Folio students were invited to attend the event with WHS alumna Michelle Paver  – author of the Wolf Brother series and more recently Rainforest – whose talk was captured as a live podcast recording as part of the Always Take Notes series ( available later in the year here). Michelle talked about her writing process, her relationship with ghosts, her research trips to the depths of the rainforest and the Arctic circle, the inspiration she draws from the early morning wilderness of Wimbledon Common – and burping wolf cubs!

Y8 Folio student Louise said:

“What I found particularly interesting about Michelle Paver’s talk was when she explained how to make a eerie sense of atmosphere in thrillers by adding tiny tweaks and details here and there. For example, instead of saying “The room was a tight as a box“, you could instead write “The room was as tight as a coffin” which adds to the story if you are making it a thriller. I also like her traditional way of learning how to be a good writer and finding your style.”
Imogen in Y said:

“Michelle Paver was a motivational and eloquent speaker. Her passion for her work shone through in everything she mentioned, inspiring a young member of the audience who asked her for tips on writing ghost stories! While this passion clearly developed at a young age, it wasn’t until later in her life that Paver chose to turn her love for storytelling into a career, quitting her law firm. Paver demonstrated to audience members of all ages how flexible futures can be, and encouraged all to follow their dreams, but emphasised the importance of having a safety net.

The sense of adventure her work evokes was clear also in Paver’s speaking, with her animated disposition while describing her adventures to rainforests and even Antarctica. I found her talk inspiring, and valued the experience of watching someone who clearly takes such pride in her work.”