Interviewing Family Members

I am married, so I have interviewed my mother without mentioning the relation to my editor. Since we have different last names, it wasn't an issue. Some editors might find it lacks impassivity, however, so be careful using your mom as a source.

I would never interview family members without identifying them as such in the article. But the rules on that depend on the publication.

I would not identify your mother as such in the article, and if you share the same last name, you could use an alias for her, but if you do that, I would be honest with the editor about it. (And clear it beforehand.) Some magazines are fine with that.

I had a situation recently where I interviewed a friend for an article and after it was done, he decided he didn't want his name used! So I had to go back to the editor after the fact and ask if we could use a pseudonym for him. She agreed, but wasn't thrilled that it happened after the article was submitted and our hands were tied. If I could have been upfront about it right away, it would have been better.

I would never lie to an editor about such a thing; it builds a relationship of mistrust. Even if they never find out, you will know!

Dawn

I guess it was a lie by omission, but I presented my mother as I wanted to profile her: a service dog trainer who happens to be disabled herself. The editor loved the article, and it got great reader feedback, but I would imagine it might never have seen print if I had emailed to say "I want to write about my mom!"

I don't think there is anything wrong with it as long as you are up-front with the editor. I would worry more about how family members might receive the article. People can get touchy about the slightest things. One reporter at the newspaper I worked for got bombarded with angry calls once because she mentioned the silver streaks (in a beautiful way) in a woman's hair when she decribed her. I never interview family members for that reason. It's just not worth the potential damage to the relationship should they not like the way they are portrayed.