This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible women authors at Tellwell whose courage, creativity, and dedication inspire us every day. From sharing their stories to lifting others through their words, these authors remind us that strength comes in many forms. Today, we honour their voices, achievements, and unshakable spirit that continue to shape a brighter and more compassionate world.
Odile Rose
Odile Rose has always believed in the power of stories to move and inspire. Born in Paris to Lebanese parents and now living in Ontario, she spent nearly twenty years in finance before answering the call of her true passion—writing. Guided by heart and inspiration, Odile took the leap that allowed her to share heartfelt stories that linger long after the last page.
The One Reason follows seventeen-year-old Elvis Sullivan on a night that changes everything. Thrust into a moment of fear and responsibility, he becomes the girl’s only hope. The memory of that night stays with him, showing that even in the darkest moments, love can ignite courage, shape destiny, and offer the hope needed to keep believing.
Amel Dali
Amel is a poet, painter, and survivor whose life has been shaped by heartbreak, resilience, and the courage to heal. Born under the harsh Algerian sun, she has navigated loss, societal pressures, and the dark corridors of despair, transforming her experiences into a body of work that is both raw and profoundly moving. Through her poetry and art, Amel opens a window into the places many are too afraid to explore, showing that even in the deepest pain, there is room for hope, growth, and renewal.
Her book, Bittersweet Catharsis, is a journey through darkness to find the light that still burns within. With unfiltered poetry and soul-stirring art, Amel takes readers through moments of sorrow, doubt, and longing, ultimately revealing the strength that can arise from life’s most painful experiences. This collection resonates with anyone who has faced struggle or felt invisible, reminding us all that our wounds can become the source of transformation and that healing is always possible.
Dianne McConnell and Crystalynn Tarr
Dianne McConnell has spent a lifetime listening to children, families, and the quiet wisdom of the world around her. With over 35 years as a registered psychologist and educator, she has guided countless young voices and learned invaluable lessons herself through love, loss, and raising two sons with a rare and incurable disease. Now retired in the serene surroundings of Nordegg, Dianne continues to champion connection, compassion, and the power of paying attention to each other and to the land.
The Boys Who Listened to the Forest follows brothers Erik and Ben as they wander a magical woodland, discovering lessons about courage, love, and what it truly means to be human. Inspired by Dianne’s own journey, the story transforms personal experience into a timeless adventure, inviting readers of all ages to listen closely to the forest, to each other, and to their own hearts.
Illustrations by Crystalynn Tarr bring the forest to life in vivid earthy detail. Living on the southern edge of the Boreal Forest, Crystalynn paints with pigments she makes by hand from the rocks and soil around her mountain home. Her studio is filled with curiosities from the forest, deer sheds, feathers, dried mushrooms, and more, all inspiring artwork that reflects her love for the natural world. Through her paintings, readers can feel the texture, scent, and wonder of the forest as if they were walking its paths alongside Erik and Ben.
Anette Lan
What does it mean to lead without losing yourself? Anette Lan has spent over a decade exploring this question, guiding leaders across industries—from high-performance sport to fintech and aerospace—back to their core. Drawing on her Japanese heritage, the rhythms of nature, and somatic intelligence, she shows that true leadership comes not from doing more, but from connecting deeply with who you are beneath the pressure. Her work is a reminder that presence, clarity, and courage begin within.
In ENSŌ, A Tree Still Grows, Anette invites readers to discover the roots of resilient leadership. Through the metaphor of a tree and her Infinity Growth Model, she illustrates how growth begins underground—in self-awareness, alignment, and rooted purpose. This book offers practical and reflective guidance for reclaiming your sense of self, moving through challenges with calm and intention, and leading in a way that expands your potential without sacrificing your wellbeing. It is both a guide and an inspiration for anyone ready to cultivate strength from the inside out.
Aimee Sebastian
Aimee Sebastian knows what it’s like when your body feels like it’s working against you. Chronic migraines, numbness, and neurological strain once made life a daily challenge, but through her journey, she discovered a way to reconnect with her own body’s intelligence.
Reflexology Redefined takes readers inside the world of facial reflexology, showing how tiny points on the face can spark deep healing. Part memoir, part guide, Aimee blends personal experience with expert technique, offering a path to restore balance, calm, and vitality with each gentle touch.
Nataly Restokian
Award-winning author, former television journalist, and life coach Nataly Restokian blends personal experience, storytelling, and advocacy to explore courage, love, and transformation. Born in Lebanon and now based in Quebec, her work reflects resilience and the power of the human spirit.
The Mask series begins with Mask, following Anna, a young Armenian woman navigating trauma, societal pressures, and ambition in the Arab world. Her journey through heartbreak, fame, and personal struggle reveals the strength required to survive and grow.
The series continues with Her Masks & His Truth, where an unexpected encounter challenges Anna’s life, heart, and career, proving that love and courage can reshape destiny.
Across the series, Nataly examines the courage it takes to confront expectations, embrace vulnerability, and pursue the life and love one truly deserves.
