Jane Isay had a long, successful career as a book editor before becoming an author in her own right. Her son, Dave, took the opposite path, beginning as an author before founding StoryCorps and overseeing several anthologies. Click here for a wonderful tribute video courtesy of StoryCorps.
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How did you as a mom feel when you learned your child wanted to write a book?
Jane: Great. He started writing books long before I did. I was amazed and delighted when I read his first manuscript. It was excellent.
What made you want to follow in your mom’s footsteps on becoming a writer?
Dave: My mom actually spent her career as a book editor, so it’s appropriate that my title on the StoryCorps books is ‘editor’. My mom has been a huge influence in so many ways, including helping me to become a brutally selective editor. Hopefully I’m gently treading in her footsteps --- because there’s no better editor than she.
Jane: I actually followed in my son's footsteps. Think of that! And we're proud of each other.
Are you each other’s first readers?
Jane: No, but I read what David asks me to; and I show him and his brother my early galleys.
Dave: She is my first reader, but as far as I know I’m not her first reader.
Has the fact that you are both writers brought you closer together, or does it cause conflict?
Jane: We were always close and remain so.
Dave: Much closer together. There’s nothing more fun than strategizing how to write, publish and launch a book with your mom --- especially when she’s such a font of wisdom and good advice.
Do you turn to each other for writing advice?
Dave: Absolutely. When we’re putting a StoryCorps book together, we have a tradition of going over to my mom’s house with the StoryCorps team and laying all of the transcripts on the floor. When it ends up on her dining room table a few hours later, it’s a book and it’s in order. I think probably the most useful thing I can say to my mom about her writing is, “If you’re on deadline, please DO NOT come out and babysit your grandson (my son) this week. Just stay home and write for God’s sake!” We talk to each other constantly.
As you were growing up how did you feel about your mom being a writer?
Dave: I thought it was cool that she was an editor
How did you or will you celebrate your child’s first release?
Jane: I cheered the loudest at the launch party.
The countdown to publication day is a time full of anxiety. What advice do you as a mom and an author give your child as that day approaches?
Jane: Don't check your Amazon numbers!
What do you think was the best present you gave your mother on Mother’s Day?
Dave: Please don’t tell her, but I think she might get her own inscribed copy of MOM 
What was the best present you received from your “writer child” on Mother’s Day?
Jane: His life is a constant gift to me.
Jane Isay is the author of MOM STILL LIKES YOU BEST: The Unfinished Business Between Siblings. Dave Isay is the author of MOM: A Celebration of Mothers From StoryCorps. Both titles are available now wherever books are sold. Click here to learn more about StoryCorps.
