Joshua writes…

As a fan of both your esteemed historical fantasy series:- the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness, & having recently discovered Jean M. Auel’s own intriguing prehistorical fictional series:- Earth's Children—I would like to ask if you have been influenced by her preceding work. Is this so? Also, I would like to know if you have ever considered writing a series of books set amid the Late Pleistocene epoch—that combines themes from both the aforementioned series. Has the idea crossed your mind? I think a series prehistoric fantasy series with a similar story arc and characters to the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness—but set at a time when anatomically modern humans coexisted and interbreed with other species of Homo—like the Neanderthals and Denisovans, along with other unidentified archaic hominins—would be a fascinating premise. This would be especially so—given the recent advancements in our unfolding understanding of the complex political & personal interrelationships between ourselves and other archaic human species. Would you be so kind as to shed some light on my questions?

Michelle Replies…

Hello, Joshua, thanks for such interesting questions – and I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed my books!  I wasn’t influenced by Jean Auel’s stories, because I haven’t read them.  I dimly remember taking a look at the start of her first book around the time I was writing Spirit Walker, but I soon decided that it wasn’t for me, and that given the difference in period and in her approach, it was best left alone.  (And to be clear, by that I mean no disparagement to Ms Auel, for whom I have great respect!)

As for setting a story in the late Pleistocene, you’re right, it is a fascinating period, particularly given the potential for interaction between modern humans and other hominids such as Neanderthals.  However for some reason, it never appealed to me.  For me, it was always the Mesolithic – and probably always will be.  I don’t know why this should be; but there’s always an element of mystery about these things, probably because stories come from deep within the unconscious.  So that late Pleistocene epic which you mention will have to wait for another author to come along.  Who knows, perhaps it will be you!  Thanks for getting in touch.  With very best wishes, Michelle