I’m Lisa . . .
Big law attorney turned college professor turned elementary school educator and consultant. Now I am a full-time writer and entrepreneur. How’s that for an interesting bio?
I’m a voracious reader, incessant questioner, and lover of words. I’m insatiably curious and love to meet people new and learn new things. But there’s nothing I love more than choosing the perfect words to make people think, feel, act and, yes, even cry.
Well, except for coffee. I really like coffee. And red wine. And mint chocolate chip ice cream.
By day, I am a content strategist, copywriter, and book coach. I write for a small education company. I’ve also ghost-written several education books and two contemporary mysteries (sorry, I can’t say more, that’s what ghostwriting is all about).
When I’m not writing myself, I’m helping would-be authors find the words to inspire others.
Book Coaching . . .
As a book coach, it is my job to get the stories out of your head and onto the shelf so they are accessible for the people who need to hear them. And I do believe that people need to hear your words. Because words change lives.
Think about this: when it comes to books there are three kinds of people:
- people who buy the book
- people who read the book
- people who write the book.
(We won’t worry about those people who never even heard of the book . . . this is a website about writing after all).
It’s my mission to help more people move into that third category. One of the best ways to make an impact is to have a book with YOUR NAME on the cover. Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, you have the power to change the world.
All you have to do is write a book.
Easier said than done? No worries, you don’t have to go it alone. I’m here to help. Read more about my Book Coaching packages.
Honestly, I feel like I was born to be a book coach. As a kid, I was always the one with my nose in a book. I’d read for hours on the faded linoleum kitchen floor as the sunlight streamed through the window onto my face.
My Experience . . .
Two decades of practicing law and teaching higher education have provided me with meticulous research skills, excellent writing and editing skills, keen attention to detail, and the ability to inspire and motivate others.
As a lawyer, I perfected the art of persuasive storytelling and used the power of words to win arguments. I also learned to maximize productivity so that I could occasionally go home before 10 p.m. Very occasionally, but still . . .
As a college professor and elementary school teacher, I used my innate understanding of human behavior to design effective, engaging, and transformative lessons appropriate for each audience. I am an expert at clarifying complex information and making it simple to understand.
I bring all these skills both to my own writing and to my coaching business. I know I can help you bring your book to life.
All successful relationships are built upon a foundation of trust and I work to establish that trust with my coaching clients. I need to understand your strengths and weaknesses as a writer and your goals for your book. My clients often say that our information-gathering sessions feel like conversations with an old friend. I consider that a compliment. And I’d love to get to know you.
My Writing . . .
I’ve completed three manuscripts of my own. My most recent one, a YA thriller called The Kickline, is with the editor now. I’m so excited to bring my book into the world.
I also write Short Stories. Short stories were my favorite thing to write back in high school and college. But then I went to law school, gave up all creativity and culture, and forgot all about them.
About a year ago I decided to enter a Short Story contest. I didn’t win. But I had so much fun trying to tell a complete and captivating story in 1500 words I stuck with it. And it’s paid off. I’ve won Honorable Mentions in the last two contests I entered. And it’s helped my craft so much.
I’m also a freelance writer. I’ve written in a variety of industries–everything from marketing and law to health care to food and fitness. These days I focus on articles and essays about parenting, productivity, and personal growth.
My Family . . .
I’m the mom of three teens (well, almost) and a pup named Milo. My kids are 18, 15, and 12. I’m not entirely sure how it’s possible that I have an adult son when I still feel like a kid myself most days. But the years don’t lie.
Our Sheepadoodle Milo joined the family last December. I never wanted a dog. And then I met Milo. Now I talk incessantly about getting another one.
Milo’s my velcro dog. At first, I chalked this up to the fact that we are always together since I work from home. But from what I understand this breed is just intensely loyal. Sheepadoodle’s really are amazing dogs. I won’t say the best, because that’s just hyperbole. But they are dang good dogs. If you’re in the market for pup who doesn’t shed, you should check them out.
The kids and Milo and I live with my husband in Hermitage, PA. Well some of us do. My oldest son recently relocated to Florida. Some people cry when their kids move away. Okay, that was me, I cried. But then I hung out with him at his new place for a week and I cried because I had to come home.
I am most definitely a warm-weather gal. I love the sunshine and the beach. And northwest PA doesn’t have much of either. So I’m reluctantly here for a few more years until the rest of the kiddos graduate.
Then you can find me in the sunshine state. Still writing. Still coaching. Only from the pool deck. Or the beach.
Just for fun . . .
Over the years I’ve become quite good at managing my schedule to maximize productivity. And I love to help other people do the same. But that has earned me the nickname of “productivity bully”. While I wouldn’t put it quite like that, I do share my strategies and systems with anyone who will listen. Including all my book coaching clients. Sometimes they say it’s like getting a book coach and productivity coach in one!
But because I manage my time well, and I’m very protective of it, I have time for fun!
I love to run and I’ve completed 8 half-marathons. For the first five, I got faster. Now I’m getting slower. But I really don’t care. I run for me, for fun, for my sanity. And I do some of my best writing while running.
I spend a lot of time cheering on my kids at sporting events: tennis, baseball, football, basketball. . . you name somebody plays it. And hanging out at rock and roll shows. My oldest is a musician. I love 90’s punk, rock, and grunge. And lately, I’m really into Hair Nation.
And I love Disney! I’ve been 16 times so far, and I expect that number to increase dramatically now that my son lives in Central Florida. I listen to podcasts, watch the movies, and stay up to date on all things related to the Magic. It is my happy place!
Is there something else you want to know? Contact me.