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MEET DAVID ISAAC
by Bonnie O'Brian

What books influenced you most when you were growing up?

David Isaac

I tended to read the same books over and over again as a child. I was a big fan of all Hugh Lofting’s Doctor Dolittle books. There was something about the idea of talking animals and talking to animals that appealed to me. It’s not a coincidence that my first book is about a talking animal!

Did you write stories when you were growing up? at school? Or at home as a hobby? As a young child, or as a teenager, or both?

I exhibited some writing ability early on. As a teenager, I won several awards, including national writing awards for humorous essays. Prior to that, I was encouraged by my English teachers to develop my writing. Mostly I wrote at home.

When you were a child did you ever have moments when you decided that you were going to be a writer when you grew up?

Although I wrote as a teenager, I never had that moment when I thought I would be a writer. It was something that came to me later. I’ve gradually moved in the direction of writing as an adult.

 If you didn’t write as a child, then when did you start writing and what inspired you to start?

 I was working in an office management position in my 20s in New York City when I stumbled upon a little yellow box that contained catalogs offering writing courses. I took one of the courses and recognized that was what I should be doing.

Do you do other types of writing - for example, educational, nonfiction, magazine work?

Yes, I worked as a newspaper reporter full-time for a number of years and wrote articles for magazines as well. Most of it was nonfiction, unless deadline was approaching and I needed to turn something in. Then I made it up quick! (I’m only kidding.)

Where do you get your ideas?

I’ll read or see something that sparks an idea. Sometimes a theme that’s been on my mind will lead me to a story. Other times ideas just pop into my head.

What gave you the idea for “The Leafy Sea Dragon”?

My children’s book was an unusual case where I saw a leafy sea dragon in an aquarium, asked myself “What on Earth is that? A plant or a fish?” and then realized that the question itself would make for a great children’s story.

 Do you enjoy researching or do you prefer working totally you’re your imagination?

I prefer a combination. As with “The Leafy Sea Dragon” I would study about the various undersea creatures and then incorporate them into my story. I enjoy research because I learn as I write.