From Football to Poetry: October’s Author of the Month, Darryl Sampson

Oct 9,2024 / By Ben St. James / No Comment

Learn about his creative process, reflections on life after sports, and the values driving his work with Yonge Street Mission and Finintel Coaching.

I have always felt that responsibility to give back to the community that I live in what they have given to me.
Darryl Sampson

Darryl Sampson, a former defensive back for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, has had an illustrious career marked by multiple Grey Cup victories and all-star recognition. After stepping off the field, Darryl has taken on new challenges as a coach, an accountant, and, now, an author. In this exclusive interview, he opens up about his journey from the football field to poetry, the lessons he’s learned from a life of sport, and how his passion for teamwork and giving back continues to shape his work today.

You had an impressive career with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, winning multiple Grey Cups and earning all-star recognition. How did those experiences on the field shape your approach to life after football?

The experiences of my career as a professional football player and the accomplishment of achieving the highest recognitions in the sport taught me that diligent and focused work habits pay off in the long run. It takes perseverance and determination to continue to do something repeatedly until you perfect your craft. It has taught me to stay in the game of life and not give up or I will miss the good things at the end of the tunnel.

Author of the Month

Tellwell’s Author of the Month for September: Cristina San Martin

Sep 25,2024 / By Ben St. James / No Comment

Author Cristina San Martin on Love, Healing, and Her Journey in ‘Married to Fiji’ and ‘Healable the Journal’

Cristina San Martin step out in a photoshoot!

Introducing Cristina San Martin, an author whose works delve deeply into the realms of love, healing, and self-discovery. Her book Married to Fiji is a heartfelt memoir that chronicles her bold journey of moving to Fiji after just ten days with her future husband. It’s a story that captures the essence of love’s transformative power while also shedding light on the challenges and injustices she observed during her time on the island. Through her experiences, Cristina offers readers a candid look at the complexities of relationships, the struggle for justice, and the profound process of personal healing.

In addition to Married to Fiji, Cristina is also the author of Healable the Journal, a guide that encourages readers to embark on their own healing journeys. Cristina’s writing is deeply personal, informed by her own experiences with mental health, neurodiversity, and the challenges of fitting in. Her insights are not just about overcoming adversity, but about embracing it as a path to growth and self-acceptance.

Healing is humbling and a great reminder that we are far more than our struggles and the adversity we face. Go easy on yourself; the healing journey takes as long as it takes. Try not to hold yourself to unrealistic expectations, as we also have to continue living and navigating the 3D.
Cristina San Martin

Tellwell August Author of the Month: Karen Harmon

Aug 20,2024 / By Ben St. James / No Comment

Exploring New Horizons: Karen Harmon’s Growth From Memoirs and Biographies to Fiction

With joy comes pain, and with humour comes tears. Life is hard, but it can be equally, if not more, lovely. Communication is the key, and trying to find the silver lining is a tremendous asset toward making a difference in your overall well-being.
Karen Harmon

Karen Harmon began her writing journey with memoirs and biographies before venturing into fiction. Her work, including the Book Excellence Award Finalist Looking for Normal, delves deeply into personal and family struggles. A sought-after guest on prominent media platforms, like CBC Daybreak with Shelley Joyce and the CFJC Midday Show with Tanya Cronin, Karen shares insights on her inspiration, the transition between genres, and advice for aspiring authors. Her experiences highlight the joy of exploring new creative paths and the importance of relatability and authenticity in writing. Stay tuned for her upcoming release, Class of ’56, a prequel to her successful novel Class of ’78.

Looking for Normal was a Book Excellence Award Finalist. Can you share what inspired you to write this memoir and how it felt to receive such recognition on such a personal story?

I wrote Looking for Normal because both of my parents had passed away. My children never got to meet my father, and yet they had beautiful memories of my mother. When my son was 13, I used to tell him stories about my father riding the rails during the Depression at the age of 13. My dad’s life had been one adventure after the next, so my son kept telling me I should write a book. So I did. I was nervous and apprehensive, but I knew my parents’ story would be relatable to so many. When I received recognition in the category of Women’s Health, I was surprised and pleased. My mother struggled with mental health issues during a time when such topics were hush-hush and swept under the carpet. I know my parents would be very proud of me, and now my children have our family’s legacy.

Author of the Month

Laughing in the Face of Adversity: Comedian and Tellwell’s July Author of the Month Daniel Stolfi’s Inspiring Memoir

Jul 29,2024 / By Ben St. James / No Comment

Discover the healing power of humour and resilience in ‘The Comedian vs Cancer,’ a roller-coaster journey through laughter and tears

I believe humour has the ability to heal. Humour is my therapy. I could be having an awful day, but then turn on my favourite comedy show or stand-up comedy special and instantly forget about what was making my day so awful.
Daniel Stolfi

Join Daniel Stolfi on an extraordinary journey through laughter, tears, and resilience in his captivating memoir, The Comedian vs Cancer. In 2008, a shocking diagnosis of stage III acute non–Hodgkin’s T-lymphoblastic lymphoma threw his life into turmoil. Facing aggressive treatment, Daniel found solace in humour, weaving together a narrative that is both raw and uproariously funny.

Author of the Month

First Nations Medical Doctor, Social Justice Advocate and Author Dr. Peter Eppinga -Tellwell’s June Author of the Month

Jun 28,2024 / By Ben St. James / No Comment

Lower Mainland Clinic Owner Champions First Nations Healthcare and Youth Resilience Through ‘Love My Life’ Initiative

We are honoured to have Dr. Eppinga join us to celebrate Indigenous History Month as the featured speaker in our Author of the Month series.

When I was in medical school, discovering mental health coping techniques (or lack of) are learned as a child, and like an arrow we can point them in the right direction. I lost a family member to suicide and it’s my belief that suicide is 100% preventable if we focus on mental wellness and building a strong and healthy foundation for our youth.
Dr. Peter Eppinga

Dr. Peter Eppinga is a distinguished figure in the medical field and the proud owner of Gwaii Medical, two thriving clinics in the Lower Mainland. His heart and heritage lie in Old Masset, Haida Gwaii. Dr. Eppinga’s journey in medicine is profoundly shaped by his experiences and dedication to confronting significant social issues. He has been a staunch advocate against racism within Canada’s healthcare system, striving to ensure equitable and timely access to medical care for all Canadians, particularly First Nations communities. His commitment to bringing first-class medical care to these communities highlights his deep-rooted passion and service oriented approach.

One of the most personal and impactful areas of Dr. Eppinga’s advocacy is suicide prevention, especially among Indigenous youth. His initial encounter with the devastating effects of suicide came when a young basketball player from his community tragically ended his life, an event that left a lasting impression on a teenage Peter. The personal nature of this issue intensified when Dr. Eppinga lost his own cousin to suicide, further fuelling his commitment to this cause.

Dr. Eppinga is dedicated to promoting suicide prevention through education and awareness. He founded the initiative “Love My Life” with the aim of equipping young people, particularly Indigenous youth, with the skills and confidence needed to overcome life’s challenges. Through his children’s book, titled I Love My Life, Dr. Eppinga seeks to inspire and empower the next generation, fostering imagination and instilling life skills that are crucial in the fight against suicide.

Author of the Month

Exclusive Interview with Tellwell Author Hunter Snow: Unveiling the Inspiration Behind ‘Rock Crush and Roll’

May 22,2024 / By Ben St. James / No Comment

Discover the intriguing intersection of romance and the music industry with Tellwell’s May author of the month Hunter Snow

My editor was fantastic! And I’m in love with my book cover. But beyond that, working with Tellwell was very easy and I plan on publishing my second book the same way. Traditional publishers are great for some writers, but I just wanted to get my book out there!
Hunter Snow

Welcome to the May issue of Tellwell’s Author of the Month. Today we feature Hunter Snow, the talented author behind the novel Rock Crush and Roll.

Currently, Hunter is garnering significant attention in the media landscape, with mentions in a diverse array of magazines such as Find Your Sound, Canadian Beats, and Tinnitist. This noteworthy press coverage not only highlights Hunter’s experience within the music industry but also underscores the growing interest and acclaim surrounding her talents as an author.

Set in a world of music and romance, the book offers a unique blend of passion and authenticity. Snow brings to life the complexities of relationships amidst the backdrop of fame and fortune. Join us as we explore the inspirations for Rock Crush and Roll and Snow’s approach to blending the romance genre with the dynamic setting of the music industry.

Can you tell us about your inspiration for writing Rock Crush and Roll, and how you approached blending the romance genre with the backdrop of the music industry?

I wanted to write a book that I would enjoy reading. I’ve spent my career working in the music industry and the stories are endless!

Author of the Month

Discover Your Profound Interconnectedness in Life with ‘LIV: Life In Virtue’ by Neena Paul

Apr 19,2024 / By Ben St. James / No Comment

Tellwell’s April Author of the Month

Neena Paul, author of LIV: Life In Virtue, shares insights into the inspiration behind her book and its emphasis on reconnecting with oneself. As the founder of ONE LIVE LOVE LIFE, a platform for mental health and wellness, she shares strategies for fostering connections among individuals seeking support. Additionally, she explores practical insights from her book on discovering and living according to one’s purpose, drawing from personal experiences, and a journey of self-discovery.

Embrace a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you.

Whatever I teach today comes more from the practical experience of life that I have had over the past three decades. Trust me, life hasn’t been easy for me. Challenges have been there and what I have learned all along is to look up and look straight into the eyes of the challenge and see what that is teaching me.
Neena Paul

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your book, LIV: Life In Virtue, and what motivated you to write it?

LIV: Life in Virtue is my second book after the first one, called DIL: Deeply in Love. It is an enhanced effort on my part to help my readers connect with themselves. There is a world outside of us where we live in and there’s a universe inside of us to which we have to connect to. Only if we are connected to ourselves can we be in a position to connect with the outside world. This is what I have been emphasizing all along in my writings.

Author of the Month Tellwell News

Author of the Month: Multifaceted Artist Paul Cade

Mar 27,2024 / By Ben St. James / No Comment

Discover the inspiring journey of author and filmmaker Paul Cade, Tellwell’s Author of the Month

Meet Paul Cade, our Tellwell Author of the Month, whose life story reads like a captivating whirlwind of creativity and resilience. From unconventional beginnings to a remarkable career spanning the realms of art, film, and writing, Paul’s memoir, Shades of Influence, offers a candid glimpse into his fascinating journey. Delving into his childhood memories, diverse creative pursuits, and battle with cancer, Paul’s narrative is a testament to the power of perseverance and the triumph of the human spirit. Join us as we explore the intricate tapestry of Paul’s life and work in this exclusive interview.

After years of working in the advertising and film businesses I was used to showing up every day and putting in the work. Every morning at a coffee shop I would do storyboards for each new project, or I would be teaching myself to write screenplays, or I would be sketching in a sketch book that I always carried with me. When I started to write my memoir, I already had developed a habit of showing up every day and putting in the work.
Paul Cade

Author of the Month Tellwell Books

Chelee Cromwell: Pioneering Sci-Fi Romance With Heart and Vision

Feb 20,2024 / By Trixie Raboy / No Comment

From Nova Scotia to the World Stage, Explore the Inspirations and Dreams Behind NEWBIA, the Debut Novel That’s Captivated Readers Worldwide.

Life is meant to be explored and enjoyed while loving each other, showing and giving respect, acceptance, and understanding while embracing the many gifts and talents placed upon each of us. – Chelee Cromwell

Chelee Cromwell, an author from Nova Scotia, has made waves with her unique blend of science fiction and romance. Chelee is recognized as the first Black woman in Nova Scotia to publish a combination science fiction, fantasy, and romance series. Born and raised in Lake Loon and Weymouth Falls, her roots deeply influence her storytelling.

Her debut novel, NEWBIA, gained international attention, resonating with readers from countries across the globe, including Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Bahamas. Chelee’s inspiration for NEWBIA stemmed from a dream that came to her night after night, and it followed a coherent storyline.

Author of the Month

Breaking Triathlon World Records Together – Meet Our Author and Racing Power Couple John Wragg and Elizabeth Model

Jan 24,2024 / By Trixie Raboy / No Comment

The new Memoir “Go” details John Wragg and Elizabeth Model’s journey competing across all seven continents and completing 400 full-distance triathlons.

“The challenges are part of the journey.”
John Wragg

We’re shining the spotlight on a triathlon power couple, John Wragg and Elizabeth Model, who are breaking records all over the world!

They have competed across all seven continents, completing 400 full-distance triathlons! Wragg has almost completed 300 triathlons, more than anybody else on this planet! And Model is one of only two women to have competed in more than 100 triathlons.

The Canadian couple co-wrote their memoir “Go: A Multi-Sport Journey Through Seven Continents” and are Tellwell’s January Author of the Month!

Embark on a journey with John Wragg and Elizabeth Model, a couple who conquered the world of triathlons. In this interview, we explore their love story that began at the Ironman finish line in Tempe, Arizona, and the highs and lows of their multisport adventures.

Category : Author of the Month

Learn about his creative process, reflections on life after sports, and the values driving his work with Yonge Street Mission and Finintel Coaching.

Author Cristina San Martin on Love, Healing, and Her Journey in ‘Married to Fiji’ and ‘Healable the Journal’

Exploring New Horizons: Karen Harmon’s Growth From Memoirs and Biographies to Fiction

Discover the healing power of humour and resilience in ‘The Comedian vs Cancer,’ a roller-coaster journey through laughter and tears

Lower Mainland Clinic Owner Champions First Nations Healthcare and Youth Resilience Through ‘Love My Life’ Initiative

Discover the intriguing intersection of romance and the music industry with Tellwell’s May author of the month Hunter Snow

Tellwell’s April Author of the Month

Embrace a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you.

Discover the inspiring journey of author and filmmaker Paul Cade, Tellwell’s Author of the Month

From Nova Scotia to the World Stage, Explore the Inspirations and Dreams Behind NEWBIA, the Debut Novel That’s Captivated Readers Worldwide.

The new Memoir “Go” details John Wragg and Elizabeth Model’s journey competing across all seven continents and completing 400 full-distance triathlons.