Unleashing heroic baking: An exclusive interview with author, entrepreneur, and TV personality Barb Lockert

Aug 21,2023 / By Ben St. James / No Comment

Find out how to be a hero in the kitchen, and learn about Barb’s journey as an author!

Are you ready to transform your baking prowess and elevate your culinary skills to heroic levels? Look no further than the delectable pages of Easy Baking in Barb’s Kitchen. This extraordinary baking cookbook is poised to revolutionize your baking experience, providing you with a treasure trove of time-saving techniques and scrumptious recipes that will make you the baking hero among your friends and family.

Our guest today, Barb Lockert, is not just an accomplished author and entrepreneur, but a television personality who has been gracing screens for over four decades. With a passion for people, travel, cooking, and baking, Barb’s infectious enthusiasm has made her a natural at delivering easy-to-understand instructions that resonate with novices and experts alike. Her culinary journey began with the establishment of a teaching gourmet kitchen store, where she honed her teaching skills and perfected her easy cooking and baking methods.

But Barb’s influence extends far beyond the kitchen. Her entrepreneurial spirit has earned her a plethora of awards, and she has shared her expertise on both local and national television, captivating audiences with informative and entertaining cooking demonstrations. Her contributions to various magazines and newspapers have solidified her status as a culinary authority, and her motivational speaking engagements have inspired countless individuals in their own ventures.

Meet the Team

Meet the Team: Trixie

Jul 27,2023 / By Alyssa Humphrey / No Comment

For July’s Meet the Team we are proud to introduce Trixie Raboy, one of Tellwell’s Book Marketing Associates! Read on to learn more about what Trixie enjoys most about working with our authors, as well as some of the adrenaline-inducing activities she enjoys outside of work!

Hello Trixie! Tell us a little bit about yourself!

Hi, I’m Trixie Raboy! I’m one of Tellwell’s Book Marketing Associates and recently just passed my one year anniversary with Tellwell. I have been working in the marketing industry for around five years now which has included working in the hospitality industry, logistics, and now book publishing.

What does a typical day look like for you at Tellwell?

I work a night shift at Tellwell to ensure my client availability for those located around the globe. I start my day at 11pm with my mandatory cup of coffee, and then review my to-do list and check my emails and messages. My responsibilities include book-marketing services along with creating content for Tellwell’s social media, so I typically alternate days between social media content creation and book-marketing deliverables for our authors.

What is your favourite part about working at Tellwell?

I actually have three favourite things about working at Tellwell!

For starters, the people I work with are simply amazing. It really is wonderful to work with people who are so supportive, collaborative, and easy to get along with. I of course have to make a special mention of my partner-in-crime, also an amazing Book Marketing Associate, Mark Mionda, who’s so enjoyable to work with.

My second favourite aspect is the ability to work from home. For someone who lives further from our office, it’s very convenient to complete most days from the comfort of my home office. Occasionally, our team meets up at the office to check in with each other which is a great opportunity to connect with everyone in person.

And lastly, the overall experience of working with Tellwell has been nothing short of enjoyable. In just one year of working as part of our marketing team, I have accumulated a wide range of experience and enhanced my pre-existing skillset. I love the fact that I get to work on different projects that allow me to continue to develop my skills and knowledge!

July author celebrations: Embracing another month of remarkable writers!

Jul 26,2023 / By Mark Mionda / No Comment

Welcome to yet another month of celebration as we honour talented Tellwell authors! Let’s come together to celebrate their remarkable achievements and delve into the magic of their literary works.

Awards

Welcome to the world of Mystical Force: Shadows and Darkness and meet talented Tellwell author Craig Weidhuner, whose remarkable work has recently been featured in Literary Titan. Prepare to be captivated by the fifth volume in a series filled with magical beings and extraordinary powers, as you embark on an exciting adventure through this fantastical world.

Grab a copy of Mystical Force: Shadows and Darkness here!

Let’s celebrate another achievement, this time from Tellwell author Arwinder Kaur. Her book, Living While Human, has recently received the Silver Winner title at the Nautilus Book Awards!

Don’t forget to grab your copy here, and find out for yourself why Living While Human is one of the best in its genre.

We’re proud to share that Indigo Johnson’s book, The Kindness Quilt, received an honourable mention in the Picture Books 6 & Older category at the 2023 Purple Dragonfly Awards. Check out the official winners and mention list here!

Don’t missed out on getting a copy of The Kindness Quilt. It’s available on Amazon!

A huge shoutout to author Krysten Guilbault! Her book, Rainbow of Glowing Hearts: The Tale of the Healing Tree, has been recently honoured with the 2023 Golden Wizard Book Prize.

Rainbow of Glowing Hearts is a wonderful, mindful read that will give children the same rejuvenated feeling and reset as meditation.
Book review by Louise Jane, CEO THE GOLDEN WIZARD BOOK PRIZE

Grab your copy of Rainbow of Glowing Hearts on Amazon.

Reviews

Author/coach Tim Burris was recently featured by IndieReader and received a glowing 5-star review for his book, Signed: Ironwill Football’s Recruiting Guide for Canadian High School Football Players.

A clear, concise, and well-organized book offering expert guidance, Signed by Coach Tim Burris should be on the reading list for any young Canadian student who wishes to continue playing football after high school.
IndieReader Book Review

You can purchase this interesting read by Coach Tim Burris here!

Check out this glowing review of Kelly Lang’s book, Who’s at the Door? Who’s at the Door? in KidlioMag!

This book is a great way to encourage conversation with children at home or even in a classroom. This book will help to spark wonderful imagination and learning through repetition and colors.
Kidliomag Book Review

Don’t missed out in getting your own copy of Who’s at the Door? Who’s at the Door? here!

Publicity

Author Zara Merzaei was recently featured in KidlioMag for her amazing book, ZeeZee the Bee: A Tale of a Magical Friendship. Learn more about Zara and her book here!

ZeeZee the Bee is an empowering tale of friendship that empowers children to love themselves and encourages them to be proud of their uniqueness and other physical differences.
Kidliomag Book Review

Join ZeeZee the Bee and her friends in an exciting adventure. Click here to get a copy of your own!

Events

Lisa Bournelis, the author of Louie and the Dictator, recently had her first school author visit, and it was a heartwarming success! She shared some photos on Instagram from her fun book event.

To all my fellow #author friends and #writingcommunity who published during the pandemic and had nowhere to go, how awesome is it to FINALLY meet your readers?! I could do this all day! Grateful to L’s school and the wonderful librarian and teachers for having me. Also to the kids for their awesome engagement and questions. I actually feel like a bonafide author now!
Lisa Bournelis (@makeoneshift)

Louie and the Dictator is available on Amazon!

Ginette Valiquette, the author of Eli Finds His Zen, recently had a delightful story time reading at the Bruce Mines and Plummer Additional Public Union Library with Central Algoma CAPC Early ON Child & Family Centre. Check out this adorable photo from her Instagram!

Join the joy of story time with Eli Finds His Zen and get your copy now on Amazon!

Sharon Bruce, the talented author of Shoebox Baby recently hosted a successful book signing event at the park and even made it into the local paper.

Explore the captivating journey of Sue and her family in Shoebox Baby, a creative non-fiction story filled with joy, sorrow, laughter, and courage. Grab your copy now on Amazon!

Book Giveaways

July’s Page-Turner Giveaway!

Jul 25,2023 / By Trixie Raboy / No Comment

Are you ready to be swept away by the thrilling experience of a brand-new page-turner? If your answer is an empahtic yes, then you’re in for a treat!

This month’s book giveaway will surely keep you flipping from one page to the next.

Here’s your next favourite read!

A Thrilling Must-Read!

Unravel secrets and mysteries with Bonnie Randall’s book, The Shadow Collector: Natalya & Owen

HAVEN’T YOU WONDERED?
Undercover, on skid row . . . Owen Brophy, summoned by a street psychic, is alarmed when she knows his real name—and unnerved by her obstinate question: “Who did you abandon back home?”

Home. The Okanagan Valley. Owen hasn’t been there since he was a kid. Hasn’t seen his oldest friend—a guy he once loved like a brother, a man he’s long been estranged from—in years. Yet the psychic forecasts an ominous collision: past will crash against present when his old buddy exhumes a long-concealed secret—a secret more than one person has died for.
A secret someone will kill to keep hidden.

OR MAYBE YOU KNOW

Unannounced, at her door . . . A grisly package arrives for Natalya Nikoslav, its cryptic verse clearly written by someone who knows her history something she, abandoned as a toddler, has never been able to unearth on her own. Shaken, Natalya scours her psychic shadows to see where this package has come from. She’s shocked by what she sees: her tombstone.
Its death date waxes and wanes alongside an enigmatic spectre, a man she almost—almost!—recognizes, begging for her help. A retrocognitive, Natalya knows her psychic shadows are limited to the past . . . yet this man is unmistakably calling out from her future. And he’s frantic—they’ll both die if she doesn’t come home.
But . . . where is home? Who is he? And when she finds him will she know . . .

WHERE DID ALL THE CHILDREN GO?

Click HERE to get your FREE copy

Discovering deeper connections: Author Arwinder Kaur’s captivating journey in ‘Living While Human’

Jul 21,2023 / By Ben St. James / No Comment

Find out more about her acclaimed debut, which is honoured by the San Francisco Book Festival Nautilus Book Awards, and the Whistler Independent Book Awards

Recognizing my mentors was important, since they were immensely significant in forming my understanding about what it means to live as people…
ARWINDER KAUR

Today we are honoured to have the talented author Arwinder Kaur with us, whose thought-provoking debut book Living While Human takes us on a profound journey of self-discovery and understanding. Through her insightful exploration, Arwinder offers valuable insights into how we can navigate the complexities of our modern world while fostering a deeper connection with ourselves, others, and the earth.

Arwinder has woven a captivating narrative that not only delves into the enigmatic human psyche but also presents a candid and heartfelt account of her South Asian family’s migration to Canada. In her compelling memoir, she shares her incredible experiences as a globetrotter during her youth, providing her with a unique education about the multifaceted nature of humanity. As a social worker specializing in child welfare for nearly three decades after attending SFU, she possesses a wealth of wisdom and compassion that shines through her writing.

Tellwell Books

Celebrating Indigenous History Month with Tellwell

Jun 29,2023 / By Alyssa Humphrey / No Comment

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, an opportunity to learn about the unique cultures, traditions, and experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. It’s a time to honour the stories, achievements, and resilience of those who have lived on this land since time immemorial and whose presence continues to impact an evolving Canada. During National Indigenous History Month, we shine a spotlight on the incredible authors who have skillfully crafted literary masterpieces, weaving together narratives that have brought forth Indigenous voices and heritage, bridging the gap between past and present.

Elaine is from the Syilx (Okanagan) Nation and Secwépemc (Shuswap) Nation and is a member of the Penticton Indian Band.

Elaine was raised by her grandmother who spoke only the nsyilxcən language. It is this foundation that shaped her world view and the importance of connection and relationships.

She is an advocate for women and girls, facilitator of healing circles and mediator for highly sensitive issues that occur as a result of multigenerational trauma. Elaine has spent over 20 years in over 100 communities across Canada to promote healing and wellness. She is a partner of an Indigenous owned and operated planning company called Alderhill Planning Inc., along with Chris Derickson and Jessie Hemphill, who are all leading experts in Indigenous community planning.

Book Giveaways

June literary delights!

Jun 26,2023 / By Trixie Raboy / No Comment

Every flip of the page is a delightful treat for all our book lovers!

This month, may our book giveaways be an invitation to take you to new adventures, explore new authors, and expand your literary horizons.

And look no further for your next favourite read! Tellwell offers you a pack of fun-filled books for free.

Looking for a must-read non-fiction?

Let us take you to a transformational journey with Tania Kiaizadeh’s book The Joy of Spirit.

“Re-examine all you have been told. Dismiss what insults your soul.” – Walt Whitman Tania

Kiaizadeh’s debut book, The Joy of Spirit: Spiritual Living to Discover Wonderful You, is a prescriptive non-fiction. These celestial teachings are carefully crafted to share the wisdom of the spiritual world, the importance of joy and how to reconnect to one’s divine self. Spiritual guides want nothing more than to connect to each and every soul on earth. They only need an invitation.

Click HERE to get your FREE copy

Sci-fi and fantasy reads!

If you are up to an adventurous read, check out Andrew S. M. Berger’s book The Demons Rising

A heart blackened by time, now reserved for hatred and despair. Vengeance—achievable through reaching the afterlife and gaining ultimate power—is the only way to satisfy an unquenchable thirst for justice. But, when a resurgence of hope blurs the line between retribution and madness, the blackened heart seeks to preserve what beauty is left within its grasp.
Neeksus had hopes of life, until death seemed the only path. A voice beckons him to commit a final atrocious act: he must take the lives of as many individuals as possible, as well as his own. Once in the underworld, all will be made clear.
A boy named Gabriel suits the requirements for Neeksus to attain his goal, residing in an earlier time and among space separate from the Milky Way. This boy holds a single hope: a girl dear to him, belonging to a fate worse than death.
Neeksus can save her, but only if the boy kills and collects countless souls. Many will die, who will be sacrificed in Neeksus’s quest for revenge…

Click HERE to get your FREE copy

Take your passion in sports to new whole new level!

Be inspired, motivated, and empowered with every page. Signed by Coach Tim Burris brings us a book that shares football knowledge and inspiration!

It’s time to get serious and start preparing to take your football talents to the next level. But understanding the multiple recruiting pathways and signing to a postsecondary football program can be challenging. Don’t worry, though . . .
Coach Burris of IRONWILL Football will help guide you through the recruiting process.
Signed is a guide for Canadian football players in Grades 9 to 12 who aspire to play post-secondary football. Coach Burris gives you the football recruiting blueprint so you can make informed recruiting decisions for your future. With a dedicated chapter for parents, Signed breaks down everything you need to begin your journey toward the U Sports, NCAA, Junior football, CEGEP, and Junior college.

Click HERE to get your FREE copy

Searching for your next transformational book?

Intelligent Digital Ecosystems by Janak Alford will challenge your mind as she shares knowledge and fascinating information on technology.

The way you are using technology today is wrong. It is hurting your mental and physical health while damaging the environment and the economy. It is limiting your potential. But there is a better way. Drawing inspiration from the human microbiome, entrepreneur and tech executive Janak Alford illustrates a compelling new world of human and technological potential.
Using simple language and rich visuals, Alford offers a blueprint for how to rebuild your digital life from the ground up. By replacing your operating systems, apps, and personal devices with intelligent ecosystems, he shows how you can use this template to grow your personal agency and become a powerhouse in the digital domain.
Intelligent Digital Ecosystems is an inquiry into a universe where technology becomes a symbiotic partner capable of expanding human intelligence in new and powerful ways. Navigating the many numerous opportunities and pitfalls ahead, this generation-spanning exploration challenges our understanding of intelligence, culture, and creativity while providing a conceptual glimpse into the humans we might become tomorrow.

Click HERE to get your FREE copy

Searching for a fun book for your kids?

A fun, playful read with a good lesson all in one! Here’s a perfect tale for your kids: Kim MacLean’s Playtime Clothes.

The young boy’s room is an undeniable mess. Did he actually clean his room, as he is telling his mom? Or do his clothes come to life and play?! They are, after all, playtime clothes. Is he learning a lesson to tell the truth and be accountable, as we all do in life? Or is it a world of make believe? It is for you to enjoy while you decide.

Click HERE to get your FREE copy

Celebrating literary successes!

Jun 26,2023 / By Trixie Raboy / No Comment

We’re putting the spotlight to these remarkable wordsmiths!

With book reviews, public recognitions, and awards, it’s another month of celebration, admiration, and inspiration where we applaud the authors who have shared their literary journeys with us.

Awards

Tellwell author Craig Weidhunner has recently received the Literary Titan Award for his book: Mystical Force: Volume 5 Shadows and Darkness.

This book promises to be an engaging read, ideal for fans of riveting adventure, with themes of found family and a hint of enigma.
Literary Titan

Grab a copy of Mystical Force: Volume 5 Shadows and Darkness here!

Reviews

A glowing five-star review from Reader Views was given to Sharon Bruce’s book, Shoebox Baby.

Overall, Sharon Bruce’s Shoebox Baby was an enjoyable read. For readers who love historical fiction focusing on familial relationships, this one will scratch the itch. Moreover, the focus on building strength and overcoming obstacles is wonderfully illustrated. Five stars!
Reader Views Book Review

A heartwarming book based on true story. Get your copy of Shoebox Baby by Sharon Bruce here!

It’s another five star review for Barb Locket! Easy Baking in Barb’s Kitchen also received an incredible review by Reader Views.

The recipes are easy and healthy, and I assure you they will be loved by all who taste them. I would highly recommend the book to anyone out there who loves to bake.
Reader Views Book Review

Have fun baking with Barb Lockert. Grab your copy of Easy Baking in Barb’s Kitchen here!

Readers’ Favorite gave another five-star review to David Giffen’s book Redemptive Trauma.

This is a taste of what readers will get when experiencing Giffen’s writing. Redemptive Trauma is a journey first written from the perspective of the author as a man, who then later gives us this complete visual understanding of what his childhood years were like as he later grew into the man he became.
Reader’s Favorite Book Review

Don’t miss out this masterpiece by David Giffen. Get your copy of Redemptive Trauma here!

Lara Knitter received an incredible review by IndieReader for her book The Dog Who Walks Himself.

The Dog Who Walks Himself is an allegorical tale for adults who have been inspired by older mentors and a beautiful book for children and dog lovers that can also be used as a means of addressing loss.
IndieReader Book Review

A heartwarming tale you would want to get lost into. Grab your copy of The Dog Who Walks Himself here.

Publicity

We are thrilled to present remarkable Filipino-Canadian Tellwell author Wendy Archard, who recently graced the pages of The Philippine Reporter with her book Just Breathe.

My hope is that my book resonates with little ones and their parents/families, helping them through a difficult time by reading a relatable story.
Wendy Archard, Author Interview with
The Philippine Reporter

A simple and beautiful rhyming story using illustrations and colours to help convey different emotions. Grab your copy of Just Breathe here.

Tellwell Author David Giffen graces the pages of Literary Titan with his book Redemtive Trauma.

Ultimately, Redemptive Trauma is about reconciling hope, and calling home prodigals of all kinds.
David Giffen Author Interview with
Literary Titan

Redemptive Trauma shares a story of learning the deep value of empathy, while tackling mental health and the associated stigma. Grab your copy here.

Author of the Month

“Choosing Love Over Pride”: A spotlight on author Marielle de Vassoigne and her latest book!

Jun 26,2023 / By Mark Mionda / No Comment

We are excited to celebrate one of Tellwell’s talented authors, Marielle de Vassoigne for this Author of the Month feature. Join us as we explore the beautiful world of Choosing Love Over Pride and its unique themes of love, acceptance, and individuality.

Meet the Team

Meet Australian publishing consultant Melissa Barker

Jun 26,2023 / By Ben St. James / No Comment

Find out how Melissa helps get authors on track and ready for book production and her life down under!

In the world of independent publishing, there are heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring authors’ visions to life. One such luminary is Melissa Barker, a talented publishing consultant at Tellwell. With her extensive experience and keen eye for detail, Melissa plays a crucial role in the book-production process, ensuring that every aspect of a manuscript is polished to perfection.

Join us as we unveil Melissa’s role in the book production process and gain insights into the life of a Tellwell publishing consultant from Australia.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
Mmmm, where to start? I am a Pisces, and a Myers-Briggs ENFJ personality
type. I have a love-hate relationship with coffee. I have stepped foot in 35
different countries. I have been known to hold a plank for 10 minutes. I am the health nut of my family and the ocean equally intrigues me and terrifies me. But the generic answer is: I am 41 years old and currently live in Melbourne, Australia. I am the eldest of 4 children, yet to have children of my own. I am studying counselling and brain-body medicine, and have immersed myself in the health and wellness space for well over 10 years, with interests in nutrition, psychology, human development, and spirituality.

What do you enjoy most about your role?
Definitely being able to connect with authors on a deep level and supporting and nurturing them, helping them feel safe, heard, and less overwhelmed. I love hearing the tone of excitement and passion in their voices as they explain their story to me.

What does a typical week look like for you at Tellwell?

Most days are the same: a mix of starting the day checking Slack and emails, then assessing new leads and making outbound calls, receiving any inbound calls and consulting with potential authors about their book and publishing needs.

What is a question you get asked the most by authors? How do you
answer it?
“How much will it cost to publish my book?” Closely followed by, “So, what are the next steps?” If an author is inquiring about the costs without us having discussed anything about their book, or about the process at all, I use it as an opportunity to explain that it depends on their goals, the needs of the book, and their budget.

I segue into the milestones that each book will journey through on it’s way to being published, and how the costs involved will depend on the depth of service required through each of those steps. I always like to provide a clear path ahead for an author when it comes to the next steps. I explain that once we have identified the service requirements and settle on a package together, they will then receive an invoice from me with a payment link for them to process their own secure deposit.

From there I am guiding them through the practical steps that cross the
bridge into production, and meeting and connecting with their project manager.

Do you have an achievement that you are most proud of? What inspires
you to succeed?
I often think that, as a whole, we underestimate how much of an achievement it can be to make it through some of life’s most tragic or challenging experiences, and come out the other side a better person with a kind heart. So for me, I am proud to have made it through some of my own personal life challenges still intact and more resilient and wise. And always with compassion and appreciation for this life. My inspiration to succeed is always driven by proving to myself that I can do hard things, and to live a life that I am proud of while being the best person I can be to myself and others. Aiming to live up to my potential inspires me.

What do you enjoy doing most outside work?
I’m a nature girl, so getting out into the mountains and the trees and exploring new tracks. Cooking. Or learning all about the human body, health, psychology and why us humans are the way we are and do what we do. And drinking coffee, reading, or writing.

Australia is known for its exotic wildlife. What is your favourite Australian animal?
Hahahaha—me! But I will say that baby kangaroos are pretty cute and adorable.

Do you have any good books to recommend?
Argh . . . too hard. But I think that The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is a sweet
story and a classic for any age.