Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Wilkes.
Hi Lisa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Lisa Wilkes, a licensed social worker (LMSW), flight attendant, animal rescuer, and published author living in Tampa Bay, Florida. My travels have taken me all over the world, providing endless inspiration for my writing as well as my vivid hopes for a more just, compassionate, and inclusive society. As an adult, I have lived in ten different cities, but I made my way back to the Sunshine State in late 2022 after completing my master’s degree in Dallas, TX, and publishing my first novel, “Flight Path.” Returning to Florida felt like a homecoming of sorts; I graduated from the University of Florida in 2007 and currently serve as the Director of Mentorship for UF’s Association of LGBTQ+ Alumni, so it’s nice being close enough to drive to Gainesville a few times each semester to meet with current students.
I have been a writer, activist, and animal rescuer my entire life, although I did not have an official title for any of those pursuits until my mid-thirties. Now, with five published books under my belt, a house full of rescue animals, and part-time positions at two local nonprofits, I am able to pursue my greatest passions on a daily basis. Proceeds from each of my novels are donated to charitable causes, tying my literary and philanthropic goals together in one seamless package. Profits from my most recent novel, a sapphic thriller called “You’re Safe Here, Ella,” support student scholarships through UF’s LGBTQ+ Alumni Association.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been far from smooth, but detours and bumps along the way certainly kept things interesting, right? I completed my first novel when I was a sophomore in college, but it wasn’t until I penned my eleventh book (about fifteen years later) that I was offered a contract by a traditional publishing house. Many people don’t realize the publishing industry is brutal and cutthroat; writing a novel is by far the easiest part of the process. The tough part is pitching that novel to publishers and agents with very specific interests/preferences. I received countless rejections over the years, which ultimately convinced me that I was the worst writer alive. I’d basically given up on my lifelong goal of being a published author when I received a contract from a New York-based publishing house in in 2019. A year later, “Flight Path” was printed, which gave me the momentum—and confidence—to continue writing after years of devastation and heartbreak. In hindsight, I am so glad I didn’t quit. It only takes one yes to rectify all the no’s that preceded it. Now, I have three full-length novels as well as two children’s books, plus I’m currently working on a sequel to my most recent thriller. The children’s books support a local animal rescue, Rags to Riches Animal Rescue Inc., while proceeds from the full-length novels are used to help fund student scholarships. My sapphic thriller, “You’re Safe Here, Ella,” was released on June 24, 2026 and features a diverse cast of characters, with an underlying message of unyielding love, inclusion, and the power of community.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a flight attendant, I have the flexibility to pursue other interests while enjoying a fast-paced, mobile lifestyle. I completed my master’s degree and began working for nonprofit organizations while still flying for the airline every weekend. Perhaps my favorite part about this aviation gig is that I constantly meet new crew members with similar interests: at core, most of us are lifelong daydreamers guided by wanderlust and a fierce determination to explore this big, beautiful world. Stationary, predictable jobs were never really the right fit for us. We relish the chance to visit new cities every time we report to work. There’s no shortage of inspiration for my novels, that’s for sure! I typically fly three days per week, which leaves me with four days at home to help local nonprofits, run the mentorship program through UF’s Association of LGBTQ+ Alumni Association, snuggle my beloved rescue pets, and write to my heart’s content.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
If someone is interested in joining the airline industry, I would suggest talking to members of the flight crew during their next flight. We love when passengers share their desire to become a flight attendant, and I always offer plenty of pointers that helped me land this job back in 2010. I have served as a mentor to new flight attendants at my airline, which was really fulfilling—six years later, I still keep in touch with my mentees! They have become my friends over the years, and I love watching them thrive in the quirky (yet completely addicting) aviation world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lisamichellewilkes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Travelisa1984/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lisa.castignetti
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-wilkes-1b140957/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Travelisa1984
