This October, our authors’ stories found their way into the spotlight and beyond the pages of their books. From award recognition and media features to events that brought stories to life, we’re excited to share the moments that made this month memorable for our Tellwell author community.
Book Awards
Through her debut collection, Water Your Flowers With Love, Koula Hadjitooulou reflects on life’s pain and beauty, the strength of the human spirit, and the power of love and compassion. An avid reader since childhood, Koula reclaimed her passion for writing in 2023 and brought those reflections to the page.
Her poetry has since earned recognition: Koula won an award this spring and placed second overall in the Poetry Category in the year-end competition of PenCraft Book Awards!
Publicity
Tellwell author Matt Mallinson and his novel The Writer Upstairs were featured in two articles in the Warsaw Heritage Days Mini Magazine ahead of his upcoming book signing. A passionate advocate for preserving American history, Matt draws inspiration from the stories and diaries of early trail travelers.
Blending science, history, and hope, The Writer Upstairs follows a reclusive chemist and a mysterious woman as they uncover a shared past and secrets hidden within the forest—discoveries that could shape the future of the planet.
The first year of school counseling brings challenges no textbook can fully prepare you for. In A Year in the Life of a School Counselor, Tellwell author Dr. Kim Mitchell combines honest storytelling with practical guidance to help new counselors find their footing, build connections, and prepare for the unexpected.
The book was recently highlighted in AP News. Drawing on more than two decades in education, Dr. Mitchell shares both the tools and reassurance she wishes she had when starting out, reminding readers that even the hardest days can hold opportunities to make a difference.
Dave Jones, PsyD, was featured on the Inside Scoop podcast for an interview about his children’s book, A Perfect Saturday (Almost). A retired teacher with more than four decades of experience working with children and families, Dave brings his love of learning and creativity to his writing.
A Perfect Saturday (Almost) follows an active youngster through a bright spring day filled with plans and adventures. From dawn to dusk, readers are invited to see what he accomplishes—and what almost gets done—and imagine what their own perfect day might look like.
What does it take to create meaningful organizational change? In The Nine Essential Questions for Organizational Transformation, author Aaron Streeton invites leaders to slow down, challenge assumptions, and consider how their decisions shape people, processes, and culture.
Aaron was featured on the Inside Scoop podcast, where readers can learn more about his work. A Canadian operations strategist and transformation leader, he draws on two decades of experience helping organizations navigate complex change.
Cathy Wentworth was recently featured in Kidliomag for her debut book, Bamboo Baskets and City Streets. Inspired by a chance encounter in Beijing, the story follows an American tourist who meets a Chinese boy in a hutong and gains a glimpse into his life. Their meeting celebrates how connections between strangers can create lasting memories and help us see the world differently.
A former teacher and first-time author, Cathy has traveled the world collecting stories and connecting with people from different cultures. Through her book, she hopes readers will discover both a faraway place and the similarities we share.
From mischievous moments to lovable family memories, a small Jack Russell named Monty inspired author Karen Scicluna to create The Adventures of Monty—a children’s series recently featured in the October issue of Kidliomag.
A mother of three and an educator, Karen combines playful storytelling with activities designed to support young readers as they build confidence. Through Monty’s adventures, children can also explore everyday lessons about kindness, forgiveness, acceptance, and love. Congratulations on your feature, Karen!
Millian Lloyd Jones was featured in the October issue of Kidliomag for her work bringing learning and adventure together for young readers. Her latest ebook, Milli and Max Toddlers: Learn 1,2,3 & ABC, invites little explorers to learn, count, and discover with Milli, Max, and their friends through big, bold letters and numbers.
Born in Fiji and now living in Australia, Millian draws on her love of the sea and its creatures in her children’s books. Her imaginative stories encourage learning while reminding readers of the importance of protecting our oceans for generations to come
Event
Tellwell author Tanis Larson is celebrating the launch of The Hand It Back Method, a book inspired by a moment during her pregnancy when an unexpected label left her questioning her own joy. That experience sparked a simple practice for recognizing and releasing the expectations, judgments, and pressures we absorb from others.
A content creator and speaker whose message has reached millions, Tanis brings her conversations about age, motherhood, and societal pressure to the page. Her book invites readers to reclaim their voice, set healthy boundaries, and reconsider what they were never meant to carry.
Author Matt Mallinson connected with readers at the Warsaw Pioneer Heritage Days Festival on October 17–18, signing copies of his novel The Writer Upstairs. The event also featured a live theatrical rendition of a bank robbery scene from his book series, bringing a dramatic moment from the page to life.
Known for his passion for preserving American history, Matt draws inspiration from the stories of trail travelers and mountain families.
