Building Confidence Through Story Writing
- Gina Vallance
- Jun 21
- 3 min read
Building Confidence Through Story Writing
by Gina Vallance
Have you ever watched a child light up after inventing a character who does something brave? Or smiled as they describe a magical world where they’re the one making the rules?
That’s the quiet power of story writing. And when we give children the space to create their own characters and adventures, something magical happens—they begin to see themselves as the hero of their own life.
As a children’s author, screenwriter, former early childhood teacher, and the creator of WhimziePop Empowerment for girls and lgbtq+ youth, I’ve seen it again and again: storytelling helps kids step into their
strength. Not just on the page—but in real life, too.
Stories Create Safe Spaces
We all know that kids experience big feelings. And sometimes, they just don’t have the words to say exactly what’s going on. That’s where storytelling can help.
When a child creates a character who feels left out, nervous, or brave, they’re actually exploring their own emotions—but at a safe distance. The story becomes a mirror and a playground. It’s no longer just “I feel scared.” It becomes “my unicorn character is nervous to try something new.” That little shift opens the door to reflection, problem-solving, and healing.
Writing Builds Confidence One Scene at a Time
Every time a child finishes a story—even if it’s just a few sentences—they’ve taken an idea, shaped it, and brought it to life. That’s creative power! And it builds real-world confidence.
They learn that their voice matters. That their ideas are worth writing down. That they can create beginnings, middles, and endings—not just in stories, but in their everyday experiences, too.
Story writing lets them say:
“I’m brave enough to imagine something new.”
“I can rewrite this problem.”
“I get to decide what happens next.”
Characters Can Be Courage Teachers
I love encouraging kids to write about magical creatures and fantasy friends. In my newest, empowering movie script themed workbook for girls, WhimziePop Empowerment Scripts: A SEL, Expressive Screenwriting & Art Adventure, every story begins with a mythical being—like a dragon who’s afraid of his own fire or a phoenix unsure she’ll rise again.
These characters are metaphors. They’re not just make-believe—they’re teaching tools. And when kids help these characters solve problems, they’re practicing how to do the same in their own lives.
They learn:
How to shift a negative thought.
How to imagine a happier ending.
How to take action—even if it’s just a small one.
You can find the workbook here:
When Kids Are the Heroes, Their Stories Shine
So many kids (especially tweens) feel small in a big world. They might not always feel seen, heard, or celebrated. But when they write a story—and especially when they put themselves in it—they claim space.
That’s why I believe in writing as a tool for empowerment.
Let’s help girls become the heroes they already are.
Let’s give them blank pages and big dreams.
Let’s remind them that their stories matter—because they do.
If you’re looking for a way to support the tween girls in your life—whether they’re daughters, nieces, students, or young storytellers at heart—this expressive writing and art journal is for them.
Let’s keep writing brave stories—together.
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Gina Vallance is the author of Amberly and the Secret of the Fairy Warriors, a girls’ empowerment advocate, and the creator of WhimziePop Empowerment.
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