Marjorie enjoys helping authors turn their book ideas into real publishing plans. With a warm and approachable style, she guides authors through their options, answers their questions, and makes the process feel clear and manageable. The best part of her job is hearing authors’ stories and helping them take their exciting first steps on their publishing journey.
Read on to learn more about Marjorie and her role at Tellwell!
Author and illustrator Crystal Beach has built a body of work that celebrates curiosity, inclusion, and early learning. Her newest book, One Little Witch, moves from the Arctic setting of her earlier titles into a magical pumpkin patch inspired by her own backyard. In this interview, Crystal talks about what drives her storytelling, how her background shapes her creative process, and what she’s learned along the way.
“My passion for early learning comes from wanting to make stories that are both fun and meaningful for young readers.”
Crystal Beach Author/Illustrator
This month we’re putting the spotlight on one of Tellwell’s dedicated project managers, Reggie. As a key part of the publishing journey he works closely with our authors, guiding them through each stage of the process, keeping projects on track, and ensuring their work is brought to life.
Get to know more of Reggie and his role at Tellwell.
Can you tell us a bit about your role as a project manager at Tellwell, and what a typical day looks like for you?
A typical day starts with me completing urgent tasks such as reviewing design drafts for my authors. After that I move on to answering emails or giving authors a quick call if they need a gentle reminder about their tasks. Overall, my focus is on guiding them closely and effectively throughout the process of completing their book.
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.
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.”
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new podcast, Demystifying Self-Publishing with Tellwell, the ultimate guide to navigating the world of self-publishing. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or uncertain about how to get your book out into the world, this podcast is for you. Whether you’re an aspiring author or already on your self-publishing journey, our mission is to help you break down the complexities of the industry and provide you with expert insights and practical advice that will help you succeed.
The self-publishing industry can often feel overwhelming. With so many options available and countless decisions to make, it’s easy to get lost in the details. That’s where Demystifying Self-Publishing with Tellwell comes in. This podcast will guide you through every step of the process, from the initial concept of your book to the final launch and beyond.
Episodes will feature in-depth interviews with industry professionals, successful self-published authors, and publishing experts who have been through it all and can share their valuable knowledge. Whether you’re curious about formatting, marketing, or distribution, or curious about how other self-published authors have found success, we’ve got you covered. Our guests will share their stories, struggles, and triumphs to give you an honest look at the journey of self-publishing.
Self-publishing is an exciting and rewarding journey, but it can also be challenging. The landscape has evolved so much over the years that what worked for authors in the past may not be as relevant today. That’s why staying informed is crucial, and Demystifying Self-Publishing aims to keep you up to date with the latest trends and tips.
For anyone looking to make their mark in the self-publishing world, this podcast will offer you everything from inspiration to actionable steps. Every episode is designed to leave you empowered and ready to take the next step in your publishing journey.
We’re kicking off the podcast with a series of episodes featuring some truly inspiring guests, including Tellwell’s very own founder and CEO, Timothy Lindsay. We can’t wait to introduce you to experts who can provide tips on navigating common challenges and authors who have successfully built their self-publishing careers.
The first episode is available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, and our full video episodes are available on YouTube. Whether you’re thinking about writing your first book or looking to grow your self-publishing career, Demystifying Self-Publishing with Tellwell is here to help you along the way.
So grab your headphones, hit play, and let’s demystify self-publishing together! Don’t forget to subscribe!
PS: Interested in being a guest? We are looking for authors or industry experts who have thrived in the world of self-publishing, overcome obstacles, or have unique perspectives to share with our audience. Apply now!
We have an extensive assortment of author successes to celebrate this October. Join us as we round up 5-star reviews, new chart-toppers, and award-winners!
Parimalasri Docktor reached #1 on the Hot New Release charts in Children’s Reptile and Amphibian Books with Tortoise Goes to the Vet. In addition to soaring on the charts, Parimalasri Docktor and her book have been featured on CBS News!
Daniel McMillan was recently featured on the Inside Scoop Live! podcast discussing his book Badger and Turtle Face the Storm. His book follows a pair of friends who learn to work together under stress. This book is meant for not only children to enjoy, but as a tool for families to better understand a common, hurtful pattern that can occur, particularly between parents.
Brother Bo recently scored a #1 hit on two charts with his book on sacred masculinity, The Father’s Seeds. Learn more about this chart-topper.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
Heather Shtuka penned her #1 bestseller, Missing From Me, after her son Ryan went missing. In this insightful interview, she opens up about her grief, her son’s legacy, the power of social media for community-building, and how her story has gone on to support other families who have missing loved ones through her organization, the Free Bird Project.
I will never understand the concept that there is a reason this has happened. There can be no reason that makes sense that my son is not here living the life of his choosing. But I believe strongly there can be a purpose.
To get started, tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Heather Shtuka. I was born in Comox, BC, where I lived with my father, mother, and older brother for the first six years of my life. My father was in the air force, and when I finished kindergarten, we made the first of many moves to Trenton, Ontario. A far cry from the ocean waters and rainy weather I was used to, but still, I loved living in small-town Ontario. Despite a brief move to Ottawa, it was in Trenton that I graduated high school. Soon after, my dad made his final move with the air force and chose Edmonton, AB, for his retirement. Feeling the need for a change and wanting to remain close to my parents, I followed soon after. Even the chilly winters here could not mask the warmth and genuineness that I felt from the people living in this province. One of them became my husband, Scott. We met, fell in love, and married in seven short months. Looking back now, I can only imagine the fear our parents felt at the rush in which we began our relationship. But I knew that in Scott I had found a kindred soul. Twenty-eight years later, I still marvel at my good fortune.
I have held many titles that describe me as daughter, sister, friend, and wife. But my favourite and perhaps most fulfilling has always been a mom. I have been blessed to have had three imperfectly perfect children, Ryan John Marcus, Jordyn Delaney, and Julianna Michelle. I was a stay-at-home mom for most of Ryan and Jordyn’s childhood. During that time, I did carpools, hot-lunch programs and countless volunteer hours at their schools. Then, three years after the birth of our third baby, I ventured back into the workforce, accepting a position with WestJet Airlines. I loved the hustle and bustle of the airport and the people I worked with. I honestly never thought I would leave. I did not anticipate the loss of my son would lead me to other less tangible yet still significant holes that would never be filled. But perhaps the adage that when one door closes, another opens is correct. I completed my degree in public relations in the years since Ryan’s disappearance and embarked on a career in communications and advocacy. I also wrote my book, Missing From Me.
Much like running, writing has a tendency to be a lengthy independent exercise. The road can often get lonely and desolate, and it can certainly be reassuring to see some fellow runners, or in this case writers, alongside. Regardless of which publishing route you choose – traditional or self-published, there’s still a long journey of self-promotion that lies ahead.
As a self-published author, you’re essentially taking on a new profession, and if this is your first book, there can be a steep learning curve ahead. But, having an outlet to gain advice and support from other writers can help drive momentum and establish a solid foundation as a writer.
Many authors look to a writer’s organization as an opportunity to turn an independent effort into a team sport. Whether it be a national organization with smaller regional branches, a provincial organization, or a niche specific group, you may want to consider joining one as part of your marketing and promotion strategy.
Here are some of the advantages of becoming a member of a writer’s organization:
