Publishing advice
Benjamin writes…
Hello Mrs/Miss Paver.
Absolutely love the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness saga. It’s the only book series I’ve read five times or more. It’s one of those stories where you can feel what’s been written. It really does make you route for every hero.
As an apsiring author, what advice would you give on how you got your stories published?
Thankyou for taking the time to read this and a great, big thankyou for Torak, Renn, Wolf and The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness
Ben Aris
Dear Ben, I’m delighted that you like the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness so much! You’ve asked a weighty question, but briefly: I think the main thing is not to rush to submit your work. Take the time to make sure that whatever you write is absolutely the best you can create. It’s a good idea to put it away for a few weeks, then come back to it; you’ll be astonished at how much will probably need improving! Once you are convinced that it’s the best you can do, then I’d suggest trying to get an agent first. This is as hard as getting published, but it really helps in the long run. It’s years since I had to do this, so I’m afraid my advice might be a bit out of date, but you should find lists of agents and publishers in The Writers’ & Artist’s Handbook, or the Writer’s Handbook (I used hard copies in those pre-internet days, but they may be available as e-books). These are important, as they tell you how different agents/publishers like to receive submissions. For example, some might want just the first chapter and a covering letter, others just a synopsis; and if you don’t submit in the form that they want, your precious story will probably go straight in the bin! Such directories also tell you what kinds of works the agents/publishers handle – and that’s also crucial. You don’t want to send a thriller to an agent who only handles non-fiction. Finally, try not to be discouraged if you get a rejection letter. It has happened to us all. It certainly did to me, I got lots of them in my early years of learning to write. That’s all I’ve got time for, and I hope it helps a bit. I’d like to wish you all possible luck with your writing – and if you need a break, you can always spend some time with Torak, Renn and Wolf in the Forest! With best wishes, Michelle
Upcoming Live Events With Michelle
Incredible… Inspiring… In Person!
Yeovil Literary Festival
An experience like no other. From a writer like no other...
Successfully published as an adult author, the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness (“Wolf Brother”) were her first books for younger readers, followed by her brilliant 5-part series set in the bronze age, Gods and Warriors. On the adult side, her first ghost story, Dark Matter, was a UK bestseller and won massive praise from reviewers and readers alike, as did her second ghost story, Thin Air.
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.