This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible women authors at Tellwell whose courage, creativity, and dedication inspire us every day. From sharing their stories to lifting others through their words, these authors remind us that strength comes in many forms. Today, we honour their voices, achievements, and unshakable spirit that continue to shape a brighter and more compassionate world.
Odile Rose
Odile Rose has always believed in the power of stories to move and inspire. Born in Paris to Lebanese parents and now living in Ontario, she spent nearly twenty years in finance before answering the call of her true passion—writing. Guided by heart and inspiration, Odile took the leap that allowed her to share heartfelt stories that linger long after the last page.
The One Reason follows seventeen-year-old Elvis Sullivan on a night that changes everything. Thrust into a moment of fear and responsibility, he becomes the girl’s only hope. The memory of that night stays with him, showing that even in the darkest moments, love can ignite courage, shape destiny, and offer the hope needed to keep believing.
In March, our authors continued to make waves in the literary world. From author events and public recognition to new opportunities to share their work, book awards, and glowing reviews, it’s been an exciting month.
Beyond that, authors have been gaining even more visibility, with features and mentions helping their stories reach wider audiences. Here’s a look at some of the highlights from their journey this month.
Awards
Tellwell author Nataly Restokian’s HerMasks & His Truth has won a Gold Award from Literary Titan, earning recognition for its gripping and emotional storytelling. Based on true-life events, the novel follows Anna as an unexpected encounter with a globally recognized influencer turns her world upside down, forcing her to navigate love, loyalty, and life-changing choices.
Nataly, a top life and wellness coach in Quebec with a background in journalism and television, brings depth and insight to her writing. Her Masks & His Truth is the second book in her Masks series and marks another milestone in her journey as an award-winning author.
Her Masks & His Truth is perfect for readers who actively seek Christian fiction, inspirational romance, faith-based contemporary drama, and redemption narratives, especially those who like spiritual mentorship threads and conversion-centered storytelling.
This March we are celebrating great stories and giving readers a chance to discover their next favourite book. From inspiring true stories to thrilling adventures and imaginative journeys, there is something for everyone.
Check out this month’s showcase of exciting reads, and experience stories that can entertain, inspire, and stay with you long after the last page!
A fun adventure that sparks curiosity and imagination.
One alien, new friends, and a journey that will challenge everything you think you know.
Some answers change you forever.
Zog’s Big Question: An interplanetary tale of wonder, belief, and big questions.
Follow Zog, an inquisitive young alien from the planet Luminos—where everything is tested, measured, and understood—as he investigates mysterious reports from a distant blue world called Terra.
With the help of his new friends, Sam and Max, Zog explores a park, a church, a library, and a university — meeting people with many different ideas about life’s biggest questions.
Zog’s Big Question is a thoughtful, gently humorous adventure for readers 8 and up — a celebration of curiosity, imagination, and the many ways people search for truth.
Meet Russel, one of our dedicated project managers helping to bring our authors’ books to life. From coordinating timelines to making sure each stage of the publishing process runs smoothly, she plays a key role in turning manuscripts into finished books.
Read on to learn more about Russel and her role at Tellwell . . .
Can you tell us about your role on the project management team at Tellwell, and what a typical day looks like for you?
As a project manager, I guide authors through every stage of their publishing journey. My typical day involves coordinating with authors, editors, designers, and other teams, ensuring deadlines are met and quality is maintained. I manage tasks, track progress, and proactively address any issues to keep the process seamless for both authors and our internal teams.
After more than sixty years in ministry and counselling, the author reflects on suffering, faith, and the healing power of forgiveness.
Graeme and Julia Cann
After more than six decades in ministry, pastoral care, and counselling, Graeme Cann has spent much of his life listening to the struggles and questions people carry through challenges and tragedies. Alongside his wife Julia, he has walked with individuals and families facing trauma, loss, and uncertainty, both in church communities and through counselling and missionary work. These experiences eventually found their way into his writing.
In Walking in the Light at Midnight, Graeme and Julia reflect on the reality of suffering and the choices people face. Drawing on their own experiences and the stories of people they have known, the book explores questions of faith, forgiveness, and how people move forward when life does not unfold the way they hoped.
“Whilst we have had no control of what has befallen us, we do have a choice about how we respond.”
Graeme Cann
You have spent more than six decades in ministry, counselling, and pastoral work. Can you tell us a little about your journey and how it eventually led you to become an author?
I became a pastor 66 years ago and soon discovered that my passion was pastoral care. After two years Julia and I married and we began a ten-year ministry with the Leprosy Mission. During that time I travelled all over Australia and preached in hundreds of churches of all denominations. I found that pastors also needed someone to unload to and, despite my youthfulness, they shared deeply with me. Julia likewise, back in our local church, developed a caring ministry until, at the age of 29, she was stuck down with three strokes over a period of three months. With four young children this necessitated that I be at home much more, so our time in the Leprosy Mission came to an end. We became youth pastors in our local church and, although we loved our church family, we were disturbed when we looked at our city to see how small an impact the churches as a whole were making on the wider community.
Eventually, with several other couples we founded and launched the Elkanah Christian Community in a beautiful mountain area about 100 kms from our home church. Julia and I lived there with our family for 16 years and, amongst many ministries, commenced a residential counselling ministry, where broken people came for help. We also, with some other counsellors, helped in the foundation of the Christian Counsellors Association of Victoria, which became the Australian Christian Counsellors Association. In1990 we returned to pastoring churches and did so till we were 78. Since then we have been writing and mentoring and sometimes speaking in churches.
Your latest book, Walking in the Light at Midnight, explores suffering, faith, and hope during life’s darkest moments. What inspired you and your wife Julia to write this book together?
We had experienced dark times ourselves and travelled with many others in their valleys of suffering, and we believed that we might have something helpful to share. Almost all the stories we tell in this book came from people in our church. The book is really a collaboration of friends.
This is your fifth book published with Tellwell. What has your experience been like working with the Tellwell team, and how has that partnership supported your publishing journey?
Working with Tellwell on five books was a great experience. Their patience with a novice writer was wonderful and the skill and experience they brought to the task was second to none. The fact that, in a country so far away from the publishers, they were contactable at any time here in Australia was fabulous
The book addresses difficult questions many people wrestle with, such as why suffering exists and where God is during times of hardship. What conversations or experiences in your ministry shaped the message of this book the most?
Many of the people we counselled and cared for both at Elkanah and in the churches we pastored were victims of childhood sexual abuse and other types of trauma, and legitimately asked the question, “Why did God let this happen to me?” Being able to tell our own stories and the stories of our friends was a way of modelling a way through this valid question.
You have published several books with Tellwell, including Encounter, Confronting Conflict, That They All May Be One, and Now That Is The Church. How has your writing evolved across these books, and what themes continue to guide your work?
Encounter was a devotional book providing a reading and reflection for each day of the year. That They May All be One was a devotional commentary on the Gospel of John. Now That Is the Church reflects my concern that the church across the world was in danger of becoming an organisation rather than the organism it was created to be. Instead of the “Body of Christ” with us as body parts, it is in danger of just becoming another institution or simply just a religion. Before discovering Tellwell, I self-published two other books. When the Tiger Roars is a novel that explores the relationship between fear and anger. The Guilt Busters another novel, focussing on the pathway to healing for abuse survivors.
In Walking in the Light at Midnight, you emphasize that suffering is something everyone eventually encounters. What do you most hope readers take away from the book when they find themselves in their own “midnight”?
We have attempted to share that, whilst we have had no control of what has befallen us, we do have a choice about how we respond. Whilst initial anger or resentment is natural, there comes a time when we have to understand that anger, resentment, and blame will ultimately destroy us.
God has given the world the greatest gift of all: forgiveness. He modelled it to us Himself and He commanded others to “forgive others as He has forgiven us.” Forgiveness is the key to emotional freedom and enables us to choose healthy pathways into the future.
February may be the shortest month of the year, but this one was filled with meaningful milestones. From book awards to public recognition and inspiring author events, our writers have been making waves in the literary world.
There is something powerful about seeing a story move beyond the page and into the spotlight. Each achievement reflects the passion, resilience, and dedication our authors pour into their work. This month, we are taking a moment to celebrate those accomplishments and the journeys behind them.
Awards
Tellwell author Raymond Maher’s suspense novel Trapped At Birth With Only One Way Out has won a 2025 Maincrest Media Book Award, earning international recognition for its gripping and powerful storytelling.
Set in rural Saskatchewan, the novel explores loyalty, betrayal, and survival as dangerous secrets come to light. Drawing on his experience as a pastor and newspaper columnist, Maher brings depth and emotional insight to a tense and unforgettable story.
The Maincrest Media Book Awards celebrate exceptional authors from around the world, making this achievement a meaningful milestone in Maher’s literary journey.
Event
Author Matt Mallinson recently hosted a book signing at Victoria & Albert Guesthouse in the Blue Mountains, celebrating his novel The Writer Upstairs.
Set in the great plains and a secluded mountain cabin, the story follows a reclusive chemist and a mysterious woman as they uncover centuries old secrets in the forest, exploring the power of nature, science, and hope for humanity’s future.
A passionate historian, Mallinson draws inspiration from early trail diaries and historical accounts. His novels intertwine the stories of mountain families with present day descendants, bringing history to life with depth and authenticity.
Publicity
There is magic in the everyday and author Karly Sidman proves it. Recently featured in KidlioMag, Sidman’s journey from chef to children’s author shows how passion and imagination can transform even the simplest moments into stories that inspire and delight.
Her love for her dogs especially Hardy Boy sparked the creation of her heartwarming children’s book Hardy: The Best Boy Ever, celebrating the bond between pets and their humans. From imagining adventures for Hardy in the summer of 2025 to seeing her story published, Karly shares her creativity and encouragement for young dreamers everywhere.
Storytelling can spark curiosity and inspire positive change, and author Aldona Nowak is doing just that. Recently featured in KidlioMag, Nowak’s debut book The Health Adventures of Nurse Priya encourages children to make healthy choices while showing how public health nurses make a difference in their communities.
Aldona’s passion for storytelling began with sharing special moments with her own children. Now she is using that same love for stories to inspire young readers to dream big, believe in themselves, and see the impact they can have in the world around them.
Reviews
Author Josie Smith delivers a powerful memoir, Debris, recently earning a five star review from Reader Views. The book follows Josie’s journey through love, loss, and grief after the Black Summer Bushfires took her husband, showing how courage and hope can help rebuild a life.
Drawing on her personal experience and psychology studies from Swinburne University, Josie shares a story of resilience that resonates with anyone who has loved and lost.
The tragedy of losing a loved one can feel unrelenting—no one can prepare you for the far-reaching effects of grief. But Josie’s story reminds us that piecing our lives back together is possible when we rely on purpose and courage. Readers who love memoirs about overcoming adversity will love ‘Debris.’
-Reader Views Book Review
Over a Glass of Wine by Schultz is a psychological mystery that received a glowing review from Indiereader. The novel follows Claire, an enigmatic woman hiding her past, and Harry, a flawed artist determined to uncover her secrets, leading to unexpected twists and a gripping ending.
Blending humour, suspense, and thoughtful reflections on love, death, and personal identity, Schultz offers a multi-layered story rich with insights into wine, art, and human relationships.
Schultz serves up a deliciously irreverent slice of epicurean excess in OVER A GLASS OF WINE: Wine, Food, Love, Sex, Murder. Propelled by a diverse cast of characters and their provocative situations, this story is a highly addictive, entertaining, and unorthodox read.
-IndieReader Book Review
Helen Lapada’s memoir Fight Like Hel received an amazing review from IndieReader. The book shares her journey through an aggressive cancer diagnosis at thirty during the COVID-19 pandemic, blending humor, heartbreak, and resilience.
With practical principles, candid reflections, and prompts for readers to reflect on their own lives, Fight Like Hel is a powerful reminder that showing up, scars and all, is still a victory.
In its savviness and candor, Lapada’s memoir stands perfectly well on its own merits. Helen Lapada’s FIGHT LIKE HEL: Fourteen Battle-Tested Principles for Resilience is a witty, engaging, and warm-hearted take on the ins and outs of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
February is a great time to curl up with a story, and this month we have a little treat for readers of all ages. One of our featured books brings a heartwarming children’s adventure full of imagination and fun, while the other offers a fictional romance that explores love, connection, and the twists that make relationships memorable.
Whether you’re reading alongside little ones or enjoying a story just for yourself, these February picks are a gentle reminder of the joy and comfort books can bring, no matter the genre.
Stories that spark imagination and emotion
An unexpected encounter, a life turned upside down, and a love that tests every limit. How far would you go for the one you never expected?
Her Masks & His Truth is a novel inspired by true-life events. An unexpected encounter turns Anna’s world upside down.
It begins with a stranger, a globally recognized influencer and celebrity against whom she has long harbored resentment. The story unfolds as Anna’s curiosity drives her to welcome him into her life, undeterred by the potential for intense criticism. Anna’s uninhibited spontaneity, which led her to leave her successful career as a public figure in the Arab world to marry her beloved Joe, continues to be a recurring theme.
Although she has hated the stranger her entire life, she now starts loving him with all her heart, soul, and mind. With unwavering courage, Anna feels compelled to bend her knee before the stranger. Yet now, she finds herself isolated and turning everyone against her, including Joe. Anna makes yet another impulsive move and decides to become a bride for the third time. However, the price of being with the stranger means that she must leave behind her burgeoning lifestyle and thriving career in North America.
It’s a turning point. The burning question lingers: Is the stranger truly worth fighting for?
An inquisitive young alien, mysterious reports from a distant world, and a journey full of curiosity, wonder, and the search for life’s biggest questions!
Some answers change you forever. Zog’s Big Question: An interplanetary tale of wonder, belief, and big questions.
Follow Zog, an inquisitive young alien from the planet Luminos—where everything is tested, measured, and understood—as he investigates mysterious reports from a distant blue world called Terra.
With the help of his new friends, Sam and Max, Zog explores a park, a church, a library, and a university — meeting people with many different ideas about life’s biggest questions.
Zog’s Big Question is a thoughtful, gently humorous adventure for readers 8 and up — a celebration of curiosity, imagination, and the many ways people search for truth.
Behind every beautifully designed book and seamless ebook is a skilled professional who brings stories to life beyond the written word. In this edition of Meet the Team, we’re excited to introduce Ivan, one of our book designers and ebook specialists.
Can you tell us about your current role at Tellwell and what a typical day looks like for you?
I prepare and finalize book cover and interior layout files to ensure they meet the technical standards of online publishing platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark. I also handle ebook conversions, making sure each title is properly formatted and optimized for digital distribution. A typical day involves reviewing manuscript and cover files; adjusting layouts; checking margins, bleed, and typography; and verifying that all specifications align with platform requirements. I carefully proof files, resolve formatting issues, and collaborate with the team to ensure every book is production-ready and professionally presented before publication.
How one writer turned a lifelong love of words into her debut novel.
Born in Paris and raised across Canada, Odile Rose brings a rich cultural background and deep emotional insight to her writing. After spending nearly two decades in the financial industry, she took a leap of faith to pursue her lifelong passion for storytelling. Her debut novel, The One Reason, is a moving romance that explores fate, resilience, and the power of love in the face of loss.
In this interview, Odile shares how she approaches emotionally charged scenes, how her life experiences shape her voice, and what inspired her to begin her writing journey. She also discusses her creative process, her poetry on social media, and her experience publishing with Tellwell Publishing.
At forty, I told myself, “If not now, then when?” I knew I had to write the story that was still brewing inside of me.
Moonbeam Award Winner Shares the Personal Journey Behind a Beloved Three-Legged Hero
In this interview, Sasha Filipovich, author of Cal Has Three Legs, shares how her real-life rescue dog became the inspiration behind her first picture book. What began as simple, curious questions from children grew into a story about humor, self-acceptance, and approaching differences with openness.
“Tell the story you want to tell, and hold onto your vision.”
Sasha Milena Filipovich
Sasha talks about how her background in journalism, dance, and film influenced her storytelling, and how working closely with illustrator Dalia Vukmirovich helped shape the book’s visual and emotional tone. She also reflects on the patience and persistence required to bring a picture book to life.
She discusses what it meant to receive a Bronze Moonbeam Award and her experience publishing with Tellwell, and offers practical advice for authors creating their first children’s book.
