Author of the Month: Dr. Mark Tyndall shares his insights on Vaping

Jul 18,2025 / By Ben St. James / No Comment

A leading voice in harm reduction challenges the fear-driven narrative around vaping and explains why science, not stigma, should guide public health.

Dr. Mark Tyndall has spent decades on the front lines of public health, supporting marginalized communities and making advancements in harm reduction. In this candid interview he discusses his latest book, Vaping: Behind the Smoke and Fears, which makes the case for vaping as a misunderstood but potentially life-saving alternative to smoking. Drawing from his extensive medical and research background, Tyndall unpacks the myths, media narratives, and policy failures that continue to cloud public understanding, and explains why embracing safer nicotine options could be one of the most important public health shifts of our time.

Most campaigns against vaping are just not truthful or based on science. They are based on fear and stigma.
Dr. Mark Tyndall

Your career has spanned infectious diseases, public health, and harm reduction. What first drew you to focus on tobacco harm reduction and the potential of vaping?

My medical career has really revolved around HIV prevention and care. When I started medical school in 1982, HIV was just emerging as a curious disease among gay men. No one anticipated a global pandemic that would claim over 40 million lives. At the beginning, there was no treatment for HIV and prevention was the only option. Even today, when effective treatment exists, preventing HIV transmission is a global priority. I worked with groups that were particularly vulnerable to HIV transmission: heterosexual couples in sub-Saharan Africa, gay men, women who sold sex, and people who injected drugs. It was clear that sex and drugs could not be stopped and the only way forward was to provide options that would reduce but not eliminate the risk: education, condoms, clean needles, for example. This is harm reduction. So with that background it was pretty clear to me that vaping was a very effective harm-reduction intervention with global implications. Taking the world’s most deadly activity—smoking cigarettes—and offering a much safer alternative: vaping nicotine.

In Vaping: Behind the Smoke and Fears, you describe vaping as one of the most significant public health breakthroughs of our time. What do you believe are the biggest misconceptions about vaping today?

I have taken a deep dive into the subject over the past few years and it is hard to list the biggest misconceptions because there are so many. Sometimes I think there must be a massive conspiracy to protect cigarettes. It is irrefutable that cigarettes are massively more harmful than vaping nicotine. There is no reasonable argument to the contrary. However, most people believe that vaping is just as harmful as cigarettes and public health authorities have been reluctant (or negligent) to correct this misconception. So that would be the number-one misconception. The second is that there is a youth epidemic of vaping that is very harmful. While there has certainly been a lot of young people experimenting with vaping over the past 10 years or so, this peaked in North America around 2018 and has been falling since then. The proportion of young people who now vape daily or who would be considered to be dependent on nicotine is quite low and certainly less than the number of young people who would be smoking cigarettes. This should be seen as a public health win. In addition, there have been very few adverse health effects reported and not a single death from vaping nicotine. The third main misconception is that this is an attempt by Big Tobacco companies to addict a new generation to nicotine. This is far from the truth. Tobacco companies are quite happy selling cigarettes. Although they see a gradual decline in richer countries, the global market continues to produce massive profits and vaping is disruptive to their industry. They are quite happy to have government policies slow down the evolution of safer nicotine products.

You’ve argued that public health policies on vaping have been shaped more by fear and ideology than evidence. Why do you think so many health organizations and policymakers resist embracing vaping as a harm-reduction tool?

This blows my mind. It is entirely irrational. The tobacco control “industry” has been working on abstinence-based approaches to cigarette smoking for decades. They have supported the use of nicotine patches and more recently nicotine gums and sprays, with the goal of eliminating cigarettes. However when vaping came along, they didn’t know what to do. It looked a lot like smoking and it went against the abstinence messaging. They then turned their attention to nicotine addiction and started to vilify nicotine. Agencies that are into tobacco control now talk mainly about nicotine addiction as a reason for restricting vaping. They have also focused mainly on youth which is really a distraction from the main goal of eliminating combustible tobacco and saving the lives of people who currently smoke. They are so entrenched in their abstinence-based world they see no way out.

What role do you see misinformation campaigns and media narratives playing in shaping public perceptions of vaping, especially around youth use?

It is currently out of control. Most campaigns against vaping are just not truthful or based on science, they are based on fear and stigma. They are not particularly effective to dissuade youth from vaping but have created a lot of uncertainty in general. These youth campaigns are a big reason that adult smokers are reluctant to switch to a much safer product. They also create panic among parents who are at the forefront of demanding unreasonable restrictions on vaping products.

Looking ahead, what policy changes or public health initiatives would you most like to see implemented to advance the conversation around vaping and save lives?

I think that eventually a more rational approach will emerge, but unfortunately it is likely to take some time. Obviously, the availability of safer products should be made easier than cigarettes. So there should never be policies that make cigarettes more attractive than vaping. There should be places where vaping is allowed but not cigarettes. Taxes should be much lower on vaping products. Flavours should be widely available for vaping liquids. The promotion of vaping should include relative risk information comparing it with cigarettes. There should be national smoking cessation targets using vaping and safer nicotine products to reach those goals. A smoke-free society is what we are striving for. Not a nicotine-free society.

For readers who may be skeptical about vaping or unsure what to believe, what’s the single most important takeaway you hope they get from your book?

I am always confronted by people who are skeptical or unsure. As a physician I have no problem with patients asking questions about my decisions in their care. In fact I encourage it. I want people to feel confident that if I recommend a certain diagnostic test or order a certain medication, that I have done my homework and have experience dealing with similar illnesses. I don’t take this lightly. But my experience with vaping is very different. Although I am an expert in harm reduction and know a lot about the deadly impact of cigarettes and the relative safety of vaping nicotine, I am constantly faced with skepticism and push-back. I hope that the book can convince people that vaping and safer nicotine products present a major breakthrough for public health and can start to reverse a century of tobacco-induced devastation to human health. At an individual level I hope that this book can convince people who smoke that there are now far better options. They don’t have to die just because they use nicotine.

Find Out More at Mark Tyndall’s Website

Tellwell Books

Shelf of Indigenous Stories

Jun 26,2025 / By Trixie Raboy / No Comment

As we mark Indigenous History Month, we take this time to honour the voices, traditions, and stories that have shaped generations.

At Tellwell, we are proud to work with authors whose words reflect the deep resilience, cultural strength, and identity of Indigenous communities. Their powerful stories not only preserve history, they spark dialogue, inspire learning, and remind us of the importance of listening and remembering.

Through storytelling, these authors share truths that need to be heard—truths that continue to guide us toward understanding, empathy, and reconciliation.

This month, and always, we invite you to explore these meaningful books and reflect on the stories that shape our shared history.

The Lucky Ones: A Survivor’s Story by Jimi Delorme

This author is a residential school survivor who spent eleven years in two different schools in southern Saskatchewan. The first of these schools is the Marieval Indian Residential school, which is the sight of the 715 unmarked graves which have been recently brought to light in various news articles.

Judging by the comments posted all over social media, this discovery has caused a lot of division within the First Nations community. Seeing people argue over such a sensitive topic can bring back a lot of painful memories within individuals who are already fighting to survive in a very hostile and vulnerable lifestyle, people often living on the streets and battling substance abuse and homelessness.

Despite all of the negative news reports, this book is not meant to be just another bash-the-church-and-government type of project. This book focuses primarily on the often difficult healing journey which followed the school experience. It is meant to show other survivors that there is a way to heal and let go of their painful pasts.

This biography shows that by returning to our own cultural and spiritual teachings we can find the hope that we are all so desperately searching for in a world that can often seem both foreign and uncaring. I hope that I have not offended anyone by the words that I am sharing with the world. If I have offended you in some small way, I am sorry.

All my relations.

My Family, My Relations, My Friends by Frederick John Turner

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.

Courage and Complicity by Claudette Languedoc

In August 1947, Mary Brock boarded a train in Toronto. She was headed for the wilds of Northwestern Ontario and a teaching job at an Indian residential school. Her family was horrified.
At the end of her first day of teaching, Mary was horrified too. This was not the exciting adventure she had imagined. But Mary wasn’t one to give up. Buoyed by her ideals and pragmatism, she kept showing up.

She lasted the academic year. When she boarded the train for home, she knew she had failed, in every way that mattered. The ideals she had come with had shattered on her classroom floor, and a big piece of her heart lay buried behind a small log cabin in the woods.

Sixty years later, two unexpected gifts forced her to take a second look back and a more hopeful look forward. Maybe her ideals weren’t so naïve after all.

I Remember: Memories from Lejac Residential School by Marian Lynn Duncan and Michelle Miller-Gauthier

I remember that fear kept boys and girls broken, with tangled spirits, silenced for years.

In 1965, at the tender age of four, Marian Duncan was taken to Lejac residential school. She arrived wearing the new blue dress and velvet shoes her grandmother had bought for her that very day. Within the first minutes of her arrival, the clothes were taken, her hair was cut short and her unforgettable, unforgivable experience of residential school life began. The next nine years of her life were to be filled with longing for her parents and grandparents, learning to endure endless harsh punishments, sneaking moments and hugs with older siblings, creating supportive friendships and an attempted escape.

Marian continues to heal and brings a forgiving, loving approach to life. She sends love and good wishes to all she encounters, despite the lasting impacts of her residential school experiences.

We hope readers of Marian’s story develop a deeper sense of empathy and respect for Indigenous people in this country. We hope they see strength in Marian and others in similar circumstances. We know readers will feel great sorrow for the children and families impacted by residential schools, and we hope they feel admiration for the way many are overcoming their past trauma and leading lives that are making a better future for the next generations.

The Name of my Blanket is Hlbin Hlox: The Killer Whale that Blocks Our the Moon by Matthew Harvey Moore

Caught in the middle of a storm, Wassen Xbi iltkw was screaming, “Don’t panic!” Wassen Xbiiltkw was near panic himself, but he figured they had enough trouble and didn’t need to add a fight with Killer Whales.

Tscwinúcw-k: The Stars of the Secwepemc by Stanley Daniels

Every night, Malakai’s Kye7e would tell him stories beneath the vast Secwepemc sky. She spoke of the stars, spirits of their ancestors who watch over them, guiding and protecting their people through the darkness. Their laughter filled the air, their love unspoken yet deeply understood.

But when Kye7e journeys to the spirit world, Malakai is left with an ache in his heart and questions that only the stars might answer. As he searches for comfort, his mother, Setse7, shares the wisdom passed down through generations: the stars are not just distant lights, they are their ancestors, always present, always guiding. Through stories of courage, of warriors like T’ult and of the Secwepemc people’s enduring words, Tscwinúcw-k (“We made it through the night”), Malakai discovers that Kye7e is never truly gone.

A powerful story of love, loss, and the strength of ancestral connection, *Tscwinúcw-k: The Stars of the Secwepemc* honours the wisdom of generations, the resilience of the Secwepemc Nation, and the sacred teachings that carry their people forward. More than a children’s book, this is a story for all who seek belonging, who look to the stars for guidance, and who find comfort in the knowledge that we are never alone.

Book Giveaways

Your June Reads Are on Us!

Jun 25,2025 / By Trixie Raboy / No Comment

Looking for something new to read this June? We’re spotlighting a couple of standout titles that offer personal and thought-provoking stories.

Whether you’re in the mood for something reflective, emotional, or simply honest, these books might just be what you’re looking for.

Your June read is on us—take a look and see what speaks to you.

The Atrocities of Hope by Michael Olukayode

Nigeria faces a crisis that threatens its very survival. This book tackles the tough questions about how we got here and what’s next—it’s unfiltered and unapologetic. Be prepared to be challenged, and maybe even offended. But keep an open mind—you might just learn something important.

Nigeria is dealing with a level of disorderliness that is neither compatible
with functionality nor with long life. Our problems did not start
today; they have been with us for as long as we have existed as a
country. But just like a disorder left untreated, our problem has incapacitated
us, and the rate of deterioration is currently becoming alarming.
The long-term survival of our country is no longer as assured as it used to
be. We are on a slippery slope with nothing to hold on to.
This book attempts to answer the ‘what’, ‘why’, ‘who’, and ‘what is next’
of our problems. As is always the case when truths are discussed, be ready to
be offended.
But if you are open-minded enough to be offended and not switch off and
open-minded enough to be offended and keep reading – you might learn one
or two things at the end of this book,

Click here to get your FREE copy

Smoke & Mirrors by Joanie Olson

This deeply personal story explores the hidden impact of narcissistic abuse, complex PTSD, and spiritual awakening. From the highs of the Freedom Convoy to the heartbreak of a broken marriage, it’s a journey of uncovering truth, healing, and rediscovering the self behind the smoke and mirrors.

Searching for an answer to a question you haven’t asked yet? You are not alone. One small realization and a whole world unravels.

Woven through these pages are a series of my most significant life events relating to narcissistic victim/survivor syndrome. Inside are keys unlocking mysteries of complex PTSD, compounded through various forms of abuse.

A journey of highs, like the Freedom Convoy, and the lows of a failed longtime marriage. With spiritual forces at work behind the scenes, could a Christian home have so many secrets? The smoke will clear to reveal our true mirrored self.

Click here to get your FREE copy

June Favourites and Features!

Jun 25,2025 / By Trixie Raboy / No Comment

As June wraps up, we’re taking a moment to highlight some of the standout moments that made this month exciting! From incredible book reviews to author features and little wins worth celebrating, it’s been a joy to see so many stories from our Tellwell authors shine.

Here’s a look at our authors’ journey this June!

Publicity

Canadian hockey icon and broadcaster Don Cherry was featured in the Toronto Sun recently, discussing daughter Cindy’s new book on his life and legacy, The Don Cherry Story by his daughter Cindy. Cindy recently passed away, and Don talks about how the book “helps keep Cindy alive for him.”

Published with Tellwell, Cindy’s book offers a heartfelt behind-the-scenes look at her father’s life—both in the spotlight and at home. It’s a powerful tribute that sheds new light on a Canadian legend and gives readers a personal glimpse into the man behind the headlines. We’re grateful to have been a part of telling this family’s remarkable story.

*Teddy Morrison, author of* The Adventures Of A Man With One Hand. (CTV/Ryan MacDonald)

In Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Tellwell author Teddy Morrison is proving that determination knows no limits. Born without one hand, Teddy has lived a full and fearless life, now captured in his memoir, The Adventures of a Man With One Hand.

As featured on CTV News Atlantic, Teddy’s story is one of adaptability, humour, and strength. From daily tasks to life’s biggest adventures, he’s never let his physical difference define him.

This inspiring book is a reminder that resilience is not about what you’re missing—it’s about what you choose to make possible.

Author of the Month

Revenge, Queer Thrillers, and Haunted Hearts: Spotlight on Author Ryan Lawrence

Jun 24,2025 / By Ben St. James / No Comment

How one author weaves identity, horror, and humanity into gripping thrillers.

This month we’re shining a light on Ryan Lawrence, the author of Vindictive, Vindictive Too, and The Night Belongs to Lovers. He talks about the ups and downs of writing parallel storylines; what it means to create real, unapologetic queer characters in crime fiction; and how everything from vintage razors to pop culture references influence his work. Ryan opens up about his world of characters, what’s coming next, and what it takes to capture a readers imagination.

Writing from a place of unfamiliarity, from a place of creative guesswork, is a choice that comes with risk. Nowadays, readers are keen to sense forced, potentially contentious characterizations. I refuse to be this type of author.
Ryan Lawrence

Vindictive and Vindictive Too unfold over the same three-day period, but from different perspectives. What challenges did you encounter in writing parallel narratives?

Vindictive and Vindictive Too were originally one novel. I gave the first draft to my husband to read, and when he returned with his comments he’d missed a few key revelations. That was an issue. I had to accept that my opus needed to be reconfigured as two books to create better flow and read more coherently. Both major and minor storylines and characters needed more room to breathe or I risked other readers missing climactic elements too. Since two novels weren’t my original plan, I had to figure out how to separate individual storylines without compromising the overall connective narrative.

I needed to find a natural point of division to split my book into two and keep it cohesive. This would allow each part to tell its own complete story with a satisfying arc while still contributing to the overall narrative. I didn’t want to alter my timeline by making the second novel a sequel, pushing the events of that book forward, and having them occur after those of the first book. I wanted a companion novel. So, the three-day storyline would remain intact. The final chapter of book two occurs directly after the last chapter of book one, leading directly (well, 6 weeks later) into the third novel.

The foremost step was to determine that Jules’ storyline would be featured in the first novel while the primary focus of the second novel would be on Det. Declan James, the mysteries of the Morrison Farm, and the Berges—Jacque and Marie. I examined the interpersonal relationships among all the characters, placing those more directly involved in Jules’ revenge storyline in Vindictive.

To be honest, I didn’t find the process particularly challenging. I knew the key to properly managing multiple parallel storylines was to plan everything in advance and keep track of who said and did what, their locations, and future destinations, including whether they lived or died. Ultimately, to work this narrative weaving successfully, my organizational skills, patience, and perfectionism proved highly effective.

You’ve discussed the importance of queer representation in thrillers. How do you ensure your characters transcend stereotypes and offer authentic portrayals?

Multi-faceted diversification is what makes Queer Thrillers so enticing. It’s unlike all other Thriller sub-genres because it intentionally focuses on placing queer characters in situations where they can be active and complex protagonists or antagonists, not merely pitied, disposable victims. Or worse—one-dimensional villains characterized by offensively exaggerated mannerisms and affectations. Queer people exist in the world, in various places and societal positions, and with the capacity to do both good and evil.

I feel it’s perfectly acceptable to use a character’s sexuality or love life as a plot point—both positively, such as in romance, and for conflict, such as in narratives involving hate crimes or the kidnapping of a partner. However, it’s lazy, problematic writing to suggest that a character is miserable or evil because they’re queer, as if that explanation is the Rosetta stone of answers for LGBTQ+ stories involving trauma and villainy. I find that approach offensive and trite.

As an OwnVoice author, I write from a place of authenticity. Being gay/queer, I embrace my unique experiences, both painful and incredible, and utilize them to enrich my stories and diversify character personalities. I also do my research into the lives and experiences of other queer people because I cannot speak for every LGBTQ+ person; we all have different backgrounds and relationships to queerness, homophobia, and love. I look to see how I can weave the essence of their authentic selves into my work to avoid heteronormative and/or problematic narratives.

Writing from a place of unfamiliarity, from a place of creative guesswork, is a choice that comes with risk. Nowadays, readers are keen to sense forced, potentially contentious characterizations, language, and scene creation. Stereotyped characters come into existence this way—from a lack of respect for discovering who these people are, their lives, and their stories during the writing process. I refuse to be this type of author.

Your novels feature distinctive weapons on their covers, like the karambit and straight razor. How do these elements tie into the narratives, and what was the design process like?

Neither weapon was chosen in advance, though I knew a weapon would be pivotal to major scenes. I first crafted the scene, considering who would be wielding the deadly object and what their intentions with it were: fighting, self-harm or murder. With the karambit, I wanted a smaller fighting weapon that could be used simultaneously in both hands. I researched, looked online, whittled my idea down to blades, and settled on the karambit. It looked sleek yet rugged, a cool combination of military combat style and martial arts. The retro-style straight razor worked for the environment of the scene(s) and the historical context of the rural family it belonged to: the abuse and brutality.

The cover design process for Vindictive went smoothly. I provided a picture of the exact karambit I wanted and asked for a few tweaks: make it black and have the end not as hooked as it traditionally tends to be. It came out perfectly. I’ve had compliments from mixed martial artists regarding this cover! With Vindictive Too, the straight razor proved more of a trial, getting the vintage look—style and colour—just right for the cover. The shadowing effect is what connects the two covers, which I love. I initially had the blood on the karambit drop down to form the dot in the last “i,” and then I changed my mind and took it out. I regret that decision, as the blood on the razor looks killer (pun intended)! Hindsight is 20/20.

You’ve mentioned a passion for comic books. Have any specific comics or graphic novels influenced your writing style or themes?

I’ve been obsessed with superheroes since I was a toddler. I have around 20,000 comics in my collection. However, I can’t say that comic books have significantly influenced my writing style or themes. In Vindictive, Phillip loves comic books and, in one scene, wears socks featuring my favourite superhero: Nightwing. That’s pretty much it.

Now, television and print media? They’ve significantly influenced my themes and writing style. Shows like Twin Peaks and Revenge, along with the works of Anne Rice and Matthew Pearl, have been particularly impactful. I frequently turn to comics and superheroes to escape the world’s harsh realities, including the darker, more violent aspects of my writing. I enjoy the colourful and cheerful adventure stories from comic books that brought me joy as a child and continued into adulthood.

What has been the most surprising feedback you’ve received from readers about your work?

The most surprising aspect has been the characters that resonate with readers, particularly those I never expected to have such an emotional impact. One character who has truly stood out is Phillip; readers can’t stop talking about him! Sure, he’s your classic hunk, a Chris Hemsworth-type, but I never anticipated he would become as popular as he has. It never ceases to amaze me how certain characters can strike such a chord with people.

Can you share any details about upcoming projects or themes you’re excited to explore in future writings?

Last year, I participated in an OwnVoices project called Haunted Hearts, a supernatural gay romance series, with my ghostly, vampirish novel The Night Belongs to Lovers. This was my first stab at writing outside the Queer Thriller genre—and I loved it! We’re doing it again this year! My upcoming Haunted Hearts gay paranormal romance novel, the witchy I Will Always Find You, is set for an October 7th release. This project features some outstanding writing from several very talented gay/queer men.

Readers have been asking when the sequel to Vindictive and Vindictive Too is coming out. Admittedly, I’ve witnessed a few eye-rolls whenever I’ve said, “Soon—ish.” Well, I’m currently working on the third book now! No title yet, but I’m looking at an Autumn 2026 release. Yes, we are returning to Fairporte, Toronto, Jules, Phillip, Declan, Jacques, and poor Marie (poor, poor Marie) and all the blood, sex, and tears you can stomach in a Canadian revenge thriller (with queer content)! I’ve even connected my Gay Paranormal Romance books to the Vindictive series. How? Read closely and see! There are subtle clues in the Haunted Hearts books and a big one in the upcoming third Vindictive Series book.

For more visit ryanlawrenceauthor.ca

Tellwell Author Updates

Elaine Alec on Healing, Authentic Storytelling, and the Power of Self-Publishing

Jun 20,2025 / By Alyssa Humphrey / No Comment

In this inspiring conversation, Alyssa sits down with Elaine Alec, Indigenous author, speaker, and thought leader, to explore the powerful journey behind her books Calling My Spirit Back and Coming of Age. Through deeply personal reflections, Elaine shares insights into the creative process, the self-publishing journey, and the healing power of storytelling—especially within Indigenous communities.

Whether you’re a writer, a reader, or someone navigating your own healing path, Elaine’s wisdom offers valuable guidance on how vulnerability, authenticity, and connection can shape both personal and collective growth.

The Journey of Writing ‘Calling My Spirit Back’

Elaine Alec opens up about the writing process behind Calling My Spirit Back, a memoir that blends personal experience with cultural storytelling. For Elaine, writing wasn’t just about sharing her story—it was a deeply healing act. From confronting intergenerational trauma to reclaiming her voice, every chapter was a step toward spiritual and emotional restoration.

“Writing was a way to bring myself back to myself,” Elaine shares. “To call my spirit back.”

Meet the Team

Working with Alyza, Project Manager at Tellwell

Jun 18,2025 / By Mark Mionda / No Comment

Meet Alyza Alenton, one of Tellwell’s project managers. With a love for books and journaling, Alyza brings dedication and passion to every project she handles. From orientation calls to coordinating with editors and designers, she helps guide authors through each step of their publishing journey.

Read on to learn more about Alyza and her role at Tellwell.

Tell us a bit about yourself! Where are you based, and what do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I’m based in the Philippines, specifically in Cebu. I enjoy reading and collecting books as well as figurines. I also love journaling and playing games with my friends.

Author of the Month

Author of the Month: Gary Cox

May 27,2025 / By Alyssa Humphrey / No Comment

From consultant to thought leader: Gary Cox shares the journey to his book Cultivating Champions of CI : A Leader’s Toolbox for Creating a Continuous Improvement Culture

One thing I have acknowledged and accepted is this fundamental truth: we all experience the same challenges in leadership and business success.

Before we get started, tell us a little bit about yourself!

Born in England, my family immigrated to Canada in the fall of 1969. I was 10 years old. I have lived in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, ever since. I married my high school sweetheart and this year we’ll celebrate our 46th wedding anniversary. We have two daughters, both with families, each having two children. They live close so we spend lots of time with our grandchildren. I am very blessed by my family and circle of close friends. I retired from Canada Post Corporation after a 38-year career. I started that career as a letter carrier delivering mail and ended in the position of National Director of Process Engineering, Innovation and Integration. I was responsible for our Continuous Improvement Lean Six Sigma training and improvement projects. I had an amazing team and colleagues. After retiring I joined Barrington Consulting as their lead CI trainer and we started a new line of business, Operational Performance Services (Barrington OPS), servicing public and private sector clients in training, mentoring, and coaching leaders and frontline staff in the continuous improvement of their business processes. I’m very passionate about supporting people in their growth and achieving their business and personal goals.

What inspired you to turn your experience in CI into a book?

The last sentence of the previous question really sums up why. A book is one way to help others learn and grow in their leadership and in development of others, and I accept that helping others succeed is a measure of my own success. If I can share my 25-plus years in what I’ve learned as a leader, mentor, coach and continuous improvement student and advocate, and make a positive contribution to the growth of others, I consider it an honour.

My business mission statement, which I share in my book is: “To be recognized as a leader with integrity in operational efficiency by utilizing proven methods and practices. My mission is to coach and mentor others in their self-development, helping them increase their knowledge, skills, and attitudes toward achieving both personal and business goals.” I wrote that statement a decade into my career and it remains a guiding mission for what I do. I have a personal mission statement too, which overarches my business mission statement.

Tellwell Books

Mother’s Day Tellwell Picks!

May 27,2025 / By Trixie Raboy / No Comment

There’s no single way to define a mother, but their impact is always unforgettable. 💐💖

As we celebrated Mother’s Day, we took a moment to honour the women who nurture, guide, and inspire us. Whether it was your own mom, a grandmother, or a mother figure in your life, this booklist serves as a heartfelt tribute to the many ways motherhood shows up in the world.

Check out these stories of strength, sacrifice, quiet love, and unwavering support, each one capturing the beauty and resilience of motherhood in all its forms.

Unstoppable Mamas by Sara Ballantyne

UNSTOPPABLE MAMAS is a story that highlights the unique attributes and passions of mothers. It encompasses a positive message while reminding readers that no two mothers are alike, and their differences must be celebrated. Unstoppable Mamas is a lovely rhyme that teaches children that no matter the differences between mothers, they share one commonality: their unconditional love for their children.

What Is Mommy Doing? by Stacia Scott

Stacia Scott is a wife to her high school sweet heart, Eric, and has three amazing little boys. Stacia is a Nurse Practitioner and owner of Postpartum Care USA, a virtual postpartum medical clinic. After struggling with severe postpartum symptoms with little to no support from providers, Stacia quickly realized the lack of true knowledge and expertise from general medical providers. She has taken the lead to change care for mothers throughout the United States and has developed a natural, holistic postpartum clinic dedicated to helping women defeat postpartum symptoms with her propriety M.O.M. Method.

Mommy Always Comes Back to You by Christine Yeung & Anna Liang

Through gentle rhymes, little ones are reminded that “Mommy always comes back to you”

Mama’s Mantras by Renata de Castro

Mama’s Mantras is about an inquisitive little girl who loves the world of yoga and Ayurveda and finds peace in these practices. Her mom, an Ayurvedic practitioner and yoga teacher, shares part of these ancient and holistic teachings with her daughter at bedtime every night, in order to help her daughter cultivate healthy practices to regulate her breath, nervous system and feel connected to her body and the world around her.

Me, Myself & Motherhood by Jessie Daypuck

“Me, Myself, & Motherhood” is a guided journal designed to empower Mothers to embrace self-love, gratitude, & explore personal strengths. This journal aims to release Mom guilt, promote self-forgiveness & encourage you to let go of negative thoughts. Create a renewed sense of purpose & fulfillment by bringing out the version of yourself you wish to be. This journal also incorporates empowering affirmations, inspiring prompts & most importantly, therapeutic tools to help you break free from self-doubt & step into your confidence. Writing presents an emotional connection to the words, which means journaling is most definitely a form of self-care. Jessie believes these tools should be accessible to all Mother’s beyond the confines of therapy. “Motherhood is challenging, it is essential we show ourselves as much compassion as possible.”

I Hate You Mom: A Story of Unconditional Love by Yumi Hopfner

It is my hope that this story inspires children, parents and families to appreciate those intense moments as great opportunities to learn about unconditional love.

Book Giveaways

May Reads & Must-Haves

May 27,2025 / By Trixie Raboy / No Comment

We’ve lined up a new set of great titles for our May book giveaway! Whether you’re looking to add something new to your collection or discover a book you haven’t read yet, this list has something for every kind of reader.

Check out this month’s featured books from Tellwell authors!

Curse of Ashmedei by Michal Snaerravn

Dark forces gather as ancient powers collide. A lone fighter, hunted and desperate, must navigate deadly alliances and unforgiving enemies. Betrayal lurks at every turn—who can be trusted when survival is on the line?

The Black Star approaches, heralding the cataclysm of Hell’s Gate. The pawns on the chessboard have played the opening gambits as the Races vie for its power. Amnon, a young Demonblood consumed by revenge, finds himself drawn into a maelstrom of treacherous alliances and primeval magic. With a price on his head and outmanoeuvred by Druids and Trollbloods at every turn, he can’t survive alone. An ancient Lycan, who has lost his humanity, is the only one he can trust . . . I roared in anger. “Druid fool! It will take—” At that moment something struck me from behind. Cursed Hell Bear! I decided that I would kill him first if I survived. I turned to the cave’s exit and took a staggering step . . .

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