My first novel
I grew up in Leicestershire, as an only child to older parents, leaving home at eighteen to follow my dream and go to the Royal Manchester College of Music.
After three amazing years, I left to study for a Teaching Certificate, at Trent Park, London.
I then embarked on a teaching career that lasted for thirty-four years. During that time, I taught in secondary education, before becoming a schools Music Advisory Teacher, and then the Music Adviser for Wiltshire.
During that time, I also taught the harp at Cheltenham Ladies College, became a mentor for the CT ABRSM course for the Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music, and I was also an OFSTED Inspector. Life was busy, but I loved it.
I left teaching in 2008, at the age of 56, feeling disillusioned about where the ‘arts’ education was going.
2008 saw the birth of Lis McDermott Photography, which I ran successfully, until the beginning of lockdown, 2020, when I officially set up my Writer Mentoring business.
My first foray into publishing actually happened while I was still in education. Along with a friend, Mary Edwards, I co-wrote ‘Nelson Music’- books 1,2 and 3, which was a very successful music scheme for schools, used in England, Wales and Scottish schools.
I didn’t publish again, until 2014 when I wrote “Headshot Diva” – Why your business profile affects your bottom line.
My first fiction book, “Changing Lives” – eight short stories, was published in 2017. I began writing seriously following this publication, and my next book was the autobiography of me and my husband’s lives, “Mixed Feelings”, published in 2018.
I also rediscovered my love of writing poetry, and the same year, I published my first book of poetry “A Tilted View”, following up with “Lis’ Little Book of Limericks” in 2019, and a second anthology of poems, “Blossom Falls” in March 2020.
Over the years I’ve come to realise I have to be involved in work that is creative. Also, I love to help support others in their learning.
As a teacher, I helped children and teachers to understand and learn to love music; as a photographer, as a musician, I particularly loved accompanying people – supporting the soloist. I helped people to enjoy being photographed, and as a writing mentor, I help to support people in fulfilling their dream of writing their book or poetry. Personally, I need to be able to access my own inner ‘creative’.
My husband, Conrad and I have lived in Royal Wootton Bassett for 19 years. Conrad is extremely supportive, some would say, long-suffering. As soon as he sets foot in the house, arriving home from work, he is bombarded with me reading him my latest poem!
To learn more about my story, read my welcome blog: Welcome Blog.
He is Not Worthy Novel
Published by: Westwater Publishing June 2023
Contemporary Fiction; Contemporary Romance.
Rhi Dobbs is head of the art department in a secondary school in Whittingbury, a small town on the south west coast of England. She has her dream job and lives in her own idyllic cottage by the sea with her cat Tibbs. Her life is more than she could ever hope for.Ben Brooks is a loner who cares for his mum, who always makes him feel worthless. He is obsessed with a red-headed girl who he met several years ago, just once, on what was the worst day of his life. He lives his life vicariously through hers, until she does the unspeakable...
Tragic events and an inappropriate love affair mean that both of their lives will be changed forever.
“A tender love story with psychological undertones - a great debut novel.”
“Both Rhi and Ben were great as leading characters, exciting, realistic and relatable. The writing style was easy to follow and the plot flowed effortlessly. I was kept on the edge of my seat, not able to predict the conclusion.”
Mixed Feelings. Autobiography
First edition published by Wordcatcher Publishing. 2018
Second edition published independently.
An autobiography about two people who are twelve years apart in age, come from different social, cultural and education backgrounds. On paper they should have nothing in common, but despite their disparate experiences they find they have a lot in common, and they fall in love.
Love doesn’t care about age or colour.
Changing Lives. Eight short Stories
First edition published by Wordcatcher Publishing. 2017
Second edition published independently
A collection of stories about the way that life changes – unexpectedly at times and how we, in response change ourselves and how we view the world.
Happy, sad, often poignant, these observant stories will leave you feeling thought-provoked and inspired.
“The individual stories tap realistically into people’s lives with true insight into human nature. It is ideal to pick up and read over a cuppa for a real hygge feeling”.
“Fantastic reflections of people's lives at different stages, in different places and with different underlying characteristics. These stories will serve your imagination as well as opening up your emotions through stunning descriptive writing and thrilling depictions of each character and their own challenges, feelings and development.”
A Multitude of Stars Anthology of Micro poems
Published by Pen & Ink Designs 2021
A collection of micro-poems written during 2020 and early 2021. These short poems are thought and words written during this time, when due to three different lockdowns we weren’t always able to meet with family and friends, and we saw far too much sadness and death.
“Lis McDermott's command of poetry captured my attention and imagination, so much so I read “A Multitude of Star”s twice. My favourite poem was “Love - Lost & Found”.
For a novice reader of poetry this book is a must.”
Blossom Falls – Poetry Anthology
First edition published by Wordcatcher Publishing. 2020
Second edition published independently.
Lis’ second collection of poetry continues similar themes to those of her first. She covers issues of prejudice in our society, thoughts on being child-free and being an only child. In Mixed Bag there is a short collection of mostly funny poems written in response to social media.
“I thoroughly enjoyed this collection. At first glance, the themes seem to be about anything and everything but you realise very quickly that they are united by the author's strong sense of time and place, which is reflected in her regular referencing to British charms, quirks, mannerisms and failings. We are humanised and reminded to laugh at our discrepancies and many of the cultural and social norms that we cling to. Fascinating read and one that can be enjoyed over and over. Highly recommended”
A Tilted View Poetry Anthology
First edition published by Wordcatcher Publishing. 2018
Second edition published independently.
A Tilted View is my first collection of poems some funny, some thoughtful, based on my view of the world and issues that are important to me.
“A great selection of heartfelt poetry for today, which includes poems about such topics as Brexit and social media! I love the way Lis conveys her perspectives and experiences through poetry whether it comes to dating, politics or racism. The variety of subjects makes this a fun and eclectic collection: you never know what the next one will be about.”
Lis’ Little Book of Limericks
First edition published by Wordcatcher Publishing. 2019
Second edition published independently.
If you want to know about a girl called Queen, who fell in love with a genie or a young girl called Helen, who was exceedingly fond of melon; as well as the cheese maker from Wilton, who wanted to make a new Stilton, then these 60 Limericks will add a little humour to your life. Limericks with gentle humour.
Click here to visit my Youtube channel and listen to more from me.
You’ve always wanted to write, but don’t know where to start. Spend a day understanding your why, what and, how to go about publishing.
Speaking engagements undertaken about my writing story, and or my books. Talks also about: Changing career at a later time in life, Life as a photographer, and other subjects.