The Writer's Round

Episode 19: Referrals Are Not a Sales Strategy

Kendall Cherry — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 05:01:20 GMT

Ever wonder why your business can feel consistent one season—and completely unpredictable the next?

This solo episode of The Writer’s Round breaks down why referrals, while helpful, are not a reliable or scalable sales strategy—and how relying on them can quietly limit your income, your growth, and your ability to evolve your business.

Rather than demonizing referrals entirely, this episode offers a more grounded perspective on when they work, when they don’t, and what actually creates sustainable revenue over time.

You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how to move beyond referral-dependency and build a sales ecosystem that gives you more control, consistency, and alignment in your business.

Here’s what we cover:

Why referrals feel stable during “good” seasons—but quickly dry up in slower or uncertain economies
How referral-based businesses can experience more extreme feast-or-famine cycles
The hidden way referrals can cap your pricing, income, and overall earning potential
Why referrals make it harder to pivot, evolve, or expand your services
What you’re missing when clients come in pre-sold—and why it matters for your messaging
How relying on referrals prevents you from testing and validating your content and sales assets
The disconnect between what you actually do and what your messaging communicates (and why referrals can hide it)
Why visibility alone won’t fix your sales—and what role your sales ecosystem actually plays
How to build a more sustainable, scalable way of generating leads and closing clients

Whether you’re currently running a referral-heavy business or you’ve been told that referrals are the ultimate goal, this episode offers a more nuanced perspective—one that helps you create more predictable revenue without relying on word-of-mouth alone.

CONNECT WITH KENDALL:

👩🏼‍🌾 Applications are OPEN for the inaugural cohort of The Greenhouse 🌱🌻 a 6-month accelerator to grow your writing business and transform your words into a premium product

Website: candidcollective.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-cherry/

Subscribe to my newsletter, Wallflower Fridays 🌻 💌 wallflowerfridays.com

The Writer’s Round on Substack: thewritersround.com

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Join The Greenhouse 🌱🌻 A 6-month accelerator to grow your writing business and transform your words into a premium product that clients love to pay you for. Apply here: findthegreenhouse.com

Want to hire me to write for you? 👻✏️ Grab my services guide: candidcollective.co/services-guide

Episode 18: How Your Inquiry Form Can Qualify Leads and Eliminate Sales Calls

Kendall Cherry — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 05:00:40 GMT

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A creative sanctuary for writers, business owners, and artists who are called to stay gold in this brave new world.

In this solo episode, I break down one of the most underrated pieces of a healthy sales ecosystem: your inquiry form. I explain how a thoughtfully designed form can qualify leads, speed up decision-making, and eliminate unnecessary sales calls—while still keeping the process ethical and client-centered.

Instead of relying on endless discovery calls, I share how to design inquiry questions that surface the exact information you need to evaluate fit, scope projects, and move straight into proposals.

Here’s what we cover:

Why generic contact forms create slow sales cycles and force you to gather basic information on calls.
How a strategic inquiry form helps you quickly arrive at a clear yes or no with potential clients.
Why asking about project timelines reveals more than urgency—it exposes expectations and operational readiness.
The role of budget transparency and how it helps you design payment plans that work for both sides.
Why asking about preferred monthly payments can make pricing conversations easier and more collaborative.
The underrated question I always ask: what investments someone has already made to solve this problem.
How past investments reveal buying behavior, seriousness, and potential alignment with your services.
Why inquiry forms help you scope projects faster by giving you early visibility into needs, goals, and constraints.
How better lead qualification allows you to send proposals asynchronously—often eliminating the need for sales calls entirely.
Why your inquiry form is one of the most powerful operational tools in a modern ethical sales ecosystem.

Whether you’re a writer, coach, or consultant, this episode will help you rethink your inquiry process—and turn a simple form into a powerful filter that attracts better clients and saves you hours of selling time.

CONNECT WITH KENDALL:

👩🏼‍🌾 Applications are OPEN for the inaugural cohort of The Greenhouse 🌱🌻 a 6-month accelerator to grow your writing business and transform your words into a premium product

Website: candidcollective.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-cherry/

Subscribe to my newsletter, Wallflower Fridays 🌻 💌 wallflowerfridays.com

The Writer’s Round on Substack: thewritersround.com

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Episode 17: How I Differentiated 50+ Life Coaches Within the Same Niche

Kendall Cherry — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 05:00:40 GMT

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A creative sanctuary for writers, business owners, and artists who are called to stay gold in this brave new world.

In this solo episode, I pull back the curtain on one of the most fascinating realizations from teaching inside The Greenhouse—how I ended up differentiating more than 50 life coaches who were all technically serving the same audience with almost identical messaging.

Instead of accepting vague positioning like “women in transition,” I explain the strategy and storytelling thinking that allowed me to transform look-alike services into distinct, compelling brands that actually sell.

Here’s what we cover:

Why so many coaches unknowingly use identical positioning—and how phrases like “women in transition” quietly erase your uniqueness.
Why I refuse to repeat lowest-common-denominator messaging even when clients initially believe that’s their niche.
The first differentiator: treating services like products so the transformation becomes clear, concrete, and sellable.
Why every service needs a container—timeframes, outcomes, and defined before-and-after shifts that anchor the offer.
How deep industry exposure turned my brain into a “human messaging archive,” making it easier to spot clichés and surface fresh positioning.
Why differentiation often comes from reframing common outcomes instead of inventing completely new services.
How subtle nuances inside a client’s real experience reveal far more specific audiences than broad demographics ever could.
Why client stories are the most powerful differentiator in service businesses—and how they reveal your unique process.
The cinematographer mindset for storytelling: deciding exactly what moment, insight, or transformation the audience should focus on.
Why differentiation and storytelling will only become more valuable as online markets grow more crowded and content becomes more automated.

Whether you’re a writer working with saturated industries or a service provider trying to stand out in a crowded niche, this episode will help you rethink positioning—and start turning everyday client stories into the clearest proof of your expertise.

CONNECT WITH KENDALL:

👩🏼‍🌾 Applications are OPEN for the inaugural cohort of The Greenhouse 🌱🌻 a 6-month accelerator to grow your writing business and transform your words into a premium product

Website: candidcollective.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-cherry/

Subscribe to my newsletter, Wallflower Fridays 🌻 💌 wallflowerfridays.com

The Writer’s Round on Substack: thewritersround.com

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Episode 16: How to Create a Conscious Sales Ecosystem in 2026

Kendall Cherry — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 13:38:49 GMT

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A grounded, behind-the-scenes look at how sales actually work in 2026—and why the old urgency-heavy, hustle-driven tactics are quietly collapsing.

In this solo episode of The Writer’s Round, I unpack the ethos and infrastructure of a conscious sales ecosystem, why integrity is the dominant value among modern service providers, and how aligning your funnel with that shift can unclog your revenue overnight.

Rather than doubling down on scarcity, cold outreach, and pressure-based calls, I break down what it looks like to sell in a way that feels spacious, empowered, and profitable—especially for writers, fractional experts, and service-based founders.

Here’s what we cover:

Why we’re in a trust recession—and how empowered buyers (especially women and marginalized founders) are changing the way money moves.
The real reason sales cycles feel longer—and why “perfect timing” purchasing requires a new funnel structure.
Integrity as the #1 business value I see across my clients—and how misalignment in your sales process silently blocks revenue.
What a conscious sales ecosystem actually looks like: buyer autonomy, transparent scope, clear outcomes, and zero pressure.
Why speed kills deals—and how hustle energy repels the very clients you’re trying to attract.
How to gut and rebuild your proposal process so it takes 15–30 minutes instead of 2–3 hours.
The inquiry form mechanics I use to pre-qualify aligned clients (and filter out energy leaks before a call ever happens).
Real student wins from The Greenhouse: nine inquiries in a week and a half, renegotiated contracts, higher rates, and faster closes—all from shifting the infrastructure first.
Why we rebuild the sales ecosystem in week one of The Greenhouse—and how cleaning the pipeline often leads to immediate ROI.

If you’ve felt the quiet resistance to selling the “old way,” this episode will validate what you already sense: there is a different model emerging. One rooted in integrity, autonomy, and long-term trust. And when your infrastructure matches your values, the sales don’t just convert—they flow.

CONNECT WITH KENDALL:

👩🏼‍🌾 Applications are OPEN for the inaugural cohort of The Greenhouse 🌱🌻 a 6-month accelerator to grow your writing business and transform your words into a premium product

Website: candidcollective.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-cherry/

Subscribe to my newsletter, Wallflower Fridays 🌻 💌 wallflowerfridays.com

The Writer’s Round on Substack: thewritersround.com

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Episode 15: Intention Setting Inside The Greenhouse

Kendall Cherry — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 06:00:53 GMT

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A creative sanctuary for writers, business owners, and artists who are called to stay gold in this brave new world.

In this solo episode, I pull back the curtain on Week Zero inside The Greenhouse and share how intention setting becomes the foundation for sustainable growth, creative safety, and aligned sales—without hierarchy, pressure, or performance.

Rather than treating goals as rigid milestones or one-time journal entries, I walk through how I use visualization, nervous system awareness, and weekly micro-actions to create real momentum for writers building premium, values-led businesses.

Here’s what we cover:

Why I created Week Zero and how intention setting shapes the entire arc of The Greenhouse.
How peer-based learning replaces hierarchy and creates deeper trust, ownership, and follow-through.
The “see yourself successful” exercise and why future visualization works better than rigid goal-setting.
Why focusing on the next small step keeps momentum moving without overwhelming your nervous system.
How shared fears lose power when named collectively—and why this matters for creative confidence and sales.
What conscious community actually looks like inside a writing accelerator, and why safety fuels growth.
How intentional sales ecosystems give writers back their time, energy, and creative bandwidth.

If you’re navigating a liminal season, building something meaningful, or craving a more human way to grow your work, this episode offers a grounded look at how intention, structure, and community can work together—without burning you out or asking you to perform.

CONNECT WITH KENDALL:

👩🏼‍🌾 Applications are OPEN for the inaugural cohort of The Greenhouse 🌱🌻 a 6-month accelerator to grow your writing business and transform your words into a premium product

Website: candidcollective.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-cherry/

Subscribe to my newsletter, Wallflower Fridays 🌻 💌 wallflowerfridays.com

The Writer’s Round on Substack: thewritersround.com

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Episode 14: How I Think About Teaching Storytelling and Sales Writing

Kendall Cherry — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 06:02:36 GMT

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A creative sanctuary for writers, business owners, and artists who are called to stay gold in this brave new world.

In this solo episode, I take you behind the scenes of my teaching philosophy—how I approach storytelling and sales writing, why I don’t believe in formulaic “plug-and-play” content, and the deeper emotional and spiritual layers that run underneath everything I teach.

From childhood chalkboards to designing The Greenhouse’s curriculum, this episode traces how teaching became the core of my craft—and why I believe great writing starts with a great lens.

Here’s what we cover:

Why I always knew I’d be a teacher long before I knew I’d be a writer—and how that shapes everything I create now.
How The Greenhouse brought me “home” to my teacher identity and why writers need real instruction, not just templates.
Why self-paced courses rarely work for storytelling and sales—and what writers actually need to get better.
Why understanding the mechanics behind a story matters more than following a framework.
How I think about storytelling as a camera lens—not a formula—and why your voice (not mine) is the point.
Why storytelling is a skill that transcends business: from weddings to wakes to dinner tables.
The spiritual undercurrent of everything I teach—and how stories help us see ourselves more clearly.
Why sales writing is really self-advocacy—and why your pricing, your confidence, and your storytelling are deeply connected.
How stories raise the collective “light” in the world—and why your work deserves to be shared so others can transform too.
Why the ripple effect of your stories matters more than you realize.

If you want to learn storytelling and sales writing in a way that’s practical, human, and deeply empowering, you can join me for The Greenhouse or start with my free workshop, How to Write a Money-Making Testimonial, happening December 11 at 11 a.m. CT. Links are in the show notes.

I can’t wait to teach you—whether it’s for one hour or for six months.

JOIN MY FREE WORKSHOP ON DECEMBER 11th

Learn how to write a client case study in story form in my upcoming FREE workshop: How to Write a Money Makin’ Testimonial.

P.S. Seeing this episode after December 11, 2025? Use the link above and we’ll send you the replay!

CONNECT WITH KENDALL:

👩🏼‍🌾 Applications are OPEN for the inaugural cohort of The Greenhouse 🌱🌻 a 6-month accelerator to grow your writing business and transform your words into a premium product

Website: candidcollective.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-cherry/

Subscribe to my newsletter, Wallflower Fridays 🌻 💌 wallflowerfridays.com

The Writer’s Round on Substack: thewritersround.com

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Episode 13: Why Client Case Study Stories Convert Like Crazy

Kendall Cherry — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 06:02:25 GMT

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A creative sanctuary for writers, business owners, and artists who are called to stay gold in this brave new world.

In this solo episode, I break down why client case study stories are the most profitable, trust-building, conversion-boosting stories in your entire business—and why so many of us still avoid sharing them.

These aren’t just “testimonials”; they are narrative proof of your value, your process, and the real transformation you facilitate.

Case studies help your audience see themselves inside the work. They let people understand not only what you do, but how it works—and whether your approach is right for them.

And in a market where buyers are more cautious, more informed, and doing more research than ever, these stories matter.

Here’s what we cover:

Why stopping to reflect on your client work is essential—not optional—if you want predictable monthly or quarterly sales.
The problem with the “five gold stars + screenshot” testimonial trend—and how it trains your audience to scroll right past your wins.
Why story-driven case studies outperform static testimonials every single time.
Why “I don’t know enough details” is a cop-out—and why you have more of the story than you think.
The user behavior most people miss: why audiences don’t actually read screenshot testimonials and what to do instead.
How to write case studies that introduce nuance, speak to different buyer segments, and mirror the emotional and practical value of your offer.
Why today’s customers require more information, more safety, and more transparency before they ever invest—and how case studies deliver exactly that.
How case studies de-pressurize the sales cycle by answering questions before someone ever gets on a call with you.
Why qualitative wins (clarity, confidence, momentum, relief) matter just as much as revenue data—and how to tell those stories well.
Why these stories are your highest-converting sales assets—and why they’re also the least shared.

Want to turn client wins into stories that sell? Join my free workshop Dec 11 at 11am CT: How to Write a Money-Making Testimonial. I’ll share my method, examples, and tools for archiving your best stories.

If you’re listening after Dec 11, the replay is waiting for you. Just use the link in the show notes. Access it anytime, whether it’s next week or next year.

Case studies are the highest-ROI stories you can tell. Let’s make sure you’re actually telling them.

JOIN MY FREE WORKSHOP ON DECEMBER 11th

Learn how to write a client case study in story form in my upcoming FREE workshop: How to Write a Money Makin’ Testimonial.

CONNECT WITH KENDALL:

👩🏼‍🌾 Applications are OPEN for the inaugural cohort of The Greenhouse 🌱🌻 a 6-month accelerator to grow your writing business and transform your words into a premium product

Website: candidcollective.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-cherry/

Subscribe to my newsletter, Wallflower Fridays 🌻 💌 wallflowerfridays.com

The Writer’s Round on Substack: thewritersround.com

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Episode 12: The Origin Story of My Money Makin’ Testimonials Workshop

Kendall Cherry — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 06:01:32 GMT

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A creative sanctuary for writers, business owners, and artists who are called to stay gold in this brave new world.

In this solo episode, I trace the entire evolution of my Money Makin’ Testimonials workshop—from a scrappy digital product I Frankensteined together years ago… to a full chapter inside my upcoming book… to a signature writing lab inside The Greenhouse… to the live workshop I’m teaching on December 11.

What started as an experiment became one of the most transformative storytelling tools I teach—because client case studies (told well) are the highest-converting stories in your business.

Here’s what we cover:

How the original “money-making testimonials” idea was born during a curriculum build—before I even realized I was teaching sales, not marketing.
Why version one of the course flopped—and how the questions, confusion, and messy drafts taught me what people really needed.
How Here to Sell reframed everything—turning testimonials into “the Bee” in my Field Notes metaphor and giving them a full, practical, long-form home.
Why The Greenhouse dedicates an entire writing lab to case studies—and how this story type consistently produces the biggest ROI for writers and founders.
The DC workshop moment that changed everything—seeing the light bulbs go off as people understood how to write qualitative proof (even without revenue metrics).
The real reason people avoid sharing case studies—and why your clients want you to tell these stories.
Why December is the best time of year to gather your transformations, choose the stories you’ll tell in 2025, and stop leaving money on the table.

Whether you’re a writer, a founder, or a creator with client results you’ve been keeping quiet, this episode shows you how this workshop came to life—and why learning this skill now will change your entire sales ecosystem next year.

The live workshop happens on December 11 at 11 a.m. CT. The link to join is in the show notes, and I’d love to see you there.

JOIN MY FREE WORKSHOP ON DECEMBER 11th

Learn how to write a client case study in story form in my upcoming FREE workshop: How to Write a Money Makin’ Testimonial.

P.S. Seeing this episode after December 11, 2025? Use the link above and we’ll send you the replay!

CONNECT WITH KENDALL:

👩🏼‍🌾 Applications are OPEN for the inaugural cohort of The Greenhouse 🌱🌻 a 6-month accelerator to grow your writing business and transform your words into a premium product

Website: candidcollective.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-cherry/

Subscribe to my newsletter, Wallflower Fridays 🌻 💌 wallflowerfridays.com

The Writer’s Round on Substack: thewritersround.com

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Episode 11: How My Client Had "The Easiest Sales Call Ever"

Kendall Cherry — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 14:36:17 GMT

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A practical teardown of how I engineer “already-sold” conversations—for me and for clients—by shifting the heavy lifting into your copy and content.

I walk through the real case study of Michelle at Cultivate Your Space (interior design for mental health + wellness), how we productized her offer (“Give Me The Vision”), rebuilt her sales ecosystem, and why her next call took fifteen minutes and zero objection-handling.

Here’s what we cover:

Why I don’t “do sales calls” (and what replaces them): pre-selling through clear messaging, proof, and story-first nurturing.
Rented vs. owned channels—how Instagram discovered, email converted, and why the newsletter quietly outsold the feed.
Productizing your service: naming, packaging, scope clarity, and how a crisp container removes bespoke chaos.
The four must-have assets: website copy that sells, an email welcome sequence that warms, middle-of-funnel posts that teach value, and a no-drama inquiry page.
Handling price + objections in the content (so the call isn’t a debate, it’s a decision).
Designing the “easiest call ever”: agenda, questions to confirm fit, and the two green lights I listen for before sending the invoice.
Metrics that actually matter: list-to-lead rate, lead-to-call rate, and call-to-close speed (plus how to read them).
The three mistakes that stall sales: vague offers, content without an objective, and ghosting your list between launches.
A 7-day action plan to pre-sell your next offer without adding more calls to your calendar.

Client spotlight—Cultivate Your Space: we packaged “Give Me The Vision,” raised per-room pricing, tuned the welcome sequence, and used instructional IG posts to feed owned channels; result: a calendar booked a month early and a prospect who arrived knowing the offer, the price, and the process—just needed the scope check.

CONNECT WITH KENDALL:

👩🏼‍🌾 Applications are OPEN for the inaugural cohort of The Greenhouse 🌱🌻 a 6-month accelerator to grow your writing business and transform your words into a premium product

Website: candidcollective.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-cherry/

Subscribe to my newsletter, Wallflower Fridays 🌻 💌 wallflowerfridays.com

The Writer’s Round on Substack: thewritersround.com

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Episode 10: 11 Books Every Writer Must Read

Kendall Cherry — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 14:31:03 GMT

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A love letter to reading as a creative practice—and a ruthlessly curated stack to sharpen your storytelling, deepen your sales voice, and keep you grounded when the algorithm gets loud.

I share why strong inputs create stronger output, why indie bookstores matter, and how to build a sustainable reading ritual even if you’re busy, neurospicy, or starting from zero.

Here’s what we cover:

Why writers must be readers—how quality sentences tune your internal ear and lift every draft you touch.
Formats that actually stick for your brain—print, ebook, audio…or permission to choose one and ignore the rest.
How to read “on purpose”—savoring, skimming, annotating, and rereading as craft training (not homework).
The case for indie bookstores—real recommendations, community dollars, and serendipity you’ll never get from a feed.
Fiction + memoir + craft—why a mixed stack builds range, resonance, and sales clarity.

The 11 I recommend and why they matter:

Beautyland — Marie-Helene Bertino: luminous, alien-hearted fiction that captures the strangeness and holiness of making art.
The Creative Act — Rick Rubin: short, devotional-style riffs that reconnect you to source, courage, and simplicity.
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel — Jessica Brody: a practical, scene-by-scene plotting spine you’ll steal for books, emails, and case studies.
The Book of Goose — Yiyun Li: quiet, cutting fiction about ghostwriting, fame, and the cost of storytelling.
A Happy Pocket Full of Money — David Cameron Gikandi: wealth energetics, self-worth, and why your prices are part of your prose.
Dinner for Vampires — Bethany Joy Lenz: razor-tight memoir of power, cult dynamics, and reclaiming your voice.
Outrageous Openness — Tosha Silver: tiny spiritual vignettes that teach surrender, timing, and creative trust.
In the Dream House — Carmen Maria Machado: second-person memoir masterclass in perspective, structure, and emotional precision.
Martyr! — Kaveh Akbar: poet’s-brain fiction with outrageous images and immaculate plot stitching.
The God of the Woods — Liz Moore: propulsive, character-rich mystery that doubles as a study in authority and pacing.
The BFG — Roald Dahl: a reminder that wonder, voice, and heart are advanced craft—disguised as a children’s book.

Whether you’re drafting a book, a newsletter, or a sales page, this episode gives you a reading roadmap that upgrades your writing life—without turning it into a chore. Bring a pen. Mark up the margins. Let great sentences change your own.

CONNECT WITH KENDALL:

👩🏼‍🌾 Applications are OPEN for the inaugural cohort of The Greenhouse 🌱🌻 a 6-month accelerator to grow your writing business and transform your words into a premium product

Website: candidcollective.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-cherry/

Subscribe to my newsletter, Wallflower Fridays 🌻 💌 wallflowerfridays.com

The Writer’s Round on Substack: thewritersround.com

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Episode 9: Storytelling Trends for 2026: What's In, What's Out, and What's Next

Kendall Cherry — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 12:58:28 GMT

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A field report from the real world (not the algorithmic echo chamber): what creators, founders, and content-led brands are actually shifting toward in 2026—and how to recalibrate your writing so it resonates and converts.

In this solo episode, I synthesize on-the-ground conversations from a DC summit of newsletter writers and podcasters, my own R&D, and client work to map the new rules of story-driven growth in a post-hype, post-AI-glitter era.

Here’s what we cover:

What’s out: AI-fluff and copy-paste brand voices—why audiences can feel the disconnect and are opting for unmistakably human writing.
What’s in: emotional resonance as a safety signal—how mind–body–soul storytelling rebuilds trust in crowded markets.
Ethical sales as the norm—clear pricing, tangible promises, and transparent context replacing bro-y “wins” and vague case studies.
Story-first funnels—longer, warmer nurture that centers narrative over gimmicks so decisions feel confident, not coerced.
Buyer behavior shifts for 2026—more research, slower cycles, and what your site, newsletter, and LinkedIn now must answer upfront.
The long-form revival—why depth pieces (and meatier emails/posts) are outperforming bite-sized takes for authority and conversion.
How to future-proof your voice—using assistive tools without losing authorship, so your content sounds like you on your best writing day.
Where to invest next—staff writers, sharp ghostwriters, and internal sales literacy to keep quality high and message aligned.

Whether you’re running a content-led brand or writing for one, this episode gives you a practical compass for 2026: write what only you can write, sell with radical clarity, and let story do the heavy lifting.

CONNECT WITH KENDALL:

👩🏼‍🌾 Applications are OPEN for the inaugural cohort of The Greenhouse 🌱🌻 a 6-month accelerator to grow your writing business and transform your words into a premium product

Website: candidcollective.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-cherry/

Subscribe to my newsletter, Wallflower Fridays 🌻 💌 wallflowerfridays.com

The Writer’s Round on Substack: thewritersround.com

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Episode 8: Stop F*cking Procrastinating and Other Sound Advice

Kendall Cherry — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 10:47:21 GMT

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In this solo episode, I answer a listener question from Bev about moving from email tech/strategy into paid writing, and I use my own current pivots (author, teacher, small-town creative) as a live case study in building real confidence.

Rather than waitinIn this solo episode, I dismantle the two biggest creativity killers—procrastination and perfectionism—and show you how momentum (not magical inspiration) is what makes drafts become art.

Rather than coddling ideas for months or years, I walk through a practical, compassionate way to start before you feel ready, iterate fast, and let clarity emerge from the doing.

Here’s what we cover:

Why so many writers stall: the hidden bargains we make with perfection—and how they quietly feed procrastination.
The 3% truth about books: most people never finish a first draft, and how to put yourself in the tiny minority that does.
My 45-minute drafting method and why “clean as fuck” writing shows up on revision three, not pass one.
The sculptor mindset: treat your draft like marble—remove what doesn’t belong, then refine—without judging early shape.
How to court inspiration the honest way: start moving, then invite it in (it rarely visits thinkers, always visits doers).
A simple anti-block protocol: lower the bar, write the wrong words on purpose, trust that iteration is your editor.
The quiet test from the universe: show up first, then receive—why action is the prerequisite for the breakthroughs you want.

If you’ve been spinning, this is your call-in, not a call-out. Start messy, ship something small, and let momentum make you brave.

CONNECT WITH KENDALL:

👩🏼‍🌾 Applications are OPEN for the inaugural cohort of The Greenhouse 🌱🌻 a 6-month accelerator to grow your writing business and transform your words into a premium product

Website: candidcollective.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-cherry/

Subscribe to my newsletter, Wallflower Fridays 🌻 💌 wallflowerfridays.com

The Writer’s Round on Substack: thewritersround.com

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Episode 7: How to Be a More Confident Writer and Storyteller

Kendall Cherry — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 10:42:14 GMT

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Rather than waiting to “feel ready,” this episode shows you how to read the invitations you’re already getting, make small aligned experiments, and let action build identity.

Here’s what we cover:

The real question beneath Bev’s prompt—how to shift from implementer to writer without feeling like an imposter.
Why confidence follows identity (not the other way around), and how to spot the invitations you’ve been ignoring.
How I’m navigating my own pivots—writing a book, launching an accelerator, and reshaping my lifestyle—and why ease is the north star.
A simple tweak to make your newsletter sell without turning it into a pitch fest (subtle CTAs that point back to your offer).
Why it’s often easier to write persuasive copy for clients than for yourself—and how to leverage that to get early wins.
Signals that it’s time to expand your services, plus a calm way to price and deliver your first writing projects.
A quick “confidence protocol” you can run before you write or ship: notice the invitation, choose one small experiment, ship, and let the result inform your next step.

If you’ve been waiting for confidence to arrive before you say yes to bigger work, consider this your invitation to go first. The feeling follows the doing.

CONNECT WITH KENDALL:

👩🏼‍🌾 Applications are OPEN for the inaugural cohort of The Greenhouse 🌱🌻 a 6-month accelerator to grow your writing business and transform your words into a premium product

Website: candidcollective.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-cherry/

Subscribe to my newsletter, Wallflower Fridays 🌻 💌 wallflowerfridays.com

The Writer’s Round on Substack: thewritersround.com

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Episode 6: Energy Management for Writers and Creatives

Kendall Cherry — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 10:31:31 GMT

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In this solo episode, I share the mindset anchors, daily rituals, and environmental tweaks I use to keep my creative well full while running a writing business.

Rather than cramming more hacks into your calendar, this is about building a few powerful habits, removing quiet drains, and planning around the forces you can’t control—so your energy becomes reliable on command.

Here’s what we cover:

The core mindset practices I don’t skip—guided meditations (To Be Magnetic), channeled heart-coherence resets (Brie Melanson), EFT tapping, network spinal work with somatic breathing, and my simple “9 o’clock notes” ritual.
How I structure genuine energy givers—long reading blocks and book-in-a-weekend hermit time, a grounding mat under my desk, near-daily sauna/cold-plunge resets, low-stimulation workouts (Pilates and solo strength), and intentional art consumption (films, opera, music).
What I cut because it quietly drains my energy—background TV, phone notifications (I live on Do Not Disturb with a minimal home screen), alcohol (I’m mostly sober), and personal social media (LinkedIn stays a sales tool; the personal stuff lives on Substack Notes).
The external forces I plan around—full moons and disrupted sleep, food quality, quick walks to move stuck energy, firm bedtimes, and cycle syncing so my workload matches my hormones.

💗 LINKS + RESOURCES I SHARE IN THIS EPISODE

To Be Magnetic (TBM) membership (use code KENDALL for 15% off)

Bree Melanson Heart Coherence Meditation on Insight Timer

Bree Melanson Angelic Healing + Chakra Clearing Meditation on Insight Timer

EFT Tapping playlist on Youtube

CONNECT WITH KENDALL:

👩🏼‍🌾 Applications are OPEN for the inaugural cohort of The Greenhouse 🌱🌻 a 6-month accelerator to grow your writing business and transform your words into a premium product

Website: candidcollective.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-cherry/

Subscribe to my newsletter, Wallflower Fridays 🌻 💌 wallflowerfridays.com

The Writer’s Round on Substack: thewritersround.com

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Episode 5: Building The Greenhouse: My Brand New Storytelling + Sales Writing Accelerator

Kendall Cherry — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 11:32:21 GMT

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In this solo episode, i share the origin story and full breakdown of The Greenhouse 🌱🌻—my live, hands-on storytelling and sales writing accelerator for writers who want to charge more, sell ethically, and future-proof their work.

Rather than tossing you another course to watch and forget, this program pairs deep sales literacy with real writing labs, feedback, and intimate cohorts—so your words actually convert for your premium clients.

Here’s what we cover:

Why I built The Greenhouse now—and the gap it fills for writers who want premium clients.
The six core skills you’ll master: sales literacy, audience insight, persuasive writing, messaging mechanics, storytelling craft, and applied strategy.
How our 20-week structure works—live lectures, in-class exercises, writing labs, and optional private office hours.
The deliverables you’ll learn to write (and price) at a premium, from sales emails to case studies and origin stories.
How this accelerator dovetails with my upcoming book Here to Sell and helps you future-proof against AI.
Who the program is for, cohort size, founders rates, and how to apply.

Whether you’re a working ghostwriter, an in-house wordsmith, or a founder who wants to write your own sales content, this episode maps a clear path to turning your writing into a high-value, high-integrity offer.

CONNECT WITH KENDALL:

👩🏼‍🌾 Applications are OPEN for the inaugural cohort of The Greenhouse 🌱🌻 a 6-month accelerator to grow your writing business and transform your words into a premium product

Website: candidcollective.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-cherry/

Subscribe to my newsletter, Wallflower Fridays 🌻 💌 wallflowerfridays.com

The Writer’s Round on Substack: thewritersround.com

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Episode 4: Why Most Writers Suck at Marketing Their Services

Kendall Cherry — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 11:26:20 GMT

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If you feel like you “suck at marketing,” you probably don’t.

In this episode, I make the case that most writers (and founder-writers) have a sales messaging problem, not a marketing problem—and I unpack the deeper story that keeps you stuck: the starving artist narrative.

Here’s what we cover:

Why marketing is the speaker, but sales messaging is the song.
How “my marketing isn’t working” often means “my message isn’t selling.”
The real block: fear of selling, not lack of platforms or posts.
How the starving-artist narrative sneaks into your pricing and positioning.
Everyday examples of that narrative in media—and why it’s so seductive.
Why rejecting that script is step one to consistent revenue.
How expanders (living or dead) rewire what you believe is possible.
A simple first move: pick a platform, fix the message, and sell clearly.

If you’re ready to stop hiding behind “more content” and start saying the right thing, this one is tough-love with a compass.

CONNECT WITH KENDALL:

👩🏼‍🌾 Applications are OPEN for the inaugural cohort of The Greenhouse 🌱🌻 a 6-month accelerator to grow your writing business and transform your words into a premium product

Website: candidcollective.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-cherry/

Subscribe to my newsletter, Wallflower Fridays 🌻 💌 wallflowerfridays.com

The Writer’s Round on Substack: thewritersround.com

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Episode 3: Is AI Really Going to Replace You as a Writer?

Kendall Cherry — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 11:18:00 GMT

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Is AI actually coming for your writing career—or are we confusing speed with substance?

In this episode, I’ll cut through the hype to explain what AI does well, where it falls flat, and how writers can future-proof their craft and income.

Here’s what we cover:

Why AI outputs the average—and why differentiation wins.
How human voice creates retention, resonance, and conversion.
The tell: converting content is rarely AI-generated.
What clients say they want from human-written work.
Sales writing vs. low-value content—and the 2026 reality check.
The shift to decentralized work and contractor-led teams.
The printing press analogy: tools scale volume; humans scale meaning.
Using AI to offload busywork, not your core voice.
Why “AI-powered” soon won’t be a selling point at all.
Practical next steps to protect and grow your writing income.

Whether you’re a ghostwriter, founder-writer, or creator, you’ll leave with a clear plan: double down on distinct voice and sales skill, use AI strategically, and build a writing business that lasts.

CONNECT WITH KENDALL:

👩🏼‍🌾 Applications are OPEN for the inaugural cohort of The Greenhouse 🌱🌻 a 6-month accelerator to grow your writing business and transform your words into a premium product

Website: candidcollective.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-cherry/

Subscribe to my newsletter, Wallflower Fridays 🌻 💌 wallflowerfridays.com

The Writer’s Round on Substack: thewritersround.com

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Episode 2: What I've Learned in 4 Years of My Ghostwriting Business

Kendall Cherry — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 11:16:56 GMT

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What does it really take to run a ghostwriting business—and keep it thriving—in today’s shifting creative economy?

In this episode, I’ll share the lessons, pivots, and hard-won insights from four years of building The Candid Collective® and serving clients at every stage of growth.

You’ll hear the raw truths about money, clients, content, and resilience, along with encouragement for any writer or entrepreneur carving their own path.

Here’s what we cover:

How I accidentally became a ghostwriter during the pandemic.
Why retainer clients and content libraries create stability and freedom.
The difference between ghostwriting and generic content writing.
How storytelling and sales writing blur into a powerful business asset.
Why writing from a personal brand converts better than faceless company posts.
How to think about AI, low-value content, and the future of the industry.
Lessons in leverage: money, risk, and investing in the right support.
Why the best brands still pay top dollar for authentic, human ghostwriting.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a creative business that lasts—or how to future-proof your writing career—this episode gives you a candid behind-the-scenes look at what works, what doesn’t, and what’s next.

CONNECT WITH KENDALL:

👩🏼‍🌾 Applications are OPEN for the inaugural cohort of The Greenhouse 🌱🌻 a 6-month accelerator to grow your writing business and transform your words into a premium product

Website: candidcollective.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-cherry/

Subscribe to my newsletter, Wallflower Fridays 🌻 💌 wallflowerfridays.com

The Writer’s Round on Substack: thewritersround.com

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Episode 1: Welcome to The Writer's Round

Kendall Cherry — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 10:26:33 GMT

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Ever wish there were a corner of the internet where writers are treated like artists and business owners—without fear-mongering about AI or hustle-bro marketing? This inaugural episode sets the tone for The Writer’s Round: a candid, unvarnished, “guitar-and-a-mic” space for craft, career, and creative sovereignty.

Rather than promising a one-size-fits-all blueprint, Kendall offers an honest, practical look at building a writing life in 2025—where business is art, art is business, and your voice belongs at the table.

Here’s what we cover:

Why this show exists as an antidote to scarcity and performative “authority.”
My path from corporate comms to The Candid Collective® and book writing.
How resourcing yourself (team, coaching, systems) strengthens art and business.
The Nashville writer’s round as a model: no hierarchy, just respect for craft.
Why creative control and IP ownership led to founding Lyora Ink.
What to expect: batched drops every two weeks, raw and minimally produced.
Who it’s for: ghostwriters, copywriters, founder-writers, and working artists.
How to get a good word in: send questions and ideas to hello@candidcollective.co.

Whether you write to sell, to teach, or to tell the truth, this episode welcomes you into a round where your story—and your sovereignty—matter.

CONNECT WITH KENDALL:

👩🏼‍🌾 Applications are OPEN for the inaugural cohort of The Greenhouse 🌱🌻 a 6-month accelerator to grow your writing business and transform your words into a premium product

Website: candidcollective.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-cherry/

Subscribe to my newsletter, Wallflower Fridays 🌻 💌 wallflowerfridays.com

The Writer’s Round on Substack: thewritersround.com

PREMIUM SUPPORT