From accidentally coming across the Swiss Army Knife factory, to fishing for piranha in the Amazon, Gerald Eskenazi has learned that there are stories everywhere. You just have to know who’s interested in paying for them—and to recognize the story when you see it. He will discuss the often-difficult terrain writers have in getting something published and how you can prepare for the journey—as well as how to craft a story pitch that often is as important as the story itself.

Gerald Eskenazi had one of the longest and most productive careers in the history of the New York Times—8,000 bylines (second-highest in the paper’s history), to go with 16 books. He wrote about a variety of subjects as a sportswriter. In retirement he has freelanced extensively, especially in the field of travel writing. A member of three halls of fame, his works also have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, and New York Magazine.

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The Writing Life events in 2015 are generously underwritten by Jenny Lawrence.