What I Do — Lottie Saahko: author and content creator

these issues are

close to my heart

SO I WRITE BOOKS ABOUT THEM

topics close to my heart

There are many things I’m very passionate about: multicultural childhoods, indentity, what “home” means, neurodivergence, autism, being different, unmasking, creativity, storytelling, creative writing, theatre, musical theatre, old people, Alzheimers and dementia, carers, feminism, sustainability, small businesses, mental health, bipolar disorder, second hand shopping, dopamine dressing, bright colours, and so much more…

my main themes:

01

THIRD CULTURE KIDS

02

NEURODIVERGENCE

03

ELDERLY PEOPLE + ALZHEIMERS

let me tell you

what matters to me

There are three main themes I love to write about and I consider myself to be an expert in, and they all have to do with my own life and my upbringing.

Third culture kids: I was raised all around the world, and have struggled with change, identity and never finding a “home”. I have researched the topic a lot and interviewed other TCKs to understand our lifestyle better.

Autism and neurodivergence: I always thought I was strange and different, until I got my autism diagnosis at age 30 and finally learned to understand and accept myself and unmask!

I have been my grandfather’s carer for several years. He is 89 and suffers from Alzheimers. I have also written several books about his experiences during WW2, which I’m very passionate about.

write what you know!

Over the span of the last three years, I have published eight and written ten books about my favourite themes. My first two books focused on World War II evacuees, like my grandather, and transgenerational war trauma. In the books I explore how the war experiences still have an effect on both my grandfather, and me. I have also turned my grandfather’s stories into picture books for approximately 4–8 year olds. They’re a combination of history and very relatable childhood experiences that today’s children will be able to relate to.

My next books focused on the experiences of third culture kids, such as myself. I wrote my story of how I grew up all around the world and how I formed a sense of home and identity without ever having a steady home. In May 2024, I’m publishing a children’s book with the same theme.

At the moment I’m in the process of writing my first novel in English. After having traditionally published eight books in Finland, I feel like I have gathered the experience and knowledge to take the next big step, which for me is conquering the English-speaking book market!

My upcoming novel tells the story of two estranged sisters, Lola and Lana. Lola is autistic and Lana bipolar, although they are both undiagnosed at the beginning of the story.

I will be editing and finalising the novel on the Curtis Brown Creative Edit and Pitch your Novel -course during spring 2024.

The novel will be ready for querying in autumn 2024. That’s when I will be looking for representation in the UK.

The world calls them its singers and poets and artists and storytellers; but they are just people who have never forgotten the way to fairyland.

L.M. Montgomery

I love visiting

schools & libraries

I've visited hundreds of schools and libraries, giving presentations and leading school assemblies, as well as running creative writing classes, with the aim to inspire children to read and write.

I focus on positive messaging, being yourself, and finding your own, unique creative voice, drawing from my personal experiences as a bullied child.