November Talk with Lis McDermott Author

It’s November and we’re into Q4 of the year. We’re talking to small businesses about their plans for the end of 2022 and today is the turn of Lis McDermott who is an author, poet and writing mentor, based in Royal Wootton Bassett.

What’s your business highlight for November 2022 (or even from October 2022)?
This year for the first time I am a judge in an international writing competition, as a mentor judge. The awards will be sometime this next month and I’m looking forward to taking on winners to mentor.

Are you doing anything in November for charity or for a community or volunteer project?
My book ‘He is Not Worthy’ is one of the many book prizes in an auction in aid of Children in Need. The Charity is called Children in Read, and authors from all over the world take part, giving their books for the auction. The winning bid receives a dedicated, signed copy sent to them wherever they are in the world.

I’m Lot 448 https://www.jumblebee.co.uk/auction/detail/auction_id/6590?search=Lis+McDermott

Has the recent turmoil in the economy, government or the cost of living crisis affected your business? Or your personal life in any way that you are happy to share?
Like everyone, costs have gone up everywhere, so it hasn’t affected my business massively, but the cost of printing has risen. Also, people will possibly think twice before considering to write a book – even more so than before.

In personal terms, there are only two of us, so although prices have gone up, we are coping, and sadly, there are people far worse off than us.

What’s your top tip for being positive in the midst of a lot of negativity?
To remind ourselves or how lucky we in the big picture of things and be grateful for what we do have.

Did you know November 13 is World Kindness Day – has anyone shown kindness to you in the last month or so? At home and/or work? 
Having had to change my web provider suddenly this last month, although I know I’ve paid them for their work, Black Nova Designs staff have been incredibly kind, patient and supportive throughout that change over.

Are there any awareness days or special weeks in November which are relevant to your business/organisation or sector?
For writers there are several days to celebrate in November. The 1st is National Author’s Day, and November is both Family Stories month and National novel writing month. So, plenty for me to celebrate and time for others to think about writing.

Plus, as I’ve already mentioned I’m supporting Children in Need which takes place on Nov 18th.

Have you got any events planned for November or December you’d like to shout about – either that you are running or attending?
On 26th November I’ll be at the Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square, for the Christmas Winter Fayre from 11 am to 3pm, where I’ll be selling my books alongside many other stall holders. Come and say ‘hello’.

And finally, is there anything else you’d like to say?
Have a wonderful November and Christmas.

Find out more about Lis at www.LisMcDermottAuthor.co.uk