ARCHIVE FOR Alex Marzano-Lesnevich

A funny thing happened earlier this year, when my agent sent my book out into the world. Because I was fortunate that the book met with success, I got to spend a very enjoyable two weeks on the phone with editors, listening to them talk about my work. Writers—all writers—spend so much of their time gathering rejections like woebegone flowers that during this reversal of fortune I paid very close attention. What did they see in it?

Perhaps you’ve had this experience: a well-meaning friend or relative or total stranger inquires what you’ve been up to lately, and you—brave, honest soul that you are—tell him or her that you’re writing a memoir. “Oh,” your companion says, “I’m going to do that someday, too! My life has been such a story. I just need the time to write it down.”