Tag Archives: writing journey

Tellwell Author Stories: Behind the Books

Traces of a Boy: A Story of Survival, Strength, and Truth

A story of survival, told without fear. In Traces of a Boy, Russ Grabb takes readers on an unflinching journey through his deeply personal memoir—a gripping work of creative nonfiction.

For Russ Grabb, writing Traces of a Boy was not just about revisiting the past—it was about breaking the silence and giving a voice to the child he once was. His journey as an author is one of resilience, honesty, and the unshakable belief that storytelling can illuminate even the darkest truths.

Russ writes with an intensity that demands attention, blending creative nonfiction with the raw emotion of lived experience. His work doesn’t just recount trauma—it challenges, exposes, and invites readers to witness the strength it takes to survive. Through Traces of a Boy, he transforms painful memories into powerful prose, proving that even the most difficult stories deserve to be told.

By sharing his truth, Russ not only reclaims his own story but also offers solidarity to others who have faced unimaginable realities. His writing is a testament to the power of survival, the necessity of speaking out, and the enduring impact of an untold story finally brought to light.

Traces of a Boy is not an easy read, nor was it meant to be. This haunting memoir blends the depth of creative nonfiction with the gripping intensity of a novel, drawing readers into the life of a wounded child navigating a world of unimaginable hardship. Russ exposes the harsh realities of betrayal, bone-breaking violence, and society’s indifference, crafting a story that is as harrowing as it is necessary.

With haunting prose and unflinching detail, Traces of a Boy is more than a memoir, it’s a reckoning. It compels us to confront the darker corners of human experience while recognizing the unbreakable spirit of those who endure. It’s a book that lingers, challenges, and ultimately serves as a powerful reminder that some stories must be told, no matter how difficult they are to hear.

Read More
Tellwell Author Stories: Behind the Books

A Calling Beyond Belief: Celia McBride’s Journey to Faith and Publishing

Celia McBride’s journey is anything but ordinary. In her forties, she felt an undeniable calling—to explore life as a Catholic nun, despite not being Catholic. Her memoir, O My God: An Un-Becoming Journey, chronicles this deeply personal path of faith, transformation, and self-discovery.

Celia’s story is one of unexpected twists, deep introspection, and profound change. Raised in an atheist household, she never imagined she would one day consider a life devoted to faith. But an inner pull led her to a convent, where she spent time exploring what it meant to live a life of spirituality and devotion. Her journey wasn’t just about religion—it was about seeking truth, embracing vulnerability, and following an unknown path with an open heart.

Writing a memoir is a brave act, especially when it involves such a deeply personal transformation. For Celia, putting her journey into words meant revisiting some of the most profound moments of her life, embracing honesty, and trusting that her story could inspire others.

Through the publishing process with Tellwell, she has not only brought her book to life but also extended an invitation to readers—to reflect on their own journeys, question their beliefs, and remain open to transformation.

In O My God: An Un-Becoming Journey, Celia shares the highs, lows, and eye-opening moments of her transformative path. Her story challenges beliefs, embraces uncertainty, and uncovers truths in the most unlikely places. But beyond her own experience, it serves as a powerful reminder that life often leads us down unexpected roads—and sometimes, the boldest leaps of faith bring us exactly where we’re meant to be. Whether you’re drawn to spiritual exploration or personal growth, her memoir is a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Read More
Tellwell Author Stories: Behind the Books

Alison Williams: The Art of Storytelling

Meet Tellwell author Alison Williams, a talented artist and storyteller who invites us into her creative journey! With a deep love for storytelling and a gift for visual art, Alison pours intention and heart into every project. For her, writing and illustrating go beyond simply creating books; they’re about building new worlds, embarking on thrilling adventures, and forging connections with readers. Each story she crafts is a reflection of her passion for art and the joy she finds in the creative process.

Read More
Tellwell Author Stories: Behind the Books

Living Stories: The Journey of Karen Harmon

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.

Read More