The moral of Jane on the Brain, insofar as one exists, is that no one goes it alone, and I have many people to thank for helping me write. My husband Paul Sawyer provided unconditional love, feedback, and support, giving me the “holding environment,” as Winnicott put it, in which to work. My daughters Jocelyn Sawyer and Maggie Sawyer read countless extracts of my work in progress; their comments were unerringly thoughtful and helpful. Maggie accompanied me on my midlife career change, studying the mind-brain sciences along with me. Jocelyn’s illustrations are sure to “instruct and delight” readers, advice from the Classical poet Horace that Austen surely knew. Sonia Covington’s love and friendship have been invaluable.
Michael Chen read draft after draft of Jane on the Brain, helping me to find the voice and style appropriate to what I had to say. I’m grateful to Daniel Matusiewicz for our many conversations about the mind-brain, which have been as informative as any of the books I read or classes I took. Yona Zeldis McDonough and Paul Cody, dear friends of long duration, as well as inspired novelists, contributed essential help and advice on many aspects of writing and publishing. Barbara Ganzel was my go-to person for neuroscience, as was Jane Mendle for psychology—they are pals as well. Shimon Edelman, my first teacher as I ventured into a new discipline, has remained a chum, and my favorite person to argue with.
Anke Hoffstaetter, Kimberly Wheeler, and Micaela Corazón have demonstrated social intelligence in action through their generosity and wisdom. Alison Case, graduate-school classmate, gifted novelist, and English professor, has been the best of friends throughout the years. I’m indebted to Steven Cornelius and Aidan Chambliss for their willingness not only to lend support in various ways, but also to forgive me for disappearing for long periods into the “writing cave.” Lisa Sundquist, Michael Alvich, Lee-Ellen Marvin, and Maude Rith created a supportive work environment as I segued into a new career. I’m grateful to my friends from academia, Molly Hite, Eric Cheyfitz, Stuart Davis, and Cynthia Chase for their continued friendship and loyalty, even though I left the fold. Tracy Hamler Carrick and Jennifer Janke gave much-appreciated encouragement, especially as I was completing this project. My cohorts at Binghamton, many of whom were also changing careers, remain close to my heart. And of course, my ballet buddies at the Ballet Center of Ithaca kept me sane in mind and healthy in body.
Jessica Case, my editor, has been outstanding: creative, helpful, attentive, tolerant—and she has Austen’s treasured quality, empathy. I’m grateful to Laura Wood, my agent, for having confidence in my project, the vital ingredient for turning a collection of words into a book. Shayna Sobol, my copyeditor, has the patience of a saint; I know I can’t spell. I’m thrilled with the book’s appearance, “loveliness itself” as Mrs. Weston says of Emma (Jane would also be thrilled!): My thanks to Maria Fernandez for the text layout and to FaceOut Studio for the cover.
My parents, Vicki and Iz Singer, provided “secure attachment,” the greatest gift a parent can give a child. Jane on the Brain is dedicated to them.