From L. T.

Writing Advice

Writing Advice
L. T. Writes…

L. T. writes…

Hello Michelle, if I may call you by your first name.

I am L. T. Stewart and I am a newly published, brand new author… which I attribute largely to your book series Chronicles of Ancient Darkness. It is by far my favourite book series and has stayed with me all these years.

Inspired by your approach to writing, I have written WoodBound. My norse fantasy book series. I would like to take the time to thank you for your writing and your influence over the years. You have captured the hearts and minds of many readers, including myself, with your immersive and emotionally honest writing style.

I would love to correspond with you but will happily receive even a one message response from you. Could you part with some words of advice for a budding author who knows nothing of the process beyond the writing itself (publishing, promoting, etc).

Thank you for taking the time to read this and or your work over the years. I do hope to hear back from you.

Kindest regards,
L. T. Stewart (Liam).

Michelle Replies…

Dear Liam, I’m so glad that you’ve been inspired by the Wolf Brother books – and thanks for the pics of those impressive tattoos!  First and foremost, though, huge congratulations on getting published.  That’s really hard, and the fact that you’ve managed it shows that you have the comwho’s mitment and perseverance not only to write a novel, but to find a publisher.  As for advice… Well, firstly, I hope you have a good agent, willing and able to fight your corner with publishers.  And by that, I mean pressurising them into giving your books decent marketing and publicity.  That’s vital, and it’s never easy to get, because there are lots of other authors clamouring for their books to be heard.  I would also suggest that you don’t leave it all to the agent.  Keep an eye on the process – get involved in cover design, ask questions if you don’t understand what they’re doing (publishers love “marketing speak”,  but it can always be translated into plain language).  And if you think they’re doing something wrong, or that won’t work for your book, or that they’ve forgotten something – point it out!  You can do so politely but firmly.  But do speak up. As the saying goes, the squeaky wheel gets the oil.

Another point: some authors like to discuss their books as they write them – with their agent, publishers, or other authors – but personally, I avoid that like the plague; and unless it really helps you, I would advise you to do the same.  It’s best to keep your stories to yourself while you’re incubating them.  That way, you’re less likely to be swayed by “market considerations” and off-the cuff (and off-the peg) remarks from publishers etc – and more likely to stay true to what sparked you to think of the story in the first place.

Phew. I hope all that isn’t too off-putting.  But again, huge congratulations on getting published – and the best of luck with Woodbound!  Best wishes, Michelle


Upcoming Live Events With Michelle

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Wimbledon Book Festival

October 17, 2025
Festival patron and Sunday Times bestselling author Michelle Paver will talk about her latest supernatural fiction in this live recording with Always Take Notes, a podcast for and about writers and writing.

Michelle will discuss her incredible career, from finding inspiration for Wolf Brother on Wimbledon Common to her latest novel Rainforest, which weaves Mayan culture with themes of obsession, gender and rebirth.

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The Witching Hour with Bridget Collins, Michelle Paver and Laura Shepherd-Robinson – Waterstones Canterbury

October 20, 2025

Join Bridget Collins, Michelle Paver and Laura Sheperd-Robinson as they discuss their stories in a brand new collection of ghostly tales called The Witching Hour.

In this dazzling collection of original haunted tales, thirteen bestselling and much-loved authors bring the old superstition of the witching hour to new and vivid life.
Transporting you from the smog of London to the freezing mists of Svalbard, from an Irish town riddled with rumour to a sinister English boarding school, these thirteen stories will serve as your spine tingling companion to the long hours of winter.
So curl up, light a candle, and wait for the clock to strike . . .
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Yeovil Literary Festival

October 25, 2025

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.

Oxford Literary Festival 2026

March 29, 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.