Can you have clans today? Can your clan be a bird or animal you feel connected to?
Jasmyn writes…
Can you have a clan today. Is a clan a bird or animal you are deeply connected too? Can that be your clan and guardian?
What a fascinating question, Jasmyn, I don’t think I’ve been asked that in quite the same way before. First, let’s look at what we mean by a clan. In Torak’s world, you’re generally born into a certain clan: for instance, Fin-Kedinn was born to the Raven Clan. (To give a bit more detail, your clan is generally determined at birth by your mother, when she glimpses your clan-creature; usually it’s either hers or her mate’s, though not always.) Members of that clan respect their clan-creature and draw strength from it; and often they share some of its characteristics. In today’s modern world, only a few people belong to clans in the sense that Torak’s people do, and these tend to be people who still live in more traditional ways. An example would be the Haida First Nation of Canada, who have clans such as Wolf, Killer Whale, and so on. But leaving that aside, there’s nothing to stop you choosing to regard yourself as part of a clan, particularly if you feel a deep connection to a specific animal, bird, or plant. And just as with Torak’s people, you might find it helpful to think about what you especially like or admire about your chosen creature; and perhaps this will give you comfort and strength too. I hope that helps, and thank you for asking such an interesting question. May the guardian hunt with you! With very best wishes, Michelle
Upcoming Live Events With Michelle
Incredible… Inspiring… In Person!
Toppings Bookshop, Ely
It’s nearly Halloween! Where better to get in the Gothic mood than with Michelle’s spine-chilling world of the supernatural? Come along if you’re in the Ely area (book your place first) and enjoy a thrilling evening of shadows!
Venue: St Peter's Church
Broad Street,
Ely
Cambridgeshire CB7 4BB
Doors Open 6.40pm Start Time 7pm
Shadows and Spirits: Writing the Unseen
Step into the shadows with three masters of modern Gothic and supernatural fiction - Michelle, Syd Moore and CJ Cooke - as they explore why dark stories continue to captivate us. From haunted coastlines to Arctic wastelands, and from age-old folklore to the secrets of the human psyche, these acclaimed authors weave tales that blur the boundaries between the real and the uncanny. In this compelling conversation, they’ll discuss the enduring appeal of the Gothic, the influence of myth and landscape, and why stories of ghosts, spirits, and things unseen still resonate in today’s world. Expect insights, chills, and a celebration of fiction that thrives in the shadows. Tickets are limited so get them while you can!
Goldsboro Books
23-27 Cecil Court
London WC2N 4EZ
Time: 6.30pm (doors from 6pm)
Women in Horror Weekend
Come and celebrate Women in Horror Weekend with Waterstones Nottingham! Including author talks from the some of the best women writers in horror, a classic film screening and spooky goody bags and workshops from Lush Nottingham! Michelle will be in conversation with Julia Armfield on Saturday from 5;15pm onwards... See you there!
Waterstones Nottingham
1/5 Bridlesmith Gate
Nottingham NG1 2GR
Te. 0115 9470069
WINTER HAUNTS 2025
Online event! Ghost story, gothic and supernatural fiction day 10:30am - 6:30pm GMT... Michelle with Lucy Rose, Jess Kidd, Emilia Hart, CJ Cooke, Hollie Starling, Emma Glass. Connect with fellow fans of the strange, the eerie, and the otherworldly!
Oxford Literary Festival 2026
The Oxford Literary Festival takes place in venues across central Oxford, such as Blackwell's bookshop, the Bodleian Library, the Sheldonian Theatre, the Weston Library, and Oxford colleges such as Christ Church and Worcester College. The festival includes international authors, journalists, intellectuals, historians, and poets.