Maggie O'Farrell writes three impactful children's books in four years

Maggie O'Farrell, a Northern Irish author known for her acclaimed novel Hamnet, has lived most of her life in Scotland. She has struggled with a stammer since childhood, a challenge that has shaped her writing and personal experiences. O'Farrell recently shared insights about her creative process during an interview at a café in Edinburgh, where she was affected by her family catching Covid. She has not allowed her success to significantly change her routine but is preparing for the film adaptation of her novel, set to release next year. O'Farrell has also expanded her repertoire by writing children's books over the past four years, filling a perceived gap in literature for young readers aged five to 10. Her writing incorporates rich language to enhance children's vocabulary and explains complex emotions through metaphor. Her second children's book, The Boy Who Lost His Spark, is one of the works she produced during the lockdown, reflecting on the universal loss of joy and excitement that many experienced during that time. O'Farrell believes that literature can play a vital role in comforting and educating children in a nuanced way.