Ask Michelle
Here are Michelle’s most recent answers to the questions and messages readers have submitted.
Which Character Do You Hate/Despise?
Stella writes...
Dear Michelle Paver,
I know I've written to you twice before. The first time I asked you whether there would be a TV series or not. Second time I asked you who of all the villains you've created you thought was the most well written. I know you've said that Wolf is your favorite character and I understand you. He is mine as well. I love him so much. He's so brave and loyal. I am jealous of Torak for having pack-brother like that.
However I want to ask you the opposite question is there any character from Chronicles of Ancient Darkness who you hate or at least dislike? Personally I'm not too fond of Thiazzi and I guess due to his sadism, he's not meant to be liked. What about you?
Michelle Replies...
Hallo, Stella...
I'm really glad that Wolf is your favourite character - and like you, I also dislike Thiazzi; although as you say, I didn't create him to be likeable! It might surprise you to learn that one character I particularly dislike is Durrain, the Red Deer Mage. She's really quite passive, and yet her attitude to other clans is rather superior; for instance, when she tells Torak and Renn that "The Red Deer never fight". Of course, not fighting is on many occasions quite praiseworthy; but not always. I mean, if Renn and Torak and all the others clans had taken that approach, then the Soul-Eaters would have walked all over them. Of course, as with Thiazzi, Durrain's annoyingness was deliberate on my part. I didn't intend people to love her; although at times she can also be quite admirable. I enjoyed creating someone who is outwardly good, but really rather irritating at times - at least, to me!
With very best wishes, Michelle
Why She Hasn’t Been Active
Maryam writes...
Dear Michelle paver,
Its probably too late but Ive read wolf brother (and the series) ten times.
I'm 12 by the way.
And I can't hide this but on the last few chapters of wolf bane I cried so hard! Anyways to the point, why have you been so inactive lately? I also wanted to request if you add to the series, like a book where the oak mages soul isn't at peace? AND RENN AND TORAK HAVE A CHILD! Okay I need to calm down. Anyways thank you!!
Michelle Replies...
Hello, Maryam. How marvellous that you've read the series so many times! I think it does you credit that you were so moved at the end of Wolf Bane, as it shows that you have the ability to get immersed in a story while you're reading. You're very persuasive as to further books in the Wolf Brother series, but I'm afraid I've no plans to write any more. You see, I think I've ended it just where I should, and (avoiding spoilers) I've given the characters good send-offs. I'd far rather end there, than write more stories and have them sort of peter out. As for being inactive, I've actually been really busy writing! My grown-up supernatural story RAINFOREST comes out this autumn, and I've written a short ghost story for an anthology (also out this autumn), and am deep into writing another grown-up supernatural novel. But I haven't posted much on my website, so I can understand why you wondered. Anyway, thanks for getting in touch, and maybe by a bit more re-reading, you can enjoy many more times in the Forest with Torak, Renn and Wolf! May the guardian run with you.
Best wishes, Michelle
Audio book for Chronicles of Ancient Darkness in French?
Hélène writes...
Dear Michelle Paver,
While researching a possible film adaptation of Chronicles of Ancient Darkness, I saw that you have published three more books. This is a great surprise and I might buy them even if I have to read them in English (I am a young French woman and I have known your series since I was about 10 years old, 14 years ago - how time flies!) Because of this new release, I was wondering if the first six books were recorded on an audiobook platform such as Audible, and this is where I saw that they were made in English with the great Sir Ian McKellen. So I was wondering if your series would be recorded in French. I would love to hear this story again in audio!
Wishing you a happy 2025 full of exciting projects.
Kind regards,
Hélène
Michelle Replies...
Hello, Helene, thanks for getting in touch; and it's lovely to know that you enjoyed the books so much as a child! As regards the three sequels - Viper's Daughter, Skin Taker and Wolf Bane - I'm afraid that Hachette decided not to publish French translations of the books, and so there are no French audiobooks either. That was their decision, and I naturally had no say in it, though of course I was disappointed. However what I can tell you is that the great Sir Ian McKellen recorded audiobooks of all three sequels; and as with all his work, they are magnificent. So if you'd like to catch up with Torak, Renn and Wolf, you'll need to either read or listen to them in English. I'm sorry about that, but I hope you enjoy them; and from your message, your English certainly seems excellent! With very best wishes, Michelle
Chronicles of Ancient Darkness – Books 7-9
Ross writes...
My daughter devoured the first six books in the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series, but was heartbroken to discover that the next three books in the series do not have a Kindle version. Of course we could order paperback copies, but she is a voracious reader, and literally goes through hundreds of books per year. For both environmental and storage space considerations we have tried to stick with Kindle editions for the past few years.
Is there any chance Kindle versions of books 7-9 of the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness are likely to become available in the next little while?
All the best,
Ross McKenna
Burnaby, BC
Canada
Michelle Replies...
Dear Ross, I'm so glad that your daughter has enjoyed the first six books, and I'm sorry to hear that a Kindle version isn't available for the final three. I had thought that there were electronic versions. I'm afraid I have no control over this, as it's up to my publishers, but I'll pass on your message to them. In the meantime, I hope that your daughter continues to enjoy time in the Forest with Torak, Renn and Wolf - in whatever form that might be! With best wishes, Michelle
We Wanted To Tell You How Much We Loved Reading Wolf Brother
Sarah writes...
Hi Michelle,
We are a Year 5 and 6 class from New Brancepeth Primary Academy in Durham. We have just finished reading Wolf Brother and we wanted to tell you how much we loved reading it! We especially loved hearing some of the story from Wolf's perspective as well as Torak's and the cliffhangers definitely left us on the edge of our seats.
We would love it if you could answer some of our questions:
- Who or what inspired you to write the story?
- Where did you get the idea from for the bear to be a demon?
- Do you have any pets?
We would love it if you had the chance to reply.
Many thanks,
Miss Hodgson and Year 5/6 at New Brancepeth Primary School
Michelle Replies...
Hello, Ms Hodgson and everyone in Year 5/6! I'm delighted that you've enjoyed Wolf Brother so much, and I'm very glad that you liked the passages from Wolf's point of view, as they were among my favourite parts to write. As for your questions: 1) The idea for Wolf Brother came to me in bits and pieces over many years. I describe how this happened on my website, wolfbrother.com (you'll find it if you go into the cave section and click on "Why I Wrote Wolf Brother"). In brief, though, the main sources were my lifelong love of wolves (I wanted one as a child), and an extremely scary encounter with a large black bear and her cub which I had while I was hiking in the wilds of California.
(2) You know, I can't really recall why I made the bear demonic, but I'm sure it stemmed from how terrified I'd felt when I'd met that bear. Also, the bear is the strongest creature in Torak's world, which makes it a really serious threat. I should, though, point out that in fact the bear is not in itself a demon, it's only possessed by a demon. And because of that, I even came to feel rather sorry for it; the bear, I mean, not the demon!
(3) Finally, it may surprise you to learn that I don't have any pets. If I did have one, I'd love a dog, preferably a border collie or a German Shepherd - both of which are fairly similar to wolves in overall appearence and cleverness. However as I'm very busy writing, as well as looking after an elderly relative, I don't have enough time to give a dog the attention and walks it would need, so I don't think it would be fair to keep one. That might change in the future, though. Who knows?
Thank you so much for asking such interesting questions, and if this reaches you before the end of term, I hope you all have a lovely, peaceful Christmas and New Year holiday. May the guardian run with you! With best wishes, Michelle
I Am Reading Dark Matter And Thoroughly Enjoying It
Stuart writes...
Hi Michelle,
I am reading Dark Matter and thoroughly enjoying it. It’s perfect for dark December evenings.
Has this been adapted into a film or TV series? I have a vague recollection of it but I may be confusing it with something else.
Thanks so much.
Stuart
Michelle Replies...
Hello, Stuart. I'm so glad that you're enjoying Dark Matter - and I agree with you that dark winter evenings are the perfect time to read supernatural stories! Dark Matter hasn't been adapted for film or television, so you may be thinking of something else set in the Arctic. So my story remains as you have it in your hands: in print (or in electronic form) only! I really hope you enjoy the rest of it. With best wishes, Michelle
I Want To Simply Thank You For Your Dedication And Hard Work
Joyce writes...
I want to simply thank you for your dedication and hard work to bring this series to life. I first read Wolf Brother when I was in 4th grade, and now as a 26-year-old woman, I just finished Ghost Hunter and am currently waiting for Viper's Daughter to come in the mail.
I remember the day I saw Wolf Brother my teacher said we could have some books that were donated to the class, and I was so drawn to the art of Wolf Brother I nearly fought my friend for it and I'm glad I stood my ground! It has sense become one of my all-time favorites.
This year I finally took it upon myself to return to Torak's world and read the rest of the series. Everything in these books is so amazing and enjoyable even as an adult.
As an indigenous child I felt connected to the story IMMEDIATLEY when I first read Wolf Brother. The way Torak is in touch with everything, the ways the clans survive and are different from one another. All of it is so beautiful. Thank you for creating this world for us to enjoy!
Michelle Replies...
Dear Joyce, what a marvellous message for me to read when I got up this morning in overcast Wimbledon! I was fascinated to learn that you were first drawn to the artwork of Wolf Brother; and I can understand why. Both the cover designer and the artist who did the maps and chapter illustrations embraced the spirit of the story from the start, and it was a joy to work with them over the course of the series. Also, I'm particularly pleased that as an indigenous child, you connected with Torak and his world; my aim was always to honour the clans' way of life (as well as telling good stories!), and as you'll be aware from the Author's Notes, much of my research has focussed on the lives of indigenous peoples around the world. I'm delighted, too, that you're now enjoying the stories as an adult, and I really hope that you enjoy Viper's Daughter when it arrives - and maybe Skin Taker and Wolf Bane, as and when you feel so inclined! Thank you so much for getting in touch. With very best wishes, Michelle
Publishing advice
Benjamin writes...
Hello Mrs/Miss Paver.
Absolutely love the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness saga. It's the only book series I've read five times or more. It's one of those stories where you can feel what's been written. It really does make you route for every hero.
As an apsiring author, what advice would you give on how you got your stories published?
Thankyou for taking the time to read this and a great, big thankyou for Torak, Renn, Wolf and The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness
Ben Aris
Michelle Replies...
Dear Ben, I'm delighted that you like the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness so much! You've asked a weighty question, but briefly: I think the main thing is not to rush to submit your work. Take the time to make sure that whatever you write is absolutely the best you can create. It's a good idea to put it away for a few weeks, then come back to it; you'll be astonished at how much will probably need improving! Once you are convinced that it's the best you can do, then I'd suggest trying to get an agent first. This is as hard as getting published, but it really helps in the long run. It's years since I had to do this, so I'm afraid my advice might be a bit out of date, but you should find lists of agents and publishers in The Writers' & Artist's Handbook, or the Writer's Handbook (I used hard copies in those pre-internet days, but they may be available as e-books). These are important, as they tell you how different agents/publishers like to receive submissions. For example, some might want just the first chapter and a covering letter, others just a synopsis; and if you don't submit in the form that they want, your precious story will probably go straight in the bin! Such directories also tell you what kinds of works the agents/publishers handle - and that's also crucial. You don't want to send a thriller to an agent who only handles non-fiction. Finally, try not to be discouraged if you get a rejection letter. It has happened to us all. It certainly did to me, I got lots of them in my early years of learning to write. That's all I've got time for, and I hope it helps a bit. I'd like to wish you all possible luck with your writing - and if you need a break, you can always spend some time with Torak, Renn and Wolf in the Forest! With best wishes, Michelle
Wolf brother book to TV series?
Poppy writes...
Haiii I wanted to say I LOVE the world brother series, I'm currently rereading it for I think the fourth time now (I lost track haha) and I still absolutely love it so thank you so much for creating something so special :), basically I was wondering whether you were still trying to get a film or series made? And if so what style would you be looking at (live action, animated, anime etc) or if you might ever write short side stories and adventures set at different times during the series that aren't important to read just fun 🙂
Michelle Replies...
Hello, Poppy. I'm delighted that you like the Wolf Brother books so much, and I'm so glad that you enjoy re-reading them. I also re-read books that I've enjoyed, sometimes after many years, and I always see something new in them; I hope you do too. As for a film or tv series, it's really up to the studios to decide. I would like to see the stories adapted eventually, although only if it was done in a way that was faithful to the spirit of the books. And I've no idea how they would tackle Wolf! You asked a good question about what kind of adaptation I'd prefer. I'd be happy either with a really good animation, or with live action - although if the latter, I'm pretty sure that Wolf would have to be mostly computer generated, as wolves aren't dogs, and can't be trained (they don't see the point of obedience). Finally, you make an interesting suggestion about short stories set at different times during the series. I can see the potential for that, but I'm afraid that I've no plans to do anything like that. However, with nine books, I hope you'll be able to make many more visits to the Forest, along with Torak, Renn and Wolf. Thank you so much for getting in touch - and may the guardian run with you! With very best wishes, Michelle
The Witching Hour! I for one cannot wait
Ryan writes...
Dear Michelle,
I hope this message finds you well and that autumn is giving you all the ghostly inspiration you could wish for! I saw in the bookseller that you’re contributing a short story to an anthology out next October! I for one cannot wait and want to thank you for keeping your readers so well satiated next October! It’s going to be an amazing month for MP fans! Just wondered if there are any hints you can give as I’ve been craving my MP fix since Wolfbane! Ha!
I also recently started submitting my latest novel to agents on the hopes that I can join you on bookshelves some time in the future! I’ve poured my heart and soul into this book and sharing it is incredibly daunting but also very exciting! I wondered if you had any advise for how to occupy my anxious brain whilst going through the submission process. Was there anything that helped you when you wear searching for an agent or when you were on submission with publishers!
All the very best,
Ryan
(Aka HalfBloodRyan/Empire of Books)
Michelle Replies...
Hello, Ryan - and thank for your enthusiasm about my short ghost story! I'm afraid I won't be in a position to share anything about it for quite some time, as I'm still writing it. I've mothballed the first draft and plan to unwrap it and revise it very soon, ie around Hallowe'en. The timing seems appropriate, and I did the same thing for Dark Matter.
Huge congratulations on submitting your latest novel - and I mean that irrespective of the response you get. It takes a great deal of commitment and stamina to produce a novel, and it can be really hard to share it with strangers. But it's good that you've put your heart and soul into it; that's what you should do when you write. And again, I mean that irrespective of the response you get. As for how to keep the angst at bay while you wait - oh dear, I wish I knew! I too went through it for long stretches, although perhaps it was easier then, as this was in pre-internet days, so I only had to check the post once a day; whereas you maybe have to stop yourself compulsively checking your emails... In my case the day job helped somewhat, but not all that much. What I can say is that when I was in the dumps - for instance, after getting yet another rejection letter - and it crossed my mind that maybe I should just give up, it really helped to tell myself: "If you stop now, you'll be 100% sure of never getting published - but if you keep going, you've got a chance." Put like that, I knew that I had to keep going. And that's what it boils down to, I'm afraid. Keep on keepin' on.
Anyway, I wish you all possible good luck while you wait. With very best wishes, Michelle