We're honored to have Elle Mott with us for her blog tour of Marie Conner, A Leading Lady. This book is perfect for women who love true stories about community spirit and dedication. Join us as we celebrate the launch of her book and interview her about her writing journey. You'll also have the chance to win a copy for yourself.
But first, here's more about this nonfiction historical biography:
Marie was born a girl. That was only her first mistake, according to her father.
In an era when daughters and wives are not supposed to be concerned with matters outside the home, Marie is determined to prove him wrong. To do this, she must break down barriers placed on women in society, overcome difficulties that befall her, surpass hardships from the Great Depression, and then face an inevitable relocation.
Marie steps into her community and into the hearts of many people to give her time and help with their needs. She wants nothing in return other than her father's acceptance as a worthy woman and yet, she gains much in return, even if it is not her father's praise. This is Marie’s story—of a rise from her girlhood angsts to become a leading lady—and much more.
Publisher: Luminare Press
ISBN-13: 979-8-88679-972-9
ASIN: B0GFGTN761
Print length: 303 pages
Purchase a copy of Marie Conner, A Leading Lady on Amazon. You can also add it to your GoodReads reading list.
Advanced Praise for Marie Conner, A Leading Lady
“Wow, this book is such a delight! It tells the incredible story of Marie Conner, an amazing woman whose life had me hooked from the very start. As a businesswoman and community volunteer in Lebanon, Oregon, I felt a real connection to her journey. I recognized names that begat generations of hard working, generous people.
Marie’s blend of business savvy and commitment to helping others is truly inspiring. The author does a fantastic job of painting a vivid picture of Marie’s day-to-day life, making you feel like you’re right there with her, experiencing all the ups and downs. This book is a beautiful reminder of how one person can make a difference, and it’s perfect for anyone who loves stories about community spirit and dedication. Definitely worth a read!”
Jennifer Stewart Grove
Outreach Director of The Oaks at Lebanon Retirement Community
Entertainment Chair of the Lebanon Strawberry Festival
Woman of the Year, 2019, Lebanon, Oregon.
About the Author, Elle Mott
Elle Mott writes creative nonfiction. This is her third book. She is the author of “Out of Chaos: A Memoir” and “People Helping People.” Her other writing pieces have been featured in literary journals, news magazines, and anthologies. She has a background working in libraries, both at the college level and, for more than ten years, at the public library in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. While library work is her livelihood, writing is her passion. Elle grew up in Oregon and now makes her home in the suburbs of northern Kentucky with two cats and several pet birds.
Find her online at:
Website: https://ellemottauthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellemott.author
All Author: https://allauthor.com/author/ellemott
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/ellemott
-- Interview by Nicole Pyles
WOW: Congrats on your book, Marie Conner, A Leading Lady! What inspired you to write about Marie Conner?
Elle: Inspiration for Marie Conner, A Leading Lady, came from my memoir, Out of Chaos, in which my remembrance of her gave me strength to overcome difficulties. I had been on the verge of adulthood, and she, much older, when she had imparted words of wisdom to me. With my memoir published, and she, long gone, I questioned why my strength had come from her. That answer involved research. Marie, who was once my matriarch, was next a great muse for me as I peeled back the layers of a woman, who, as I came to find out, had lived a truly remarkable life. As in awe as I was, I knew I had to share her story.
WOW: I think it's so fascinating that you called her your muse. What do you hope readers take away from reading the book?
Elle: There is much we can gain from a woman who lived in an era when women were expected to stay home and yet, she didn't. Marie was a changemaker and trailblazer. Although her story takes place in bygone days, it is relevant today, given the unsettling stories that bombard our daily news. Marie’s legacy is the inspiration for us to make a positive difference in our life and our communities. If she could do it, so can we.
Whether it be this or something else, I hope you will share what you take away from it in a review wherever you hang out, whether online or in person—even just a few words will be much appreciated.
WOW: I love that! You did such a fantastic job of making Marie and the world around her so vivid and real. What was your techniques in writing in order to convey that so well?
Elle: With a myriad of tools available for writers to use to portray the world in their stories whether it be a novel or like this one, a true story, I will share but one way, and that is to look at pictures. Not just look at but study the picture and write out what is seen. Pay attention to the details, whether it be facial expressions or windblown grass in the surrounding landscape or the condition of a building or house. If you really pay attention, you will see colors in black and white photographs. I can see Marie’s expression and even the plausible lipstick shade she used when posing for black and white pictures, many of which are now found in newspaper repositories. And in reading a 1952 issue of the Saturday Evening Post that featured an article detailing but one of Marie’s accomplishments, I studied the included photographs.
WOW: What great insight! What was your revision process like?
Elle: It (the revision process) was long, but thankfully I was not alone as I moved through draft after draft after (well, you get the picture). For completing the manuscript, I had two readers at my side from day one. This historical biography has four parts. Part Two zooms in on Marie’s civic leadership. Part One shows her youth, and even then, how she had made strides to break barriers placed on women in that era. From Part Three, which is where Marie’s focus shifts a bit, next comes the dénouement in Part Four.
For each drafted part (and each with several chapters), once written, my two readers were on hand to give me feedback in what to keep and what not to, and what to change or not, and why or why not. I especially loved my time with one reader, Janet Martin-Rush. Like me, she is a morning person. As the sun was only beginning to rise, we’d settle in my living room with coffee and pastries to talk freely about my muse, how we can apply Marie’s message in our home and work lives today, and how best to share her story. Insider scoop for you: Janet wanted me to title the book, “In a Burst of Thunder.”
WOW: Ha, that's a clever title too! What advice do you have for any writer who wants to take on any nonfiction projects?
Elle: Passion is important for any writer for nonfiction projects. My advice is that it to be on someone or something in which you are passionate about; not necessarily a topic that you know a lot about. I thought I had known my matriarch, Marie, yet from my research, I gained ah-hah moments. Trust me, from my experience, even if you think you know your topic well when going in to it, you will, when you do your due diligence in research, find surprises. Surprises sure surfaced for me. Also, with this passion, be prepared with a box of Kleenex as you draft the story. Even the happy moments had me in tears as I peeled back, and then shared in my writing, the layers of this unforgettable woman, Marie Conner, who I can’t wait for you to meet!
WOW: That's great wisdom. Thank you so much sharing. Thank you for your time today! I hope you enjoy your blog tour.
--- Blog Tour Calendar
February 9 @ The Muffin
Join us at WOW as we celebrate the launch of Elle Mott's nonfiction historical biography, Marie Conner, A Leading Lady. We interview the author and give you the chance to win a cherry blossom gift set, including a copy of the book.
February 10 @ Boys' Mom Reads!
Karen features Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott in a spotlight.
February 11 @ Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews
Visit Lisa's blog for an interview with Elle Mott.
February 12 @ World of My Imagination
Nicole reviews Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott.
February 14 @ Boots, Shoes, and Fashion
Stop by Linda's blog for an interview with Elle Mott, author of Marie Conner, A Leading Lady.
February 15 @ A Wonderful World of Words
Stop by Joy's blog for her feature of an excerpt from Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott.
February 17 @ StoreyBook Reviews
Leslie will be featuring an excerpt from Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott.
February 18 @ The Faerie Review
Stop by Lily's blog for a spotlight of Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott.
February 19 @ Words by Webb
Stop by Jodi's blog for her review of Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott.
February 21 @ Sarandipity's Blog
Join Sara for her interview with Elle Mott, author of Marie Conner, A Leading Lady.
February 23 @ A Storybook World
Join Deirdre's blog for her spotlight of Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott.
February 25 @ CC King's blog
Check out Catrin's blog for an excerpt from Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott.
February 26 @ Words by Webb
Visit Jodi's blog for her response to our tour-themed prompt on her experience giving back to her community.
February 27 @ Chapter Break
Visit Julie's blog for her interview with Elle Mott, author of Marie Conner, A Leading Lady.
March 2 @ Just Katherine
Katherine will share an excerpt from Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott. She'll also share her response to our tour-themed prompt about a strong maternal figure for her when growing up.
***** BOOK & GIFT SET GIVEAWAY *****
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One winner will receive a cherry blossom gift set, including a signed copy of Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott. Fill out the form below for a chance to win! The giveaway ends on February 22 at 11:59 pm CT. We will randomly draw a winner the next day and follow up via email. Good luck!
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