Episode 482: Mixed Media to Meet Mixed Needs: Why a Grief Card Deck Beats a Book Right Now—and Exactly How Cheri Built It
In this episode of Writing at the Red House, Kathi talks with writer and creator Cheri Fletcher about building a beautiful, useful tool for grievers: the Beyond I Don’t Know What to Say grief communication cards. If you’ve felt stuck because “real writers write books,” this conversation opens the door to another path—creating a product your audience can hold, use, and share. Listeners will hear:
Why a card deck sometimes serves your reader better than a book—and how to know the difference.
How Cheri went from index cards at the family table to a polished, giftable product.
Practical nuts-and-bolts: prototyping, choosing a printer, minimum order quantities, cost ranges, timelines, and packaging.
Tender, ready-to-use language for entering a griever’s world without fear.
How churches and small groups are using the cards (including Blue Christmas services), plus a simple way friends can “bridge the gap” when they don’t know what to say.
If you want to serve your people with something they’ll actually use—and do it with excellence—this episode gives you both the heart and the how.
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About Our Guests

Cheri Fletcher
Writer, Speaker & Host, “Your Spiritual Game Plan” Podcast
Your Spiritual Game Plan / cherifletcher.com
Promised Resources
- Listener Support Page for the Podcast
Provides one-time or monthly giving options to support the Writing at the Red House show.
- Plan Your 2026 Writing Year with Your AI Assistant Workshop
Registration page for a live class on December 9, 2025, led by Kathi & Roger Lipp.
Resources Mentioned
- Beyond Grief Communication Cards by Cheri Fletcher
A 48-card deck designed to help start conversations after a loss, including purchase options and a holiday bundle.
- Cheri Fletcher - Personal Site and Resources
Author and speaker site with a grief blog, a free reflection guide, and an online store for grief-related products.
- Writing at the Red House Podcast and Resources
Official hub for the podcast, writer training, and the Red House Writers Collective.
Some links may be affiliate links. Purchasing through them supports our show at no extra cost to you. Thank you!
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