Coming in 2026, Story Wins is a glossy, quick-read field guide for leaders, teams, sales professionals, speakers, and anyone who wants their message to matter in an AI-driven world.
AI can help us create faster, write more, and organize information in seconds. But information alone does not build trust. It does not create connection. It does not make people care. Story does.
In this bold, visually rich field guide, Hall of Fame motivational speaker and award-winning storyteller Kelly Swanson shows how story works from the inside out. Your inner story shapes how you see yourself, your work, your challenges, and what you believe is possible. Your outer story shapes how you communicate, influence, connect, sell, lead, and inspire action.
With Kelly’s signature blend of humor, heart, and practical insight, Story Wins gives readers a simple way to understand and use story as a true superpower in business and life. Inside, you’ll discover how to use story to create connection in a noisy world, flip the internal scripts that keep you stuck, make people care before you ask them to act, turn information into meaning, memory, and movement, and lead, sell, speak, and connect with more humanity and impact.
Because in an AI-driven world, connection will be the currency of the future. And story is how we build it.
Chub Rub Girl is Kelly Swanson at her funniest, rawest, and most real. Blending laugh-out-loud stories, Southern sass, and heartfelt honesty, this book is a brave, unfiltered look at the stories we inherit, the stories that wound us, and the ones we choose to rewrite. It’s a funny, tender reminder that happily ever after doesn’t come from being perfect. It comes from finally being yourself. If you’ve enjoyed her as a funny keynote speaker, you’ll love this book. And for those who’d rather hear the story in Kelly’s own voice, the book will also be available in audio.
Southern Fried Gossip: The Funeral is the first book in a hilarious new Southern fiction series from Kelly Swanson, where funerals are social events, secrets travel faster than casseroles, and everybody has an opinion. Packed with outrageous characters, juicy gossip, and unexpected heart, this small-town story is funny, messy, and delightfully human. Welcome to the kind of town where people will absolutely pray for you… right after they talk about you. And for readers who’d rather hear the gossip firsthand, the book will also be available in audio.
Funny Motivational Speakers makes you laugh yourself silly. There’s a part of the fairy tale they never told you about-that next chapter-where the charming prince grows a spare tire, the princess develops anger issues, and your dreams of rocking on the front porch into the twilight of your life turn into unpaid bills, dirty laundry, and dreams of killing him in his sleep.
Join award-winning storyteller, comedian, and funny motivational keynote speaker, Kelly Swanson, on her twisted journey to a happier ever after.
“The second best thing to watching Kelly perform in person, is reading her stories.”
Jeanne Robertson | Humorist
Getting the life you want starts with making sure your outlook on life is working with you, not against you. Filled with uplifting, inspiring, and just plain feel-good messages, this guided journal encourages you to explore how each affirmation relates to your life and helps you find ways to truly embrace positivity.
This journal, packed with uplifting affirmations, not only boosts your mood and reignites passion, but also provides concrete guidance to transform these positive reflections into real-life actions and ensure meaningful outcomes.
Mastering the art of connection and engagement through the power of strategic storytelling
Master the art of connection and engagement through the power of strategic storytelling. Award-Winning Storyteller and Motivational Speaker, Kelly Swanson, teaches you her Story Formula – a proven blueprint to help you craft strategic stories of impact. This book walks you through the science of story, the six secrets to connection, the three prongs in your connection story, the anatomy of a presentation, and the basic structure for story construction. Bonus chapters include storytelling tips on delivery.
“This playbook is perfect for those who want to influence with words. What I like about this guide is that it’s NOT about telling better stories. It’s about telling the right stories. It’s about knowing what the tool is and how it works. It makes the case for WHY story works to influence so much more than data alone.”
Laurie Guest, CSP, CPAE | Keynote Speaker & Author
A little story for those who are small – with a message big enough for us all. Based on the beloved message by award-winning storyteller and motivational speaker Kelly Swanson. This book is about seeing past your “if only’s” to find your way back to a happier ever after.
Funny motivational speakers are a great addition to your event. Kelly will make you laugh, touch your heart, and help you see your life and your work in a whole new story. If you are looking for something to open or close your conference in an unforgettable way, have Kelly Swanson write a program just for you. She’ll give a program they’ll talk about for years. Ask her about her customized audience tribute videos! They are quite popular. You can’t go wrong with this highly rated funny female keynote speaker.
