Téllez was a Colombian writer, journalist, and political activist born in 1908 in Bogotá. He is best known for his short stories, which often dealt with social and political issues, and for his involvement in left-wing politics in Colombia.

Téllez began his writing career as a journalist in the 1930s, contributing to prestigious newspapers in Colombia. In 1936, he published his first collection of short stories, “Ceniza y otros cuentos” (“Ashes and Other Stories”), which dealt with themes such as poverty, injustice, and oppression. His stories were noted for their powerful descriptions of the lives of ordinary people and their social and political commentary.

Téllez was a member of the Communist Party of Colombia, and his political activism often landed him in trouble with the authorities. In 1948, he was arrested and imprisoned for his political activities, leading to his work being banned by the government. He was later released, but he continued to be harassed and persecuted by the authorities.

Despite the obstacles he faced, Téllez continued to write, and he went on to publish several more collections of short stories, as well as novels, plays, and essays. His later works continued to address social and political issues, but they also explored themes such as love, death, and the human condition.