We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisa Cheek and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
When I graduated from college, I knew a nine to five job wasn’t me, but my father wanted me to join the navy or work in accounting. After I left home, I never made my bed and couldn’t envision myself wearing a tan or white uniform every day all week long so the navy was out. And when I ran out of fingers and toes to count, I was out of my depth, so television looked like something I could do. Twenty years later my father obviously came around as he told me he was proud of me for pursuing something I wanted do while becoming successful at it. So I would encourage you if you are drawn to something, go after it. You can always walk away if it’s not for you, but you’ll never know until you check it out.

Two women sit at a table in a bookstore, browsing books with shelves filled with books in the background.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think being a film editor for twenty-five years, story structure, pacing, and where to hit the beats became ingrained in my body.
What I needed to know was how to fill a page with words that made the reader want to turn the page. That’s where writing classes came into play. I became a serious student and took any writing class that looked interesting to me. I’ve been told my brand is sharp, funny and relatable. I get to the point, not wasting the reader’s time with filler. I like to think that I take you on an adventure that makes you laugh throughout finishing the book having had a great time.

Two women laughing and speaking to an audience in a bookstore with shelves of books behind them.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We’d start the day on the Malibu Pier enjoying a scrumptious breakfast at Malibu Farm watching surfers catching waves. Then we’d cruise down PCH to Santa Monica and ride the ferris wheel, drive over to Beverly Hills for a stroll down Rodeo and on to Hollywood – where we’d watch the latest blockbuster at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.

And then, for the grand finale, dinner under the stars in our box seat while listening to a live show at the Hollywood Bowl .

If The Bowl is dark that night, we’d drop by Hollywood’s oldest restaurant, Musso & Frank – known for celebrity sightings and studio deal making since 1919, feast on filet mignon in the main dining room then jaunt over to The Magic Castle and so see a show in one of their theaters.

Four people seated at a panel discussion in a classroom, with a whiteboard and colorful posters behind them.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to give a shoutout to Brooke Warner and Amy Ferris. These two powerhouse women are leading the way teaching, editing and publishing women’s stories. It’s because of these two extraordinary women who champion other women, two of my stories are now out in the world.

Website: https://lisacheek.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisacheekauthor/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisacheek/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.cheek/

Other: https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Lisa-Cheek/229601903
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/50524742.Lisa_Cheek
https://substack.com/@lisacheek?

Person with pink hair and sunglasses smiling, surrounded by colorful books and magazines on a table.

Two women sitting on chairs in a bookstore, one with blonde hair and glasses, the other with pink hair and boots.

Book cover with pink background, large yellow and pink text, and a film strip with dog photos on the left.

Book cover with two figurines, a bride and groom, on a wedding cake, title in large pink letters, author Lisa Cheek.

Image Credits
Main image by Charlie Nunn Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.