Dan Russell, former host of Sportstalk Radio is making headlines and other Tellwell author success stories

Jun 17,2022 / By Katie Hennessey / No Comment

With so many talented Tellwell authors, it can be tricky to highlight the continuous successes and accomplishments of all of them! Their success stories grow in number with each passing month, and we couldn’t be more proud of all of our authors and their hard work.

It’s been another exciting month for Tellwell authors, from award wins to interviews with major media outlets to incredible reviews!

Media Mentions

Dan Russell

Pleasant Good Evening, a Memoir: My 30 Wild and Turbulent Years of Sportstalk

Pleasant Good Evening, a Memoir is the #1 new release in General Broadcasting on Amazon! It’s also . . .

#1 in Hockey (Books)

#1 in Hockey Biographies

#1 in Hockey Sport Biographies

Dan Russell, a Canadian broadcasting legend, flipped the script and was interviewed and featured by numerous media outlets this month! Get to know Dan and his debut novel on Global News, Sportsnet, The Jas Johal Show, Radio NL 610 AM, CFAX radio, Healthy Living Network, and CBC with Gloria Macarenko.

With its blend of guests, callers, opinion and entertainment, Sportstalk kept growing and growing until it had become appointment radio. And it seemed most of British Columbia was buckled in as we travelled home and away in 1994 — on game nights and off nights, weekdays and weekends, often extending well past midnight — during the Canucks’ most memorable playoff ever.
The Vancouver Sun

For more information about Dan and his work, visit his website at https://danrussellsportstalk.com/

Rishma Govani

Sushi and Samosas

Rishma continues to spread the word about her children’s book, Sushi & Samosas, far and wide, with media mentions and social media features. Get the full scoop on Rishma and her book on The Star, York Region, 365 Days 365 Women, @ainarasbookshelf & @RKaderdina

The book advocates diversity, tolerance and cross-cultural understanding, and believes that breaking down barriers by the spoon is an essential introductory step for kids to learn more about the world around them.
The Star

To learn more about Rishma Govani @sushiandsamosas

Author of the Month

“Vindictive” author Ryan Lawrence shares his advice to authors considering self-publishing

Jun 15,2022 / By Tellwell Publishing / No Comment

As an English major, writing has always been a part of Ryan Lawrence’s life. It was only after leaving his long-time profession that he took his education and a passion for writing and began his author journey.

Ryan currently lives in London, Ontario, with his husband Todd, their cat Dora, and a massive comic book collection that once fell on Todd (Ryan assures us that he’s okay).

We’re thrilled to welcome Ryan as our author of the month for June. Read on to learn his advice for authors when self-publishing and marketing their work . . .

Toot your own horn! Be proud of what you have created, and never feel embarrassed to promote yourself. Excitement is contagious!
– Ryan Lawrence, author of Vindictive

How authors can overcome imposter syndrome

May 25,2022 / By Monica Martinez / No Comment

Tips to unleash your inner Goddess/God with Tellwell author of the month, Rita Kakati-Shah

Rita Kakati-Shah, the author of The Goddess of Go-Getting, holds many roles both in the business world as an entrepreneur, founder & CEO, public speaker, media contributor and, now, author. She is an award-winning gender, diversity, and inclusion career strategist, speaker and coach. She founded and runs, Uma, a company that provides strategic expertise in those areas to Fortune 500 companies.

The Goddess of Go-Getting was launched on International Woman’s Day by the Consul General of India in New York and has become the number one bestseller across three categories on Amazon.

Kakati-Shah was born and raised in London, England and is from Assam heritage. She now lives in New York City with her husband and children.

You have a unique voice, so tell the story in your voice, not in someone else’s. Once you find your voice, you’ll feel the passion and your writing will flow!
Rita Kakati-Shah, author of The Goddess of Go-Getting

Authors may battle imposter syndrome, question their ideas and talent, and struggle to let go of fears. How can authors unleash their inner Goddess/God to overcome their fears?

Love this question! First and foremost, you have to remember that as an author you have your own voice. Even if two authors were to recount the exact same story, their prose and expression would be different. You have a unique voice, so tell the story in your voice, not in someone else’s. Once you find your voice, you’ll feel the passion and your writing will flow!

What habits or rituals have you adopted that have helped you overcome fears and unleash your inner goddess?

Author of the Month

Tellwell children’s author Rishma Govani talks diversity, equity and inclusion!

Mar 22,2022 / By Katie Hennessey / No Comment

Rishma Govani is an experienced communications professional with over 20 years of experience in the media industry. She is passionate about creating tangible change in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion. She is the author of the children’s book, Sushi & Samosas: a trip of tasty transformations, and is currently working on her second children’s book, Bright Lights & Forever Flights, a journey of loss, love and hope around the world. She is the proud mother of her two kids Khalil, and Mila and their puppy, Hero.

Rishma has been featured by several media outlets, including Global News, Reading With Your Kids Podcast & Salaam Storytime! Her social media presence is booming and her work with popular creators and influencers has provided visibility for her book Sushi & Samosas: a trip of tasty transformations!

Read on to learn what advice she has for authors!

What inspired you to write Sushi & Samosas: A Trip of Tasty Transformations?

The genesis behind Sushi & Samosas is a little dinner club idea called TFLC which stands for Toronto Food Luck Club. The club’s mission was to try a different ethnic cuisine once a month. The club was active for 13 years trying over 100+ cuisines in the GTA with over 150 members.

The dinners started to slow down when our children were born but the essence of the book remained true for our children – try something new and your world expands!

Check out Toronto Food Luck Club.

How have your personal experiences influenced your book?

I was born a traveler, literally and of perspective – of word, of food, of music. I consider myself a world citizen and I am determined to raise our children as growing humanitarians who are open to every possibility that exists globally.

The book sets out on a journey of changing perceptions by the mouthful. I know first hand that knowing a bit about other cultures, about your neighbours, about different cuisines allows the ease of talking to strangers and bringing the world close together. It connects and unites us by our similarities and does away with our differences. I personally live by this ethos and my experiences have influenced the book.

What has the author’s journey been like for you? What are some successful and challenging moments?

It’s been a very long journey from start to finish. At times, it’s been exhausting especially during the recent publicity blitz I’ve been on, but I’m very proud of the book and the central message of it. It’s timeless and universal. I’ve been successful getting the word out through school readings and other media opportunities.

In the News and Receiving Excellent Reviews – Tellwell Author Success Stories

Mar 21,2022 / By Tellwell Publishing / No Comment

Good Morning, Blake: Growing Up Autistic and Being Okay

by Blake “Crash” Priddle

Read IndieReader’s interview with Blake “Crash” Priddle, author of Good Morning, Blake, where he also shares his advice for other indie authors.

Blake also had great interviews in the National Autism Canada podcast, Calgary City News, and CTV News!

What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?

I feel that others on the spectrum, their families and those in their lives like teachers, might find comfort in many familiar issues autistic people face. Some may be inspired from reading what I’ve gone through, survived and thrived. Readers who have little or no experience about autism (besides Rain Man or the Good Doctor), will gain compassion for folks that are ‘different’.
Blake “Crash” Priddle, author

Self-publishing advice and author affirmations from Tellwell author Chantel Riley

Feb 18,2022 / By Monica Martinez / No Comment

Our Tellwell February Author of the Month, Chantel Riley, on how social media has helped her promote her children’s book.

Social media has been a great help connecting me to an audience I could never have reached on my own.
Chantel Riley, author of I AM: Precious Affirmations

Chantel Riley has an impressive résumé as a television and Broadway actress. The talented on-screen star is also a singer/songwriter, she owns and operates a children’s clothing boutique, and is now adding “children’s author” to her accolades. Her positive-affirmations book for children has landed her on Canada’s national entertainment show, eTalk. She has also received glowing reviews for I AM: Precious Affirmations, and uses her social media platforms of tens of thousands of followers to promote her book.

The Toronto-based actress speaks about the heartfelt inspiration behind her children’s book and how social media has helped her reach a much wider audience, and shares her top three affirmations for authors!

Instagram @chantel_riley
Instagram @chantel_riley

You have an impressive résumé as a Broadway and television actor and owner of a children’s clothing boutique. Tell us more about yourself.

I was born in Toronto to my Jamaican parents, Joan and Errol Riley, and come from a big family. I have four siblings. Before I got into show business, I grew up taking dance lessons and singing in my church.

What inspired you to write I AM and become an author?

We had reached the one-year mark of the pandemic and I noticed I was seeing more and more reports of the decline of mental health in our youth and young children, along with the unfortunate and heartbreaking increase of suicide rates. Having two nephews of my own—one is 11 years old and the other 19 months old—I worried for their mental wellbeing and any effect this pandemic may have on them.

I am a strong believer in affirmations and the power of positive thoughts. Speaking to myself with positive words of power and love has helped me overcome some of the darkest moments of my life. Children are the future and I wanted to make sure I can leave something behind to help guide them down a road filled will love and positivity.

Celebrating Tellwell authors in the media, award-winners, bestsellers, and more!

Oct 18,2021 / By Monica Martinez / No Comment

From book launches to rave reviews to bestsellers, Tellwell authors have done it again! We’re always thrilled to celebrate author success!

Immigration, Race and Survival:

From Trinidad to Canada: Living in Parallel Worlds

by Cecily Pouchet Alexander

Author of Immigration, Race and Survival Cecily Alexander was featured in The Caribbean Camera!

This memoir is a collection of many journals she has kept over the years. She uses journalling as a way of working through feelings and emotions and of learning from her experiences. She has had a career as a dietitian for over forty years. Her career has included academic writing, and she has one previous book publication: a book on nutrition and weight loss called “Just Eat Less: Easier said than done.” She has a master’s in business administration specializing in organizational behaviour in addition to her nutrition degree from the University of Guelph. She has taught at both the university and college levels. She lives in Southern Ontario.

Tellwell Author Success Stories

Aug 24,2021 / By Monica Martinez / No Comment

Tellwell authors receiving awards, rave reviews, making bestsellers lists and appearing in the news. Congratulations!

If My Oak Tree Could Speak by Rachel Greening

Tellwell children’s author Rachel Greening’s book If My Oak Tree Could Speak tied for second place for Best Picture Book (5 and under), and received an honourable mention in the poetry category for the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards!

Where did Luna go? & Luna Loves Biscuits by Stephanie Hewitt

Stephanie Hewitt’s books Where did Luna go? and Luna Loves Biscuits – received honorable mentions from the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards in the new author – fiction category. Congratulations!

Sushi & Samosas : A Trip of Tasty Transformations by Rishma Govani

Author Rishma Govani is getting lots of positive hype for her book Sushi & Samosas. Check out some of her interviews here: katethismomloves &
twosouls.onejourney

Tellwell author success stories – awards, media, and reviews!

Jul 21,2021 / By Monica Martinez / No Comment

Our authors have been making headlines all month long! From winning awards to securing interviews, to generating reviews – our authors are getting their names out there! Great work, everyone!

Awards

Blood and Silver

by Vali Benson

Vali Benson’s Blood and Silver was also named a winner in the 2021 San Francisco Book Festival, for two categories; History and Young Adult.

Nine Ways to Empower Tweens #Lifeskills

by Kathleen Boucher

Kathleen Boucher’s Nine Ways to Empower Tweens #Lifeskills does it again! She is a finalist in the Young Adult Non-Fiction Category of the 2021 International Book Awards sponsored by the American Book Fest!

Author of the Month

How Miami-based children’s author Jennifer Segarra gained traction for her children’s book!

May 19,2021 / By Tellwell Publishing / No Comment

For May’s author of the month, we are celebrating Miami-based author, Jennifer S. Segarra!

Over the last few months, Jennifer has successfully been featured on a number of influential #bookstagram pages like @the_bookish_mind and @nerdybibliophilee, interviewed by notable outlets like KidlioMag, Children’s Literature and the Reading With Your Kids podcast, and has connected with readers all over the world through her social media!

Author Jennifer S. Segarra with her children’s hit – ***El Lechón Choncho otherwise known as Choncho the Pig***

Tell us a bit about yourself!

My name is Jennifer S. Segarra. I was born and raised in Miami, Florida. My parents immigrated to this country when they were young. My father is from Cuba and my mother is from Puerto Rico but also half Filipino.

I am a married mother of two beautiful children, and have an Italian Mastiff fur baby. I am bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish. My husband is from Cuba and we have been married for 15 years.

I love to cook, travel, discover new things, and LOVE reading books!

What inspired you to write El Lechón Choncho otherwise known as Choncho the Pig?

Since I was a young girl, I always loved reading, and this may sound quite weird but I loved being given assignments where I needed to write book reports, essays and stories in my own words. However, my mother always told me the story, since I was a little girl, of her favorite family pet pig named Choncho. I always told her she needed to make this a children’s book.

Tag Archives: tellwell success stories

Media Mentions

Dan Russell

Pleasant Good Evening, a Memoir: My 30 Wild and Turbulent Years of Sportstalk

Rishma Govani

Sushi and Samosas

Tips to unleash your inner Goddess/God with Tellwell author of the month, Rita Kakati-Shah

What inspired you to write Sushi & Samosas: A Trip of Tasty Transformations?

How have your personal experiences influenced your book?

What has the author’s journey been like for you? What are some successful and challenging moments?

Our Tellwell February Author of the Month, Chantel Riley, on how social media has helped her promote her children’s book.

Tellwell authors receiving awards, rave reviews, making bestsellers lists and appearing in the news. Congratulations!

If My Oak Tree Could Speak by Rachel Greening

Where did Luna go? & Luna Loves Biscuits by Stephanie Hewitt

Sushi & Samosas : A Trip of Tasty Transformations by Rishma Govani

Awards