Lisa – Lisa Marks Media

It’s a New Year, so it’s time to set some new writing goals!

Join me at The Blokhouse Creative Studio, Southend-on-Sea, for a three-hour ‘Write to Start 2025’ workshop, designed to give you the space to focus on your writing goals, talk over story ideas, map out your 2025 schedule and join a vibrant writing community.

The workshop takes place on January 18th, 2025, from 10am to 1pm.

The workshop costs £45 and you can book by scanning the QR code or clicking on this link. Email lisamarksmedia@gmail.com for further information.

You will benefit from this workshop if:

You haven’t had time to think about your writing and want to gift yourself the space to indulge your passion.

You’ve been thinking about writing a novel or screenplay but the blank page is proving to be a scary monster (Spoiler alert: it’s your best friend).

You need help to focus your mind and set out your writing schedule for the New Year.

You want to spitball ideas with other writers in a safe space.

You want to meet other supportive and passionate writers who can join you on your journey.

You crave CREATIVITY, GOOD ENERGY, MOTIVATION and ACCOUNTABILITY.

Why a workshop run by Lisa?

I’m an author, screenwriter, editor and journalist. I have made my living from writing for more than 30 years.

I have written for national newspapers and magazines, both in the UK and Los Angeles, where I was a columnist for the Guardian Film pages. I also attended film school and won a major film competition and wrote, directed and produced a short film that was shown at two major film festivals. I went on to write, produce and direct two more.

I have sold screenplays, directed table reads, and storylined on a major soap opera. I have produced my own podcast and during lockdown, I published my celebrity journalism memoir, Ryan is Ready for you Now, which has been called ‘wildly entertaining’.

I have taught in universities around the country, and now run my own writers group in Leigh-on-Sea. I ran my first writers group in Los Angeles; a successful group that has spawned book, TV and film deals.

I have never missed a deadline and know how to start a project, write that project and finish that project!

The content of the workshop

Firstly, you will be asked to turn off your phones. This is a non-digital space and I’m not doing it as some kind of weird punishment but to give you the space to concentrate on your writing.

You do not need to bring your laptop or tablet. This is a pen and paper workshop only. I know this sound scary but it’s designed to connect you to your writing and give you the space to think without distraction.

Prepare to talk a little about yourself and also about the writing project you are hoping to work on in 2025.

There will be introductions, a look at how to make writing a habit (and how to stop procastinating), how to decide what project to work on, the opportunity to discuss ideas with other writers, a short writing exercise and a chance to share work.

Be kind and considerate. This is a safe space for writers who may be working on anything including memoirs, novels, screenplays, short stories and poetry. Some pieces of work are more personal than others and so everyone must be treated with care and consideration. Critique not criticise.

The workshop is open to all ages and writers of varying experience. My aim is to always ensure people feel comfortable. If you have any concerns please let me know or email lisamarksmedia@gmail.com.

About The Blokhouse

The Blokhouse is a creative project space used – and founded – by amazing local artists, which is what make it so special. Please expect a working studio and not a carefully manicured room.

One of the aims of this workshop is to immerse you in art and creativity, away from your usual routine – and The Blokhouse is the perfect place to do just that.

There’s a toilet and facilities to make hot drinks (but no coffee machine, only instant). Dress warmly. It’s a lovely light room and heated but if you’re like me and run cold, you may need more layers. That being said, there are lots of south-facing windows, so if the sun is out it’ll be toasty warm. Prepare for all.

Follow The Blokhouse on Instagram.

The workshop costs £45 and you can book by scanning the QR code or clicking on this link.

Who Will Benefit from This Workshop:

Aspiring or Established Writers: Writers looking for inspiration, clarity, or a fresh approach to storytelling and journaling.
Overworked Individuals: Busy people who rarely make time for themselves and need a space to recharge and unwind.
Creative Thinkers: Anyone who enjoys expressing themselves through words or wants to tap into their creativity.
Top Class Procastinators! Individuals who want to write but always seem to find something else to do. This workshop will help get you back on track.
Anyone Who Needs a Break: Those craving a break from the noise and distractions of modern life, with permission to unplug and focus inward.

THE AIM IS FOR YOU TO Leave THE WORKSHOP With…

A Renewed Sense of Clarity: You’ll feel more focused, with a better understanding of where you are and where you want to go in terms of your writing.
Inner Peace: After three hours of uninterrupted, phone-free reflection, you’ll leave feeling calmer and more centred.
Creative Inspiration: Whether it’s a fresh idea or a renewed drive to pursue your passions, you’ll leave feeling inspired.
Empowered and Confident: You’ll reconnect with your strengths, remembering who you are and all you’re capable of achieving.
A Sense of Accomplishment: You’ll have written, reflected, and taken time for yourself—something that in itself is a huge win.
A Roadmap for 2025
Through reflection and storytelling, you’ll be able to see where the year will take you in terms of your writing.
A Sense of Community. This is very important to me because as a writer I know what it’s like to feel alone in the process. This workshop will connect you with other writers who can motivate you, and vice versa.

The workshop costs £45 and you can book by scanning the QR code or clicking on this link. Email lisamarksmedia@gmail.com for further information. See you there!

Lisa

UNABLE TO PAY THE FULL AMOUNT

If you are on Universal Credit, and want to join the workshop, please contact me at lisamarksmedia@gmail.com as there are a limited number of placements for those who cannot pay the full amount. You will be asked to show evidence that you are on UC.

If you’re looking for a trusted book editor, look no further. Over the last 20 years, I have worked on many book projects as the main author, ghost-writer, editor and contributor.

I have also written screenplays, a handful of which have been optioned, and have often been called upon to give other scripts a polish.

I specialise in memoir but I have also worked across all genres of fiction.

For more information about working with me, email lisamarksmedia@gmail.com.

Developmental Book Edit

A developmental edit is a comprehensive and crucial stage of the editing process, focusing on the manuscript as a whole.

This step evaluates the big picture: the clarity of your argument, the logical flow of information, the effectiveness of your thesis or main idea, and the overall organisation of your chapters.

Are the key points well-supported?
Does the manuscript’s structure guide the reader smoothly from one concept to the next?
Do we take the reader on a compelling – and educational – journey?

This is the time to assess whether the work engages its target audience and achieves its intended purpose.

Beyond content, the developmental edit also considers how well the writing supports the book’s objectives.

Are the sections clearly defined?
Is the tone appropriate for the subject matter and the readers?

This is a chance to refine your voice and ensure that the message resonates with clarity and authority.

As your editor, I will mark up the manuscript in track changes with feedback, including comments on structure, flow, and consistency. I’ll identify areas where more detail is required or where transitions between sections can be improved.

Additionally, I’ll provide you with any necessary editorial notes that address overarching concerns and offer strategic recommendations for revising your manuscript.

The process is designed to help you refine your work and elevate it to a professional standard, making it more compelling and engaging for your target audience.

This service also includes a follow-up consultation to discuss the first-round notes and clarify any feedback, as well as a secondary lighter edit/polish.

Proofreading

The final editorial stage in the book production process before the book goes to print or is the very important proofread.

This is your final opportunity to catch any issues or errors that might have been introduced at the typesetting stage. It also catches any last-minute typos or errors that may have survived the copy edit.

EDITORIAL ASSESSMENT

This is where I offer you advice and critique on your manuscript. I will look at the script in progress and provide in-depth feedback that will help you realise your book’s strengths and weaknesses.

After I have read everything, I will provide you with a report that will help you focus on your revisions accordingly.

This can be for a complete or partial manuscript, either book or screenplay.

book proposals

A book proposal is essentially a substantial business plan for your book, designed to persuade publishers that the world needs this book now and that you’re the ideal person to write it.

It is the bulk of your submission package to publishers. If your proposal succeeds, they’ll offer you an advance and a book contract before you’ve even completed the manuscript.

The proposal consists of a cover letter, synopsis, market analysis, your bio and three chapters of your book, plus supporting materials such as photos or other documentation (usually needed if it’s a memoir, biography, autobiography or other non-fiction).

This can be an overwhelming prospect, especially if you haven’t done it before, but I can make this process a lot easier and less daunting!

brainstorm/mentoring

If you feel like you have a good idea and don’t know where to start, or need someone to motivate you through the writing process, I offer one-on-one mentoring sessions.

These can take place in person but also over Zoom, and are incredibly useful as a form of accountability.

I am here to back you, to challenge you and to hold you accountable.

Head over to The TEN, my writers group page, to find out exactly how useful mentoring, accountability and critique can be during the writing process.

For details about my rates email: lisamarksmedia@gmail.com

Author: Lisa

WRITING WORKSHOPS