Ask Michelle
Here are Michelle’s most recent answers to the questions and messages readers have submitted.
The best birthday present I ever got
Ophelia May writes...
Dear Michelle,
Hello - my name is Ophelia Gillyon. I actually met you once! My parents got me into a visit at what I think was the Reading Wolf Conservation Trust for my 13th birthday - in 2009! Good grief! - to speak with you and walk with wolves. I’d loved the Chronicles ever since I picked up Wolf Brother in ‘05. I definitely wasn’t the only kid there, so I have no idea if you’ll remember me or not, but I had really, really long hair and, on the day, I went absolutely mental churning out the best wolf-related sample of prose for you that I could muster.
I’m 26 now, and I still look back on this as the best birthday present I ever got. I went on to do an English degree, and attribute much of my love for the subject to the intense connection I had to your series as a kid. I’m so excited to pick up the most recent instalments!
I wish I had a picture of me winning my primary school’s World Book Day costume contest, dressed up as a little Torak. I hope this suffices instead.
Thanks so much again for everything.
Ophelia
Michelle Replies...
Dear Ophelia,
What a long time ago the UKWCT feels like, and I think I can recall a long-haired and very excited little girl, chiefly because of her very wolfy prose. It's marvellous to hear that you went on to get an English degree - many congratulations - and I'm chuffed that my stories may have played their part in fostering a love of English. I really hope you enjoy the last three instalments of the series!
Thanks again for getting in touch.
Best wishes, Michelle
Modern horror authors that you really like
Shonna writes...
Your writing is very spooky, especially in your horror novels, but even in your young adult series as well. I was wondering if you have any modern horror authors that you really like or modern horror books? I have found myself most scared by you and Darcy Coates to name a few. Happy reading and writing! 🙂
Michelle Replies...
Dear Shonna,
Hmm, that's a tricky one, as I don't read many modern horror or ghost books. That's not because there aren't any really good ones, it's just that I prefer not to be influenced too much, and also I love reading the old Victorian or Edwardian ghost stories. One modern book I did enjoy, though, was Sarah Moss's COLD EARTH. It's set in Greenland on an archaelogical expedition, and it really does have a terrific atmosphere. It's also incredibly compelling: I just sat there and read it all day. I haven't caught up with her more recent books, but I'd definitely check her out. I hope that helps - and happy reading!
Best wishes, Michelle
Recommend a literary agent
ANTON SCOTT writes...
Michelle,
I've written a book set 12000 years ago in the area of Galilee and the Jordan Valley:
First Townsfolk: the Saga of One Family’s Adaptation to Catastrophic Climate Change
Can you recommend a literary agent to represent me?
Michelle Replies...
Dear Anton,
First, congratulations on finishing a full-length book. That shows commitment. You're right to want to find an agent. The best way to do so is to get yourself a copy of either (or both) THE WRITER'S HANDBOOK and/or THE WRITER'S & ARTIST'S YEARBOOK. These list all the UK-based literary agents, and publishers, and crucially they tell you what kind of books they handle, as well as how you should submit your work. As I said, this is crucial. For instance, you don't want to send your whole book, if they only want a letter plus the first chapter. There are probably online versions of these available, but when I last looked the print copies were still going strong. I hope this helps - and good luck with your book.
Regards, Michelle
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