It’s been a big month for media mentions and publicity for quite a few Tellwell authors, including Lamar Jackson, QB for the Baltimore Ravens! We’re happy to share these recent features and interviews with you, as well as a few outstanding reviews. Oh, and did we mention that four Tellwell authors will be at the LA Times Festival of Books? That’s right! Check out the events section to find out who.
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson Writes Children’s Book
Lamar Jackson published his new children’s book I Dream, You Dream, Let Us Dream! Jackson achieved his dream of becoming an NFL quarterback, and he wants to inspire other young kids to aim high and dream big.
You can learn more through his recent feature on CBS Baltimore. And be sure to take a look at this great interview from Raven Country FanNation!
Blake “Crash” Priddle has appeared on CTV News, the CBC and City News Calgary to talk about his inspiring and vulnerable memoir.
Always be a leader, not a follower
Bud Priddle, Grandfather of Blake “Crash” Priddle
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I am 28 years old and I currently work as a radio announcer and news reporter in Northern Manitoba for Arctic Radio. I am on the autism spectrum.
If you want to learn more about my life and my career you will have to get a copy of the book, or visit my website and go to the FAQ section!
Your story is definitely an inspiring one! What was it like opening up about the vulnerable parts of your life, and why did you feel they were important to include in your book?
It was difficult reliving some painful memories from my childhood, and as an adult. This includes issues I had with anxiety and depression. For the most part, writing has been cathartic, like journalling. Putting words down on paper releases the pain and also lets you relive the good memories too. I think sharing my vulnerability helps others realize they are not alone in their journey which might give people on the autism spectrum and their families hope.
Then you’ll enjoy …Princes and Kings by Sydney Williams
In the year 1240 AD, the land of Gwynedd Wales found themselves without a leader when their king, Llywelyn the Great, died at a ripe old age.
With the new weight of responsibility thrust upon his shoulders, Llywelyn rode home at the head of the army to find that his world had changed. Now not only was his father gone but his mother as well, and the land of Gwynedd was once again without a leader. It became clear that the best man for the job was Llywelyn himself, and he decided that there was nothing else to do but become the new ruler. He would do anything to keep his people safe, even if that meant taking on a responsibility that he felt he was too young for. He would never abandon his people for anything and let the English take everything from him.
Rishma Govani is an experienced communications professional with over 20 years of experience in the media industry. She is passionate about creating tangible change in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion. She is the author of the children’s book, Sushi & Samosas: a trip of tasty transformations, and is currently working on her second children’s book, Bright Lights & Forever Flights, a journey of loss, love and hope around the world. She is the proud mother of her two kids Khalil, and Mila and their puppy, Hero.
What inspired you to write Sushi & Samosas: A Trip of Tasty Transformations?
The genesis behind Sushi & Samosas is a little dinner club idea called TFLC which stands for Toronto Food Luck Club. The club’s mission was to try a different ethnic cuisine once a month. The club was active for 13 years trying over 100+ cuisines in the GTA with over 150 members.
The dinners started to slow down when our children were born but the essence of the book remained true for our children – try something new and your world expands!
How have your personal experiences influenced your book?
I was born a traveler, literally and of perspective – of word, of food, of music. I consider myself a world citizen and I am determined to raise our children as growing humanitarians who are open to every possibility that exists globally.
The book sets out on a journey of changing perceptions by the mouthful. I know first hand that knowing a bit about other cultures, about your neighbours, about different cuisines allows the ease of talking to strangers and bringing the world close together. It connects and unites us by our similarities and does away with our differences. I personally live by this ethos and my experiences have influenced the book.
What has the author’s journey been like for you? What are some successful and challenging moments?
It’s been a very long journey from start to finish. At times, it’s been exhausting especially during the recent publicity blitz I’ve been on, but I’m very proud of the book and the central message of it. It’s timeless and universal. I’ve been successful getting the word out through school readings and other media opportunities.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
I feel that others on the spectrum, their families and those in their lives like teachers, might find comfort in many familiar issues autistic people face. Some may be inspired from reading what I’ve gone through, survived and thrived. Readers who have little or no experience about autism (besides Rain Man or the Good Doctor), will gain compassion for folks that are ‘different’.
Authors, we will never grow tired of helping you succeed!
– Pamela Pasco, Tellwell General Manager
Pam, can you tell us about your professional experience and your role at Tellwell.
I have been working in the publishing industry for nearly 15 years now. I started as a book formatter and my responsibilities never stopped growing.
I joined Tellwell in 2018 as a general manager in the Philippines to manage finance, operations, and human resources. Building a cohesive team and a work environment that is shaped around the company’s core values are a few of my responsibilities. It is my goal as the GM to make sure that as we deliver excellent Customer Satisfaction, and that employees also feel supported and taken care of.
What does a typical week look like for you?
Team coordination, meetings, strategizing, problem-solving, and of course fun and excitement as I drive team performance.
What do you enjoy most about your role at Tellwell?
I enjoy reaping the rewards of my hard work – finding the best people in the industry, working with them, and keeping them happy and motivated.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Aside from family time, I enjoy challenging myself with physical activities like trekking, rock climbing, and running. They help me think clearly and make me feel much more alive.
Goodreads is a social network specifically designed for finding your next great read, and is a vital tool for authors! With over 125 million users, it provides authors with direct access to not only their current readers, but also potential new readers.
By claiming your Goodreads author account, you will be able to unlock a whole new world of Goodreads beyond ratings and reviewing books. Below, we’ve broken down these benefits for you to showcase why Goodreads should be one of the top platforms in your marketing plan!
Book marketing is a crucial aspect of a book’s success. It takes a lot of hard work and effort, but the payoff can be worth it. We are celebrating a number of authors this month who have done a wonderful job promoting their book in the media, speaking at events such as TEDx and even starting their own podcast. One of our authors even invested in a huge ad campaign with her local transit line.
Lisa Bournelis’ TEDx Talk is now live. Watch here!
Five different Tellwell authors are offering their books for free until the end of February, folks! That’s five unique titles for your digital bookshelf. You have until February 28, so don’t waste any more time. Let’s get to it!
For lovers of personal development books . . .
Shelter from Our Secrets, Silence & Shame by Rebecca L. Brown, MSW, RSW
Readers’ Favorite gave Shelter from Our Secrets, Silence & Shame5 stars and said, “In her crisp narrative, you learn what separates people who manage to face their dark struggles and how it has shaped them to become a stronger and better version of themselves over those who chose to let their secrets and shame define them. Having mental and emotional strength does not entail having some special genetic trait. There is no hocus pocus here. As a clinical social worker who went through her own struggles, Brown understands the importance of setting realistic expectations and the willingness to embrace the story of who you are with all your heart.” Download your free copy of Shelter from Our Secrets, Silence & Shame by Rebecca L. Brown.
The Art of Self-Supervision: Studying the link between self-reflection and self-care by Laurie Ponsford-Hill
In a 4-star review, IndieReader said, “The Art of Self-Supervision by Laurie Ponsford-Hill offers valuable insights for art therapists – or anyone – experiencing career exhaustion and burn-out, though the depth of detail and clinical approach may make it a tedious read for casual fans of self-help books.” Download your free copy of The Art of Self-Supervision by Laurie Ponsford-Hill.
