EP538: Michelle Paver | Research To The Extreme

This book details a twelve-stage, myth-inspired method for storytelling that has significantly influenced cinematic narrative. Originally based on a memo Vogler wrote for Walt Disney Animation executives regarding 'The Lion King', the book expands on Joseph Campbell's 'The Hero with a Thousand Faces' and provides a practical guide for writers using examples from myths, fairy tales, and classic movies. It includes stages such as 'The Ordinary World', 'The Call to Adventure', 'Meeting with the Mentor', and 'The Resurrection', among others, and is widely acclaimed for its impact on screenwriting worldwide.

Set in pre-agricultural Europe during the Middle Stone Age, 'Wolf Brother' tells the story of Torak, a 12-year-old boy from the Wolf Clan, whose father is killed by a bear possessed by a demon. Torak embarks on a perilous journey to the Mountain of the World Spirit to fulfill his father's dying wish. Along the way, he befriends a wolf cub named Wolf and encounters various dangers, including other clans and treacherous natural environments. The story is part of the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series and is praised for its authentic portrayal of ancient life and Paver's detailed research[1][3][4].

Michelle Paver's "Thin Air" is a chilling ghost story set in the Himalayas during the 1930s, a time known for its adventurous mountaineering expeditions. The story follows a doctor on an expedition to Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world, who encounters a haunting presence during his climb. Paver masterfully blends historical details with supernatural elements, creating a suspenseful and atmospheric narrative. The novel explores themes of isolation, the unknown, and the power of the human mind in the face of fear. Its vivid descriptions of the harsh Himalayan landscape and the psychological impact of isolation add to the overall chilling effect.

This anthology, edited by Sheree Renée Thomas, features a collection of 29 fictional short stories and novel excerpts, along with five non-fiction essays. It showcases the work of various African-American writers in the science fiction, fantasy, and speculative fiction genres, highlighting their contributions and the diversity within these genres. The book includes works by notable authors such as W.E.B. DuBois, Octavia Butler, and Honorée Fanonne Jeffers, among others, and addresses themes of race, inequality, and societal issues through speculative fiction[1][2][4].