Katie writes…

Dear Michelle

I am writing to say I am doing a report on you and your books for my Nat 4 English and I was wondering if you could tell me a bit about your research for Chronicles of Ancient Darkness and about the different foods you tried when you were travelling? And how much it helped you write the series by having the experiences first hand.

My mum and I really enjoyed listening to Chronicles of Ancient Darkness in the car and I am currently doing a second listening through.

Thank you very much for your time

-Katie

Michelle Replies…

Dear Katie,

Thanks for getting in touch, and I’m glad you’ve been enjoying Ian McKellen’s magnificent reading of the books!  While I think it’s enterprising of you to contact me for help with your homework, I have an idea that your teacher would prefer that you look up stuff yourself. You see, learning how to ferret out information is an important skill in itself; and I get the feeling that this may be partly why your teacher has given you this task to do.  (I know this as my sister is an English teacher with 30 years’ experience.)

Having said that, here are a few pointers for you (and for anyone else doing homework on my books; please don’t all write in!):

• You’ll find quite a lot about my research in the AUTHOR’S NOTE at the end of each book.
• You will also find lots more on my websites, particularly wolfbrother.com. I suggest you have a dig around in the Cave, and see what you can find.
• Also you might want to take a look at my Youtube channel, as I’ve done lots of live streams, and often talked of my research.
• As far as food goes, I’m pretty sure it’s mentioned in the above; but just so you know, I particularly loved lingonberries, which I scooped up from the forest floor in Finland when I was doing my research for WOLF BROTHER.  This is why they are Wolf’s favourite berries.
• As regards WHY I do the research, it’s to make the stories real.  It’s as simple as that. I want you to feel that you are living the adventure with Torak, Renn and Wolf – and the best way to do that is to experience what they do.  (Within reason, that is!)
• I hope that helps you somewhat – and good luck with your homework!  With best wishes, Michelle

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