Get to know John, Tellwell Publishing’s design and illustration manager. From balancing creativity and structure to leading two dynamic teams, John shares insights into his role, challenges, and what keeps him inspired.
Can you tell us a little about being a design manager at Tellwell Publishing?
One word can sum it all up, CHALLENGING. Handling two different creative teams simultaneously is a great challenge. From project management down to quality control, you’ll have to be prepared for anything that comes your way each day, ensuring that both teams operate seamlessly like a well-oiled machine.
This holiday season, get ready for an unforgettable journey with two unlikely heroes—Murgatroyd and Archimedes, a pair of adventurous mice on a daring Christmas Eve mission to recover a stolen refrigerator. Packed with laughter, fun, and a sprinkle of holiday magic, The Christmas Adventure is a heartwarming reminder of what Christmas is truly about: adventure, kindness, and a little help from Santa.
This December, we’re sharing the latest author events, achievements, and success stories. From book launches and awards to exciting milestones and reader highlights, our authors have had a month full of meaningful moments.
Join us as we celebrate their hard work, creativity, and the impact their stories are making.
Events
Tellwell author Monica Buchanan, author of Outsider, attended the 2024 Miami Book Fair alongside Tellwell’s head of marketing, Monica Martinez.
Russ Grabb recently shared his book promotion for Traces of a Boy in West Vancouver, Canada, engaging with readers and celebrating his work in the local community.
The holiday season is a time for joy, family, and togetherness, but it can also be a poignant reminder of those we miss. In this special edition of Tellwell Author Stories, we’re thrilled to share the heartwarming journey of Christopher Ross and his touching book, 22 Christmas Without You.
This December, we’re offering a mix of fantasy fiction and non-fiction that will fuel your imagination and spirit of exploration, perfect for cozy reading during the holidays.
Ready to embark on your next epic adventure?
Saga of the Old Ones by Neil Henderson follows a man who, while strolling the Victoria harbour, encounters a mysterious young girl—a strange “Old One”—and a chance reunion that stirs deep, hidden truths. As he calls out, “Kittens,” the girl turns, sparking a connection that could change everything.
It was the first of the month, so he put on his coat and headed to the harbour by the big hotel in Victoria. This was the meeting place for when they would return. They would be a little too young to be able to get away from their new parents, but the chance was there, so he took a stroll by the water. He spotted a girl about five years old with her back to him. She was an Old One. Her new parents must be nearby. He caught his breath and walked up to her. “Kittens,” he said quietly. She spun around with wide eyes. “Daddy! How?”
From Everest to the Farm: Mitch Lewis on Storytelling, Perseverance, and Finding Your Own Summit
If there’s one thing I want to impart to the readers of my books, it’s that anyone can do (most) anything they dream of.And this means that everyone has their own Everest, whatever that might be.
Mitch Lewis
Mitch Lewis is a man of many adventures—a mountaineer who has summited Everest, a storyteller who inspires readers young and old, and, most recently, a first-generation farmer. His experiences have shaped his writing in unexpected ways, from his first first uplifting book, Climbing Your Personal Everest to his latest Billy the Baaad Goat series.
In this interview, Mitch shares how life on Summit Farms has influenced his storytelling, how overcoming personal challenges inspired him to write about perseverance and teamwork, and why he believes everyone has their own “Everest” to climb.
How has life at Summit Farms influenced your writing, particularly the characters and settings in your books?
In an extreme case of life imitating art, one of the reasons we ended up becoming first-generation, late-in-life farmers was because of Billy the Baaad Goat! A few years ago, when my granddaughter Clara was just a couple years old, I would read her made-up bedtime stories and some of those had Billy on his various adventures. One day I sat down and wrote the rhyming tale, filled with Beatles references that included a couple moving away from the city during the pandemic and buying a farm with a big red barn (and talking animals with a big yellow rocketship, of course!). My wife Michelle and I ended up becoming that couple four years ago, even before the book was published by Tellwell. Clara the Calico Cat and Lucy the Lioness are based on two of our grandchildren, while Vera, Chuck and Dave come straight out of “When I’m 64.” Rocky Racoon, Paul-is-the-Walrus came from, well . . .
What do you hope readers, both young and old, take away from your books and the adventures of Billy the Baaad Goat series?
I’m so excited the third and last chapter of the Billy series will be coming out very soon! I’ve always wanted the parents and grandparents to actually enjoy reading a book to the kiddos, and laugh alongside them. I like to feature characters who overcome obstacles and achieve great goals with collaboration and a sense of accomplishment. Billy is also subject to bullying (and isn’t really bad, just kind of naughty). I love to see all of the animals working together and learning about science.
Your books explore themes of teamwork, diversity, and courage. Why are these values important to teach through children’s stories?
I tend to highlight strong, smart female leaders, along with representing diversity through the different creature species and how their bravery and perseverance in the face of adversity can help them overcome many things in their own lives. They also metaphorically represent diverse teams I’ve worked with around the world that could come together and achieve great goals and celebrate as a team.
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Your Everest trilogy blends adventure with deep emotional lessons. How do those themes connect with your children’s books, like The Mother Mountain?
Summiting Mount Everest without oxygen and in the middle of a deadly storm taught me a lot about life, friendship, mutual goals, and doing something one doesn’t think is possible. After completing the Seven Summits, and before that finishing a marathon on the Seven Continents, I was interested in what compelled others to transform their own lives and help make the world a better place at the same time. My first book, Climbing Your Personal Everest: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Leadership,was my own decade-long expedition from being “stuck in the rut with a gut,” a couch potato watching The Simpsons in Swedish while living in Stockholm, to running my first marathon in Sweden to my seventh summit of Vinson Massif in Antarctica.
In my second book, Climb Higher: Pursue Your Passion With Purpose,we explore eight individuals who took on new and daring life or career challenges, while also contributing to society through a number of unique projects or programs, and intertwined with how one can learn from them to also tweak their own life.
For a long time I wanted to write a children’s book about what it was like to really climb Mount Everest from someone lucky enough to have done so and survived to write about the experience. I ended up telling the (mostly) true story of my own Everest climb, together with my climbing buddy Molly, with Max as well, myself. What makes the book so special is the fantastic true-to-life illustrations from Tellwell’s Stefanie St. Denis. She was able to take original photographs and situations, plus imagine several with no pics to choose from, and turn them into beautiful images that really do show what it was like on Everest and incorporating a lot of education from the British naming and height knowledge, to the reverence of the mountain and the sherpas. Many of the real-life themes from the first two adult books show up in the The Mother Mountain: You Can Climb Mt. Everest.
What lessons from climbing Mount Everest have you woven into your storytelling, especially in terms of perseverance and facing fears?
If there’s one thing I wanted to impart to the readers of all of my books is that anyone can do (most) anything they dream of. And this means that Everyone has their own Everest, whatever that might be. We all finish many races and climb many mountains during our lives and these are different for everybody, but still incorporate the essential elements of being a good and kind human being, working well as a team towards common goals, overcoming obstacles and celebrating together. Facing my own fears at the Hillary Step gave me perspective around perseverance and how collaboration can be so supportive, whether you’re a high-altitude climber or a naughty billy goat!
With such a diverse background—author, speaker, mountaineer, and farmer—how do you balance these passions with writing?
In our own new “Everest” as farmers, I have lots of times to reflect on life’s lessons from my business life such as partnerships, strategy and focus, giving back to the community, and learning from others but also mentoring the next generation of family farmers that are critical for our healthy local food supply in the years to come. Writing gives me an outlet, whether in a book or in a post, or on one of my websites: www.yourpersonaleverest.com or www.summitfarms.co. It certainly gives me an outlet to share and connect and my passions for writing.
Note: Mitch wanted to mention his gratitude for John Abella, Jennifer, the excellence and synchronicity with editing, his main contact Rhea Mae, and the rest of the great team at Tellwell!
Every great story starts with a blank page, and for Sarah Taylor-Malo, that blank page was an invitation to turn her challenges into something extraordinary. Her debut book, Growing Pains, is a testament to resilience and self-discovery—a beautifully crafted narrative born from a time of uncertainty and self-doubt.
In Growing Pains, Sarah opens up about facing anxiety and navigating the weight of unmet expectations. Like many young adults, she found herself questioning her life’s direction and struggling to define her place in the world. But through these moments of doubt, she uncovered inner strength, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose. Her journey is not just a personal story; it’s a message of hope for anyone seeking to overcome their own growing pains.
Beyond her work as an author, Sarah wears many creative hats. Her love for storytelling extends to photojournalism, with her work featured in publications like the Toronto Star and the Winnipeg Free Press. Whether through the lens of a camera or the pages of her book, Sarah’s curiosity about the world shines through.
Currently completing her BA in Global Development Studies at Queen’s University, Sarah continues to explore stories that inspire, educate, and connect people. Growing Pains is just the beginning of her journey, and we can’t wait to see where her passion for storytelling takes her next.
Get to know the Tellwell team! Peek behind the scenes to see what fuels our creativity and teamwork as we bring stories to the world.
Meet Melissa:
Meet Melissa Barker, one of Tellwell’s amazing publishing consultants! Melissa takes us behind the scenes of her day, where she helps authors turn their publishing dreams into reality.
Her day is filled with answering inquiries, guiding authors through their publishing journeys, and ensuring they have all the tools they need for success.
When it’s time for lunch, Melissa enjoys delicious food, breathtaking views, and quality time with friends 🐑. Afterward, she dives back into team collaborations, supports fellow consultants, and tackles tasks that bring authors closer to achieving their goals.
Check out Melissa’s day in the life as a Tellwell publishing consultant here.
Meet Mark:
Say hello to Mark, one of Tellwell’s dynamic Book Marketing Associates! Mark works closely with our Book Marketing Consultants, ensuring our authors receive top-notch creative services. He’s also a key player behind Tellwell’s monthly blogs and newsletters, bringing fresh and engaging content to life.
To stay energized, Mark enjoys a quick run outdoors and a peaceful view before tackling the rest of his tasks. From team check-ins to project updates, Mark keeps the day on track with creativity and care.
Take a peek into Mark’s day in the life at Tellwell here!
New month, new book giveaways! From captivating historical romances and insightful non-fiction to empowering self-help reads, there’s something for everyone this November.
Don’t miss your chance to get these incredible reads!
Ready to be swept into a love story that transcends time?
Smelling Daisies by Elysia and Mark Stevens follows Daisy, a modern soldier, as she’s transported to medieval Scotland, where love, danger, and survival tests await. Can she conquer the lioness within?
Whenever things seem to fall apart around Daisy, romance novels are her way of escaping. When immersed in a novel, she can imagine herself in the story as the lead female character. Still, the difference between her and the typical female character in her novels is that she is not your average damsel in distress.
Daisy was raised by a military father who ensured his daughter knew survival skills and how to protect herself. Following in her beloved father’s footsteps, Daisy joined the army and met Justin. Eventually, Daisy’s dreams would come true. While on a decompression stop after a deployment overseas, she finds herself at the Lachlan Castle in Scotland. There, she is thrown back in time to the era she loves to read about, but things are nothing like she imagined.
When Daisy befriends a bonnie Scottish lass, she finds herself in a haven under the roof of the girl’s brother, a laird named Alick. It becomes clear that the laird is constantly challenged by the many nuances of Daisy’s status as a modern-day female soldier as she attempts to navigate the dangerous life in medieval Scotland. While trying her best to fit in, Daisy stumbles upon a psychotic baron named Thomas, who loves to torture women and is fascinated with her.
Both Laird Alick and Baron Thomas want to tame the lioness in Daisy but for different reasons. But Daisy is ill-prepared for medieval love or warfare and must train her heart and head to face what’s coming next.
Curveballs by Gail Taylor inspires self-discovery and living with purpose, blending personal stories, technology, and music to transform lives.
Here you are on the brink of a journey all about self-discovery and chasing dreams. With personal stories and tools that shaped the author’s path, she focuses on embracing authenticity. You’ll explore how living with purpose and passion is achievable. This personal-growth book combines cutting-edge technology and music interaction, reflecting the author’s belief that music can transform and positively impact individuals and communities.
Child Protection: Behind Closed Doors by Jo Cooling exposes the hidden struggles within child protection, from bullying to systemic failures. A powerful, eye-opening read that reveals the truth behind the scenes.
My journey started with a tragedy, which led me to study youth suicide and the impact this has on young people and their families. I was shocked to discover how many young people fell through the cracks of our broken mental health system. Furthermore, young people were also falling through the cracks of many systems, including Child Protection.
If you think you know what Child Protection is all about, think again. This is a behind-the-scenes look at what really happens when the public is not watching or listening.
This novel will highlight the difficulties and sometimes dangers workers face. Furthermore, it will shine a spotlight on the bullying that has been prominent within Child Protection for a long time and on Management, which has chosen to ignore it.
My story will also call attention to drug use within Child Protection. As well as Management’s lack of support for workers and why the same people who helped me advance my career were the same people who tried to take me down.
This book also looks at the good, the bad, and the downright bizarre cases I have worked on during my career as a Senior Child Protection Worker.
If you have been a client or are interested in a career in Child Protection, or just want a book you cannot put down, then this novel is for you.
The Art to Online Dating by Fleur Lamot offers a practical guide to navigating online dating with confidence, helping women understand motives, avoid mistakes, and find love.
A step-by-step guide to navigating dating and finding love on the World Wide Web, written by someone with firsthand experience on the topic, and who has also tested the theory on a number of case studies and through research. Authored from a female perspective, directed to a female audience, although potentially an eye opening and helpful read for a male reader too.
This book is not about making you a better person, nor is it a self help book. It is about changing your mindset when embarking on singledom and internet dating to not fear it, by equipping you with the understanding of people’s actions and motives.
Throughout the book you will be guided in setting up your online profile, picking your match, the all important art and the do’s and don’ts through every step of courting someone, all the way to going forward with your ultimate love match!
Reading this book will bring you confidence and or at least clarity. It will make you think about your past experiences and open your eyes to see where they may have gone wrong, and more importantly to ensure the same mistakes don’t happen to you on future experiences.
Financial literacy month is here, and so are the best picks to boost your money smarts!
If you’re ready to level up your financial game, check out this booklist for must-read money guides this November:
Invest Your Way to Financial Freedom by Bradford Woods
Whether you’re new to investing or an experienced stock trader, Invest Your Way to Financial Freedom provides a step-by-step system to maximize returns and minimize risk, following the principles of Ben Graham and Warren Buffett.
Retirement Reimagined by A. Cameron Strong
Retirement Reimagined addresses the financial struggles many Canadians face, from rising costs and debt to concerns about retirement. It offers practical solutions to regain control, plan for healthcare, manage housing costs, and create a retirement strategy that fits your needs, including budgeting for travel and helping loved ones. This book is a guide to establishing financial stability and securing a peaceful, fulfilling retirement.
A Fighting Chance by Doug Allan
A Fighting Chance was created to address the gap in financial literacy education, helping young people gain the knowledge and tools they need to make smart financial decisions. Written by an award-winning Canadian Chartered Professional Accountant, the book offers real examples, strategies, and mindsets that empower youth to leverage their most valuable asset—time. With an approachable tone, it provides a practical financial guide to help readers achieve both their financial and personal goals.
The Wealthy Martian by Karen Cumming
In The Wealthy Martian, Karen Cumming shares her journey from aspiring citizen astronaut to financial literacy advocate. After making it to the Mars 100, Karen realized a deeper issue on Earth: millions of young people are financially illiterate. In this book, Karen embarks on a mission to teach financial literacy, helping readers of all ages learn how to make their money work for them, not the other way around. Through mastering the basics, mindset, and the powerful investment strategy of DRIP (Dividend Reinvestment Plan), Karen shows that financial success isn’t out of reach—it’s just a matter of learning the right tools.
Wealth Strategies for the Everyday Goddess by Reena Hunjan
Wealth Strategies for the Everyday Goddess empowers women to take control of their financial future. With a focus on the basics, Reena offers practical guidance for managing wealth, using relatable stories from women worldwide to illustrate how women can build financial security. As women are set to hold much of the wealth in North America in the coming decade, Reena’s book encourages them to direct their dollars toward causes that make the world a better, more beautiful place for all.
Preserving Wealth by Jack Lumsden
Financial advisor Jack Lumsden offers a clear and accessible guide to managing wealth and preparing for estate transfer. With over $1 trillion in personal wealth expected to pass between generations in Canada, Lumsden emphasizes the importance of planning for growth, capital protection, and minimizing estate taxes. He covers essential strategies for safeguarding inheritances, selecting executors, and having the crucial family discussions to ensure wealth is preserved for future generations. Preserving Wealth is a must-read for anyone looking to manage their financial legacy effectively.
Your Path To Wealth by Brian Thomas
Your Path to Wealth offers a straightforward and practical guide to building wealth, regardless of income or experience. The book emphasizes the importance of mindset, focus, and commitment in achieving financial success. With clear, actionable steps, readers will learn to manage spending, evaluate investment options like property, stocks, and mutual funds, and explore ways to accelerate wealth growth. Packed with tools and real-world experiences, this book empowers readers to set goals, stay on track, and select investments that align with their personal comfort and financial aspirations. Wealth is within your reach—this book shows you how.
