Category : Tellwell Author Stories: Behind the Books

Tellwell Author Stories: Behind the Books

Traces of a Boy: A Story of Survival, Strength, and Truth

A story of survival, told without fear. In Traces of a Boy, Russ Grabb takes readers on an unflinching journey through his deeply personal memoir—a gripping work of creative nonfiction.

For Russ Grabb, writing Traces of a Boy was not just about revisiting the past—it was about breaking the silence and giving a voice to the child he once was. His journey as an author is one of resilience, honesty, and the unshakable belief that storytelling can illuminate even the darkest truths.

Russ writes with an intensity that demands attention, blending creative nonfiction with the raw emotion of lived experience. His work doesn’t just recount trauma—it challenges, exposes, and invites readers to witness the strength it takes to survive. Through Traces of a Boy, he transforms painful memories into powerful prose, proving that even the most difficult stories deserve to be told.

By sharing his truth, Russ not only reclaims his own story but also offers solidarity to others who have faced unimaginable realities. His writing is a testament to the power of survival, the necessity of speaking out, and the enduring impact of an untold story finally brought to light.

Traces of a Boy is not an easy read, nor was it meant to be. This haunting memoir blends the depth of creative nonfiction with the gripping intensity of a novel, drawing readers into the life of a wounded child navigating a world of unimaginable hardship. Russ exposes the harsh realities of betrayal, bone-breaking violence, and society’s indifference, crafting a story that is as harrowing as it is necessary.

With haunting prose and unflinching detail, Traces of a Boy is more than a memoir, it’s a reckoning. It compels us to confront the darker corners of human experience while recognizing the unbreakable spirit of those who endure. It’s a book that lingers, challenges, and ultimately serves as a powerful reminder that some stories must be told, no matter how difficult they are to hear.

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Tellwell Author Stories: Behind the Books

A Calling Beyond Belief: Celia McBride’s Journey to Faith and Publishing

Celia McBride’s journey is anything but ordinary. In her forties, she felt an undeniable calling—to explore life as a Catholic nun, despite not being Catholic. Her memoir, O My God: An Un-Becoming Journey, chronicles this deeply personal path of faith, transformation, and self-discovery.

Celia’s story is one of unexpected twists, deep introspection, and profound change. Raised in an atheist household, she never imagined she would one day consider a life devoted to faith. But an inner pull led her to a convent, where she spent time exploring what it meant to live a life of spirituality and devotion. Her journey wasn’t just about religion—it was about seeking truth, embracing vulnerability, and following an unknown path with an open heart.

Writing a memoir is a brave act, especially when it involves such a deeply personal transformation. For Celia, putting her journey into words meant revisiting some of the most profound moments of her life, embracing honesty, and trusting that her story could inspire others.

Through the publishing process with Tellwell, she has not only brought her book to life but also extended an invitation to readers—to reflect on their own journeys, question their beliefs, and remain open to transformation.

In O My God: An Un-Becoming Journey, Celia shares the highs, lows, and eye-opening moments of her transformative path. Her story challenges beliefs, embraces uncertainty, and uncovers truths in the most unlikely places. But beyond her own experience, it serves as a powerful reminder that life often leads us down unexpected roads—and sometimes, the boldest leaps of faith bring us exactly where we’re meant to be. Whether you’re drawn to spiritual exploration or personal growth, her memoir is a compelling and thought-provoking read.

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Tellwell Author Stories: Behind the Books

‘Missing from Me’: Heather Shtuka’s Story of Loss, Love, and Advocacy

Heather Shtuka’s memoir, Missing from Me, is a powerful account of love, loss, and the strength it takes to turn personal tragedy into a mission of advocacy.

In the quiet beauty of a Canadian ski town, Heather’s life was changed forever when her son Ryan went missing. What followed was an unrelenting search for answers that transformed her from a devoted mother to a voice for families enduring the heartbreak of a missing loved one.

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Tellwell Author Stories: Behind the Books

Joe Lyons-Rising: Transforming Pain into Purpose with ‘Pain Remixed’

Joe Lyons-Rising’s story is a remarkable testament to resilience, empathy, and the power of turning personal tragedy into a mission of purpose.

Having faced the unimaginable loss of both parents to suicide during his childhood, Joe has dedicated his life to helping others navigate the complexities of grief, trauma, and mental health challenges. His book, Pain Remixed, is a heartfelt and deeply personal exploration of healing, offering practical tools and invaluable insights drawn from his own journey toward recovery.

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Tellwell Author Stories: Behind the Books

Discover the Festive Cheer of ‘The Christmas Adventure’ by Stephen Moore!

This holiday season, get ready for an unforgettable journey with two unlikely heroes—Murgatroyd and Archimedes, a pair of adventurous mice on a daring Christmas Eve mission to recover a stolen refrigerator. Packed with laughter, fun, and a sprinkle of holiday magic, The Christmas Adventure is a heartwarming reminder of what Christmas is truly about: adventure, kindness, and a little help from Santa.

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Tellwell Author Stories: Behind the Books

Celebrating Holiday Magic: Christopher Ross and 22 Christmas Without You

The holiday season is a time for joy, family, and togetherness, but it can also be a poignant reminder of those we miss. In this special edition of Tellwell Author Stories, we’re thrilled to share the heartwarming journey of Christopher Ross and his touching book, 22 Christmas Without You.

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Tellwell Author Stories: Behind the Books

From Blank Pages to New Beginnings: Sarah Taylor-Malo’s Journey with Growing Pains

Every great story starts with a blank page, and for Sarah Taylor-Malo, that blank page was an invitation to turn her challenges into something extraordinary. Her debut book, Growing Pains, is a testament to resilience and self-discovery—a beautifully crafted narrative born from a time of uncertainty and self-doubt.

In Growing Pains, Sarah opens up about facing anxiety and navigating the weight of unmet expectations. Like many young adults, she found herself questioning her life’s direction and struggling to define her place in the world. But through these moments of doubt, she uncovered inner strength, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose. Her journey is not just a personal story; it’s a message of hope for anyone seeking to overcome their own growing pains.

Beyond her work as an author, Sarah wears many creative hats. Her love for storytelling extends to photojournalism, with her work featured in publications like the Toronto Star and the Winnipeg Free Press. Whether through the lens of a camera or the pages of her book, Sarah’s curiosity about the world shines through.

Currently completing her BA in Global Development Studies at Queen’s University, Sarah continues to explore stories that inspire, educate, and connect people. Growing Pains is just the beginning of her journey, and we can’t wait to see where her passion for storytelling takes her next.

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Tellwell Author Stories: Behind the Books

L.M. Gregson: Weaving Stories of Magic and Adventure

L. M. Gregson, the author of Prue’s Journey, shares her incredible journey as a writer, blending the art of storytelling with the realities of daily life. From sparking ideas to refining her manuscripts, she remains deeply committed to her craft, embracing every step of the creative process with determination and joy.

Growing up in a small rural community, L.M. discovered her vivid imagination early on, crafting worlds and characters that would one day evolve into her stories. Her debut novel, Prue’s Journey, introduces readers to the fantastical land of Castalia, where adventure, courage, and magic abound. The Perdilum series, her first published work, is a culmination of her years of writing and a reflection of her unwavering dedication to her craft.

Through her writing, L. M. continues to explore new worlds and share her passion for storytelling, drawing from her own experiences and imagination to create stories that resonate with readers.

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Tellwell Author Stories: Behind the Books

A Story of Strength: Lisa Bournelis’s Journey

In honour of World Mental Health Day, Tellwell author Lisa Bournelis shares her journey as the creator of Louie and the Dictator, a book delivering a powerful message about mental health. Inspired by her own child’s experience with OCD during the pandemic, Lisa crafted this story to support children facing anxiety, reminding them they’re the heroes of their own journeys. Her book offers a hopeful reminder that changing how we think can transform our lives.

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Tellwell Author Stories: Behind the Books

Alison Williams: The Art of Storytelling

Meet Tellwell author Alison Williams, a talented artist and storyteller who invites us into her creative journey! With a deep love for storytelling and a gift for visual art, Alison pours intention and heart into every project. For her, writing and illustrating go beyond simply creating books; they’re about building new worlds, embarking on thrilling adventures, and forging connections with readers. Each story she crafts is a reflection of her passion for art and the joy she finds in the creative process.

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