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, was written about in the paper where I started all those years ago.
I sold my first screenplay in the late nineties, storylined on Coronation Street, and had a couple of other screenplays optioned by major studios.
However, my time in LA saw my screenwriting reach new heights; 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.
While living in Hollywood, a well known 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 in-person writers group in Hollywood, which ran for two very productive years.
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 two magnificently effective writers group in both Leigh-on-Sea and Southend. And in February 2026, I launched my first online memoir writing course for beginners, officially launching my third (fourth?) act as a writing coach and mentor. I’m also lucky enough to be able to do some travel writing; recent trips have included Croatia, the Maldives, the Seychelles and Botswana.
My goal is to continue to inspire and guide writers through my editing, mentoring, and consultancy work. Whether I’m mentoring aspiring authors or working on my latest project, my passion for writing and creativity is the common thread that drives my ever-evolving career.
In my spare time (such as it is), I perform improvised comedy with a local group, and am currently writing my first novel. I also love to swim in the sea, have just completed a TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems.
Ultimately, my goal is to help people share their stories, and also see my work on screen and my in-progress novel published. A gal’s got to have goals!
Email lisamarksmedia@gmail.com if you want to learn more about my services (or hear a few amusing anecdotes!).
Lisa
There is literally nothing like a Dame, especially when it’s Dame Julie Andrews!
Lisa Marks Media 