Lis McDermott
Author and Writing Mentor
Introduction:
Lis McDermott guides aspiring writers on their journey to becoming published authors through her unique blend of artistic expertise and mentoring prowess. With a remarkable career spanning four decades across music education, photography, and literary arts, she brings extensive creative experience to help others find their narrative voice. From her training at the Royal Manchester College of Music to becoming a celebrated author of suspenseful romance, Lis’s diverse background enables her to prepare writers for the publishing process with both technical precision and creative insight.
Expertise & Impact:
Lis helps writers prepare for their publishing journey, guiding them as they develop their work from initial concept to a finished manuscript, ready for a professional editor and publishing. Her expertise spans from demystifying the writing process to empowering individuals to share their stories. As both a published author and writing mentor, she combines practical publishing knowledge with an intuitive understanding of the creative process, helping writers overcome barriers and find their authentic voice.
Speaking Style:
Lis delivers engaging, practical presentations that blend storytelling with actionable insights. Drawing from her experience across multiple creative disciplines, she creates an inclusive, encouraging environment that makes complex topics accessible. Her approach combines technical expertise with warmth and understanding, making her presentations both informative and inspiring.
Signature Topics:
- The Writer’s Journey: From Blank Page to Published Author
- Poetry for Everyone: Making Poetry Welcoming for All
- Creative Transitions: Embracing New Chapters in Life and Career
- Writing Fiction: Crafting Your Novel
- Business Book Writing: From Expertise to Book
- Memoir Writing: From Personal Story to Page
Additional Expertise:
- Manuscript Development
- Poetry Workshop Facilitation
- Personal Narrative Development
Perfect For:
- Educational Institutions
- Women in Business Events
- Book Groups and Reading Clubs
- Women’s Groups and Associations
- Library Events and Literary Gatherings
- Local Book Fairs
Career Highlights:
- Published successful novels including ‘He is Not Worthy’ and ‘Echoes of Drowning’
- Released multiple poetry anthologies and short story collections
- Former Wiltshire Music Adviser with 34 years in music education
- Co-authored a primary music scheme for schools
- Successful transition from music education to photography to writing
- Established a thriving online poetry community
- Created and now leads successful writing mentorship programmes
Key Message:
“Everyone has a story worth telling, and with the right guidance and support, any aspiring writer can find their voice and share their narrative with the world.”
Impact Story:
“Did my first session with my book mentor Lis McDermott who is helping me plan my first book. It was a fabulous day with a great introduction which made me really focus on why I wanted to write it – and who I was writing it for and how I was going to do it. The interactive planning session was amazing. I felt like I already had my book laid out before me in note form. This helps me as my main problem has always been how many stories I can tell rather than what stories to tell!”
– Fiona, published author