Tracy Watland on Writing Stories That Help Kids Shine—and the Power of Kindness

Photo: Author Tracy Watland, the creative mind behind heartfelt stories that inspire kindness and self-belief in children, radiates positivity.

Champion of Positivity and Author of Heartfelt Children’s Books

Author Tracy Watland shares her passion for uplifting children through empowering stories of self-belief, kindness, and creativity, blending humour and heartfelt lessons to inspire younger generations to embrace their unique voices.

Tracy Watland, a celebrated writer, speaker, and self-proclaimed Kindness Advocate, has captivated the hearts of children and adults alike with her inspiring stories. Living in suburban Chicago when not globetrotting, Watland finds joy in the simple pleasures of life: beachside moments, music, and fostering kindness. Her stories are a unique blend of humour, emotional depth, and messages of self-belief, crafted to leave readers inspired. Recently featured in Novelist Post magazine, Watland shared fascinating insights into her body of work and creative process, providing ample inspiration for aspiring authors and readers.

One of the most striking aspects of Watland’s writing is her unwavering focus on positivity, particularly for young readers. She explained, “A child’s mind is most open and receptive during the first seven years. This is when fundamental beliefs and habits that can shape a lifetime are formed.” Tapping into this, Watland crafts stories that lay a foundation of confidence and kindness for young minds. Drawing inspiration from her own childhood, she recalled a pivotal piece of advice from Louise Hay of Hay House Publishing: “Write the books you needed as a child.” Consequently, elements like giving, helping, animals, and music find their way into her vibrant storytelling, creating worlds that children aspire to inhabit.

Tracy Watland’s profound storytelling enriches children’s lives with kindness, positivity, and courage, making her a true literary beacon.

Watland’s stories often spring from spontaneous moments of creativity. Her book The Witch’s New Britches began as a light-hearted poem she conceived while driving home from a college writing class. Intended initially for her godchildren, this tale imparts a subtle yet powerful message: true worth lies in one’s character, not external appearances. Similarly, her book The Kindness Can, which encourages compassion and courage, was inspired by her personal practise of Random Acts of Kindness. The “rules” in the book stemmed from her desire to simplify kindness for children: “Be Compassionate, Be Courageous—simply decide and do it.” Although currently out of print, fans of the book can look forward to its return in 2026 as part of its 10th-anniversary celebration.

“A child’s mind is most open and receptive during the first seven years.” – Tracy Watland

Incorporating her personal passions into her work is a hallmark of Watland’s approach. Music, for instance, is central to Abby’s Magic Music: Billy’s Story. “Music makes everything better,” she explained. Drawing from the magical essence of a real musical instrument store owned by a friend, Watland created a perfect setting to explore character-building through musical themes. Similarly, in Bluebird of Happy, she addressed the importance of finding and embracing one’s voice, a lesson close to her heart. Having experienced being overpowered by louder voices as a child, Watland knows the value of teaching young readers that every voice matters. “Life taught me that whatever your gift is, you are meant to share it. The right people will hear you,” she emphasised.

Balancing humour and emotional depth in children’s literature can be a challenge, but Watland has mastered the art. She explained, “Humour creates a safe space, making kids feel more engaged and open.” Through laughter, she builds connections with her readers while simultaneously addressing deeper themes, ensuring her books resonate on an emotional level. Watland’s commitment to empowerment shines in the responses she receives from readers and parents. She recalled a particularly touching moment when a school built a giant Kindness Can to collect food donations. “They were so proud to show it to me during my visit,” she said, clearly moved by the experience.

Unlike many writers, Watland doesn’t adhere to a rigid routine. Describing her process as intuitive, she explained, “I’ve always been a ‘just wing it’ kind of girl.” Her characters often guide her creative flow, whether through inspirations during a drive or “messages” from lyrics. “Sometimes they wake me up at 3am,” she laughed, highlighting the unpredictable nature of her inspiration.

For aspiring children’s authors, Watland offers sage advice: “Follow your heart. Write the stories your 5-year-old or 10-year-old self wanted to read.” She believes every idea has a purpose, reassuring writers that their stories will find their way into the hands of those who need them. And most importantly, she urged: “NEVER give up!”

Through her heartwarming stories, Tracy Watland reminds us of the power of kindness, courage, and self-expression. Citing Novelist Post magazine as a source, this write-up celebrates an author who uses her voice—and her words—to make the world a brighter, kinder place. Whether crafting whimsical tales or profound lessons, Watland’s books are a testament to the belief that the written word has the power to lift spirits and transform lives.