ABOUT LISA

I started out as a trainee reporter on a local paper and since then life has been one adventure after another.

I’ve learned a lot along the way and I’m now delighted to be able to share some of that with others who are equally passionate about creativity, story-telling and the world we live in today.

My journey, which has taken me from Leigh-on-Sea to London then Los Angeles (and back again), has been anything but ordinary, encompassing magazine editing, celebrity journalism, production, screenwriting and podcasting.

After leaving the Southend Evening Echo newspaper [see my first front page to the right], I moved to London and dove headfirst into the world of showbiz journalism, where I went to hold prominent roles on various publications, including launch showbiz editor for Now magazine, commissioning editor at the Mirror, freelance reporter for Media Guardian and even editor of the one-off Coronation Street Christmas Special!

In 2007, I relocated to Los Angeles were I solidified my reputation as a cultural correspondent for The Guardian, penning the popular LA Diary and covering the movie business. I wrote A-list profiles for Red, Grazia, Marie Claire, The Scotsman, the Sydney Sunday Herald and other top publications.

In 2020, I published my celebrity journalism memoir, Ryan is Ready for You Now, which detailed my extensive career. I’m proud to say that the book is now in many university libraries, has even been read by a celebrity or two. In a full circle moment, I featured on the front page of the paper I used to write for as a trainee (see right).

I sold my first screenplay in the late nineties, storylined on Coronation Street, and have had a couple of other screenplays optioned by major studios. A TV show is currently being shopped around the networks – so watch this space!

It was during my years living in Los Angeles that I honed my screenwriting skills; I wrote, produced and directed three short films, and two of my screenplays were Nicholl Fellowship quarter-finalists, one was a Scriptapalooza semi-finalist and another a Beverly Hills Film Festival Finalist. I was also invited to join the BAFTA LA Newcomer Programme.

Whilst in Hollywood, a globally acclaimed actress attached herself to Best Woman, and, my script Jeannie Miller was under consideration at Scott Free Productions, where I directed a table-read for executives [see left]. If you’re a fan of The Morning Show, you’ll recognise a pre-fame Desean Terry, who appears in the series.

I’m also very proud to have nurtured a thriving creative community, founding my first writers group in Hollywood, which met every Monday evening for two very productive years. The first writers group I ever attended was held at the Billy Wilder Library, at the offices of the Writer’s Guild West, so I had a lot to live up to!

My diverse talents have led to freelance roles across various media, including working with an LA-based esports company and as an Artist Liaison for Save the Children, where I was lucky enough to visit Tanzania, with one of their high-profile ambassadors.

I have also worked as a celebrity booker/showbiz producer for Loose Women, where I’m proud to say that my finest hour was reuniting Cagney and Lacey!

During lockdown, I rebranded Lisa Marks Media, to offer a range of services from copywriting to ghostwriting, and now as a creative consultancy.

Today, I run a thriving network of magnificently effective writers groups. In 2026, I launched my first online memoir writing course, officially kick-starting my third (fourth?) act as a writing coach and mentor.

My goal is to continue to inspire and guide writers. I strongly feel that writing is community. We thrive when we share our stories and I can see across my network of writers groups, and the bonds that people make on my courses, how important it is that we share our experiences, learn from each other and connect in truly authentic ways.

Recently, I completed a TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems, as a way to gain a clearer understanding of some of the issues my memoir-writing clients have faced, or are currently living with.

In my spare time (such as it is), I perform improvised comedy, do the odd stand-up gig and am currently writing my first novel. I also love to swim in the sea at Chalkwell Beach during the summer months only (I have no idea how anyone gets into the Thames Estuary before June!). Occasionally I get to do a little travel writing; recent trips have included Croatia, the Maldives, the Seychelles and Botswana.

If you want to learn more about my services (or hear a few amusing celebrity journalism anecdotes), email lisamarksmedia@gmail.com.

Or subscribe to my Substack, The TEN, to receive a free weekly newsletter, which is full of unmissable musings, observations and writing inspiration.

Lisa

There is literally nothing like a Dame, especially when it’s Dame Julie Andrews!