November brought a fresh wave of milestones for our authors, and we’re excited to shine a light on a few of the standouts. From a well-deserved book award to an inspiring author spotlight and a glowing new review, this month was full of moments worth celebrating.
Tellwell author Maurice Jones is a 2025 finalist for Author of the Year at the International Impact Book Awards!
His inspiring children’s book encourages young readers to believe in themselves and reach for their dreams, emphasizing the importance of love, guidance, and the role of teachers in every child’s growth.
Maurice E. Jones, a certified chef, poet, and writer from Detroit, brings his life experiences and passion for giving back into his work. From his early poetry publications to supporting causes like Children’s Hospital of Michigan and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Maurice continues to uplift his community while sharing stories that inspire.
This month, we’re highlighting a mix of compelling reads from Tellwell authors across historical fiction, religious fiction, and self-help. Whether you’re looking to be transported to another time, find spiritual inspiration, or gain practical tools for personal growth, these picks have something for every reader
A haunting journey through faith, justice, and the shadows of the human soul.
A story of conscience, consequence, and the search for purpose.
It’s the 1870s in the state of Texas. James Fionnghall was sadly orphaned at an early age. As an adult, he first became a Southern Baptist Minister. Not long after, he became a Texas State hangman. James is a troubled man with a dark past who’s on an intimate trek in search of righteousness. Although a devout Christian, he’s criss-crossing Texas performing executions. He perceives he’s attempting to lay bare his own brand of salvation. More and more, he struggles with the impression that his chosen occupations are morally diametrically opposed. Gradually, his vocations become overtly, inextricably entwined, pulling him into a deeply personal existential crisis.
Inside the mind of the educator behind 50 nature-inspired, kid-tested art projects and an award-winning book!
Sarah Uren has made an extraordinary entrance into the world of children’s literature and education. Her first book, Windy Acres Workshop, has already earned a Bronze Award in the Activity Book (Arts & Crafts) category, one of the most competitive and respected sectors in children’s publishing. It’s a remarkable achievement for any creator, let alone a first-time author.
This Halloween, we’re diving into stories that send chills down the spine and spark a little magic in the imagination. 🎃
From haunted towns and eerie manors to ghosts, witches, and time-bending adventures, our Tellwell authors have brewed up the perfect reading treats for spooky season. Get ready for thrills, mystery, and just the right touch of the supernatural. 👀
The Werewolf, Vampire and Zombie by Sebastian Jago Ellis
Dive into Sebastian Ellis’s transformative guide to unmasking internal obstacles hindering personal growth. Sebastian, a seasoned entrepreneur and lifestyle coach, distills decades of experience into actionable advice, inviting readers on a journey to navigate the inner ‘beasts’ that obstruct fulfilment and success. In this compelling book, Ellis navigates values, principles, personal attributes and more, unlocking the keys to holistic achievement. Seamlessly blending engaging concepts with alternative ideas, The Werewolf, Vampire, and Zombie becomes a blueprint for personal and professional ascendancy. Beyond being a guide, it’s a call to action, inspiring readers to reshape their lives, businesses and overall well-being by unlocking the mysteries within.
Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday, it’s a beautiful reminder to slow down, reflect, and give thanks for the people, stories, and moments that fill our hearts.
At Tellwell, we celebrate this spirit of gratitude through stories that warm the soul. We’ve gathered a cozy collection of books that embrace love, faith, hope, and the bonds of family. From heartfelt family tales to inspiring stories of perseverance, these reads remind us to cherish life’s blessings—big and small—and to find hope in every season.
From pumpkin patches to polar bears, Crystal Beach shares how her books help children learn, imagine, and belong.
Author and illustrator Crystal Beach has built a body of work that celebrates curiosity, inclusion, and early learning. Her newest book, One Little Witch, moves from the Arctic setting of her earlier titles into a magical pumpkin patch inspired by her own backyard. In this interview, Crystal talks about what drives her storytelling, how her background shapes her creative process, and what she’s learned along the way.
“My passion for early learning comes from wanting to make stories that are both fun and meaningful for young readers.”
This October, we’re excited to feature Sen Li, one of our contract illustrators at Tellwell. Sen has an incredible talent for turning stories into vivid, captivating visuals that draw readers in.
Read on to get to know Sen and learn more about their creative journey.
Can you tell us a bit more about yourself and your background as an illustrator?
I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember, it’s always been the most natural way for me to express myself. I grew up in Canada, but my roots are in Taiwan, and I think that mix of cultures shows up in my work, both in the stories I tell visually and in the aesthetics I gravitate towards. I trained myself through a lot of practice, observation, and experimentation rather than a rigid academic path, which gave me freedom to shape my own style.
As an illustrator, I’m drawn to mood, atmosphere, and subtle storytelling. I want my art to feel like a single frame from a larger narrative, a glimpse into a moment that already has a history behind it. A big part of that comes from my love of manhwa, where storytelling through images is so immediate and emotionally charged. That influence shapes how I use composition, pacing, and expression to pull viewers into a scene. My background in graphic design also plays a role in how I balance composition and detail, and I’m constantly looking for ways to bridge fine art with more modern, digital expressions.
This October, we’re celebrating stories that inspire and spark curiosity with our Tellwell Book Giveaway! 🍂
Our selection features uplifting nonfiction and imaginative children’s books, each filled with lessons, wonder, and heart. From true stories that motivate and empower to children’s tales that teach and delight, these reads remind us of the power of storytelling at every age.
Looking for your next great read?
Learn how to reconnect, communicate genuinely, and find meaning in everyday interactions.
In an age of extreme technology and growing separation, we’ve lost our way. We’ve traded authentic human connection for a world of aggressive tactics, self-serving behaviors, and fleeting transactions that leave us feeling isolated and unfulfilled.
The Art of Human Connection offers a powerful and ethical alternative, a return to our shared humanity.
Discovering the magic of growth, one page at a time.
A heartwarming story that inspires curiosity, patience, and a deeper love for nature.
Curious brothers Zack and Liam love healthy food—but they’ve never grown their own! With help from Mum and Dad, they learn how tiny seeds turn into fruits and vegetables. They discover the magic of plants, the power of patience, and why nature matters.
But will their plants really grow? And what surprises will the garden bring?
Watch Things Grow is a fun and engaging story that inspires young readers to connect with nature, get their hands dirty, and see the world in a new way. It’s the first book in an exciting series that explores the wonders of nature, creativity, and the joy of learning through hands-on adventures!
This October, we’re celebrating the many wins that remind us why we love what we do. From positive feedback and meaningful recognition to milestones big and small, our authors continue to reach new readers and share stories that leave a lasting impact.
Each achievement is a reflection of their creativity, dedication, and the heart they pour into every page. It’s inspiring to see their work connect with audiences and receive the appreciation it deserves.
Here’s to our authors whose passion keeps stories alive, this month and always.
Awards
On a Scale of 1 to 10 by Yves Campion has received the 2025 Global Awards Bronze Medal in the Business Management category!
This award-winning book offers an insightful and accessible approach to marketing research, perfect for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals looking to make smarter, data driven decisions. With over three decades of experience in global marketing and consulting, Yves Campion simplifies complex concepts into clear, actionable strategies that anyone can apply.
Tellwell author Cody Cole, whose historical title Auke-wingeke-tawso, or, Defender of His Country won Bronze in the Nonfiction: History category at The Book Fest L.A!
Cody’s book was also entered into three distinguished literary contests, earning recognition for its compelling portrayal of Charles Michel de Langlade (1729–1800)—a courageous yet often overlooked figure in North American history.
Based in Ontario’s Kawartha Lakes region, Cody brings his passion for history to life with every page, reviving the story of a true defender of his country.
Matt Mallinson’s won Silver in the Artistic & Technical Audio Book Voice Over category at The BookFest L.A.
Matt is the author of The Writer Upstairs, a thought-provoking story that blends history, science, and mystery as two unlikely characters cross paths in the mountains. Based in the U.S. and active in historical preservation, Matt brings depth and authenticity to his storytelling.
This Silver win celebrates not just the book’s writing, but also its captivating narration and production.
Joe Lyons-Rising on leading with empathy, turning personal loss into purpose, and guiding others toward hope.
Even in the darkest times, hope and love is what pulls me out and helps me look ahead to the next sunrise.
Joe Lyons-Rising
Grief, trauma, and mental health struggles are experiences that can feel isolating, yet these experiences are universal. In his #1 book Pain Remixed: Navigating Life with Trauma, Grief, Depression and Anxiety, author, DJ, and public speaker Joe Lyons-Rising opens up about losing both of his parents to suicide as a child and the impact that loss had on his life. Through his story he explores not only the weight of trauma, depression, and anxiety, but also the resilience, empathy, and hope that carried him forward. Joe has been featured in Barrie Today, CBC, iHeart Radio, and numerous other media outlets, where he continues to raise awareness and inspire others through his message. In this conversation he shares what inspired him to write his book, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and why he believes hope and love are the most powerful tools we have for healing.
Can you tell us what Pain Remixed is about, and why you decided to share your story publicly?
Pain Remixed is my story of growing up after losing both of my parents to suicide in the 1980s, and how that experience followed me through childhood, my teenage years, and adulthood. The book is about living with trauma, grief, depression, and anxiety, but it is also about rediscovering hope and love. I decided to share my story publicly because I know how isolating mental health struggles can be. If even one person reads the book and feels less alone, then it has done its job.
While you were working with Tellwell on producing the book, what was the biggest lesson you learned during the process? Do you have advice for any prospective authors out there?
The biggest lesson I learned was to always plan for extra time. Editing involves multiple rounds, and ordering bulk books in Canada can take longer than expected. I also realized how important it is to be involved in the design, marketing, and PR. Your own creativity, contacts, and hard work can make the collaboration with Tellwell even more successful.
My advice to new authors is to enjoy the process, especially the writing. Try not to be too critical of yourself in the early stages. Let your creativity flow. You will have more than enough time to edit and polish, but those first raw bursts of writing are what give your book its authenticity.
In the book, you write about losing both of your biological parents to suicide during your childhood. How did that shape your outlook on life and mental health?
Losing both my parents to suicide as a kid taught me not to take people, situations, or opportunities for granted. Life can change in an instant, so I don’t wait when it comes to chasing my dreams. It also gave me a deep sense of empathy for others and what they are going through. When I run mental health workshops or volunteer, I am there as an ally who walks alongside people, not as someone who speaks at them. That shared perspective is what makes the support feel real.
How did your experiences with depression and anxiety influence the strategies you share in the book?
The most important strategy for me has been holding on to hope for a future filled with love and happiness. It is not always simple, and life can make it feel far away, but hope has been the guiding light that keeps me moving forward. Even in the darkest times, hope and love is what pulls me out and helps me look ahead to the next sunrise.
In addition to being an author, DJ, and public speaker, you also volunteer as a grief ambassador and facilitator. Can you share with our readers what that role entails?
As a grief ambassador, I raise awareness for Seasons Centre for Grieving Children by sharing my story with corporate clients, in the media, and in the community. Seasons wasn’t around when I was a kid, but it would have made a huge difference in my life. Now, I do my part to make sure families know the support is there for them.
As a grief facilitator, I volunteer in Barrie every other week at Seasons Centre’s peer-to-peer program. My role is to be a “buddy” to the kids who attend. We work through grief together in ways that feel natural to them, whether that is art, play, or group sharing. The program is guided by a social worker, and my part is to support, listen, and be present for the kids.
What do you hope readers will take away from Pain Remixed?
I hope readers take away that we can never give up hope. Even when life feels dark, there is always the chance for brighter days. Suicide takes away the possibility of experiencing that beauty and those moments of joy that are still to come. We are not alone in our struggles. Most people carry something heavy, and when we open up, we can often find support that makes the weight feel lighter.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Giving back through philanthropy or volunteer work are some one of the most profound gifts we can offer in this life. It changes lives for the people who receive support and for the people who step up to offer it. There is no purer form of love than helping others in need, and the feelings that come from that are truly priceless.
