Lisa Timoney (nee Baxter) studied at St. Martin’s College, Lancaster in the late eighties and early nineties. Studying combined English, history and drama followed by a PGCE. After graduation, Lisa opened her own drama school which she sold when she had her children. She is now an author; her first book was published by Avon in September 2022.
Name
Lisa Timoney (nee Baxter)
Which institution did you attend?
St Martin's College
Which campus did you study at?
Lancaster, Bowerham Road
What course did you study?
English, History and Drama Combined BA followed by PGCE
What years did you study with us?
1988 to 1992
Why did you choose to study at St Martin’s?
I went through clearing. My 6th form friend, Simon Scrimshaw, was due to start, so I applied too. One of the best decisions I ever made.
Do you remember any tutors? Did you have any favourites, if so, what made them special?
David Webb and Hugh in English were great. Phil Chapel in History was a character. I once went on a climbing trip to the alps with him and some other students (they climbed, I sunbathed) Jan in Drama was lovely.
Is it wrong that I remember Nigel, and Pat from the social bar and JCR best? Vee in the Students’ Union office was also a superstar.
Who were your friends, have you stayed in touch?
I've stayed in touch with loads of people. It blows my mind that my friends Jan Ashbridge and Tracy Cowle are lecturers now! I speak with Simon Rothwell and Sam Salisbury on WhatsApp most days, and see Emma Warburton, Alison Snowden and Deb Royston and am in regular contact with at least 10 other friends from uni days. I have had the very best time at the reunions.
What did you do in your spare time as a student?
Hmmm… drank, danced and snogged boys.
Can you remember any student traditions, did you take part in them?
Other than the drinking, dancing and snogging boys... ?
Were you part of any sports groups, clubs or societies?
I met many of my closest friend through the ENTZ committee. It was a great way to meet people from different year groups.
Do you have any amusing stories you are willing to share?
I think the fact our TV was broken for six months and none of us noticed because we were never in is a good indicator for how much fun we had at St Martins.
Racing shopping trollies down St Oswald Street in the summer and sledging down on bin bags in the snow was a highlight.
What is your fondest memory of your time as a student?
The whole time has a glow about it. I have so many cherished memories and forged lifelong friendships. It was an incredibly special time and I feel privileged to have experienced it.
Current Employer
Avon Books UK (HarperCollins)
Job Title
Author
After leaving St Martins, I began my career as an English and drama teacher. I went on to start my own drama school, which I sold when I had my children. I combined my experiences of English, drama and family to write family dramas full of secrets and lies for Avon (commercial division of HarperCollins).
My first book, Her Daughter’s Secret, was published in September 2022 and my second, Her Mother’s Lies, came out in January 2023. My third, His Secret Wife, is out in April and is available to pre-order now.
Briefly explain what your job entails
I write family dramas.
What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?
I love everything about it, from having the initial idea, to crafting the first draft and all the different rounds of edits.
What were your career ambitions when you started studying and do you think that you have achieved them?
I studied English, and books have always been my passion, so yes, I have achieved my career ambition.
How did going to university influence your life?
University gave me the chance to study books and university life gave me the experiences to write about!
What are you most proud of?
In life: My family and my friendships.
In work: Having three published books and more in the pipeline.
What are your ambitions for the future?
I want to carry on writing and publishing books I'm proud of.
Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for students today?
Keep turning up. Turning up every day - whether it's for lectures, a social event, a sports fixture - is the best way to keep moving forwards.
Anything else you want to add?
I think it's harder for today's students. The stakes seem to be higher. I had so much fun at university and the degree was a by-product. I feel enormously fortunate to have studied when I did. It was golden.
My books are available in paperback, e-book and audiobook. You can find my them via these links:
Her Daughter’s Secret: A gripping emotional page-turner for 2022 about family secrets, dangerous lies and the price of love https://amzn.eu/d/cst7x5o
Her Mother’s Lies: an emotional new family drama filled with secrets, lies, and a search for the shocking truth for 2023 https://amzn.eu/d/732uHbu
His Secret Wife: An explosive and heartbreaking family drama novel coming this month https://amzn.eu/d/du7QS8u
I’ll be writing something a little darker next, so to find out more please sign up to my email list on my website: https://lisatimoneywrites.com/
You can find all my socials and links here:
https://linktr.ee/lisatimoneywrites
We want to shout about our alumni, like Lisa, who are doing cool and interesting things. We want to use our platforms and our community of over 50,000 alumni worldwide to showcase our amazing graduates. If you would like to be featured or know someone who might, get in touch alumni@cumbria.ac.uk