Authors Interviewing Characters: Stacey Marshall

Interview between author, Stacey Marshall and her character, Captain Courage

Captain Courage is the superhero principal at Blythe Elementary School in my new book, Captain Courage and the Fear-Squishing Shoes by Stacey Marshall, M.S., CCC-SLP. In this story, the captain swoops in to help a new student, Katie, who’s facing common challenges at school. Whether it’s presenting at show-and-tell, participating in class, joining in lunchtime chats, or navigating the playground scene, Katie finds herself shrinking with fear—that is—until Captain Courage shows her how to speak up with confidence and courage.

Interviewer: What inspires you to morph into Captain Courage to help students like Katie who need a bit of a confidence boost?

Captain Courage: I’m glad you asked! As you know, I’m passionate about helping my students find their own inner strength and their superpowers. And I’m acutely aware that when they see me become my alter ego, Captain Courage, it enables kids to envision their own alter egos, and subsequently, shape the brave, heroic side of themselves.

Interviewer: What is one of your “superpowers” that you often use to help kids who exhibit trepidation at school?

Captain Courage: The “superpower” I rely on the most is the use of my fear-squishing shoes, which help me squash kids’ fears in a single dramatic stomp! Beyond that, I model what courage looks like and sounds like to enable my students to recognize how to speak up and share their ideas with self-assuredness.

Interviewer: How do you know when a student like Katie needs your help?

Captain Courage: I’m especially vigilant when it comes to my brand new students—those children who are new to Blythe Elementary, and especially those who have moved from another place, like Katie. New places and experiences are scary for most people, and I can often spot these fears quickly with my special silver-rimmed goggles. I know what fear looks like—sometimes I recognize it in something as simple as a lack of eye contact or nervous gestures, use of filler words, or reduced voice volume.  And once I recognize it, I provide as much support as possible to boost confidence.

Interviewer: What’s your favorite scene in the book?

Captain Courage: Definitely the show-and-tell scene!

Interviewer: What message do you hope children will take away from the story?

Captain Courage: I hope students will recognize through the book that there are tangible tips and tricks you can use to become a poised and strong speaker. All kids and grown-ups can learn these tools to look and feel brave, and communicate with confidence in any situation!

Interviewer: Now, just out of curiosity, what do you like to do in your free time?

Captain Courage: In my free time, I enjoy reading books, especially adventure stories and mysteries. I also love spending time outdoors, whether it’s hiking, playing sports, or just enjoying nature. And, of course, I love finding new ways to connect with my students and help them grow and find their inner superhero.

Interviewer: Thank you, Captain Courage! Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share?

Captain Courage: Just that optimal/confident communication is a skill that can be developed like any other skill — the more you practice, using the pointers included in the book, the better you’ll become. And I know how important speaking up is for school success –it’s vital for participating in class discussions, asking questions, presenting work, and building relationships with peers and teachers. That’s why it makes me so proud of my students for taking steps toward speaking with confidence. 

Interviewer: Thank you again, Captain Courage, for sharing your thoughts, and for helping to inspire and build confidence in kids of all ages! 😉

Captain Courage: You’re welcome! It’s what I genuinely love to do!

BUY HERE 

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STACEY MARSHALL is a best-selling author, public speaking coach, and speech-language pathologist. She loves helping kids (and grown-ups) of all ages communicate with confidence and courage in school and beyond. She has coached both student and professional athletes in media-best practices, and is a winner of the Women Executives International Speak-Out. She earned her BA in English from Duke University and her MS from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

 

 

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Category: Contemporary Women Writers