you mention will have to wait for another author to come along. Who knows, perhaps it will be you! Thanks for getting in touch. With very best wishes, Michelle
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 hunter gatherer cultures (due to these books!), I loved how well-researched and immersive the series is. It felt like a very believable glimpse into an ancient hunter-gatherer’s life. I am halfway thru the last book in the second installment - I was so happy to learn you revisited these characters! If you ever feel like writing more stories about Torak and Renn, I’m SO here for it. These books were a definitive part of my childhood, and the interests they sparked in me are still big parts of my life today! I’m including a piece of my art - I make prehistoric/cave art inspired pieces. This piece is titled “Paleolithic Dreams.” It features a copper mezzotint print of the Venus of Brassempuey, and the arrowhead at top right is a Clovis point found near where I live.
Michelle Replies...
Thank you so much, Holland, for posting your gorgeous piece of paleolithic art. It's so evocative of that time; and on a personal note, the Venus of Brassempuey is one of my favourites (I get the impression that the artist carved it with one particular young woman in mind; it has a flavour of portraiture about it). I'm also delighted that you're finding fresh things in the Wolf Brother books as an adult, and enjoying the three sequels. May the guardian run with you! With very best wishes, Michelle
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 in the final book, it filled my heart with such joy and warmth! I know that you don’t want to continue the story, since you wrapped it in such a perfect way. But is there a part of you who feels like there might still be more stories to tell within that world? With entirely new characters, or perhaps geared towards a different age demographic?
Best regards,
Anton from Sweden
Michelle Replies...
Dear Anton, it's terrific that you've enjoyed these books since you were a boy, and that you're now reading them to your students! I'm also delighted that you liked that story arc in the final book. I'd had it in mind way back when I was planning the original series, but it turned out that there wasn't enough room in the first six books to do it justice, so I reluctantly had to leave it out. It was immensely satisfying when I realised that the further three books would give me the space to amplify Dark's story, in what I hope is a sensitive and age-appropriate way.
As for your question, I don't currently have an urge to return to Torak's world; probably because for me, it really is all about the characters of Torak, Renn and Wolf, and I feel that I've already given them a good send-off. However when it comes to writing, one can truly never say never; so who knows how I'll feel in a few years' time? Thank you so much for getting in touch. I hope you and your students enjoy many more happy hours in the Forest! Michelle
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, more than I'd read in the last three years. You've introduced me to a whole new genre that I never even considered before, and while I'm exploring other novels and authors, Thin Air remains my top favourite. I just wanted to say thank you!
Lauren x
Michelle Replies...
Dear Lauren, a multi-year reading drought sounds nasty; I do feel for you - and I'm delighted that Dark Matter ended it! It's brilliant that you're now back with books again, and that you're exploring other authors - although of course I'm chuffed that your favourite remains Thin Air. All power to your reading - and thanks so much for getting in touch! With best wishes, Michelle
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 adventurous spirit. I read the three books regularly and imagine myself as the characters in Dark Matter and Thin Air. I feel I am an adventurer in my own little world in Norfolk, England and try every day to explore and be in nature. Thank you for being so inspiring and awesome. Aly (52 years old and forever young).
Michelle Replies...
Dear Aly, it's great that you like my writing, and I do envy you living in Norfolk; what opportunities you must have for being out in nature - as your photo demonstrates. I really hope that you enjoy Rainforest and my contribution to The Witching Hour (not to mention those of my fellow writers), as and when you get hold of them. In the meantime, more power to your swimming! With best wishes, Michelle
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 Hour, Maria, and I applaud your support of independent bookshops! The only information I have on pre-ordering is what I'm told by my publishers, and at present I'm not aware of an independent bookshop pre-ordering option. However I'll ask the publishers, and if things change, you may be sure that my website will reflect it. Thanks for raising this, and I hope you enjoy The Witching Hour when you get hold of it! With best wishes, Michelle
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 eater ？
and …
Please can you write another book in the series ？I'm desperate .
Thank you，
Tali. :）
PS；my dad gives consent .
Michelle Replies...
Dear Tali, it's brilliant that you like my books, and I love how you found Wolf Brother in a phone box library! (I like the mystery of not knowing who left it there, and why...) I'm afraid that I've no plans to write another book in the series, because I think that with the ninth book, Wolfbane, I've given Torak, Renn and Wolf a good send-off - and I wouldn't want to spoil things by letting the series fizzle out. However lots of readers have told me that they enjoy re-reading the books, so maybe that will work for you too. As for who is the seventh Soul-Eater: I don't want to spoil things by telling you, but I will tell you that you'll find out in Book 6, Ghost Hunter. I hope that helps a bit. And may the guardian run with you! With very best wishes, Michelle
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 format, I'm dying to reread it, it's a beautiful book
Michelle Replies...
Hello, Kamille. I'm so glad that you enjoyed Wolf Brother when you were younger. I'm pretty sure that it and its sequels are available in English as digital books - by which I take it you mean e-books - and are available online; but that may not be the case in Portuguese, which may be how you read it as a child in Brazil (although frankly your English is so good, it's hard to tell!). I'm so sorry I can't be of more help, but I hope that somehow you can get your paws on it so that you can re-read it. Thanks for getting in touch. With very best wishes, Michelle
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.
In my 20s I stopped reading as much. I lost a lot of interest in things. Then I watched a TV show about an Arctic expedition, and became obsessed with it. I collected every book I could find on the matter. I was reading again, I was learning again, and it reminded my very much of my Wolf Brother days.
Imagine my surprise finding out you wrote an adult ghost story set in the Arctic. (Dark Matter - in case anyone else reads this!!) It felt weirdly nostalgic to be buying books with your name on them again, it felt very full circle. It is, as always, an excellent read. (I also bought Thin Air - exceptional !!)
I wanted to thank you, for being there in my childhood, and again in my adulthood, for somehow always writing great books about my niche interests, for teaching me to love reading as a kid and for helping me find that love again as an adult.
Sending lots of love, and hoping you and yours are well,
Kira
Michelle Replies...
Full circle indeed, Kira! I love the sound of your wolf-themed bedroom when you were a child; and I too have fond memories of those Wolf Writing Workshops at the Trust - although for me they could be quite full-on, especially the bit when everyone else took a well-earned break, while I read through their writing at lightning speed, fishing out examples to quote in my talk! What an extraordinary coincidence that you happened to pick up Dark Matter at the time when you were obsessed with the Arctic. I'm so glad that you enjoyed it, as well as Thin Air. And I hope that even if your interests these days don't tend towards jungles, you'll also enjoy Rainforest, when it's out later this year. In the meantime, thanks so much for getting in touch. With very best wishes, Michelle