Balancing education and entertainment is a delicate dance, but it’s incredibly rewarding.
Stacey Marshall – 8 August 2025
The Back Flap
Every child in Ms. Berrycastle‛s class is excited for the first day of school-every child except Katie. As the newcomer in school, poor Katie feels like she‛s swallowed a bowlful of butterflies!
Whether it‛s participating in class, presenting at show-and-tell, or joining in lunchtime chats, Katie finds herself shrinking with fear. But everything changes when a remarkable superhero swoops in, equipped with his incredible, fear-squishing shoes!
Through captivating, fun-filled storytelling and whimsical illustrations, Captain Courage & the Fear-Squishing Shoes will enable kids to:
– Look and feel as brave as a superhero in school and beyond;
– Attain confident communication skills
– Take a transformative and heartwarming adventure with Katie, discovering how to conquer worries and self-doubt
About the book
What is the book about?
Captain Courage and the Fear-Squishing Shoes is about a precocious third grader named, Katie—the newcomer at Blythe Elementary–who feels like she’s swallowed a bowlful of butterflies on the first day of school…But everything changes when a remarkable superhero with a secret identity swoops in, equipped with his incredible fear-squishing shoes.
When did you start writing the book?
I actually started writing a version of this story over a decade ago when I used to do public speaking lessons and workshops for elementary school kids. I witnessed firsthand how many kids struggled with effectively expressing themselves with confidence. So, I wanted to create a story that could guide them through their fears in a playful, relatable way. My goal was to give students simple but powerful tools to look, sound and feel confident while speaking, through the story.
How long did it take you to write it?
Although I conceptualized the story many years ago, I worked on writing this new book for about a year. I interspersed writing with doing a bit of research to ensure the story was both engaging and educational. I wanted every page to resonate with readers and help them build confidence in their communication abilities in school and beyond.
Where did you get the idea from?
As I mentioned, I used to do public speaking lessons and coaching for grade school kids (and all age groups!). And I used to dress up like a superhero that I invented and trademarked named Captain Courage, who modeled how to project confidence and poise while speaking. I’d bring superhero costumes for the kids to dress up, too! Then, they could demonstrate how courage looked and sounded. The overwhelmingly positive response to this character made me realize that there needed to be a picture book to go with my lessons. So, I knew I had to write one!
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
The most challenging part for me was trying to ensure that the messages were clear and accessible without losing the fun and excitement of the story. I struggled a bit, wanting to elaborate on explanations of how to look and sound brave, but had to remind myself, that short and simple is best! I made a concerted effort not to be too didactic in the book, and instead, I tried to sneak in the messages and tips in a concise way. Balancing education and entertainment is a delicate dance, but it’s incredibly rewarding.
What came easily?
The inspiration from my work as a speech pathologist and public speaking coach came easily. The themes of bravery and finding one’s voice are rooted in real experiences, making the writing process natural and joyful. The creative process of imagining a world where a superhero guides a child through their fears was also easy, since I had “become” this character for many years.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
While the characters in my book are fictitious, they are deeply inspired by real-world people and experiences. Katie’s character in the story represents many of the children I’ve seen during my work with elementary schools kids–Their struggles, fears, and eventual triumphs have shaped the character’s journey. Katie is really based on every child who has ever had trepidation speaking, formally or informally, especially in new situations.
The superhero, though a product of imagination, embodies the qualities I’ve seen in parents, teachers, and caregivers who support their kids/students. Their patience, encouragement, and belief in the child’s potential are mirrored in the superhero’s actions.
So, while the characters themselves are not direct representations of specific individuals, they are a blend of the many wonderful people I’ve encountered. I think that this mix of reality and imagination helps create a relatable and hopefully inspiring story for young readers.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
Reading has definitely been a cornerstone of my writing journey. And there are SO many authors who influence my writing from Roald Dahl with his knack for creating memorable and very unique characters – to- Dr. Seuss for his playful use of language -to- Maria Dismondy for her more realistic, fictional stories that empower young readers. The list goes on!
Do you have a target reader?
As for my target reader, I write primarily for children who are in the fairly early stages of developing their communication skills, typically ages 4 to 11. However, I also hope that parents, teachers, and caregivers will find value in the book. My goal was to create a resource that not only entertains but also supports and encourages children to find their voice and speak with confidence.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
Yes, I do have a writing process. It begins with brainstorming and gathering inspiration from my experiences as a speech pathologist, public speaking coach and mom. I then move on to outlining the story, creating character profiles, and mapping out key plot points. Once I have a clear vision, I start writing the first draft, allowing the story to flow naturally. After completing the draft, I take time to revise and refine, ensuring the narrative is engaging and the message is clear. Throughout this process, I stay connected to the core themes of communication and confidence, which are central to my book.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively?
I do outline, but not extensively. I begin with a simple outline of key plot elements to help me organize my ideas about the story without limiting my creativity by getting too mired in structuring the outline perfectly. This approach gives me a flexible framework to work within, allowing room for creativity and spontaneity as the story develops. It helps me stay organized while also giving me the freedom to explore new directions and ideas as I write.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I prefer to wait until I’ve finished the first draft before diving into editing. This allows me to maintain the flow and momentum of the story without getting bogged down by details. Once the draft is complete, I go through multiple rounds of editing, focusing on different aspects such as plot consistency, character development, and language/word choice. This method helps me see the story as a whole and make more cohesive revisions.
Do you listen to music while you write?
While I don’t listen to music while I’m writing, I do sometimes listen to music just before a writing session, for example, something upbeat or whimsical that helps me helps me tap into the emotional core and energy of the story. But more often, I sing before and during a writing session! Sometimes I don’t realize I’m doing it until someone tells me! Lately I’ve been singling Broadway showtunes while writing!
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
No, I did not submit my work to agents.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I have actually published with a traditional publisher before. But for this new book I decided to go with a hybrid publisher. I made this decision gradually, and did so because it allowed for more creative control over my book. The idea of being able to directly connect with my readers and make decisions about the book’s presentation was extremely appealing to me.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
I selected an illustrator that I think is inordinately talented to do my cover. Even though he had nearly a two-year waiting period, I wanted to wait for him to do my illustrations and the cover. And thankfully I didn’t do it myself, because I can barely draw stick figures! People who know me well might reveal that while I’m creative, I’m not artistic!
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I have a marketing plan that includes social media, school outreach, and book launch events, since I love public speaking! While there is always an element of spontaneity in marketing, having a little bit of a structured plan helps me stay focused and organized.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming an indie author
My advice to aspiring indie authors is to embrace the journey with patience and persistence. Take advantage of the wealth of resources available, from writing communities to self-publishing platforms. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help for editing and design, as these elements can significantly impact your book’s success. Most importantly, stay true to your vision and enjoy the creative freedom that comes with being an indie author. Your unique voice and story have the power to inspire and connect with readers in meaningful ways.
End of Interview:
For more from Stacey Marshall visit her website and follow her on Instagram.
Get your copy of Captain Courage and the Fear-Squishing Shoes from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
