Full name: Heidi Anderson
Kids (ages): 1 and 3
What do you do? When I am not trying to wrangle my kids and teach them all they need to learn, I write children’s books (“Goodnight Tiny Mouse,” plus others I am working on getting published), poetry and I am currently in the process of finishing my first romance novel.
What does a typical day look like for you?Coffee… Likely followed by a second cup (and throughout the day the entire pot). Then the corraling of cats begins. During nap hour(s) I rush to the computer to work on my writing (and most often end up staring blankly at the screen itching my nose). When the kids wake up it’s a full afternoon of enrichment activities(Who wants to watch Wonder Pets??) and dexteral strengthening projects (aka playdoh-which I am still trying to extract from my burbur carpets). My husband then wakes up for his night shift job and enters into the equation (“Hi honey!” I scramble at him, as my daughter tries to barrage me with questions I have heard at least nine hundred times earlier that hour. “Do you mind watching the kids while I take a shower and then I can make dinner?”) After my leisurly paced showe (approximately 2 ½ minutes) I rush to the kitchen. My baby clinges to my legs as I turn and stretch to reach ingredients for the highly nutritious and satisfying meal we will all enjoy (chicken, baked potato and peas… which my daughter will turn her nose up at unless, she firmly believes it is chicken nuggets like McDonalds and my son will throw every last pea on the floor for the dog -’Chawwweeee’) My husband then makes his tear-filled exit (Me crying that once again, I am on my own. The kids crying because once again, they are left alone with me-the destroyer of all fun.) I then have the honor of rushing my kids through the flash flood in the bathroom and into bed with a short mind enriching story and a hug and kiss. I brush off my hands, relieved that my day as a mother has gone smoothly and no one has ended up in the ER today. Then my work day begins. I head to the excersize bike for my required 30 minutes of pain (it’s cheaper than Prozac I hear) and then sit down at the computer again to stare blankly and try and call it work.
Biggest misconception about motherhood? I told myself the universal lie whenever I saw other peoples kids acting out of control “Oh no, that won’t be my kid.” Yeah right, did I mention my kid tried to color all over my first handwritten draft of my novel (Mommy look at my pretty S’s!)?? I still owe many people heartfelt apologizes and probably some Big Sky Brewery Therapy to my former friends.
What is the best thing you have ever done for your family? Aside from sacrificing every great aspect of my physical body, I have to say it is staying home with my kids. It is hard to restrain my materialism and self-indulgence because we only make one steady income but, the payment I receive in love from my family makes it all worth it. Even while going through the excrutiatingly hard days.
What is the best thing you have ever done for YOURSELF? Oooh, that is a toughie. I think it is the fact I am allowing myself to follow my dream. I have always wanted to be a mom and a writer. Growing up it seemed like wherever I turned there was someone or something standing in the way of me believing in my own abilities. I am finally old enough (yes I shudder as I write ‘old’) to push back against the people who don’t believe in me and the people who tell me I will fail.
What is the biggest struggle you have had with motherhood? The guilt. No matter what I do, I condemn myself for my actions. Either I am too lenient (where’s my consistancy/I am letting them walk all over me/it’s only going to get worse if I let this slide) or far too strict (it was only one little lie I shouldn’t have sent her to the corner/she only asked why for the millionth time why should I let it get to me). I have a hard time trying to find a balance.
What are you most proud of — both family and self?
I have the greatest family in the entire world. We spend a lot of quality time together like hiking almost daily and sitting down for family dinners. We love to sit down around the table and tell each other about the events of our day (even if some members don’t actually eat anything). I hope this is something we always have together.
For myself-I have to say I am proud of my persistence and patience. Being a mom and writer are two careers that require high levels of both. I don’t need to explain for Mom’s I am sure they understand but, being a writer, you are constantly on an emotional rollercoaster. You are always getting excited about a new project, a new idea or a new avenue to travel and then the next day you are slammed with rejection letters and formal refusals. It’s daunting but, I am proud of myself for continuing my journey when I am constantly hearing the word ‘No’ (Maybe that is where my daughter and son get it?).
Anything you would like to say to other mamas?
Believe in yourself and who you are. You are the most valuable person in the world-treat yourself like it.
Tell your story in six words:Storm, Sunshine, Friendships, Love, Memories, Family
Business name, website and contact info (if applicable):
This is the site to find out more about my children’s book “Goodnight Tiny Mouse”
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Heidi, you do have the writing gift! This is Lee, we met at Diva Day, I enjoyed our conversation so much that morning. So funny that I’ve been looking for your contact info and here you are! Shoot me an email to leemacholz at gmail if you want!
You’re an amazing lady! So proud of you and all you do. Keep on following your dream!