We're excited to announce the blog tour for When Women Talk Volume 3, Notes From The Future. Elle Mott, one of the co-authors and a friend of WOW, is joining us again to celebrate the book's launch and share more details about her contribution. We interview her about her journey to share her story. You'll also have a chance to win a print copy of the book, a full-sized writing journal, and three pens, each engraved with an inspirational quote.
But first, here is more about the book:
Ever wish you could call your younger self and say, “It’s going to be okay”?
In When Women Talk: Notes From the Future, ten incredibly diverse women look back and do just that.
This isn’t an “I told you so” lecture; this book gathers honest, heartfelt stories from women across generations, reaching back to tell their younger selves what truly matters. From messy breakups to career wins, these stories offer a roadmap for your own journey. It’s not about quick fixes; it’s about the timeless wisdom of resilience, self-worth, and trust. You need to read this because it feels like a long coffee date with your future, much wiser best friend.
"While a single voice can make an impact, many voices can make change. We all have a purpose and a story to tell; there is someone who needs to hear it, and by showing up we can make a difference in someone’s life, career, or business." — Cathy Kuzel, curator.
"We don’t have to bring ill-emotions from an unsettling childhood event into our adulthood. And yet if we do, there is hope for renewal. After all, it takes what it takes to get us to where we are today in life. Sometimes the journey from nightfall to sunrise is not an overnight matter." — Elle Mott, co-author.
Purchase a copy of When Women Talk Volume 3, Notes From The Future from the When Women Talk Bookstore.
About the Co-Author, Elle Mott
Elle Mott writes creative nonfiction focused on resiliency, empowerment, and advocacy. She is a featured co-author in the new book, When Women Talk Volume 3 (The Connected Woman, 2026). Elle toured with WOW! earlier this year for the historical biography, "Marie Conner, A Leading Lady" (Luminare Press, 2026). She is also the author of "Out of Chaos, A Memoir" (Boyle & Dalton, 2018), and "People Helping People" (2020). Her shorter pieces are widely featured in ezines, literary journals, national news magazines, and regional collections. Elle works at the public library in downtown Cincinnati and dedicates her free time to her passion for writing. She lives in nearby northern Kentucky with two cats and several pet birds.
Website: https://ellemottauthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellemott.author
AllAuthor: https://allauthor.com/author/ellemott
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/ellemott
--- Interview by Nicole Pyles
WOW: Congrats on being included in this incredible collection. What inspired you to submit your writing to this collection?
Elle: Thank you! It is a "wow" feeling to have my contribution, “My Journey From Nightfall to Sunrise,” included in this volume for When Women Talk. I had already read Volumes 1 and 2, and knowing that proceeds from book sales invest in the livelihoods of women worldwide is incredibly important to me. All of my published works focus on resiliency, empowerment, and giving back to improve my life and the lives of others.
When a friend nudged me to apply, it felt like the next natural move. My application included a writing sample, followed by a virtual meeting with the curator. The next exciting part was meeting my co-authors, also virtually. Together, we are so excited to launch this book!
WOW: That sounds incredible! I can only imagine how much I'd have to say to my younger self. How did you know what you wanted to say?
Elle: There are so many things I would like to say to my younger self. If only I could have, I would have avoided some of the hardships I encountered. Yet, it takes what it takes to get where we are in life today, which is the underlying message of my piece.
To narrow down exactly what to say, I relied on reader feedback from an earlier published essay of mine. In that story, I shared a childhood experience. A reader told me it gave her insight to ponder, but left her with a lingering question of what happened next. To answer her, I revisited that fateful night in my girlhood to bring the story full circle.
WOW: Love that you sought feedback to figure out exactly what you wanted to say. What was your writing process like?
Elle: From the first messy, unpolished draft I shared with our curator to the final edits, I kept my writing journal and pen with me everywhere I went. On breaks at work, I’d write and rewrite. During my commute, my brain muscles worked overtime as I planned what to change and why. On weekends, I pieced together those scrambled notes to share with our editor.
Throughout it all, I experienced an incredible sense of community. At times, I felt like I was exposing a deeply hidden part of myself, but I wasn't alone. Hearing that a couple of my co-authors shared that same vulnerability made all the difference. Our curator often reminded us: you have a story to tell, and someone out there needs to hear it.
WOW: That sense of community makes such a difference. How did your contribution change from the first draft to the final draft?
Elle: Once I was selected, our editor helped me polish the draft. As I answered her questions, I fleshed out the details. I was open to suggestions regarding flow, but I was a stickler for pacing based on what I’ve learned from my prior publications.
What was a brand-new experience for me was working with a Canadian editor and publisher. Who knew there were so many spelling variations depending on which side of the border you sit on to read?
WOW: Interesting! Why do you think it's so inspiring or powerful to think of what we'd want to say to our younger selves?
Elle: Life has a sometimes funny, sometimes tragic way of turning out. I used to place blame on myself for my life’s trajectory. However, as I opened up to write this story, I realized that self-blame is hurtful, not helpful. The key is to accept accountability while simultaneously embracing where life puts us.
By thinking of what we’d say to our younger selves, we open ourselves up to laugh, cry, or both. More importantly, it helps us understand what happened so we can focus on today.
WOW: Great point. How was this type of writing different from any other writing you've done?
Elle: In the early days of my writing journey, which was more than ten years ago, I primarily contributed to local publications. I suppose that was a safety net and a way to test the waters. In contrast, my contribution to When Women Talk takes my writing to an international level. It took real bravery to share my words literally with the whole world.
WOW: It does! What advice would you share to writers just starting out?
Elle: Write. If you don’t write, nothing will get written! Beyond that, get to know other authors. Share what you learn along the way, and listen to what they have to say. One great place to befriend other writers is right here, hanging out with WOW! Women on Writing. As you write, be brave. There is someone who needs to hear your story, but they won’t get the chance if you don’t write it first.
WOW: Great advice. What are you working on now that you can tell us about?
Elle: I don’t know yet what my next book will be, but I invite you to follow my writing journey to discover alongside me as to just what that will be.
WOW: Yes! I hope people do. Can you share more about your writing routine?
Elle: Each day is an opportunity to write. During the week, my writing hours are stretched thin. Like many people, I’m committed to a day job all week long. Come the weekend, though, I put that daily drafting to work with a dedicated morning session. Waking up early on my days off to do that feels incredibly exciting and empowering.
WOW: Love that you prioritize that way. Where do you like to write?
Elle: My favorite place to write is at my desk at home. I always have my cats nearby. My older cat usually sits on the perch right next to my desk by the window. My other cat likes to hang out in front of us, looking up at our pet birds in their aviary, who cheer me on with their tweets!
WOW: Thank you so much for joining us, Elle! Best of luck on what comes next!
--- Blog Tour Calendar
October 5 @ The Muffin
Join us at our blog, The Muffin, as we celebrate the launch of When Women Talk Volume 3, Notes From The Future. We interview co-author Elle Mott and give away a copy of the book.
October 5 @ Just Katherine
Stop by Katherine's blog for an excerpt from When Women Talk Volume 3, Notes From The Future. She also shares her response to our tour-themed prompt.
October 7 @ A Storybook World
Stop by Deirdre's blog for a spotlight from When Women Talk Volume 3, Notes From The Future.
October 10 @ Chapter Break
Stop by Julie's blog for an interview with Elle Mott about her writing in When Women Talk Volume 3, Notes From The Future.
October 12 @ Lisa's Reading
Stop by Lisa's blog for an excerpt from When Women Talk Volume 3, Notes From The Future.
October 14 @ Hook of a Book
Visit Erin's blog for an excerpt from When Women Talk Volume 3, Notes From The Future.
October 15 @ Words by Webb
Visit Jodi's blog for a review of When Women Talk Volume 3, Notes From The Future.
October 18 @ World of My Imagination
Stop Nicole's blog for her review of When Women Talk Volume 3, Notes From The Future.
October 20 @ Author Anthony Avina's Blog
Visit Anthony's blog for his review of When Women Talk Volume 3, Notes From The Future.
October 23 @ A Wonderful World of Books
Stop by Joy's blog for a spotlight of When Women Talk Volume 3, Notes From The Future.
October 25 @ Bring on Lemons
Stop by Crystal's blog for a spotlight and review of When Women Talk Volume 3, Notes From The Future.
October 27 @ What Is That Book About
Michelle spotlights When Women Talk Volume 3, Notes From The Future.
October 30 @ All Things Writing
Stop by Caitrin's blog for an excerpt from When Women Talk Volume 3, Notes From The Future.
November 2 @ Jessica's Reading Room.
Stop by Jessica's blog for an excerpt from When Women Talk Volume 3, Notes From The Future.
November 4 @ Author Anthony Avina's Blog
Stop by Anthony's blog for an excerpt from When Women Talk Volume 3, Notes From The Future.
***** BOOK GIVEAWAY *****
One winner will receive a print copy of When Women Talk Volume 3, Notes From the Future, a full-sized writing journal, and three pens, each engraved with an inspirational quote. Fill out the form below for a chance to win! The giveaway ends on October 18 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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