Advice from Tellwell’s in-house illustrator Veronika Hipolito
Veronika Hipolito is Tellwell’s in-house illustrator. She is known for creating whimsical children’s book illustrations and beautiful cover designs. Her illustration style is magical, expressive, and free-flowing. Read on to hear her approach to working with authors as well as what authors should look for when choosing an illustrator for their children’s book.
Tell us about yourself. I’m an illustrator and a painter. My concoction of surreal, detailed elements, dominantly on a blue colour palette accentuated with gold foils and ink, make the imagery stand out. This is also how I express my passion for merging culture and nature in every possible way.
What did you do before joining the Tellwell team? I was a graphic artist and illustrator at a local newspaper. I’m also an art-event organizer who caters to both local and international creatives. I’m an active artist in the arts community participating in exhibits, art and literary conventions, and competitions.
Looking for more books to enjoy this summer? We got you!
Three Tellwell authors are offering their books for free! They are participating in group promotions that include many other free titles. Promotions expire soon, so if one catches your eye, check it out!
Searching for your next transformational book?
This book promo includes a selection of 45 powerful books specifically designed to enhance your life.
Featuring Tellwell author Jay Ibrahim’s Raise the Bar . . .
Raise the Bar is about leaving the world of normalcy and mediocrity and raising yourself above your standard. It is about living a life of excellence and mastery in all aspects of your life, including health, wealth, relationships and spirituality. Most of us are good, but when we are told how to live great, we say, “I’m good enough.” This mindset is damaging and limiting, hence we succumb to our thoughts, not our potential. This book will take you on a thirty-day journey to take your life to extraordinary levels and become whole. Raise the bar in everything that you do and become a legacy-maker.
Phil Earle’s father, Guy Earle, lived an exhilarating life. With his new memoir, I’ll Go the Length of Meself, Phil hopes to showcase his legacy as a great mariner, businessman, humanitarian, and exhibitionist, along with many other attributes.
“There will never be another Guy Earle, there couldn’t be.”
This is his story, and Phil is proud to share it.
Never let failure define who you are, but instead, learn about yourself and grow from it.
– Phil Earle, author of I’ll Go the Length of Meself
Tell us about yourself.
From my mother and maternal grandparents, who were wonderful, I grew up believing their high standards for truth, compassion and integrity. From Captain Guy, my father, and my paternal grandparents, I learned to have respect for people and the world, and to have a drive to give the best of whatever life has given me.
What inspired you to write I’ll Go the Length of Meself?
In the beginning, I wanted to tell the story of the remarkable life of my father—this after he had been gone fifty years. And I finally, at the age of seventy, through maturity and wisdom, realized that no one had a life like him.
After finishing the book, it became obvious to me that Skipper Guy was a gifted, brilliant product of the people and culture of his era.
A second story was thus revealed in the book, the story of the great maritime people of the coast of Newfoundland. It became obvious to me that much of what I admired and expressed about my father and the culture of his people is strongly embedded in my character as well.
The days growing longer (and hotter) just means there’s more time for reading! Make sure to check out the July giveaways from these Tellwell authors, all of whom are offering their e-book for free thanks to BookFunnel. Three authors are hosting giveaways, with books spanning a variety of genres, so there’s a perfect read for everyone!
Are you searching for your next favourite story to tell around the campfire?
Then you won’t want to miss Old Bag of Tricks, the horrifyingly entertaining graphic novel by Kevin J. Cyr.
Most people think Halloween should be called a holiday, but for some it could be a reminder of a tragedy. On that night, the lives of three boys changed forever. Making the decision to go to that one last house proved to be a terrible mistake. Her appearance seems weak and frail, but she’s nobody’s granny—not by a long shot! Psychotic and delusional from lack of taking her much-needed medication, she finally gives closure to that town’s past with their missing children. Being a victim of rape as a young girl, living in a very abusive family home, and learning of her pregnancy were things that she could never make peace with and put behind her. Living as a hermit with her son and never seeing the light of day, she slowly slips into insanity. Those three boys never saw her coming. Who would ever suspect that this sweet old lady was a serial killer? Strong as a ox and limber as a cat, she has plenty of tricks up her sleeve. Enticing the kids inside with all her candy and spiked homemade cupcakes was easy. Out of these three boys, only one makes it out alive to tell the tale.
Are you searching for a story to inspire you?
Then you won’t want to miss My Family, My Relations, My Friends by Frederick John Turner, an enriching story about the power of God’s love and how it reaches even those who have given up on life.
Fred was unaware of the poverty he was exposed to while he was growing up. As far as he was concerned, this was normal. His mom, Irene, a single mother, made certain that his two boys, Fred and his older brother Leonard, were well taken care of. After being a captive of a residential school, she came back home to Sturgeon Lake not knowing where she belonged, or where to turn.
Fred holds an Interdisciplinary Studies Diploma from the University of Regina. He was the music director for the Onion Lake Log Church, where Martin Naistus is Pastor, until he was sidelined by kidney complications in August of 2020. Now he spends his time writing from his office at his home in Onion Lake. His life’s story, titled, “My Family, My Relations, My Friends,” will be his first book published. These days Fred spends most of his time tending to his grandchildren. He has accumulated much knowledge throughout his lifetime, and he is not shy about sharing his experience with his readers.
SOME OF THE STORIES YOU WILL READ IN THIS BOOK: Hoss calls fire down from heaven in Pikangikum, Ontario. The night Fred meets Jim Felix on an old country road. The lessons learned from the old Blackfoot preacher, Hartwell North Peigan. The day Kene Jackson from Sonrise Gospel Band comes for a visit. The bionic preacher, Ross Maracle, invites us to Deseronto for the R. W. Schambach campmeeting. Getting blamed for a walkout at Faith Alive Bible College.
Are you searching for your next real-world read?
Then you won’t want to miss What Cops Talk About Over Coffee by Robert Rogalski, featuring stories from police officers across Canada.
This collection of memories from police officers across Canada and some outside jurisdictions, include firsthand accounts of situations they have encountered in their careers from the 1950’s through to 2012. Contributions from RCMP, City Police, Federal and Provincial law enforcement agencies were collected over a 30 year period and pose as a snapshot of the type of conversations or “shop talk” two police officers might have during their coffee break. These accounts are both heartwarming and humorous, some are frightening; others offer some insight into the human spirit…they are real stories told by real heroes.
With so many great choices this month, you can read for free all summer long. Enjoy! And don’t forget to leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads after you’ve finished reading.
Pleasant Good Evening, a Memoir: My 30 Wild and Turbulent Years of Sportstalk hits #1 on the Amazon bestseller rankings in multiple categories
Canadian sports fans have grown up listening to Dan Russell’s Sportstalk radio show over its three-decade run, and now they can relive some of the most iconic moments in BC sports history in Dan’s new memoir, Pleasant Good Evening, a Memoir: My 30 wild and turbulent years of Sportstalk.
Russell has been interviewed by dozens of media outlets, and his book hit #1 in the Amazon bestseller rankings in multiple categories.
What began in 1984 as a simple 50-minute filler grew into the longest-running and most-listened-to show of its kind in Canada.
What inspired you to write your memoir?
Initially, it was something I planned for my kids to one day knew what my career was all about. But mostly it was about making sure the legacy of the trailblazing show I hosted would be forever on the record.
What do you hope readers will take away from your book?
Many things, I think. 1) Setting goals is great, both short-term and long-term. But chasing dreams can be as unhealthy as it is healthy. 2) The best broadcasters are the best listeners. 3) To steal a line from former Sportstalk regular Harry Neale, “Hard work beats talent if talent doesn’t work hard.”
Meet Tellwell’s new president, Jason Farris! A jack of all trades, Jason has worked in the marine world, the banking industry, the software industry, and the NHL before joining us here at Tellwell. Read on to learn about what attracted Jason to the self-publishing industry, and what he wants authors to know about publishing with Tellwell.
Tell us about your role at Tellwell.
I am the president of Tellwell, working closely with our founder to take the wonderful things that have already been built and find ways to take those capabilities and services to new authors. We’re just starting to expand outside of North America, and there’s a whole world out there of authors we can connect with to continue to support creativity and contribute to a broader cultural enrichment, helping to grow the opportunities for new authors, and providing top-notch arts-based jobs.
What did you do beforehand?
Before this, I was in the electric marine world, helping bring to market a 50-horsepower electric outboard motor. We developed a world-leading product, began delivering to our large list of pre-order customers and brought in General Motors as a 25% partner in the business.
Prior to that, I was chief operating officer of the Dallas Stars hockey club, helping bring them out of bankruptcy as part of the management team that rebuilt the franchise in an important market in the US for the National Hockey League.
I’ve had the benefit of working in a variety of industries before that as well, including banking and software. So, coupled with being a self-published author myself, I’ve had a range of experiences that give me the ability to connect with our authors about what they do and want to accomplish, but also enable me to share my company-building experiences with our employees to help them grow and develop as Tellwell grows.
Our Tellwell authors are so incredibly talented. We are always proud to highlight their many achievements. Keep reading to see a selection of recent author celebrations, including awards, media mentions, reviews and events.
With so many talented Tellwell authors, it can be tricky to highlight the continuous successes and accomplishments of all of them! Their success stories grow in number with each passing month, and we couldn’t be more proud of all of our authors and their hard work.
It’s been another exciting month for Tellwell authors, from award wins to interviews with major media outlets to incredible reviews!
Media Mentions
Dan Russell
Pleasant Good Evening, a Memoir: My 30 Wild and Turbulent Years of Sportstalk
Pleasant Good Evening, a Memoir is the #1 new release in General Broadcasting on Amazon! It’s also . . .
With its blend of guests, callers, opinion and entertainment, Sportstalk kept growing and growing until it had become appointment radio. And it seemed most of British Columbia was buckled in as we travelled home and away in 1994 — on game nights and off nights, weekdays and weekends, often extending well past midnight — during the Canucks’ most memorable playoff ever.
Rishma continues to spread the word about her children’s book, Sushi & Samosas, far and wide, with media mentions and social media features. Get the full scoop on Rishma and her book on The Star, York Region, 365 Days 365 Women, @ainarasbookshelf & @RKaderdina
The book advocates diversity, tolerance and cross-cultural understanding, and believes that breaking down barriers by the spoon is an essential introductory step for kids to learn more about the world around them.
Are you hoping to start summer with a new read? If so, then make sure to check out the June giveaways from these Tellwell authors, all of whom are offering their e-book for free thanks to BookFunnel. Seven authors are hosting giveaways, which means that you can add seven books to your digital collection for free. The books span a variety of genres, so everyone can find their perfect summer read.
Love science fiction?
Then be sure to check out Descent into Darkness, Book 2 in the Chronicles of Deneb series by Zanne Raby.
For space-opera lovers, the crew of the Space Ark Mayflower journey into a universe plagued by human-made pandemics and all-out military warfare.
Descent into Darkness: Mayhem follows the Mayflower in the second book of the Chronicles of Deneb series. Journey along with the crew of the Space Ark Mayflower as they adapt to their new home on the planet Deneb. But along with their struggle to integrate into an alien culture, a new battle sweeps across the planet with the arrival of the human-transmitted Chimera bactovirus, bringing war and fanning the flames of racial intolerance. With a bloody conflict now raging across the planet, the crew of the Mayflower is split between the two factions and embroiled in the chaos and destruction. Descend with the crew into darkness, where the only survivors of a global war will be on the right side of the border.
Learn more and connect with Zanne Raby at zanneraby.com.
As an English major, writing has always been a part of Ryan Lawrence’s life. It was only after leaving his long-time profession that he took his education and a passion for writing and began his author journey.
Ryan currently lives in London, Ontario, with his husband Todd, their cat Dora, and a massive comic book collection that once fell on Todd (Ryan assures us that he’s okay).
We’re thrilled to welcome Ryan as our author of the month for June. Read on to learn his advice for authors when self-publishing and marketing their work . . .
Toot your own horn! Be proud of what you have created, and never feel embarrassed to promote yourself. Excitement is contagious!
