How to Ensure Your Story Has Heart

The art and craft of writing children's books that create lasting connections with readers

With Valentine's Day on the horizon, I thought I'd go a little deeper into the concept that's already top of mind for many of us kidlit folks this time of year: Heart.

Every story, regardless of genre or audience, has a core—a central truth that resonates long after the last page is turned. For children’s authors, understanding and amplifying that truth is the difference between a story that’s merely read and one that’s cherished. The heart of your story isn’t just its plot or characters; it’s the emotional core that ties everything together and lingers with your readers.

The heart of a story is what moves readers, captivates them, and makes them feel seen. It’s the universal theme or emotional truth that beats beneath every action, every decision, every turn of the page. Stories with heart aren’t necessarily sentimental, but they are always deeply felt. They have the power to connect across ages and experiences—something especially important in writing for children, where stories often become foundational in shaping a reader’s worldview.

What the Heart of Your Story Is (and Why It Matters)

I Love You For Miles and Miles,
by Alison Goldberg,
illustrated by Mike Yamada

The heart of your story is the "why" behind the "what." It’s the deeper meaning that drives the narrative forward and gives it purpose. Without heart, even the most intricately plotted story risks feeling hollow. The heart is what transforms a sequence of events into a journey worth taking.

When we talk about heart, we’re talking about what your story wants to say at its most essential level. Maybe it’s about the courage it takes to stand up for yourself, the bittersweet beauty of letting go, or the enduring power of friendship. Whatever it is, it’s the thread that ties your story together. For children, who often experience books on both an emotional and formative level, stories with heart create a safe space to explore big feelings and complex ideas.

Stories with heart aren’t just memorable—they’re meaningful. They give your readers something to hold onto and reflect on, long after they’ve finished the book. That’s why identifying and staying true to the heart of your story is so important. It’s your north star, guiding every choice you make in your writing.

Finding the Heart of Your Story

Identifying the heart of your story begins with asking the right questions. Start by digging into your character’s journey. What is their deepest struggle? What do they long for, and what stands in their way? Look beyond the surface of your plot to uncover the emotional truths driving your story forward.

1. Examine Your Character’s Arc: Every story has a character who changes—maybe in small ways, maybe in big ones. What is your protagonist learning? How are they growing? These internal shifts are often a direct reflection of your story’s heart. If your main character discovers the courage to be themselves, your story’s heart might center on authenticity or bravery.
2. Consider the Central Conflict: Look at the challenges your character faces. Conflict isn’t just about external events; it’s often a mirror for the emotional stakes of the story. For instance, a quest to find a lost treasure might also be about finding self-worth or discovering the value of connection.
3. Ask Yourself "Why": Why are you writing this story? Why does it matter to you? The stories we write often come from a deeply personal place. If you can identify what drew you to this idea, you’re already on the trail of its heart.
4. Think About Your Audience: What do you want your readers to feel when they close the book? How do you hope your story will resonate with them? Whether your readers are toddlers, teens, or somewhere in between, your story’s heart should offer something that feels true to their world.

Writing With the Heart in Mind

Pokko and the Drum,
by Matthew Forsythe

Once you’ve found the heart of your story, the next step is weaving it into every element of your writing. Think of it as an invisible thread that holds the narrative together. Every scene, every character decision, and every word should serve this central truth.

Anchor Your Plot: Make sure your story’s heart drives the action. If your story is about belonging, each plot point should reflect your character’s struggle to find their place.
Deepen Your Characters: A story with heart requires characters who feel real. Their actions, decisions, and even mistakes should all stem from the emotions at the core of the story.
Refine Your Language: Choose words that carry weight. In picture books, every word matters—lean into language that amplifies the emotions you’re trying to convey. For longer works, like middle grade or YA, take the time to create moments of emotional resonance within the narrative.
Revisit and Revise: As you revise, keep the heart of your story front and center. Ask yourself: Does this scene strengthen the emotional core, or is it pulling the story in a different direction? Revision is where the heart of a story often emerges most clearly, so don’t be afraid to cut what doesn’t fit.

Why Heart Matters Most of All

Children’s literature has the unique ability to nurture empathy, curiosity, and connection. When we write stories with heart, we’re giving readers a mirror to see themselves and a window to see others. Whether it’s the simple, powerful message of a picture book or the layered complexity of a young adult novel, a story with heart is one that readers carry with them.

Your story’s heart is something you return to again and again throughout your writing process. It’s what makes your story yours. It’s what makes your story matter, not just on Valentine's Day, but every day of the year.

Cara J. Stevens is a writer, editor, and book coach with over 20 years of experience in children’s publishing. Based in Los Angeles, she specializes in helping writers craft their stories across genres, offering services in developmental editing, book coaching, and creative workshops. Cara served as the 2023 SCBWI-L.A. Mentor, and contributes frequently to Kite Tales, the SCBWI Southern California blog. Her most recent children’s book is the Mean Girls Little Golden Book, illustrated by Viven Wu and Chivaun Fitzpatrick (Little Golden Books). She has been an SCBWI member since 1996. Her podcast, Picture Perfect, features interviews with kidlit professionals and quick writing tips, and can be accessed on most podcast streaming platforms. Learn more at carajstevens.com.