From Opera to Espionage: Kay Sparling shares her inspiration behind Mission THAW and the power of independent publishing
Kay Sparling’s Mission THAW is a gripping spy thriller that blends high-stakes espionage with the world of opera. Drawing from her own journey from an Iowa farm to performing in Vienna, Sparling brings authenticity and depth to her protagonist, Kaitlyn Stewart. In this interview, she shares how her personal experiences shaped the novel, the challenges of tackling dark themes, and why she chose the independent publishing route. From the elegance of the Viennese opera scene to the pulse-pounding dangers, Mission THAW delivers action and adventure.
Kaitlyn Stewart’s journey from a farm in Iowa to an opera star in Vienna is unique. What inspired you to create such an ambitious character?
Well, those are actual facts about my own life. I grew up in Midwest farmland surrounded by soybean and corn fields, and went to a small school in the nearest tiny town twenty miles away. I left to go to college and voice training at the age of 17 and ended up in Europe as an opera singer 12 years later. When I was in middle school, my dad bought me a map of NYC. I put it up on my bedroom wall and pinned the location of all the famous Broadway theatres and the Metropolitan Opera. I guess you could say I was a goal-driven kid.
Vienna plays a central role in the story. How does the city’s cultural heritage and high society influence the narrative and Kaitlyn’s journey?
Since Kaitlyn is an opera singer, the Wien Staatsoper is a perfect venue to set the story. Viennese culture eats and breathes opera and classical music. The famous cafes lend a spark of romance for the opera aficionados to meet and gossip about the latest diva debut and hope that they get a glimpse of her sitting with a famous maestro. One persistent possible stumbling block for Kaitlyn is to always keep up with all the high-society manners and traditions. A high demand for an American farm girl. But, in order to infiltrate the trafficking cartel, she must be convincing that she is one of them. Kaitlyn is always relieved to come home at the end of the day, kick off her shoes, and eat a BLT. The upper-class nonsense makes her teeth itch.
Step behind the scenes with our editing and distribution experts as they shape stories into polished, published works.
Meet Simon:
At Tellwell, Simon Ogden plays a key role in bringing books to life. He refines manuscripts, oversees design quality, guides project managers, and ensures smooth communication with authors.
Quality assurance is central to his work, with careful reviews and refinements maintaining high publishing standards. A quick break offers a moment to recharge before final checks and project coordination.
With a focus on storytelling and precision, Simon helps authors turn their ideas into well-crafted books that connect with readers.
Check out the behind-the-scenes with Simon, Tellwell managing editor here.
Meet Joy:
Getting a book into the hands of readers takes more than just great storytelling—it requires careful planning and seamless logistics. That’s where Joy, Tellwell’s Distribution Manager, comes in.
From coordinating shipments and tracking timelines to working with publishers and ensuring books arrive on schedule, Joy plays a vital role in the publishing process. Her work helps bridge the gap between authors and readers, making sure every book finds its way to the right audience.
And the best part? She can do it all from anywhere—whether she’s working from a coffee shop, her home office, or on the move. Wherever she goes, the books go with her.
Check out the behind-the-scenes with Joy, Tellwell Distribution Manager here.
Michael is a senior book designer who is bringing stories to life through creative and compelling layouts.
As part of Tellwell’s quality assurance, he makes sure every book meets the highest design and printing standards before reaching readers. From refining layouts to coordinating with designers and project managers, Michael plays an important role in delivering polished, professional books.
Learn more about his journey, insights, and passion for design and quality assurance!
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I am 32, a motorcycle and travel enthusiast, and I have a background in graphic design. I love the creative process of bringing stories to life visually.
Authors shape the world with their stories, offering new perspectives, sparking conversations, and leaving a lasting impact on readers. Their journeys are filled with dedication, creativity, and the courage to share their voices.
This month we’re taking a moment to highlight their work, celebrate their achievements, and recognize the power of storytelling in all its forms.
Publicity
Tellwell author Richard K. Lowy’s book launch was recently featured on Vancouver CityNews, highlighting the powerful story behind Kalman & Leopold: Surviving Mengele’s Auschwitz. Hundreds gathered at Congregation Schara Tzedeck Synagogue in Vancouver to hear Lowy discuss the true story of two boys who survived Auschwitz—a testament to resilience, survival, and the importance of remembering history. The event brought together readers, historians, and community members, all moved by the book’s message and its impact.
Black History Month is here, and it’s time to celebrate the incredible voices that inspire, educate, and empower!
At Tellwell we’re shining a light on Black authors who have brought powerful stories to life—stories that spark conversation, uplift communities, and leave a lasting impact. Their words deserve to be read, shared, and cherished. Join us in honouring their contributions to literature and beyond!
Philip Pitia Lako
Philip Pitia Lako’s journey is one of unimaginable hardship, resilience, and ultimately, hope. Growing up in a Mundari village, his childhood was shattered at just ten years old when Sudanese rebels took him under the guise of education. Instead, he was thrust into the brutal reality of life as a child soldier, enduring relentless suffering, malnutrition, and the constant threat of attack.
In 2000, he escaped to a refugee camp in Kenya, seeking safety and a fresh start. However, the harsh realities of refugee life soon set in, replacing hope with despair. After four difficult years, he was finally resettled in Australia in 2004, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
Lako shares his powerful story in The Ten-Year-Old Man: Unwavering Resilience to Self-Restoration, a memoir that recounts his early years in an African village, the brutal traditions of the Mundari tribe, his harrowing experience as a child soldier, and his journey to freedom. His story sheds light on the trauma of war, the resilience of the human spirit, and the long road to healing.
A story of survival, told without fear. In Traces of a Boy, Russ Grabb takes readers on an unflinching journey through his deeply personal memoir—a gripping work of creative nonfiction.
For Russ Grabb, writing Traces of a Boy was not just about revisiting the past—it was about breaking the silence and giving a voice to the child he once was. His journey as an author is one of resilience, honesty, and the unshakable belief that storytelling can illuminate even the darkest truths.
Russ writes with an intensity that demands attention, blending creative nonfiction with the raw emotion of lived experience. His work doesn’t just recount trauma—it challenges, exposes, and invites readers to witness the strength it takes to survive. Through Traces of a Boy, he transforms painful memories into powerful prose, proving that even the most difficult stories deserve to be told.
By sharing his truth, Russ not only reclaims his own story but also offers solidarity to others who have faced unimaginable realities. His writing is a testament to the power of survival, the necessity of speaking out, and the enduring impact of an untold story finally brought to light.
Traces of a Boy is not an easy read, nor was it meant to be. This haunting memoir blends the depth of creative nonfiction with the gripping intensity of a novel, drawing readers into the life of a wounded child navigating a world of unimaginable hardship. Russ exposes the harsh realities of betrayal, bone-breaking violence, and society’s indifference, crafting a story that is as harrowing as it is necessary.
With haunting prose and unflinching detail, Traces of a Boy is more than a memoir, it’s a reckoning. It compels us to confront the darker corners of human experience while recognizing the unbreakable spirit of those who endure. It’s a book that lingers, challenges, and ultimately serves as a powerful reminder that some stories must be told, no matter how difficult they are to hear.
Celia McBride’s journey is anything but ordinary. In her forties, she felt an undeniable calling—to explore life as a Catholic nun, despite not being Catholic. Her memoir, O My God: An Un-Becoming Journey, chronicles this deeply personal path of faith, transformation, and self-discovery.
Celia’s story is one of unexpected twists, deep introspection, and profound change. Raised in an atheist household, she never imagined she would one day consider a life devoted to faith. But an inner pull led her to a convent, where she spent time exploring what it meant to live a life of spirituality and devotion. Her journey wasn’t just about religion—it was about seeking truth, embracing vulnerability, and following an unknown path with an open heart.
Writing a memoir is a brave act, especially when it involves such a deeply personal transformation. For Celia, putting her journey into words meant revisiting some of the most profound moments of her life, embracing honesty, and trusting that her story could inspire others.
Through the publishing process with Tellwell, she has not only brought her book to life but also extended an invitation to readers—to reflect on their own journeys, question their beliefs, and remain open to transformation.
In O My God: An Un-Becoming Journey, Celia shares the highs, lows, and eye-opening moments of her transformative path. Her story challenges beliefs, embraces uncertainty, and uncovers truths in the most unlikely places. But beyond her own experience, it serves as a powerful reminder that life often leads us down unexpected roads—and sometimes, the boldest leaps of faith bring us exactly where we’re meant to be. Whether you’re drawn to spiritual exploration or personal growth, her memoir is a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Author of the Month Dr. Monica Buchanan on Healing, Resilience, and Writing Through Trauma
In this interview, author Monica Buchanan shares her powerful journey of healing from childhood emotional abuse and neglect. With a PhD in psychology, along with a master’s degree in Women’s Studies, Monica spent her career counselling, coaching, and providing psychotherapy. Now semi-retired, she continues her passion for helping others by developing strength-based community resources for marginalized and underserved communities.
Writing has always been an outlet for her, but turning personal experiences into a memoir was a deeply emotional and transformative process. She opens up about revisiting painful memories, the challenges of sharing such intimate parts of her life, and the healing that followed. We also discuss the importance of self-belief, mindfulness, and her advice for others looking to tell their own stories.
My healing process started in my adolescence years after moving away to another city to attend college. I met a psychologist at the nearby university who helped me.
Monica Buchanan
What inspired you to share your personal journey of childhood abuse and neglect in this book, and how did you work through revisiting those painful memories?
My inspiration to write about my lived experiences with childhood emotional abuse and neglect came from a few defining moments and events. First, as a child I kept a diary. During those early years I realized that when I wrote about my pain and hurt I felt better, lighter and less burdened. Second, in the mid-eighties during my undergraduate degree program when I entered my first Women’s Studies class, a lightbulb went on. I cannot recall who said it or where I read it, but somewhere in that course I heard the phrase “my story is your story too.” I remember thinking: If I write my story, more women will be inclined to open up and speak and write their stories of early abuse and neglect within their families.
Revisiting memories of my childhood abuse was painful. It was re-traumatizing and I had to focus on the need to forgive and let go. I had to let go of the desire to hold on to resentment towards my family for the pain they inflicted on me. This was very hard to do.
You mention that childhood abuse and neglect don’t have to result in a lifetime of pain. Could you share more about the process of healing that you’ve experienced and how others can start their own healing journey?
Honestly, I believe that we can all garner strength and grow from painful experiences in our lives. The way I see it, when we become aware that we have been abused and that all our suffering was not our fault, we are at the fork where we can make choices. We can make the decision to wallow in the painful past, feel sorry for ourselves, and remain stuck, or we can decide to heal and grow. I chose the latter.
My healing process started in my adolescence years after moving away to another city to attend college. I met a psychologist at the nearby university who helped me. She told me that none of the earlier childhood abuse and neglect I experienced was my fault. I believed her. From that moment I treasured those words in my consciousness. Of course, my growth was not smooth sailing. I continued to make mistakes and stumble along the way, but I knew I was going to be fine. My sense of self was assured by that early encounter and I started believing in myself.
Survivors can start by (1) seeking out intervention and support (for example, most local counselling centres offer free resources; YouTube videos and libraries are great resources too), (2) embracing a resounding sense of belief in oneself, and (3) accepting that the abuse was not your fault and that the adults did not protect you.
I strongly believe that all survivors can embark on their own healing path. Healing looks different for everyone. Survivors’ development pathways have been altered by selfish adults who did not protect them. The pace also looks and feels different for everyone. I encourage all individuals to start where they are at. The moment, space, and time when they become aware that they have been wronged in their childhood is where they need to start the healing process.
Your writing blends storytelling with a reflective approach to your experiences. How do you balance sharing such intimate details with making the narrative accessible and engaging for readers?
I consciously use a storytelling meaning-making approach to writing about my lived experience, because this methodology is interactive and engaging. For instance, as the author I invite my audience to join me as I weave through the different stories of my life and make sense of those experiences.
Deciding what to share and what not to share was tough. I don’t have a definitive answer except that I simply decided not to censor my writer’s voice. I trusted my gut feeling and followed my intuition. I decided to suspend judgment from myself and possible judgment from readers. I trusted myself and told my story because that was the story that was meant to be shared.
My writing style is not meant to be prescriptive. I encourage authors writing about tough personal issues to write their manuscript as it emerges and then decide what they wish to share with the outside world. For example, I tortured myself as to whether or not to share about the early childhood sexual abuse, took it out, put it back in, etc. But I weighed the benefits of helping others against my fear of being judged, so it stayed in the final manuscript. My purpose is to help others uncover ugly, dark, and uncomfortable lived experiences in their childhood.
What was the best part of the publishing process?
I loved my publishing experience. I guess mainly because I had a lot of input, a sense of control, including turnaround timelines, editing, and design. I knew that I did not want to feel rushed or have control taken away from me, and that did not happen with Tellwell Publishing. Every step of the way I was in a decision-making position, which worked perfectly for me.
Do you have advice for other authors who feel unsure about writing a memoir and sharing their personal journey?
If I can offer any advice it is this: just write. Do not worry about audience response, the book-marketing process, or fear of negative reviews on social media. Some people are going to like your book and some will not. It is your memoir and if you feel the urge to write it, then do it. I am glad I did. I now use my book in a purposeful way as a tool to show survivors (and non-survivors) who just want to write about their lived experiences how to do it. Whether they turn it into a published memoir or not, the process of writing is empowering and healing in of itself.
In the book, you talk about feeling like an outsider and struggling with low self-esteem. How did you eventually come to realize that those feelings were a result of your environment rather than something inherent in you?
If I was to pick a moment that I became aware that environmental factors were contributors to me feeling like an outsider and to my struggles with low self-esteem, that would be hard. Because there is not a single defining moment when I stopped feeling like an outsider or healed from my struggles with low self-esteem. It has been a lifelong journey.
After my initial therapeutic intervention when I was about sixteen years old, I continued to grow and heal. Formal education, self-awareness, and acceptance that I am OK all contributed significantly to changing the growth landscape for me. Be reminded, though, that traumatic childhood experiences can continue as permanent baggage and creep up on us when we least expect them.
For example, recently a four-year friendship with a male colleague ended abruptly without a goodbye or explanation for the end of the friendship. This was a relationship I had invested in emotionally. I wasted a couple days searching inside myself—what did I do to cause this friend to reject me and refuse to speak to me? What I might have done differently? Blah, blah. Of course, those lines of self-inquiries are directly related to my childhood father’s issues, yet it took me a few days to realize it.
You mention that resources for understanding your experiences were lacking during your childhood. What kinds of resources do you think are most vital for children and adults growing up in similar environments today?
As a child growing up in Jamaica in the sixties there was very little awareness of the lasting impact of emotional abuse and neglect on children. In today’s world there is a lot of information available for adults to stop causing harm to children. In today’s world, people who inflict emotional abuse and neglect (or any form of harm) on children are cruel and selfish. There are, for instance, YouTube videos, web sites, community parenting classes, counselling, and numerous psychological accessible resources. My parents did not have access to such resources, so they did the best they could.
In addition, there are resources for children in libraries, school counselors, recreational clubs, etc. It is important to note that I am not suggesting young children are able to empower themselves in reducing the harmful behaviours of adults. The responsibility lies with adults always for intervention and reductions of harm to children.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Some final thoughts. I want to encourage anyone considering writing a memoir to just start writing. Don’t get hung up on whether others will like (or approve) of your story. Think about how you want to release your story (self-publishing, traditional publishing, or oral storytelling). Remember, it is your story that you have lived and so it is your story to tell the best way you deem fit.
Reuniting the Lost: Richard K. Lowy on Preserving Holocaust History, Resilience, and the Power of Friendship
Richard K. Lowy is featured on Global Television, the CANDLES Holocaust Museum, the Jerusalem Post, and over 413 other media outlets across the United States. Both the book Kalman & Leopold:Surviving Mengele’s Auschwitz and the documentary Leo’s Journey: The Story of the Mengele Twins tell an extraordinary story of survival amidst the horrors of the Auschwitz death camp. This harrowing account sheds light on the unspeakable cruelty of Josef Mengele’s experiments, while celebrating strength, friendship, and the human spirit. Through the firsthand accounts of two survivors, Kalman and Leopold, readers are witness to the depths of one of humanity’s darkest chapters.
Authored by Richard K. Lowy, who is the son of Leopold, one of the survivors, the book is both a meticulously crafted historical narrative and a deeply personal tribute. With over five years of dedication to preserving his father’s testimony, Lowy takes readers on an emotional journey from the horrors of Auschwitz to an extraordinary reunion with Kalman over fifty years later. As the world commemorates the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation, Kalman & Leopold stands as a timeless call to remember the past and ensure that such atrocities are never repeated.
How did it feel when Kalman and Leopold reunited after you released your documentary?
When Kalman and Leopold reunited following the release of our documentary, Leo’s Journey: The Story of the Mengele Twins, it was an emotional and profound moment that left a lasting impact on me. Watching them reconnect after over five decades of separation, each having endured unthinkable tragedies, felt like the culmination of a journey that began in Auschwitz. In a world where few could truly understand what they experience, the only person who could was the other. Their reunion was not just an emotional healing experience for them, but a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
What makes their story so unique is that only a handful of survivors had such intimate contact with Dr. Josef Mengele, the notorious “Angel of Death.” Kalman and Leopold were among the very few who directly endured his cruel experiments and survived, making their testimony an important contribution to history. Their shared account, corroborating each other’s experiences, offers a powerful perspective. This combined eyewitness testimony is critical in deepening the world’s understanding of the atrocities that took place behind the closed doors of Mengele’s Auschwitz.
In addition to their direct encounters with Mengele, Kalman and Leopold’s story includes their rare experience of working in the SS guard shack of the hospital camp, witnessing the inner workings of the machine. This insight into the operations of Auschwitz, from a vantage point no others had (with the exception of the guards themselves), adds a vital layer to the historical record. Together, these elements make their testimony an essential part of Holocaust history. Helping to reunite them and bring their story to life is now an integral part of my legacy, one I hope will continue to educate and resonate for generations to come.
What challenges did you face when creating a chronological order and timeline for the firsthand information you collected from your father and Kalman?
It was an incredibly challenging process. The events they lived through were harrowing and fragmented, and their memories often didn’t follow a linear path. Survivors of traumatic events like the Holocaust sometimes experience disjointed memories and emotions that can cloud the clarity of specific details. There was also the language barrier, English was not their first language. This meant that piecing together the timeline required not only a deep understanding of their experiences but also a sensitivity to the psychological impact those experiences had on them.
One of the biggest challenges was organizing the vast amount of information in a way that was coherent and meaningful for the readers. I wanted to ensure the narrative flowed logically while still preserving the emotional depth of their stories. a painstaking process over five years that involved a lot of patience, empathy, and dedication. The goal was to create a historical baseline that provided the proof of the crimes committed while honouring their memories and experiences, bringing their stories to life in a way that would resonate deeply with the readers.
How do you think preserving firsthand survivor stories like this one can shape the way future generations understand history?
Preserving firsthand survivor stories like Kalman and Leopold’s is crucial for future generations to understand history. These stories humanize historical events, making them more immediate and personal, and help foster empathy. They show the resilience and courage of individuals who endured incredible suffering, offering lessons in survival and exposing the dangers of hatred, intolerance, and discrimination.
As Holocaust survivors pass away, their testimonies ensure that the lessons from the greatest crime against humanity are not forgotten, testimonies that help guard against misinformation and denial. These stories are vital to remembering the atrocities and teaching future generations the importance of standing up against injustice, ensuring such evil genocides are never repeated.
Writing about such profound suffering must have been emotionally challenging. How did you approach balancing the pain of the story with its message of resilience?
Writing about such profound suffering was emotionally challenging, but the truth is, I wasn’t “writing” their story or “balancing” anything—this is Kalman and Leopold’s testimony, shared in their own words. My role was to edit, ensuring their message was clear while preserving the essence of their experiences. The balance between the pain and resilience in their story was never something I consciously imposed, it was woven naturally through their personal accounts of surviving unbelievable horrors.
Leopold’s determination to protect Kalman and his hope of reuniting with his sister became his anchor in the face of suffering. Meanwhile, Kalman clung to their fragile bond as a lifeline, refusing to succumb to despair. At the heart of their testimony lie these deeply personal experiences, striking a poignant balance between the abyss of hopelessness and the will to live. My role was to ensure that the power of their message was clear and uncompromised.
What was it like working with Tellwell to self-publish such a unique and important piece of literature?
Working with Tellwell to self-publish Kalman & Leopold was a rewarding experience, though I’m sure the team had their hands full with me. I don’t think I was their typical client, and when they first took on this project, I don’t believe they fully grasped the weight of what I was trying to bring to light.
That said, they were incredibly supportive throughout the entire journey, even as I remained highly involved in every aspect of the book’s creation. I had to ensure my fingerprint was on everything—from the design of the cover to the layout of the interior. At one point, I’m fairly certain they gave up on counting the revisions I made! But, at every step, the Tellwell team not only embraced my input but made the concerted effort to ensure I was getting exactly what I envisioned. Their unwavering patience and dedication were vital in bringing this important story to life.
The process took five years from start to finish, and during that time Tellwell never pressured me. They understood the significance of this work and fully supported my efforts, offering guidance without stifling my creative control. Their expertise helped me ensure that the final product was a true reflection of the story’s importance.
While all the staff at Tellwell played an essential role in bringing Kalman & Leopold to life, I must make special mention of Simon Ogden. His patience and unwavering support were invaluable in helping me navigate the complexities of editing and self-publishing. His thoughtful guidance ensured that this important piece of historic non-fiction literature was presented in the most impactful way, honouring the legacies of Kalman and my father, Leopold.
As this book launches on the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation, what message do you hope resonates most with readers and audiences worldwide?
My hope is that it resonates deeply with young readers, offering a powerful lesson about resilience, humanity, and the importance of remembrance. Their words reveal the incredible suffering they endured, their hopes, their fears, and, ultimately, their story of their survival. Through their story, young people can learn that even when everything seems lost, we must hold on to our self-worth and dignity. These cannot be taken away from us.
Kalman and Leopold survived cruel sadistic brutality beyond imagination, yet they found the strength to rebuild their lives. Their resilience and ability to maintain their humanity in the darkest moments are vital lessons for the next generation. Kalman’s unwavering determination to find Leopold after fifty-six years and reunite with his boyhood friend to share this extraordinary testimony is a testament to the power of connection and the importance of remembering history.
Kalman & Leopold isn’t simply just a book, it is a powerful message to future generations about the strength of the human spirit, the need to preserve our humanity, and the responsibility we all share to ensure that such crimes of humanity are never allowed to happen again.
For more information including upcoming events and appearances visit KalmanandLeopold.com or connect on social media.
Hey book lovers, start the year off right with our January book giveaway! We’re kicking things off strong with over 190 FREE books across a variety of genres, ready for download. Grab your free reads today and dive into a new story to make your year even brighter.
Check out our January book giveaways—from romance and poetry to fantasy fiction, there’s something for everyone!
Ready for a journey of love and new beginnings?
Sunset Bay by Karen Stewart follows Joy, a 54-year-old divorcee, whose world is turned upside down by a stranger and her sassy mother. Will love find its way to her?
A self-professed hot mess express, Joy Sinclair is a 54-year-old divorcee living back at home in Sunset Bay. Tired of blind dates and a lack of eligible men, she’s resigned to being single. That is until she is literally knocked off her feet by a good looking stranger. Jeremy is only staying long enough to help his father recover from a broken foot. Is there any point even getting to know him? Joy’s mother Helen Sinclair is 80 years young and a real sassy molassy. She dresses outrageously, talks to her dead husband Sam and nudges Joy out of her comfort zone as often as she can. Meeting Jeremy’s father Hank at the local seniors centre, Helen suddenly finds herself with a busy social life. Love is in the air with a wedding, birthday party, prom night and a major weather event all conspiring to shake things up. Celebrating the messiness of finding yourself and the courage to follow your heart, Sunset Bay is a journey of love, loss, hope and new beginnings.
