Heather Shtuka’s memoir, Missing from Me, is a powerful account of love, loss, and the strength it takes to turn personal tragedy into a mission of advocacy.
In the quiet beauty of a Canadian ski town, Heather’s life was changed forever when her son Ryan went missing. What followed was an unrelenting search for answers that transformed her from a devoted mother to a voice for families enduring the heartbreak of a missing loved one.
Joe Lyons-Rising’s story is a remarkable testament to resilience, empathy, and the power of turning personal tragedy into a mission of purpose.
Having faced the unimaginable loss of both parents to suicide during his childhood, Joe has dedicated his life to helping others navigate the complexities of grief, trauma, and mental health challenges. His book, Pain Remixed, is a heartfelt and deeply personal exploration of healing, offering practical tools and invaluable insights drawn from his own journey toward recovery.
As we step into a new year, we’re filled with gratitude and pride for the incredible accomplishments of our Tellwell authors!
From captivating media features and inspiring author spotlights to well-deserved book awards and unforgettable milestones, their passion and perseverance have truly stood out. It’s been an honour to witness their success stories unfold and to be a part of their journeys.
Let’s celebrate their remarkable achievements as we take a look back at the highlights and milestones our authors achieved over the past year!
Tellwell author Joseph Camel’s book, Little Joe in the Big City, is now featured on the iconic Times Square billboard in New York City.
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.
L. M. Gregson, the author of Prue’s Journey, shares her incredible journey as a writer, blending the art of storytelling with the realities of daily life. From sparking ideas to refining her manuscripts, she remains deeply committed to her craft, embracing every step of the creative process with determination and joy.
Growing up in a small rural community, L.M. discovered her vivid imagination early on, crafting worlds and characters that would one day evolve into her stories. Her debut novel, Prue’s Journey, introduces readers to the fantastical land of Castalia, where adventure, courage, and magic abound. The Perdilum series, her first published work, is a culmination of her years of writing and a reflection of her unwavering dedication to her craft.
Through her writing, L. M. continues to explore new worlds and share her passion for storytelling, drawing from her own experiences and imagination to create stories that resonate with readers.
In honour of World Mental Health Day, Tellwell author Lisa Bournelis shares her journey as the creator of Louie and the Dictator, a book delivering a powerful message about mental health. Inspired by her own child’s experience with OCD during the pandemic, Lisa crafted this story to support children facing anxiety, reminding them they’re the heroes of their own journeys. Her book offers a hopeful reminder that changing how we think can transform our lives.
Tellwell author Karen Harmon shares her inspiring journey with us—an award-winning writer whose path is as heartfelt as the stories she tells. Karen lives with intention, finding joy in nature, connecting deeply with others, and drawing inspiration from life’s simple, everyday moments. For her, writing isn’t just about putting words on a page; it’s a way to connect, give back, and reflect on what truly matters.
With four impactful books already published through Tellwell—Looking for Normal, Where Is My Happy Ending, Fat and Beautiful, and Class of ’78—Karen now looks forward to sharing her fifth. Each book she crafts is a reminder that stories are not just written—they’re lived. Through her words, she invites readers to experience life as she does, with open hearts and a deep appreciation for the world around them.
Come along with us on Tellwell Author Stories: Behind the Books! In this exciting series, we’ll take you on a journey through the lives of our authors, exploring the moments and inspirations that have led to the creation of their books. Each author has a unique story to tell, filled with passion, perseverance, and creativity.
Join us as we uncover the layers behind their writing journeys and celebrate the incredible talent within the Tellwell community.
Karen Harmon, a Tellwell author, invites us to explore her inspiring journey. With a deep connection to books, nature, and the people around her, Karen approaches life with intention, infusing her heart into every page she writes. For her, writing transcends mere words; it’s about giving back, embracing the world, and drawing inspiration from life’s everyday moments.
An award-winning author, Karen has published four books with Tellwell: Looking for Normal, Where Is My Happy Ending, Fat and Beautiful, and Class of ’78. She is now on the path to publishing her fifth book with Tellwell.
Check out Karen Harmon’s author journey here!
Check out the latest news from our authors . . .
Stay connected and inspired by their recent book updates, personal stories, and behind-the-scenes looks at their writing journeys!
What’s more exciting on vacation than diving into a good book? Tellwell author Alexandra Labrie shares a snapshot from her recent getaway on her Instagram, featuring her book The Shadow of Her!
Tellwell author Karen Harmon just shared on her Instagram reel that she has officially submitted her new book manuscript titled Class of ’56!
