Michelle’s Mailbag – Michelle Paver

Michelle's Mailbag

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

chronicles of ancient darkness: outcast is amazing

nabatanzi writes... My book to read was outcast but I felt like entering the book. I don't know how you do it but your books are very amazing. Michelle Replies... Dear Cynthia, I'm really glad that you like my books so much, and thank you for taking the time to get in touch! I hope that once you've finished Outcast, you'll go on to enjoy the further adventures of Torak, Renn and Wolf. And just...

Freud, Jung, and the forest

Richard writes... Dear Michelle, Thank you for answering my question about analysis. To me, Freud's idea of the unconscious is like a spoiled brat who causes trouble, whereas for Jung it's the source of wisdom. The forest in COAD is like that, the source of life -- but you can't control it. No need to reply, I just couldn't help wanting to share this. I've always loved the forest in these stories and this realisation...

Wakenhyrst Book – signed copy

Lisa writes... Good afternoon, my mum has lost her signed copy of her favourite book. Would it be possible to pay for another copy at all please. Many thanks Michelle Replies... Dear Lisa, I'm so sorry to hear that about your mum's book, but I'm afraid I can't send you another signed copy, as if I did it for you I'd have to do it for everyone, and that wouldn't really be feasible. I hope...

Ghosts of Summer

Lucan writes... Having just read your latest article I feel compelled to lambast your publisher, we want ghost stories the whole year round! The summer is when the ghosts don't just skulk in the shadows but they ride forth. I have just spent the night of the summer solstice in meditation on top of the Longman of Wilmington and the barrow that sits atop it. The ghosts are very active when the earth is heated...

analysis – what type of therapy did you have?

Richard writes... fascinated by your account of your 'block' dream, and its resolution with analysis; do you mind me asking what kind of analysis you had? I know analysis and therapy quite often doesn't help so anything you'd share as to what made it work would be great, though I'm asking a lot! perhaps just -- was it the type of therapy or the rapport with the therapist? Michelle Replies... I'm glad you asked that,...

Source of the Spell in Spirit Walker – and the Ian McKellen connection

Tim writes... Dear Michelle, We have met before (and I've asked you questions before), and this time I would like to ask you yet another very specific question about a scene in COAD. At the start of Spirit Walker, when the sickness is spreading through the Forest and the first members of the Raven Clan fall ill, Saeunn and Renn perform a ritual over Oslak's body to try to get rid of the disease (he's...

Any update on a Wolf Brother series?!

Richard writes... Hey Michelle, just wondered if there had been any movements in a potential wolf brother series? I know the idea what discussed a while ago but wondered if there had been any movements? Just to add I adored the wolf brother series so much but never finished the last book. I cannot go further because I don’t want wolf to die and I have no idea if he does or not but can’t...

Torak’s world on screen: how would you change things?

Rebecca writes... Hi Michelle. Would you consider writing any prequels or spinoffs in Torak's world? Will there be any film or TV apaptations of the original 6 book series in the future? - I hope so! What changes would you make? And what same ideas would you insist of using? Do you have any actors in mind already that you'd like for the character's parts? Thanks again. Michelle Replies... Dear Rebecca, thanks for all this! ...

chronicles of ancient darkness series: the books of my childhood

faye writes... Hi Michelle! I grew up reading your books from the age of eight to now eighteen and the wolf brother series is hands down one of the best i have ever read. I've always loved the idea of toraks world being adapted to a TV show, and I know there was a cancellation a couple years ago, but do you ever think an adaptation would be possible in the future? These books were...

Revisiting Gruhuken

Valda writes... I love this book and always enjoy recommending it to other people, so as it’s hot and steamy in Suffolk, what could be better than (re) visiting Gruhuken with Jack and spending some time in the Arctic. Michelle Replies... Dear Valda, it must indeed be hot in Suffolk - it's getting pretty tropical where I am in south London - so what a great idea to tunnel down into some Arctic chill with...

A little thank you

Anna writes… Dear Mrs Paver, I do not exactly have a question, I would only like to tell you how much Chronicles of Ancient Darkness mean to me. I first stumbled upon them in my local library when I was still in primary school and their covers immediately caught my eye. I remember reading so…