Free book giveaway: July reads!

Jul 19,2022 / By Angela Gascon / No Comment

The days growing longer (and hotter) just means there’s more time for reading! Make sure to check out the July giveaways from these Tellwell authors, all of whom are offering their e-book for free thanks to BookFunnel. Three authors are hosting giveaways, with books spanning a variety of genres, so there’s a perfect read for everyone!

Are you searching for your next favourite story to tell around the campfire?

Then you won’t want to miss Old Bag of Tricks, the horrifyingly entertaining graphic novel by Kevin J. Cyr.

Download Old Bag of Tricks

Most people think Halloween should be called a holiday, but for some it could be a reminder of a tragedy. On that night, the lives of three boys changed forever. Making the decision to go to that one last house proved to be a terrible mistake. Her appearance seems weak and frail, but she’s nobody’s granny—not by a long shot! Psychotic and delusional from lack of taking her much-needed medication, she finally gives closure to that town’s past with their missing children. Being a victim of rape as a young girl, living in a very abusive family home, and learning of her pregnancy were things that she could never make peace with and put behind her. Living as a hermit with her son and never seeing the light of day, she slowly slips into insanity. Those three boys never saw her coming. Who would ever suspect that this sweet old lady was a serial killer? Strong as a ox and limber as a cat, she has plenty of tricks up her sleeve. Enticing the kids inside with all her candy and spiked homemade cupcakes was easy. Out of these three boys, only one makes it out alive to tell the tale.

Are you searching for a story to inspire you?

Then you won’t want to miss My Family, My Relations, My Friends by Frederick John Turner, an enriching story about the power of God’s love and how it reaches even those who have given up on life.

Download My Family, My Relations, My Friends

Fred was unaware of the poverty he was exposed to while he was growing up. As far as he was concerned, this was normal. His mom, Irene, a single mother, made certain that his two boys, Fred and his older brother Leonard, were well taken care of. After being a captive of a residential school, she came back home to Sturgeon Lake not knowing where she belonged, or where to turn.

Fred holds an Interdisciplinary Studies Diploma from the University of Regina. He was the music director for the Onion Lake Log Church, where Martin Naistus is Pastor, until he was sidelined by kidney complications in August of 2020. Now he spends his time writing from his office at his home in Onion Lake. His life’s story, titled, “My Family, My Relations, My Friends,” will be his first book published. These days Fred spends most of his time tending to his grandchildren. He has accumulated much knowledge throughout his lifetime, and he is not shy about sharing his experience with his readers.

SOME OF THE STORIES YOU WILL READ IN THIS BOOK:
Hoss calls fire down from heaven in Pikangikum, Ontario.
The night Fred meets Jim Felix on an old country road.
The lessons learned from the old Blackfoot preacher, Hartwell North Peigan.
The day Kene Jackson from Sonrise Gospel Band comes for a visit.
The bionic preacher, Ross Maracle, invites us to Deseronto for the R. W. Schambach campmeeting.
Getting blamed for a walkout at Faith Alive Bible College.

Are you searching for your next real-world read?

Then you won’t want to miss What Cops Talk About Over Coffee by Robert Rogalski, featuring stories from police officers across Canada.

Download What Cops Talk About Over Coffee

This collection of memories from police officers across Canada and some outside jurisdictions, include firsthand accounts of situations they have encountered in their careers from the 1950’s through to 2012. Contributions from RCMP, City Police, Federal and Provincial law enforcement agencies were collected over a 30 year period and pose as a snapshot of the type of conversations or “shop talk” two police officers might have during their coffee break. These accounts are both heartwarming and humorous, some are frightening; others offer some insight into the human spirit…they are real stories told by real heroes.

With so many great choices this month, you can read for free all summer long. Enjoy! And don’t forget to leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads after you’ve finished reading.

Former Sportstalk Radio host Dan Russell is making headlines with his new memoir

Jul 15,2022 / By Monica Martinez / No Comment

Pleasant Good Evening, a Memoir: My 30 Wild and Turbulent Years of Sportstalk hits #1 on the Amazon bestseller rankings in multiple categories

Canadian sports fans have grown up listening to Dan Russell’s Sportstalk radio show over its three-decade run, and now they can relive some of the most iconic moments in BC sports history in Dan’s new memoir, Pleasant Good Evening, a Memoir: My 30 wild and turbulent years of Sportstalk.

Russell has been interviewed by dozens of media outlets, and his book hit #1 in the Amazon bestseller rankings in multiple categories.

What began in 1984 as a simple 50-minute filler grew into the longest-running and most-listened-to show of its kind in Canada.

What inspired you to write your memoir?

Initially, it was something I planned for my kids to one day knew what my career was all about. But mostly it was about making sure the legacy of the trailblazing show I hosted would be forever on the record.

What do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Many things, I think.
1) Setting goals is great, both short-term and long-term. But chasing dreams can be as unhealthy as it is healthy.
2) The best broadcasters are the best listeners.
3) To steal a line from former Sportstalk regular Harry Neale, “Hard work beats talent if talent doesn’t work hard.”

Meet the Team

From the NHL to Tellwell, President Jason Farris shares why indie authors should consider Tellwell

Jul 15,2022 / By Angela Gascon / No Comment

Meet Tellwell’s new president, Jason Farris! A jack of all trades, Jason has worked in the marine world, the banking industry, the software industry, and the NHL before joining us here at Tellwell. Read on to learn about what attracted Jason to the self-publishing industry, and what he wants authors to know about publishing with Tellwell.

Tell us about your role at Tellwell.

I am the president of Tellwell, working closely with our founder to take the wonderful things that have already been built and find ways to take those capabilities and services to new authors. We’re just starting to expand outside of North America, and there’s a whole world out there of authors we can connect with to continue to support creativity and contribute to a broader cultural enrichment, helping to grow the opportunities for new authors, and providing top-notch arts-based jobs.

What did you do beforehand?

Before this, I was in the electric marine world, helping bring to market a 50-horsepower electric outboard motor. We developed a world-leading product, began delivering to our large list of pre-order customers and brought in General Motors as a 25% partner in the business.

Prior to that, I was chief operating officer of the Dallas Stars hockey club, helping bring them out of bankruptcy as part of the management team that rebuilt the franchise in an important market in the US for the National Hockey League.

I’ve had the benefit of working in a variety of industries before that as well, including banking and software. So, coupled with being a self-published author myself, I’ve had a range of experiences that give me the ability to connect with our authors about what they do and want to accomplish, but also enable me to share my company-building experiences with our employees to help them grow and develop as Tellwell grows.

Celebrating July’s Tellwell author success stories

Jul 15,2022 / By Melissa Hurtubise / No Comment

Our Tellwell authors are so incredibly talented. We are always proud to highlight their many achievements. Keep reading to see a selection of recent author celebrations, including awards, media mentions, reviews and events.

Awards

Vali Benson’s Blood and Silver won a 2022 International Book Award in the Novella category.

Are you a fan of historical fiction? Get your copy of Blood and Silver here.

Book Marketing Meet the Team

Melissa, Tellwell’s new Book Marketing Team Lead, explains why book marketing doesn’t have to be a chore

Jun 17,2022 / By Chelsea Rutherford / No Comment

We’re thrilled to introduce you all to Melissa Hurtubise, the newest member of Tellwell’s Book Marketing team. Read on for fresh advice from this bookstragrammer and future author!

Tell us about your new role on the Book Marketing team.

I am a Book Marketing Consultant at Tellwell. That means that I connect with authors closer to the end of their publishing journey. My role is to assist authors with developing techniques to help them effectively promote their books, connect with readers, and develop their author brands. This will look a little different for each author, but usually involves a combination of consultations, strategies, social media assistance, and creating a variety of promotional materials for the authors I work with.

What did you do before joining the Tellwell team?

Before coming to Tellwell, I was a high school teacher. I have always been a huge book and history nerd, so I started out completing an honours degree in history and English literature, thinking that I would teach one of those subjects, but life had other plans and I ended up being a special education teacher. I worked with students with a variety of exceptionalities in Grades 8 through 12, and I absolutely loved the years I spent teaching those students.

During that time, and in addition to teaching, I also started a book blog and became a bookstagrammer online as theclumsybookworm. It started out as a hobby, born out of a lifelong passion for reading, but as time went on I realized that I wanted to make a career change, and that’s how I ended up at Tellwell. I believe that my new role as a Book Marketing Consultant is the perfect fit because it allows me to blend my teaching experience with my love of books and helping people succeed.

How aesthetically pleasing is Melissa’s bookstragram grid?

What do you enjoy most about working with authors?

I love that each author and their book are unique. I enjoy connecting with authors and learning about their stories, and then helping them decide which marketing techniques will work best for them.

Dan Russell, former host of Sportstalk Radio is making headlines and other Tellwell author success stories

Jun 17,2022 / By Katie Hennessey / No Comment

With so many talented Tellwell authors, it can be tricky to highlight the continuous successes and accomplishments of all of them! Their success stories grow in number with each passing month, and we couldn’t be more proud of all of our authors and their hard work.

It’s been another exciting month for Tellwell authors, from award wins to interviews with major media outlets to incredible reviews!

Media Mentions

Dan Russell

Pleasant Good Evening, a Memoir: My 30 Wild and Turbulent Years of Sportstalk

Pleasant Good Evening, a Memoir is the #1 new release in General Broadcasting on Amazon! It’s also . . .

#1 in Hockey (Books)

#1 in Hockey Biographies

#1 in Hockey Sport Biographies

Dan Russell, a Canadian broadcasting legend, flipped the script and was interviewed and featured by numerous media outlets this month! Get to know Dan and his debut novel on Global News, Sportsnet, The Jas Johal Show, Radio NL 610 AM, CFAX radio, Healthy Living Network, and CBC with Gloria Macarenko.

With its blend of guests, callers, opinion and entertainment, Sportstalk kept growing and growing until it had become appointment radio. And it seemed most of British Columbia was buckled in as we travelled home and away in 1994 — on game nights and off nights, weekdays and weekends, often extending well past midnight — during the Canucks’ most memorable playoff ever.
The Vancouver Sun

For more information about Dan and his work, visit his website at https://danrussellsportstalk.com/

Rishma Govani

Sushi and Samosas

Rishma continues to spread the word about her children’s book, Sushi & Samosas, far and wide, with media mentions and social media features. Get the full scoop on Rishma and her book on The Star, York Region, 365 Days 365 Women, @ainarasbookshelf & @RKaderdina

The book advocates diversity, tolerance and cross-cultural understanding, and believes that breaking down barriers by the spoon is an essential introductory step for kids to learn more about the world around them.
The Star

To learn more about Rishma Govani @sushiandsamosas

Book Giveaways

Kick off summer with free books

Jun 16,2022 / By Melissa Hurtubise / No Comment

Are you hoping to start summer with a new read? If so, then make sure to check out the June giveaways from these Tellwell authors, all of whom are offering their e-book for free thanks to BookFunnel. Seven authors are hosting giveaways, which means that you can add seven books to your digital collection for free. The books span a variety of genres, so everyone can find their perfect summer read.

Love science fiction?

Then be sure to check out Descent into Darkness, Book 2 in the Chronicles of Deneb series by Zanne Raby.

Download Descent into Darkness

For space-opera lovers, the crew of the Space Ark Mayflower journey into a universe plagued by human-made pandemics and all-out military warfare.

Descent into Darkness: Mayhem follows the Mayflower in the second book of the Chronicles of Deneb series. Journey along with the crew of the Space Ark Mayflower as they adapt to their new home on the planet Deneb. But along with their struggle to integrate into an alien culture, a new battle sweeps across the planet with the arrival of the human-transmitted Chimera bactovirus, bringing war and fanning the flames of racial intolerance. With a bloody conflict now raging across the planet, the crew of the Mayflower is split between the two factions and embroiled in the chaos and destruction. Descend with the crew into darkness, where the only survivors of a global war will be on the right side of the border.

Learn more and connect with Zanne Raby at zanneraby.com.

Author of the Month

“Vindictive” author Ryan Lawrence shares his advice to authors considering self-publishing

Jun 15,2022 / By Angela Gascon / No Comment

As an English major, writing has always been a part of Ryan Lawrence’s life. It was only after leaving his long-time profession that he took his education and a passion for writing and began his author journey.

Ryan currently lives in London, Ontario, with his husband Todd, their cat Dora, and a massive comic book collection that once fell on Todd (Ryan assures us that he’s okay).

We’re thrilled to welcome Ryan as our author of the month for June. Read on to learn his advice for authors when self-publishing and marketing their work . . .

Toot your own horn! Be proud of what you have created, and never feel embarrassed to promote yourself. Excitement is contagious!
– Ryan Lawrence, author of Vindictive

How authors can overcome imposter syndrome

May 25,2022 / By Monica Martinez / No Comment

Tips to unleash your inner Goddess/God with Tellwell author of the month, Rita Kakati-Shah

Rita Kakati-Shah, the author of The Goddess of Go-Getting, holds many roles both in the business world as an entrepreneur, founder & CEO, public speaker, media contributor and, now, author. She is an award-winning gender, diversity, and inclusion career strategist, speaker and coach. She founded and runs, Uma, a company that provides strategic expertise in those areas to Fortune 500 companies.

The Goddess of Go-Getting was launched on International Woman’s Day by the Consul General of India in New York and has become the number one bestseller across three categories on Amazon.

Kakati-Shah was born and raised in London, England and is from Assam heritage. She now lives in New York City with her husband and children.

You have a unique voice, so tell the story in your voice, not in someone else’s. Once you find your voice, you’ll feel the passion and your writing will flow!
Rita Kakati-Shah, author of The Goddess of Go-Getting

Authors may battle imposter syndrome, question their ideas and talent, and struggle to let go of fears. How can authors unleash their inner Goddess/God to overcome their fears?

Love this question! First and foremost, you have to remember that as an author you have your own voice. Even if two authors were to recount the exact same story, their prose and expression would be different. You have a unique voice, so tell the story in your voice, not in someone else’s. Once you find your voice, you’ll feel the passion and your writing will flow!

What habits or rituals have you adopted that have helped you overcome fears and unleash your inner goddess?

Book Giveaways

Free Books for Summer 2022

May 20,2022 / By Chelsea Rutherford / No Comment

Five different authors are hosting book giveaways this month. That’s five new books ready for your digital bookshelf, folks! If you’re looking for something new for your summer reading list, take a look at the May giveaways from these Tellwell authors, all of whom are offering their e-book for free thanks to BookFunnel.

If you like YA Historical Fiction…

Look for Enemy’s Keeper, the first book in the Forbidden Ties YA series by Kyrie Wang.

In a 5/5 star review, Reader’s Favorite said, “A swirling mix of political intrigue, vivid action sequences, and lighthearted romance makes Forbidden Ties a delight for medieval fiction lovers. Author Kyrie Wang’s tale of two people from opposing factions finding themselves forced to work together under extraordinary circumstances is captivating from start to finish.”

Download Enemy’s Keeper

The orphaned. The outcast. In a country torn by rebellion, they will rise as heroes.

1075 A.D. England Nine years after the Norman Conquest

Orphaned during a rebellion against William the Conqueror, Heather’s life is just settling down when her childhood sweetheart disappears to save the son of a murdered Norman knight.

This quarrelsome son, Matthew, is determined to destroy the English rebels who decimated his household. Heather stays out of it—until she is accidentally entangled with a young rebel leader named Toby.

As she is whisked off through the forests of medieval England, inhabited by a dangerous but misunderstood tribal society, Heather is forced to take a side. Her decisions will put into peril everything she holds dear.

Learn more at kyriewang.com.

If you’re into philosophy, sociology, and current affairs…

Do not miss your chance to download a copy of Jeff Watson’s new book, Dying to Live: The Cost of Finding Purpose in the “Post-Outcomes” Modern World.

Drawing on insights from his childhood, military service, and central position within the bleeding-edge technologies of our time, author Jeff Watson seeks not to tell you what or how to think, but to challenge you to introspectively analyze your life to better understand why you think, believe, say, and do what you do.

Download Dying to Live

Immensely thought provoking:

“This is a very well written book that challenges us to consider our beliefs and bias and our perspectives that we have; either consciously or unconsciously. It provided an opportunity for me to re examine that which I believe to be true and view power/authority constructs from a different perspective. Eyes wide open! Very thought provoking which left me ready to introspectively analyze my life to better understand why I think, believe, say and do what I do. Highly recommend!” – Amazon Reader Review

Learn more at evergreaterpineapple.com.