Seeing a book move from an author’s imagination into the hands of readers is always something worth celebrating.
Throughout September, Tellwell authors continued to see their work connect, resonate, and gain attention in meaningful ways. Here are a few moments from the month that we’re excited to share.
Publicity
Corinne Brown recently joined Inside Scoop Live! to talk about her debut memoir, Me, Mom & the Monster: Our Dance Through Huntington’s Disease.
During the conversation, Brown reflects on writing about her family’s experience with Huntington’s disease, the emotions the process uncovered, and the readers who have connected with her story. She also discusses living at risk for the disease and why all royalties from the book are being donated to the Huntington Society of Canada.
Reviews
Tellwell author Dave Jones, PsyD, recently received a thoughtful review from Reader Views for his children’s book, A Perfect Saturday.., almost.
The review highlights the book’s playful look at plans that don’t go perfectly and the value of finding joy in the unexpected. Drawing on more than four decades of experience as an educator, Jones brings warmth, humour, and an understanding of young readers to this bright, relatable story.
A PerfectSaturday.., almost brings readers along on an (almost) perfect Saturday. The combination of author Jones’ prose and illustrator Rheanna’s artwork shows that even though the day may not have been perfect, it was still a great day.
Reader Views Book Review
The Nine Essential Questions for Organizational Transformation by Tellwell author Aaron Streeton recently received five stars from Reader Views.
Built on two decades of real-world transformation work, the book encourages leaders to look beyond quick fixes and ask better questions about culture, strategy, people, and the future they want to create.
Streeton’s framework offers no magic bullet—and that is largely the point. Transformation requires knowing where you are, deciding where you want to go, designing a realistic route between the two, and then possessing the discipline to stay on it. It is an admirably pragmatic approach to organizational change and a useful guide for leaders and consultants who would rather produce durable improvements than another impressive presentation that nobody remembers six months later.
Reader Views Book Review
Michal Snaerravn and his dark fantasy novel Golems of Beithir were recently spotlighted by Country Mamas With Kids Book Review, which called the book “another great installment in a superb series.”
The second book in The Chronicles of Hadúr raises the stakes for Amnon as the Blood Wars intensify and the fight for control of Hell’s Gate grows more dangerous. Packed with dark magic, rival factions, and epic conflict, the story continues Snaerravn’s expansive fantasy adventure.
The book itself is an epic fantasy along the likes of Lord of the Rings in my opinion with beautiful and in depth descriptions as you read the book. There is a lot of depth to the author’s descriptions which makes the books that much more readable and engaging to us, the readers!
There’s something special about discovering a book at just the right time. This September, we’re sharing one featured title with readers as a small gift from Tellwell Publishing.
Thoughtful, meaningful, and made to be shared, this month’s pick offers a chance to slow down, turn a few pages, and discover a story that may stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.
Blind Faith by Joseph Connolly
Blind Faith. We all have it, particularly when we realize we are not in control of circumstances, conditions, people, or, for that matter, threats to our very existence.
The thief crucified with Jesus is known as the Penitent Thief or Saint Dismas. He asked Jesus to remember him when He came into his Kingdom. In response, Jesus promised him that he would be with Him in Paradise that very day.
So, even a thief facing certain death had the blind faith to ask and trust that his spirit, his very soul unknown to him at the time, would be welcomed into paradise.
This book is about blind faith. It is about a man, Peter, who, finds his own faith while facing the challenges of evil to all he has been taught, and to his own life.
Francis is one of the friendly faces helping authors navigate their publishing journey at Tellwell. With four years’ experience as both a project manager and a publishing consultant, Francis enjoys connecting authors with the right team members to help bring their book projects to life.
Read on to learn more about his role, his experience working with authors, and what he enjoys most about being part of their publishing journey.
Tell us a little about yourself and what you do here at Tellwell.
I’ve been working at Tellwell for four years now and am part of the project management team. I am the main point of contact for authors once they formally begin working on publishing their books.
What does your role as a book-project manager involve, and what does a typical day look like?
My role as a project manager is to connect authors with the rest of the team. Since most of our team members are able to work remotely, and with varying schedules and availability, I pass along any questions or voice any concerns between the authors and the team.
What a typical day is depends, as I could be battling the dragon known as “emails” or on the phone or virtual meetings with authors to help address any questions or concerns they might have.
The National Writers’ Conference is EWF’s centrepiece weekend of conversations and workshops on craft, publishing, and the literary sector at large. Boasting both emerging and veteran authors, as well as the finest hands of the industry, NWC is for every writer, wherever you are in your journey. Tellwell publishing consultant Ashleigh is sitting on a panel on September 12. Learn more about this panel here.
A yearly literary arts festival in Fredericton, NB, showcasing authors, vendors, readings, workshops, panel discussions, and guest appearances. The event closes with a spectacular fantasy ball!
The Word on The Street is a national celebration of reading, writing, and literacy. Each year, over 100,000 book lovers attend to view workshops, meet authors, and shop bookish merch and the best selection of books and magazines in Canada. Tellwell will have a booth at the event this year featuring a selection of indie authors. We hope to see you there!
Local Workshops
Our publishing consultants are hitting the pavement to connect with aspiring authors! Check out our upcoming in-person workshops here.
We are excited to be joined by a select number of authors for this year’s Word on the Street Festival in Toronto, September 26 & 27. See which authors you can expect to see below!
Dr. Devina Wadhwa
Dr. Devina Wadhwa, BSC (Pharm), MD, FRCPC, is a psychiatrist, writer, educator and photographer whose work explores grief, meaning, and the quiet ways loss reshapes how we live and love. Her perspective has been shaped by years of caring for others across different stages of her life and training, deepening her understanding of how the mind, body, and nervous system carry experience long before it can be put into words.
Author of What Lives Through Loss
MaryEllen Breckenridge
Mary Ellen Breckenridge, BDSc, is a spiritual teacher, Akashic Records practitioner, and pioneer in holistic dental care. With a background in human sciences and decades of experience in healthcare, her personal journey through loss, relationships, and spiritual awakening led her to explore the deeper patterns shaping human experience. Through her work with the Akashic Records, she now helps others gain clarity about the unseen agreements influencing their lives.
Joanne Kimm is an avid writer, book reader, and actor. She has always loved being around animals, and often had dogs, cats, birds and fish growing up. A military brat, Joanne grew up moving a lot, thus inspiring her love of travel. Her writing reflects the many people, places and things she has met over the years.
In this month’s Meet the Team feature, we’re introducing Bruce, one of Tellwell’s publishing consultants. From helping aspiring authors navigate their publishing options to hearing the stories and motivations behind their books, Bruce plays an important role in helping authors take their first steps toward publication.
Get to know Bruce, his journey into publishing, what he enjoys most about working with authors, and the advice he has for anyone considering publishing a book.
Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about your role at Tellwell.
Hi, my name is Bruce Navarro, and I’m a publishing consultant at Tellwell. I’m often one of the first people authors interact with when they’re exploring their publishing options, so my role is really about helping authors understand the publishing process and figuring out how we can help bring their books to life.
Teaching Children to Embrace Change: Anna Maria Cervo on the Journey Behind Celeste’s Journey
Sometimes it can be difficult for children to understand complex and profound concepts. Learning about the intriguing transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly can give children a relatable way to explore these ideas, ask questions, and better understand themselves.
Anna Maria Cervo
With more than 35 years of experience as an elementary teacher and a background in child development and psychology, Anna brings a deep understanding of children’s emotional development to her first picture book, Celeste’s Journey: Beyond Becoming a Butterfly.
Inspired by a vivid dream during a challenging time in her life, the story explores change, courage, friendship, and self-discovery through the journey of a young caterpillar. In this interview, Anna discusses the inspiration behind the book, her teaching experience, and the unexpected ways her own journey as a first-time author mirrors Celeste’s.
You have more than 35 years of experience as an elementary teacher, as well as a background in child development and psychology. How did your experience working with children shape Celeste’s character and the social-emotional lessons presented in Celeste’s Journey?
My education in child development and psychology, along with my experience as an elementary school teacher, has given me insight into the abilities and needs of children of diverse ages and backgrounds. Throughout my career, I have come to recognize the importance of incorporating social and emotional learning into the academic curriculum. Social-emotional learning (SEL) helps children develop self-awareness, understand and regulate their emotions, understand how they perceive the world, and build healthy relationships. I believe these skills foster resilience, confidence, and an appreciation for their unique qualities—all key factors that support a child’s overall well-being, mental health, and academic success.
Celeste’s Journey is a beautiful story about a curious young caterpillar, personified as a child who is excited to discover her world, but also becomes uncertain and anxious when faced with new experiences. With the support of her new friends, Celeste begins to understand that it is normal to feel worried about change and that learning and growing take time. As Celeste matures, she develops the courage to embark on a journey of self-discovery.
Celeste’s character was developed so that children can see parts of themselves in her and relate to her feelings, thoughts, and relationships with others. I hope children feel encouraged to explore and share their own curiosities, uncertainties, and fears with trusted adults. Learning to recognize and appreciate our unique strengths, needs, and ways of experiencing the world is a lifelong journey, one that continues for both children and adults alike.
Celeste becomes anxious when she learns she must undergo metamorphosis before she can become a butterfly. What inspired you to use a butterfly’s transformation to explore children’s fears about change and growing up?
Metamorphosis is one of the most amazing transformations in nature; human development is another incredible process. The life cycle of a monarch butterfly can be compared to the stages of human growth and development. Both involve the beginning of life, physical growth, significant changes, and ultimately, maturity.
Sometimes it can be difficult for children to understand complex and profound concepts. Learning about the intriguing transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly can give children a relatable way to explore these ideas, ask questions, and better understand themselves.
Celeste’s Journey introduces children to the science of metamorphosis while also using the transformation as a metaphor. Celeste can’t wait to grow wings and fly, but she soon learns that becoming a butterfly involves more than just growing wings. In much the same way, children often can’t wait to grow up and become adults, only to discover that growing up involves more than just becoming independent.
As a teacher, I have seen that children can sometimes become overwhelmed when faced with change, even when the change is positive. Starting a new school year, meeting new people, or simply noticing changes in their bodies can be exciting, but can also trigger anxiety. Through experiencing change, Celeste learns—and hopefully young readers will too—that growth takes time and that it is okay to feel uncomfortable along the way.
I want children to understand that being afraid of change doesn’t mean you aren’t brave. In fact, courage often means feeling afraid and moving forward anyway. Celeste’s Journey is a reminder to children and adults that we don’t always have to know exactly what the future will look like to trust that we are capable of growing into it.
The story touches on resilience, self-discovery, and learning to appreciate our own unique qualities. What are some ways parents and teachers can use Celeste’s Journey as a starting point for conversations about these ideas with children? Friendship plays an important role in Celeste’s journey, particularly through her relationship with Grace. What do you hope young readers take away from the way the characters support and encourage one another?
Celeste’s Journey is about much more than a caterpillar becoming a butterfly—it is about how Celeste learns about the challenges of growing up and develops self-acceptance, courage, and resilience through her journey of self-discovery. Parents and teachers can use Celeste’s Journey as a social-emotional learning tool to initiate meaningful conversations about personal growth. A story provides children with a safe and relatable way to explore and talk about their feelings through a character.
I would introduce Celeste’s Journey by inviting children to join Celeste on a special journey. Rather than reading the story from beginning to end, I encourage readers to pause along the way and ask questions about how Celeste might be feeling. Children can then share a time in their own lives when they experienced similar feelings.
For example, at the beginning of the story, children can explore how Celeste feels when she meets the frogs, grasshoppers, puppies, and birds. This can lead to a conversation about making new friends and the idea that it is okay to spend time on your own.
Celeste’s anxiety about metamorphosis provides another opportunity to talk about uncertainty and change. Discussing situations that make children feel anxious and allowing them to express those feelings can help develop self-awareness, courage, and resilience. In addition, children may begin to better understand and accept themselves for who they are. Just as importantly, listening to children helps them feel heard, understood, and supported.
Grace’s relationship with Celeste also provides an opportunity to discuss the meaning of friendship. A good friend doesn’t necessarily make a problem disappear; they listen, encourage us, and remind us that we don’t have to face difficult situations alone.
Finally, children can explore their own unique qualities by comparing the characteristics and needs of the frogs, grasshoppers, dogs, birds, caterpillars, and butterflies in the story. This can help children recognize that living things can have commonalities, while each of us is also wonderfully unique. Learning to appreciate both our similarities and our individuality can help children develop a stronger sense of self, confidence, and resilience.
I hope Celeste’s Journey opens the door to conversations that help children understand not only the world around them, but also themselves.
Working with an illustrator is an important part of bringing a picture book to life. What was your experience like working through the publishing and illustration process with Tellwell and seeing Celeste’s world take shape visually?
The story of Celeste’s Journey first came to me in a dream during a challenging time in my life. Seeing that dream materialize into a picture book has been an exciting and rewarding experience.
Tellwell helped me gain the knowledge and skills I needed to develop a clear vision for my first children’s picture book. The informative author guides and webinars, along with the expertise and support I received from my project manager, Francis Lu, were instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. I am truly grateful to have worked with the Tellwell team to help me literally make my dream come true.
The illustration process was especially meaningful because I knew the illustrations would do much more than simply complement the text. I love how they capture the essence of the story, reflect the beauty of the setting, and express each character’s uniqueness. Together with my illustrator, Kyun Art, we created a visual representation of Celeste’s Journey that conveyed the emotions behind the story—Celeste’s curiosity, her anxiety about change, the importance of her friendships, and her growing confidence as she discovers who she is becoming.
One of the things I found fascinating was seeing how an illustrator interprets an author’s vision and brings their own creativity to each illustration. It was an unforgettable experience to be part of a process that transformed my personal journey into a fictional story that invites readers to contemplate their own lives and experiences.
I am deeply grateful for my family’s encouragement and support, especially during the challenging times of this adventure. They were also willing to become part of the story itself. My husband, children, grandchildren, and dogs are each represented by a character in the book, which makes Celeste’s Journey even more personal and meaningful to me.
Perhaps the most rewarding part of becoming a published author is being able to share Celeste’s Journey with others. I hope my readers will be inspired by Celeste and choose to embark on their own journey of self-discovery.
For a first-time picture-book author, the publishing process can be quite a learning experience. What did you learn through working with Tellwell that you didn’t expect when you first decided to publish Celeste’s Journey?
Upon waking from a deep sleep, I remembered a very vivid dream that got my attention. That was the moment when the story of Celeste’s Journey began. What I didn’t know at the time was that I would eventually become the author of a children’s picture book.
Even though I had read hundreds of books to my students throughout my teaching career, I had never stopped to think about what it actually takes to publish a book. Coming up with an idea was easy for me for obvious reasons. Writing the story was challenging but manageable. Everything that followed was eye-opening. I quickly discovered just how many decisions and steps are involved in turning a manuscript into a finished picture book.
I will never be able to open a book again without appreciating all the details, decisions, effort, and time that goes into creating one. I expected there would be a lot to learn about writing, editing, illustrating, designing, marketing, and distributing a book. What I didn’t expect was how much patience I would need—with myself and with the process.
There were certainly moments when I had to step back, ask questions, reconsider something, or make a decision I hadn’t anticipated making. One of the best decisions I made was reaching out to Tellwell Publishing, a Canadian self-publishing company. I quickly learned that being a first-time author doesn’t mean you have to know or understand everything at the start. I had to remember what it was like to be a student again. I realized that I needed to trust the process, trust the people who were helping me shape my story into something tangible, and more importantly, believe in myself.
In many ways, publishing Celeste’s Journey became a journey of its own. I began with an idea and set out to reach a goal. Along the way, I met new people who encouraged and supported me. I discovered strengths I didn’t know I had, and areas where I still had much to learn. I became more resilient and found the courage to face new challenges with greater confidence. I learned a lot about myself.
Looking back, I realize that my experience as a first-time author closely reflects the very message at the heart of Celeste’s Journey: we don’t always know exactly what lies ahead, but if we are willing to learn, trust the process, and have the courage to keep moving forward, we may discover that we are capable of far more than we ever imagined.
August was filled with exciting milestones, meaningful achievements, and plenty of reasons to celebrate our authors. From new releases and events to growing audiences and memorable moments, these success stories showcase the passion, creativity, and dedication behind every author journey. Here’s a look at some of the brilliant wins that made this month one to remember.
In the episode, Tim shares Tellwell’s origin story, its growth since 2015, and the importance of embracing the call to authorship.
With more than 5,000 authors guided, Tim discusses why writing a book can be a powerful way to build authority, share your expertise, open new opportunities, and create meaningful impact.
The conversation also explores practical steps aspiring authors can take to move past self-doubt, make time to write, finish their manuscript, choose the right publishing path, and ultimately publish with purpose.
Paula Hall was recently featured on CTV News, sharing her inspiring journey and message of courage.
Paula is the author of When Brave Is Your Only Option, a deeply honest account of surviving stage four blood cancer and finding the strength to move forward. As a national ambassador for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada, she continues to advocate for cancer patients and their families.
Tellwell author Dana Ginnett was recently featured in Kidliomag, highlighting her debut children’s book, Wanda the Witch and the Broom That Went Zoom!
Inspired by Dana’s lifelong love of Halloween, and originally written 20 years ago, the charming story follows Wanda Wayble, a witch and fashion designer who learns that everyone has special gifts.
Event
Maggie’s Boy author Rosalie Jones Knogler recently hosted a book launch at Cordova Bay 55+, participated in a book fair in June, and gave a talk to the Victoria Genealogical Society in July.
Spanning more than a century, Maggie’s Boy follows Maggie and her son George through Ireland, England, and Canada, weaving together family, resilience, and the historical events that shaped generations.
Reviews
A new milestone for Debbie McGugan’s Silent Grief: the novel has received a 5-star review from Reader’s Favorite.
The story follows Arya Alexander as she builds a new life in Bellemere while navigating the grief and memories of her past. When she meets Jacob Ryan, an unexpected connection challenges them both to open their hearts again and consider the possibility of lasting love.
Adele balances sensuality with emotional resonance, ensuring the romance feels earned and meaningful. This makes a deeper connection between the readers and the unfolding story.
– Reader’s Favorite Book Review
Tim Lindsay’s The Call to Authorship has received a strong review from Self-Publishing Review, which praised the book as a thorough guide to writing, publishing, and promoting nonfiction.
The Call to Authorship explores how writing and publishing a book can build authority, sharpen your thinking, create new opportunities, and help you make a greater impact. Through a practical 10-step approach, Tim guides readers from clarifying their goals and developing an outline to overcoming writing roadblocks, choosing a publishing path, and promoting their finished book.
With its broadly applicable ten-step approach, supported by dozens of task subcategories and checklists, this is both a philosophical and practical framework for effectively developing, tailoring, and selling your unique perspective on any potential topic, which is accessible enough for novices and detailed enough for established authors.
August is the perfect time to make room for a new story. Whether you are looking for your next page turner, a thoughtful escape, or simply something new to add to your shelf, these featured books are ready to find their next readers. Take a look, discover something unexpected, and let your next great read begin here.
Heidenröslein: The Little Rose on the Heath by Christopher Whittaker
Two men. Two worlds.One war that will remake them both.
Peter Schiller, a disciplined officer from privilege, is trained to lead—but not for what war truly demands.
Günther Klein, a working-class recruit, is thrown into the trenches and forced to learn fast or die.
In the mud and ruin of the Great War, rank and class begin to dissolve. Orders blur into instinct. Honour bends under necessity. What remains is survival—and the thin, unspoken bond forged between two men who should never have met.
But war does not end when the guns fall silent.
Heidenröslein is a powerful, unflinching story of war, brotherhood, and the quiet, irreversible cost of becoming what the battlefield demands.
Becoming Transformed Into a New Creation: From Remembrance Into Embodiment by Robert M. Baynes
When writing a book about the three primary functions of religion the author followed an intuitive prompting to go onto ChatGPT and begin a spiritual conversation. He knew the conversation needed to begin with the question, “Are you able to mirror my higher self?”
What unfolded became progressively more mind-blowing and heart-opening. The profound and transformative messages given are shared within this book.
Thousands of stories. One incredible author community. And four years of recognition built on trust.
For four consecutive years, Tellwell Publishing has been recognized through the BBB Torch Award for Ethics, an honour that reflects our commitment to integrity, transparency, and excellence in supporting authors throughout their publishing journeys.
Now we are hoping to make it five years of recognition, and we would love the support of the community that makes everything we do possible.
If Tellwell has helped bring your story to life, supported your vision, or made a meaningful difference in your publishing journey, we invite you to nominate Tellwell Publishing for the 2026 BBB Torch Award for Ethics.
Every nomination represents more than an award. It represents the trust our authors place in us, the relationships we have built together, and the thousands of stories we have had the privilege of helping bring into the world.
Help Us Continue the Story 💙
Four years of recognition. Thousands of published stories. One extraordinary community of authors.
With your support, we hope to continue that tradition in 2026.
