
Case study: How a LA ad editor ended up on the set of a Chinese fairy tale
Sit, Cinderella, Sit by Lisa Cheek is a unique life story blending fairy tale elements with true-life experience.
This unusual and charming memoir tells how former TV commercial editor Cheek got a call (at 2.45am!) from a Hollywood director asking for her help to make the original Cinderella story.
So keep reading to find out if she granted this wish, how the She Writes Press publication got started plus tips for your own creating…
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Lisa Cheek’s Sit, Cinderella, Sit
A dream come true
My debut memoir Sit, Cinderella, Sit was published at age 62.
In short, it’s about four months of my life spent editing a film that is believed to be the original telling of the Cinderella story, which was filmed on location along the Tibetan border in China.
It was also shot in Mandarin, which is a language I don’t speak.
Plus I lived in a house with the camera crew (14 men who didn’t speak a word of English) and rescued two dogs along the way.
My second memoir, which is about getting married for the first time at age 49, will be released in June 2026.
Indeed I like to think I’m a late bloomer who loves to travel, read books and hang out with my mutts.
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Why I started this debut memoir
Sit, Cinderella, Sit is the first of a three book life-story project with a fourth one being a collection of essays.
When I lost my father, I went to see a psychic who told me my father said: “Heaven has the best library.”
Given he read a book a day, I knew I needed to pay attention to anything else she had to say.
Importantly she told me I needed to tell my China story.
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Support for the book
My friends have been super supportive.
Though not every family member is happy I’m writing a memoir but you can’t please everyone.
Starting Sit, Cinderella, Sit
Discovering the real story
I started Sit, Cinderella, Sit in February 2019 and it came out January 14, 2025.
First I took a couple of classes where the teachers told me: “Memoir is dead. You need to make your story into a novel.”
So I tried but was unhappy with the results.
Next I signed up for a writers’ conference in Santa Fe.
I knew no one and met my editor and publisher there.
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Overcoming barriers
For me, it was finding people who understood the story I wanted to tell.
Certainly this book would not have been as good had it been a novel.
Indeed owning these experiences make the book more magical because so many extraordinary things happened in real life.
Enjoying the success
All of it is rewarding: from beginning the project, to learning how to make it better, to the people I met along the way.
Then meeting the person who wanted to edit my book, the person who wanted to publish my book, to holding my book in my hand where anyone else can pick it up and go on the magical adventure with me.
Also to hopefully meeting the readers in person.
Learnings lessons from Sit, Cinderella, Sit
Fave part of the book?
The last seven chapters of the book.
In short, it’s a lesson in knowing things always work out.
However, sometimes this happens in the most unexpected places and involves the most wonderful people.
Quick tips for new writers
Firstly find people who get who and what your project is about.
Also throw yourself into that community.
Finally, support other authors.
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Final say
Sit, Cinderella, Sit by Lisa Cheek is a funny and heart-warming tale of what can happen when you take a leap of faith.
Indeed it highlights the importance of looking past differences and daring to believe in yourself.
So grab a copy from She Writes Press, your favourite bookshop and wherever books are sold.
Also connect with her through her website and remember: “Every home needs a dog. Adopt don’t shop.”
Happy writing!
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Your say
What is your ‘in real life’ fairy tale story or anecdote? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Send me an email or leave a reply in the comments section at the end of this article.
Get in touch
Have you hit a roadblock planning, creating, polishing or finishing your life story? Let me know so I can help!
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