Author Success - In the media, awards, reviews

September author celebrations

Sep 19,2023 / By Mark Mionda / No Comment

September is here, and it’s time to roll out our author celebrations! Let’s celebrate the remarkable authors this month of September and explore their literary achievements …

Awards

At the forefront of our list is author Lisa Bournelis. Her book Louie and the Dictator has achieved its third international honour, securing a silver medal in the middle-grade category from Reader’s Favorite.

Patroosh, the Cheeky Pelican by Renée James has been awarded second place in the Clara J. John’s Literary Award 2023 for Best Picture Book and Illustrations.

Get your own copy of Patroosh, the Cheeky Pelican here!

Reviews

Aldyth Irvine-Harrison, the talented author behind the enchanting book Kindness, Capers, and Conundrums, recently earned a glowing 4.5-star review from IndieReader.

Lovers of poetry who are looking for laughter, literary allusions, and a skeptical-but-not-jaded view of humanity will enjoy the lyrics of Aldyth Irvine-Harrison’s KINDNESS CAPERS AND CONUNDRUMS.
IndieReader

Don’t miss out and grab your own copy of Kindness, Capers, and Conundrums here.

Jerome Cranston has hit a literary home run with Half-Caste: Decidedly Brown in a Black or White World, as another prestigious 4.5-star review has just rolled in from Self-Publishing Review.

On the surface, the book may seem to be written for a mixed-ethnicity audience, but there are anecdotal gems of wisdom and experiential advice that will benefit any reader. With a unique voice and style, Cranston shows himself to be a skilled storyteller and a relentless observer of his own life, as well as encapsulating the experience of so many others.
Self-Publishing Review

Get your own copy of Half-Caste on Amazon!

Monique Britten’s literary prowess shines bright with a glowing 4-star review from Self-Publishing Review.

Thanks to Britten’s deeply moving and beautifully crafted prose, this richly emotional book manages to talk about death, grief, and hope across generations without ever being maudlin or heavy-handed, offering a finely tuned balance of insightful messaging and character-driven storytelling.
Self-Publishing Review

Grab your own copy of The Day Before Tomorrow here.

In Badger and Turtle Face the Storm by Daniel McMillan, you’ll embark on a delightful adventure alongside two charming animal friends. This enchanting story, reviewed by Reader View Kids, promises an engaging and heartwarming experience for readers young and old.

Get your own copy of Badger and Turtle Face the Storm here!

Events

Renée James recently graced a lively stage at the St Mary’s Primary Grafton Writers’ Festival. Her presence was a true delight for all attendees, weaving stories and captivating hearts with her charm.

Grab your own copy of Patroosh, the Hungry Pelican on Amazon!

Celebrating Larenzo Jensen’s unforgettable book launch for his Wines and Winters! Here are some great snapshots of the event, where literature and libations came together in perfect harmony.

Get your own copy of Wines and Winters here!

Author Bryan Cole unveils the complex world of paladins in his fantasy novels ‘Beginning of Arrogance’ & ‘Futility of Defense’

Sep 19,2023 / By Ben St. James / No Comment

Dive into an exciting interview to discuss the creative process for an epic fantasy series

Cole’s vivid depictions of combat are nothing short of mesmerizing. Imagine being entrenched in battle, surrounded by monsters, all the while strategizing to unveil the greater powers at play. Fans of the fantasy genre will find themselves entranced by the myriad magical and supernatural elements skillfully interwoven into the narrative. This book is a veritable treasure trove of fantastical wonders, from teleportation to gods, prophecies, and dragons.
★★★★ Literary Titan

In his compelling fantasy series, critically acclaimed author Bryan Cole delves into the intricate relationship between paladins and the societies they engage with. His book Beginning of Arrogance recently reached #2 on Amazon.com’s Military Fantasy chart and peaked at #20 in Epic Fantasy. His latest novel, Futility of Defense, explores the complexities of divine champions, blending heroism with the disruption of the balance of power. Inspired by a desire to create a world where paladins aren’t just token additions but significant forces with real-world consequences, Cole crafts a captivating narrative. Join us as we dive into the inspiration behind his characters, the challenges they face, and the intriguing blend of classic fantasy elements that shape his storytelling.

August author celebrations

Aug 25,2023 / By Alyssa Humphrey / No Comment

We cannot wait to celebrate our author achievements with you this month! From ranking high in the Amazon charts to being featured in prestigious online publications, our authors continue to share their literary works with the world.

Publicity

We’re excited to shine a spotlight on Barb Lockert’s mainstream media placement in The Edmonton Journal for Easy Baking in Barb’s Kitchen.

Next up we have Colleen Kanten Carbol’s debut romance novel, Find Me on 4th Street, which was featured on BroadwayWorld!

Meet the Team

Meet the Team: Introducing Charlene, your dedicated book-project manager

Aug 22,2023 / By Mark Mionda / No Comment

At Tellwell, we’re proud of the teamwork that makes book publishing happen, and at the forefront is Charlene, one of our skilled book-project managers!

Let’s explore her drive and inspirations, and how she makes books come alive. Join us to uncover the person behind the role and feel her dedication in every project.

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Charlene, but I’m used to being called by my nicknames: Yen or Charlie. And since I belong to a medical family, I hold a degree in nursing, but haven’t really practiced it.

I am both spontaneous and meticulous. I plan the small activities I need to do before starting a new day (what time to wake up, shower first or breakfast? Movie or reading?) Yet, so far I have never planned the huge things in my life (the major I took in college, my travel experiences, past jobs). Amazingly, things always turn out great!

My family and friends see me as the go-getter, but I feel otherwise. I just feel like I really do not show my full potential to people. And when I feel comfortable with something, I just stop there and make it a habit. But looking back, I think I had left my comfort zone a lot of times but never recognized it.

I am a dog lover! I am always happy to talk about the times I pet sit.

I’m a homebody, but not really. I can stay inside my box-like room for a week without complaining (as long as I have food, internet, music to listen to, movies to watch, books to read). But there are times that I crave traveling—I really want to explore places that are unfamiliar to me. Experience their culture. Taste their food. Have interesting chats with other travelers. It just feels so liberating!

Book Giveaways

August tales and treasures!

Aug 22,2023 / By Trixie Raboy / No Comment

Yes, it’s that time again: another month of adventure and enchantment!

Take this invitation to embark on yet another extraordinary escapade through the realms of imagination, emotions, and experiences penned by talented Tellwell authors.

Let the pages turn and the stories unfold with August book giveaways!

Become inspired, become you.

Embark on an inspiring journey with Lorenzo Louden’s book, A Soldier’s Redemption.

A Soldier’s Redemption is a true, candid, no-holds-barred story of infamous former gangster disciple Lorenzo Louden, a.k.a. “Shorty G.”
His story immerses you in the notorious world of gangs, taking you on a bone-chilling ride through the streets of 1970s Chicago. While serving 17 years behind bars, his militant rule of the underworld expanded from the streets to the prisons until a spiritual encounter directed his journey out of the darkness onto a miraculous path of purpose and possibility.

Click HERE to get your FREE copy

A Journey through poetic lines

Delve into the pages of Marina Quindiagan’s poems of love in her book, My Thoughts Are Coloured Purple.

This is a book of poems on love. Love is a universal language. Love yourself, love your neighbours, love your parents, love your siblings—even love your enemies. Most of the poems are on romantic love. When you are in love, you get an awesome feeling. You walk on the clouds. However, love can be unrequited, unanswered and can bring an awful feeling.
Love is in the movies, in songs, and in music. Love is in this book of poems, ever so strong and powerful. It’s there for you to enjoy.

Click HERE to get your FREE copy

Author of the Month

Unleashing heroic baking: An exclusive interview with author, entrepreneur, and TV personality Barb Lockert

Aug 21,2023 / By Ben St. James / No Comment

Find out how to be a hero in the kitchen, and learn about Barb’s journey as an author!

Are you ready to transform your baking prowess and elevate your culinary skills to heroic levels? Look no further than the delectable pages of Easy Baking in Barb’s Kitchen. This extraordinary baking cookbook is poised to revolutionize your baking experience, providing you with a treasure trove of time-saving techniques and scrumptious recipes that will make you the baking hero among your friends and family.

Our guest today, Barb Lockert, is not just an accomplished author and entrepreneur, but a television personality who has been gracing screens for over four decades. With a passion for people, travel, cooking, and baking, Barb’s infectious enthusiasm has made her a natural at delivering easy-to-understand instructions that resonate with novices and experts alike. Her culinary journey began with the establishment of a teaching gourmet kitchen store, where she honed her teaching skills and perfected her easy cooking and baking methods.

But Barb’s influence extends far beyond the kitchen. Her entrepreneurial spirit has earned her a plethora of awards, and she has shared her expertise on both local and national television, captivating audiences with informative and entertaining cooking demonstrations. Her contributions to various magazines and newspapers have solidified her status as a culinary authority, and her motivational speaking engagements have inspired countless individuals in their own ventures.

Meet the Team

Meet the Team: Trixie

Jul 27,2023 / By Alyssa Humphrey / No Comment

For July’s Meet the Team we are proud to introduce Trixie Raboy, one of Tellwell’s Book Marketing Associates! Read on to learn more about what Trixie enjoys most about working with our authors, as well as some of the adrenaline-inducing activities she enjoys outside of work!

Hello Trixie! Tell us a little bit about yourself!

Hi, I’m Trixie Raboy! I’m one of Tellwell’s Book Marketing Associates and recently just passed my one year anniversary with Tellwell. I have been working in the marketing industry for around five years now which has included working in the hospitality industry, logistics, and now book publishing.

What does a typical day look like for you at Tellwell?

I work a night shift at Tellwell to ensure my client availability for those located around the globe. I start my day at 11pm with my mandatory cup of coffee, and then review my to-do list and check my emails and messages. My responsibilities include book-marketing services along with creating content for Tellwell’s social media, so I typically alternate days between social media content creation and book-marketing deliverables for our authors.

What is your favourite part about working at Tellwell?

I actually have three favourite things about working at Tellwell!

For starters, the people I work with are simply amazing. It really is wonderful to work with people who are so supportive, collaborative, and easy to get along with. I of course have to make a special mention of my partner-in-crime, also an amazing Book Marketing Associate, Mark Mionda, who’s so enjoyable to work with.

My second favourite aspect is the ability to work from home. For someone who lives further from our office, it’s very convenient to complete most days from the comfort of my home office. Occasionally, our team meets up at the office to check in with each other which is a great opportunity to connect with everyone in person.

And lastly, the overall experience of working with Tellwell has been nothing short of enjoyable. In just one year of working as part of our marketing team, I have accumulated a wide range of experience and enhanced my pre-existing skillset. I love the fact that I get to work on different projects that allow me to continue to develop my skills and knowledge!

July author celebrations: Embracing another month of remarkable writers!

Jul 26,2023 / By Mark Mionda / No Comment

Welcome to yet another month of celebration as we honour talented Tellwell authors! Let’s come together to celebrate their remarkable achievements and delve into the magic of their literary works.

Awards

Welcome to the world of Mystical Force: Shadows and Darkness and meet talented Tellwell author Craig Weidhuner, whose remarkable work has recently been featured in Literary Titan. Prepare to be captivated by the fifth volume in a series filled with magical beings and extraordinary powers, as you embark on an exciting adventure through this fantastical world.

Grab a copy of Mystical Force: Shadows and Darkness here!

Let’s celebrate another achievement, this time from Tellwell author Arwinder Kaur. Her book, Living While Human, has recently received the Silver Winner title at the Nautilus Book Awards!

Don’t forget to grab your copy here, and find out for yourself why Living While Human is one of the best in its genre.

We’re proud to share that Indigo Johnson’s book, The Kindness Quilt, received an honourable mention in the Picture Books 6 & Older category at the 2023 Purple Dragonfly Awards. Check out the official winners and mention list here!

Don’t missed out on getting a copy of The Kindness Quilt. It’s available on Amazon!

A huge shoutout to author Krysten Guilbault! Her book, Rainbow of Glowing Hearts: The Tale of the Healing Tree, has been recently honoured with the 2023 Golden Wizard Book Prize.

Rainbow of Glowing Hearts is a wonderful, mindful read that will give children the same rejuvenated feeling and reset as meditation.
Book review by Louise Jane, CEO THE GOLDEN WIZARD BOOK PRIZE

Grab your copy of Rainbow of Glowing Hearts on Amazon.

Reviews

Author/coach Tim Burris was recently featured by IndieReader and received a glowing 5-star review for his book, Signed: Ironwill Football’s Recruiting Guide for Canadian High School Football Players.

A clear, concise, and well-organized book offering expert guidance, Signed by Coach Tim Burris should be on the reading list for any young Canadian student who wishes to continue playing football after high school.
IndieReader Book Review

You can purchase this interesting read by Coach Tim Burris here!

Check out this glowing review of Kelly Lang’s book, Who’s at the Door? Who’s at the Door? in KidlioMag!

This book is a great way to encourage conversation with children at home or even in a classroom. This book will help to spark wonderful imagination and learning through repetition and colors.
Kidliomag Book Review

Don’t missed out in getting your own copy of Who’s at the Door? Who’s at the Door? here!

Publicity

Author Zara Merzaei was recently featured in KidlioMag for her amazing book, ZeeZee the Bee: A Tale of a Magical Friendship. Learn more about Zara and her book here!

ZeeZee the Bee is an empowering tale of friendship that empowers children to love themselves and encourages them to be proud of their uniqueness and other physical differences.
Kidliomag Book Review

Join ZeeZee the Bee and her friends in an exciting adventure. Click here to get a copy of your own!

Events

Lisa Bournelis, the author of Louie and the Dictator, recently had her first school author visit, and it was a heartwarming success! She shared some photos on Instagram from her fun book event.

To all my fellow #author friends and #writingcommunity who published during the pandemic and had nowhere to go, how awesome is it to FINALLY meet your readers?! I could do this all day! Grateful to L’s school and the wonderful librarian and teachers for having me. Also to the kids for their awesome engagement and questions. I actually feel like a bonafide author now!
Lisa Bournelis (@makeoneshift)

Louie and the Dictator is available on Amazon!

Ginette Valiquette, the author of Eli Finds His Zen, recently had a delightful story time reading at the Bruce Mines and Plummer Additional Public Union Library with Central Algoma CAPC Early ON Child & Family Centre. Check out this adorable photo from her Instagram!

Join the joy of story time with Eli Finds His Zen and get your copy now on Amazon!

Sharon Bruce, the talented author of Shoebox Baby recently hosted a successful book signing event at the park and even made it into the local paper.

Explore the captivating journey of Sue and her family in Shoebox Baby, a creative non-fiction story filled with joy, sorrow, laughter, and courage. Grab your copy now on Amazon!

Book Giveaways

July’s Page-Turner Giveaway!

Jul 25,2023 / By Trixie Raboy / No Comment

Are you ready to be swept away by the thrilling experience of a brand-new page-turner? If your answer is an empahtic yes, then you’re in for a treat!

This month’s book giveaway will surely keep you flipping from one page to the next.

Here’s your next favourite read!

A Thrilling Must-Read!

Unravel secrets and mysteries with Bonnie Randall’s book, The Shadow Collector: Natalya & Owen

HAVEN’T YOU WONDERED?
Undercover, on skid row . . . Owen Brophy, summoned by a street psychic, is alarmed when she knows his real name—and unnerved by her obstinate question: “Who did you abandon back home?”

Home. The Okanagan Valley. Owen hasn’t been there since he was a kid. Hasn’t seen his oldest friend—a guy he once loved like a brother, a man he’s long been estranged from—in years. Yet the psychic forecasts an ominous collision: past will crash against present when his old buddy exhumes a long-concealed secret—a secret more than one person has died for.
A secret someone will kill to keep hidden.

OR MAYBE YOU KNOW

Unannounced, at her door . . . A grisly package arrives for Natalya Nikoslav, its cryptic verse clearly written by someone who knows her history something she, abandoned as a toddler, has never been able to unearth on her own. Shaken, Natalya scours her psychic shadows to see where this package has come from. She’s shocked by what she sees: her tombstone.
Its death date waxes and wanes alongside an enigmatic spectre, a man she almost—almost!—recognizes, begging for her help. A retrocognitive, Natalya knows her psychic shadows are limited to the past . . . yet this man is unmistakably calling out from her future. And he’s frantic—they’ll both die if she doesn’t come home.
But . . . where is home? Who is he? And when she finds him will she know . . .

WHERE DID ALL THE CHILDREN GO?

Click HERE to get your FREE copy

Discovering deeper connections: Author Arwinder Kaur’s captivating journey in ‘Living While Human’

Jul 21,2023 / By Ben St. James / No Comment

Find out more about her acclaimed debut, which is honoured by the San Francisco Book Festival Nautilus Book Awards, and the Whistler Independent Book Awards

Recognizing my mentors was important, since they were immensely significant in forming my understanding about what it means to live as people…
ARWINDER KAUR

Today we are honoured to have the talented author Arwinder Kaur with us, whose thought-provoking debut book Living While Human takes us on a profound journey of self-discovery and understanding. Through her insightful exploration, Arwinder offers valuable insights into how we can navigate the complexities of our modern world while fostering a deeper connection with ourselves, others, and the earth.

Arwinder has woven a captivating narrative that not only delves into the enigmatic human psyche but also presents a candid and heartfelt account of her South Asian family’s migration to Canada. In her compelling memoir, she shares her incredible experiences as a globetrotter during her youth, providing her with a unique education about the multifaceted nature of humanity. As a social worker specializing in child welfare for nearly three decades after attending SFU, she possesses a wealth of wisdom and compassion that shines through her writing.