Writing a positive story about having a stammer

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Katie

Author Katie Day tells us how her two daughters inspired her to write Skye's Song, a new book for young children.

I have always loved words — how they sound and the feelings and meanings they evoke — it was probably one of the things that inspired me to be an English teacher. Language, speech and words are all so powerful. They not only convey our emotions and personality but are also a part of our defence system, and help us express our opinions and core beliefs.

Skye's Song is the first story that I have written, and I never dreamt it would be published! The story is inspired by my two daughters — both who have had speech and language therapy, and my eldest daughter has a stammer.

When she was younger, I struggled to find a story that was positive and reassuring about having a stammer but that also validated some of the feelings that come with it. So I decided to write my own — which resulted in Skye's Song. The story tells the tale of Skye (a bird) who wants to join in the morning chorus but then doubts his own voice and how it may sound different to others. Once Skye is comforted by a family member and shown all of the wonderful differences in the world, his self-doubt is relieved and he starts to believe in himself and what he can contribute.

My hope is that the story reassures children about their individuality but that it also encourages all children to embrace who they are and realise the beauty that differences bring to the world.

Just like Skye, all children go through self-doubt and feelings of isolation. I see my daughter as a shining example of what the power of positivity and positive self-esteem can do. We have always told her that her voice is her power — whether she is stammering or not — and that she deserves to be listened to and heard, just as much as anyone else and this is something that Skye soon realises too.

Skye's Song by Katie Day, published by Pegasus, is out on the 24^th September, and is available to preorder from Pegasus Publishers or Amazon. Read a review by Katherine, one of our volunteer reviewers.