From Unemployment to More Than a Million Books Sold: The Unstoppable Jennifer Lancaster

Say hello to LEAVE YOUR MARK's 200th Episode!!

In a world brimming with stories of success and determination, few are as captivating, hilarious, and inspiring as that of Jen Lancaster. Best known for her candid memoirs and inventive novels, Jen's journey from corporate vice president to bestselling author embodies resilience, wit, and an unmatched knack for storytelling. She is the New York Times bestselling author of nine memoirs, five adult novels, and one YA book.? Jen has sold well over a million books. After a corporate layoff in 2001, down on her luck, and stuck selling off cars, jewelry, and designer purses [which she says sucked, FYI] Jen launched a website to air her frustrations about unemployment. She began detailing her descent from designer clothing and spa visits to the unemployment line on her blog jennsylvania.com.?

Her acerbic wit quickly won the blog a massive following. Jen’s first memoir, Bitter is the New Black, was published in 2006. Since then, she has published [at least] one book a year, and her memoir The Tao of Martha was optioned for a sitcom by FOX.

In this episode, she shares insights into her creative process, advice for aspiring writers, character development and the shift from non-fiction to fiction, her experiences with traditional and Amazon publishing, and the importance of personal branding and marketing in an author's career. Additionally, she discusses her recent projects, including her latest book 'House Moms', her work as a ghostwriter, editor, and her lessons learned along the way. Fun fact: Jen edited my latest book, On Brand!

Jen’s ability to weave humor into her narratives, alongside her unabashed openness about her life's ups and downs, carved her a distinctive niche. This authenticity became her brand, attracting readers who found solace, laughter, and inspiration in her words.?

"‘I didn't start off to write for an audience. Everything I have ever written has been for me.’ - Jen Lancaster.

Through her work, Jennifer has shown an unparalleled ability to connect with people's hearts and minds. Her creative process highlights the importance of persistence, introspection, and, perhaps most importantly, humor—even in the face of adversity. Her stories, whether drawn from personal experience or the product of her imaginative mind, encourage readers to find the extraordinary in the ordinary, to laugh at life's absurdities, and to always seek joy, even in the darkest of times. Her latest book, "House Moms” follows three grown women who find escape and camaraderie on sorority row. This delightfully exhilarating novel about fresh starts, whether you want them or not.

Listen to the episode