WOW! WOMEN ON WRITING TOUR OF
When Women Talk Volume 3, Notes From The Future
Title: When Women Talk Notes from the Future: Notes from the Future
Book Summary
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.
Giveaway:
Author Interview
- At what point did you decide to be an author, and what was your path to publication?
My decision to become an author began about ten years ago when people encouraged me to write my story. So, I did that, which led to my first book, my memoir, Out of Chaos. Since then, I wrote a second book, and then, earlier this year, my third, Marie Conner, A Leading Lady. Julie featured this historical biography here on the Chapter Break Blog in her archived posts from February 2026.
When a friend nudged me to apply as a co-author for Volume 3 of the When Women Talk series, it felt like the next natural step in my writing journey. I had already read and enjoyed Volumes 1 and 2, and I love that book sales invest in the livelihoods of women worldwide. All my work focuses on resiliency, empowerment, and giving back. The idea that I could be a part of something bigger than myself by joining a project that empowers readers through diverse storytelling piqued my interest. My co-authors and I are excited to bring you this new collection to enjoy!
- Describe the book or series in 10 words or less for people just learning about it.
True stories of learning and life from ten strong women.
- Do you identify with your main character, or did you create a character that is your opposite?
Had I been asked this question when faced with the early messy draft of my chapter contribution, I’d have been hesitant to say that yes, I identify with her. And yet, she is me and not a character I created. She felt like an opposite to who I am today. It was only when this draft was nearing a polished, ready-to-share chapter that I was able to identify with this little girl and her bumpy path through adulthood. It takes what it takes to get where we are in life today, and that is the underlying message of my piece, My Journey From Nightfall to Sunrise.
- What was your research process like?
I have to chuckle at this question because I didn’t do traditional research, but our editor certainly did. I simply dug into my own buried memories and fleshed them out as prompted during the editing stage. At one point, she shared a YouTube video of a walking tour through the very same neighborhood that I describe in my opening lines.
The only difference was that the video was filmed in bright daylight, while my story begins at nightfall when I was a little girl. Seeing that footage pulled me out of my own head and gave me the perspective I needed to whole-heartedly share my story.
- What are some books or authors that you would recommend to our readers?
I am honored to be a contributing author for When Women Talk: Volume 3, Notes From the Future. Once you finish reading it, I recommend diving into the earlier books in the series. Volume 1: Stepping Forward and Volume 2: Defying Social Expectations are just like this volume, and you are sure to enjoy every single one of these honest, courageous stories.
- Share some advice for aspiring authors. What advice would you give to your younger self?
For aspiring authors: 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. 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.
For my younger self: Embrace life. Leave behind the ugly parts so the good parts can flourish. Beyond that, get to know yourself. Share with your friends what you learn along the way, and listen to what they have to say. If only I had received that advice as a little girl faced with “nightfall,” my journey to “sunrise” would have been much smoother. I wrote the story of my journey so that those who need to hear it can.
- Do you focus your writing toward a specific audience, or do you write primarily for yourself?
While writing is a solitary act, my ultimate goal is to share my words with others, which turns it into a selfless act. I focus my writing on readers, sharing true stories that I hope they will enjoy and connect with.
- What is one action or feeling you hope a reader walks away with after finishing this book?
My contribution is but one of many in this book, written by ten strong women. From our stories, I hope you will embrace your own unique grit, be inspired to build community, pursue your dreams, and live your best life.
When you finish reading and reflecting on our stories, I hope you will leave a positive review on Goodreads, Amazon, or wherever you shop or hang out online.
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
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elle-mott-author
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellemott.author
AllAuthor: https://allauthor.com/author/ellemott
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/ellemott
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‘Happy to be here and in this interview. I can’t wait for you all to read When Women Talk, Notes from the Future.