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
From consultant to thought leader: Gary Cox shares the journey to his book Cultivating Champions of CI : A Leader’s Toolbox for Creating a Continuous Improvement Culture
One thing I have acknowledged and accepted is this fundamental truth: we all experience the same challenges in leadership and business success.
Before we get started, tell us a little bit about yourself!
Born in England, my family immigrated to Canada in the fall of 1969. I was 10 years old. I have lived in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, ever since. I married my high school sweetheart and this year we’ll celebrate our 46th wedding anniversary. We have two daughters, both with families, each having two children. They live close so we spend lots of time with our grandchildren. I am very blessed by my family and circle of close friends. I retired from Canada Post Corporation after a 38-year career. I started that career as a letter carrier delivering mail and ended in the position of National Director of Process Engineering, Innovation and Integration. I was responsible for our Continuous Improvement Lean Six Sigma training and improvement projects. I had an amazing team and colleagues. After retiring I joined Barrington Consulting as their lead CI trainer and we started a new line of business, Operational Performance Services (Barrington OPS), servicing public and private sector clients in training, mentoring, and coaching leaders and frontline staff in the continuous improvement of their business processes. I’m very passionate about supporting people in their growth and achieving their business and personal goals.
What inspired you to turn your experience in CI into a book?
The last sentence of the previous question really sums up why. A book is one way to help others learn and grow in their leadership and in development of others, and I accept that helping others succeed is a measure of my own success. If I can share my 25-plus years in what I’ve learned as a leader, mentor, coach and continuous improvement student and advocate, and make a positive contribution to the growth of others, I consider it an honour.
My business mission statement, which I share in my book is: “To be recognized as a leader with integrity in operational efficiency by utilizing proven methods and practices. My mission is to coach and mentor others in their self-development, helping them increase their knowledge, skills, and attitudes toward achieving both personal and business goals.” I wrote that statement a decade into my career and it remains a guiding mission for what I do. I have a personal mission statement too, which overarches my business mission statement.
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of playoff season—and nothing quite like the anticipation of writing your dream book series. Authoring a series is a bold move and, like hockey’s iconic hat-trick, there’s something deeply satisfying about pulling off three strong books (or more!) that keep audiences cheering.
But just as no hockey star makes it to the top without strategy and discipline, series authors need more than creativity and ambition—they need a game plan. At Tellwell we love helping authors develop that winning strategy, and we’ve seen the challenges that can throw even the most passionate writers off their game.
So, whether you’re dreaming of a trilogy or plotting a ten-book saga, here are three common mistakes authors make when writing a series—and how to avoid them like a pro.
It’s tempting to jump into book 1 and let the story and characters unfold organically, especially for first-time writers. But without a clear vision for the series you could find yourself rewriting the first book halfway through book 3.
Why it Matters
Characters grow. Plotlines twist. Themes deepen. But if your first book doesn’t lay a strong foundation, the rest can feel shaky. That’s why we always recommend knowing how your characters will grow. It’s easy to imagine how a story impacts an audience, but what are the story’s effects on its own characters? They should experience meaningful growth.
Pro Tips to Score Big
If you’re promoting book 1 and someone asks, “What’s your favourite part of the story?” and you respond with something like, “Well, in book 2, which isn’t done yet . . .” you will have issues.
We get it. You’ve got amazing plot twists planned for book 2 and a jaw-dropping finale in book 3, but if book 1 doesn’t shine, readers probably won’t get there.
Why it Matters
Book 1 is your first impression—your handshake, your game opener. It has to hook readers, stand alone, and offer a satisfying story. If there’s no spark in the opening period, you won’t be making the playoffs.
Pro Tips to Score Big
We know many authors are deep in their manuscripts, and enjoy the writing process. But if no one knows book 1 exists, books 2 and 3 will be harder to push.
Why it Matters
Marketing is part of your storytelling journey. It helps readers discover you, builds anticipation, and makes book launches feel like events—not surprises.
Pro Tips to Score Big
Writing a series is a commitment, and a chance to build a world your readers never want to leave. With planning, pacing, and promotional power plays, you’ll be scoring your own author hat-trick in no time.
And remember: at Tellwell we love working with series authors. Whether you’re plotting your sequel or pitching a multi-book project, we’re here to coach, cheer, and champion your publishing goals.
Let’s make every book a winning goal!
Kay Sparling’s Mission THAW is a gripping spy thriller that blends high-stakes espionage with the world of opera. Drawing from her own journey from an Iowa farm to performing in Vienna, Sparling brings authenticity and depth to her protagonist, Kaitlyn Stewart. In this interview, she shares how her personal experiences shaped the novel, the challenges of tackling dark themes, and why she chose the independent publishing route. From the elegance of the Viennese opera scene to the pulse-pounding dangers, Mission THAW delivers action and adventure.
Enter Kay Sparling’s Goodreads Giveaway for a chance to win a copy of Mission: THAW.
Kaitlyn Stewart’s journey from a farm in Iowa to an opera star in Vienna is unique. What inspired you to create such an ambitious character?
Well, those are actual facts about my own life. I grew up in Midwest farmland surrounded by soybean and corn fields, and went to a small school in the nearest tiny town twenty miles away. I left to go to college and voice training at the age of 17 and ended up in Europe as an opera singer 12 years later. When I was in middle school, my dad bought me a map of NYC. I put it up on my bedroom wall and pinned the location of all the famous Broadway theatres and the Metropolitan Opera. I guess you could say I was a goal-driven kid.
Vienna plays a central role in the story. How does the city’s cultural heritage and high society influence the narrative and Kaitlyn’s journey?
Since Kaitlyn is an opera singer, the Wien Staatsoper is a perfect venue to set the story. Viennese culture eats and breathes opera and classical music. The famous cafes lend a spark of romance for the opera aficionados to meet and gossip about the latest diva debut and hope that they get a glimpse of her sitting with a famous maestro. One persistent possible stumbling block for Kaitlyn is to always keep up with all the high-society manners and traditions. A high demand for an American farm girl. But, in order to infiltrate the trafficking cartel, she must be convincing that she is one of them. Kaitlyn is always relieved to come home at the end of the day, kick off her shoes, and eat a BLT. The upper-class nonsense makes her teeth itch.
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!
Meet Christian Añasco! As our talented book publishing consultant, Christian is dedicated to guiding you through every step of your publishing journey.
Take a moment to get to know Christian!
How did you first become interested in book publishing, and what led you to join Tellwell as our in-house publishing consultant?
I am a fan of dystopian and fantasy books, but the question of how exactly they were made never occurred to me. Before Tellwell, I had zero knowledge about how publishing works. I was at a stage where I tried to pinpoint unknown areas of my life that were causing me discontent and left my job of five years to breathe. After that break, I came across this opportunity, a total pivot from being in software development to publishing. I am a guy who believes in the importance of continuous learning, and it has been my goal to be proficient in something new, be it in knowledge or practical skills. Why not get a grasp of how these paperbacks are being put together? Very informative!
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!
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:
