Michelle Paver's Blog, page 4

Rainforest publication in Australia

Joanne writes…

Hello Michelle,
Quick question. When will your new book 'Rainforest' be available in Australia? Undoubtedly, like many others, I'm looking forward to reading it.
Thankyou, Joanne

Michelle Replies…

Hello, Joanne.  I’ve just checked with my publishers, and they tell me that Rainforest will be published in Australia on the same day as in the UK, ie 9th October.  In Australia it will be available as a paperback, rather than the hardback of the UK (I don’t know why) – and of course, it will be up to individual booksellers to decide whether to stock it – but I’m told that the book will also be available online and as an e-book.  And I think the audiobook will be out at the same time.  Thank you for asking this, because I didn’t know what was happeninig in Australia until your question prompted me to find out.  I really hope you enjoy the book as and when you get your hands on it!  With very best wishes, Michelle

Finding a publisher and/or an agent

Liam T writes…

Hello again Michelle,

Thank you so much for your speedy reply! You have been my favourite author since I was a teenager so your reply and acknowledgement of my book series WoodBound is a bucket list tick.

I should have mentioned in my last message that I am only published through KDP so I do not have a literary agent or official publisher yet. However I have an abundance of faith in my books. So much so that I will do the work needed to have it reach the success I feel it will have.

That being said, I am a wee author from Scotland. Do you have any advice on how to go about finding a good publisher and literary agent when I have no idea where to start with this kind of thing? I have been writing, editing, designing covers and promoting it all off my own back. Those who read it, love it. I just need to get it out there somehow.

Thank you so much for reading and replying to my correspondence. And for your writing all these years. Without which, as an influence, maybe WoodBound might not exist.

Kindest regards and best wishes,
Liam.

Michelle Replies…

Hello again, Liam. In seeking a publisher and/or agent, I think it’s important not to rush to submit your work.  First, make sure that it’s absolutely the best you can possibly do.  It sounds as if you’ve already done this, but I mention it just the same, because it’s so important.  Then I suggest you first try to find an agent; which (be warned) can be just as hard as finding a publisher, but it will really help in the long run, because a good agent will know the industry much better than you, and can fight for you.  My advice might sound a bit out of date, as it’s years since I had to do this, but the basics are the same, I think: you’ll find lists of UK agents and publishers in two publications – The Writer’s Handbook and The Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook.  I used hard-copy versions, but I would think online versions are available.  And they or something similar are invaluable, because they tell you not only what kinds of books each agent or publisher will handle, but also, crucially, how each likes to receive submissions.  For instance, one might want a first chapter and a covering letter, while another might just want a synopsis.  If you don’t submit in the form they want, your work might just go straight in the bin; whereas if you do, it will stand a chance, at least. Finally, do not be discouraged if you get rejections.  Everyone gets them.  I certainly did.  But the trick is to pick yourself off the floor after each one, and simply carry on.   That’s all I’ve got time for, and I hope it helps a bit.  Finally, I’d like to wish you all possible luck with Woodbound – and with your writing beyond that.  Best wishes, Michelle

Writing Advice

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 Chronicals 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

From Gruhuken to Wakenhyrst

Valda writes…

Hello Michelle.
(I don’t expect a reply to this message) I contacted you recently and mentioned that while we were having a heatwave in Suffolk, I decided to re-read Dark Matter, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Aside from the isolation, claustrophobia and terror, obviously.

It was interesting you mentioning that a publisher had recently said that readers don’t like ghost stories in the summer, whereas I would have to disagree. The glory of a book is that it can take you to another place entirely. Hence enjoying the arctic while it was 85 degrees at home.

Which brings me to Wakenhyrst. I was lucky enough to have you visit my shop to do an event in 2019 – Waterstones in Bury St Edmunds – and I remember reading and loving Wakenhyrst. Revisiting it recently – in the height of summer here – made me appreciate even more the dankness of the whole thing. It was downright dark, moist and damp and altogether pretty boggy and offensive.
I could have wept for poor Maud having her whole life ruled by a narcissistic, misogynistic father, and reading the book second time around I think I felt almost as terrified of the behaviour of him as I did the other sinister goings on.
Not to mention learning of Richard Dadd then falling down a Google rabbit hole at ten to midnight one night and then wondering why I couldn’t sleep.

Thanks so much for your stories. And your talent. I can’t wait to read ‘Rainforest’.

Michelle Replies…

Dear Valda, I know you said no need to reply, but your message was so delightful I couldn’t resist.  I remember that event in Bury St Edmunds, it was one of the best ones of recent years; and it’s brilliant that you’ve enjoyed revisiting Wakenhyrst.  I was also interested in your comment about finding Maud’s father almost as frightening as the story’s supernatural elements.  The same thing struck me when I was writing the story.  That happens sometimes, and it’s never planned, but it’s one of the fascinating things about the writing process.  Finally, I had to laugh (and give a sympathetic wince) over your late-night Googling.  Down a rabbit-hole with Richard Dadd: not a comforting place to be.  No wonder you couldn’t sleep!  Thanks again – and I hope you enjoy Rainforest, as and when.  With very best wishes, Michelle

Wolf bane – from a Mexican reader

Itzel writes…

Hola Michelle, me han encantado libro de las Crónicas de la Prehistoria de Hermano Lobo, solo que aún no he podido leer wolf bane, mi inglés es algo o muy malo… Soy de Nayarit, México, desde que tenía 10 me apasione con la travesía de Torak, Ren y Lobo… Pd… Ya tengo 26 años.

Michelle Replies…

Hola, Itzel!  I’m very pleased that you’ve enjoyed the Wolf Brother books (Cronicas de a Prehistoria de Hermano Lobo) for so many years, and that you are still enjoying them in your twenties.  I’m afraid I don’t speak Spanish, but I think you said that you haven’t been able to read Wolf Bane because it’s not published in Spanish, and you can’t read English.  I’m really sorry, and I hope that it’s available soon in Spanish; but I’m afraid I have no control over the Spanish publishers.  Lo siento!  Thank you very much for your message.  With best wishes: mis mejores deseos.  Michelle

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.

Wimbledon Book Festival

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.

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.

Trans rights & a First Nations experience of Wolf Brother

Mel writes…

Hi Michelle,

I grew up on your books. I was a First Nations kid and your novels inspired me to recreate and follow the path of my ancestors. At least, partially!

I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail as a result of the inspiration Torak’s journey invoked in me. At 18 years old I travelled from Canada to Mexico by foot through the wilderness, with only a sleeping sack, a tent, and a water filter, as well as any food I could pack between each resupply. The whole thing took me 6 months!

Nearly 10 years later and I run a fairly popular Indigenous activism blog/tiktok account and I wanted to recommend your creations. I didn’t grow up with Harry Potter, I grew up with Torak, Wolf and Renn – I think other kids should too.

Gender queerness is a huge part of Indigenous society. Many of us First Nations in the so called Americas are proudly 2Spirit, and we have a variety of distinct gender identities.

I’ve read much of your commentary and I get the sense that you have always acknowledged the existence and validity of trans people and gender queerness in individuals, but I just wanted to ask for confirmation.

Today, I live in Australia on Turrbal and Yuggera land. I’m thousands upon thousands of kilometres away from my lands.

But on my bedside table is my favourite series of all time, the one I read when I need comfort and a sense of love in life.

Thank you for your time,
Mel

Michelle Replies…

Dear Mel, I was fascinated and delighted to learn that the Wolf Brother stories resonated with you as a First Nations child, and have continued to do so.  I also admire (and envy) your wanderings – particularly the Pacific Crest Trail, which I’d very much like to do at some stage.  I also love that term 2Spirit, which I hadn’t come across till now.  And you’re right about my attitudes to trans people and gender fluidity.  Indeed, that’s one of the reasons that I so enjoyed writing the three sequels to the original six-book series: because they gave me the chance to follow Dark’s character arc in depth, in a way that I’d not had time to, when we met him in Ghost Hunter.  Thanks so much for getting in touch – and may you go from strength to strength in your Australian home!  With very best wishes, Michelle

Wolf Brother and creativity

Alice writes…

Hello Michelle,

I first read the Wolf Brother series when I was around 10 years old. I haven't had the drive to read books for many years, but I decided this Summer to read my all-time favourite book series 'Wolf Brother' again. It's reconnected me with my wild-child self, who grew up in Hastings playing in the sea and the woods.
I'm 22 this year and have spent the last 3 or so years studying to be a video-games artist. Every project, artwork, character or storyline I create is rooted in the inspiration your books gave me in my developing years. My mother also adores the book series, and I believe the combination of our creative backgrounds, living in Hastings and reading your books have pioneered the way we create. If you are interested in seeing my mum's artwork her name is Rebecca Child. You will be able to see our dog Blue on her facebook page, which we actually got in honour of Wolf !I respect and admire the creativity, drive and passion that was poured into the factually correct yet fictional world of Torak !!

Thank you Michelle 

Michelle Replies…

Dear Alice, I love the sound of your wild-child self of twelve years ago playing in the sea and the woods on the south coast, and it’s brilliant that the Wolf Brother stories helped feed your creativity – although by the sound of it, we also have your wonderful mother to thank for that; and how great that she likes the stories too.  It was actually very encouraging to get your message, as I’ve been dealing with the less attractive side of publishing over the past few weeks.  Readers like you and your mother remind me why I still continue to write.  May you and your work go from strength to strength!  With very best wishes to you both (and Blue).  Michelle