On May 12, 2009, MCA Founder Tara Paterson talked with Susan M. Heim, a 2009 Mom’s Choice Awards® honoree. We are reformatting and republishing this interview as part of our Alumni Spotlight.
I recently interviewed author and editor Susan M. Heim, author of Boosting Your Baby’s Brain Power. Susan resides in Florida with her husband Mike and four sons. Her oldest son is a college student with a high school student following closely behind, but imagine this: twin kindergartners!! I had an opportunity to ask Susan some questions (including how she does it!). Here is what she had to say.
Tara: What was the inspiration for your book?
Susan: Like most “mom authors,” I’d have to say that my children were the inspiration for this book and all the parenting books I write. To watch their intelligence and talents develop and blossom is utterly fascinating. And I love to share these wonders with other parents.
Tara: Susan, I can totally relate. My parenting book is based on my journey with my children, too. It is SO fascinating to take the knowledge they teach us and turn it into guidance for others. When would you say you first came up with your idea?
Susan: In 2007, Holly Engel-Smothers – an educator, mother of twins and contributor to some of my books – contacted me with an idea about doing a book about baby brain development for parents. She had noticed in the course of her research that most books of this kind were for educators and medical professionals, so we teamed up to write a book for parents.
Tara: Something else we share in common. It’s wonderful when you can relate so closely with another person that the knowledge you share becomes twice as impactful. Did you have an “aha” moment; was it inspired by something you were doing or someplace you were visiting; a person in your life?
Susan: When Holly and I started taking a closer look at intelligence in children, we were astounded at the complexity of a baby’s brain. We just knew that most people didn’t know, for example, that all the neurons in a baby’s brain would stretch for 62,000 miles if placed end to end. Or that parents can play an important role in helping those neurons to connect for optimum brain function. We became inspired to get that crucial information out to parents.
Tara: Ah, ho. What an amazing discovery for you to share with other parents. When I took my infant daughter for a well check up, I asked our doctor, a holistic practictioner, when he started babies on food. He told me that we wouldn’t start with cereals, but would begin by introducing the bitter vegetables. When parents start with sweeter fruits and vegtables it sends messages to the brain that can later translate to impulses for sugar…Who is your greatest source of support; why?
Susan: My faith is my greatest source of support and strength. The more I turn my worries and fears over to God, the more open doors I find.
Tara: Wonderful how when we get out of the way, things become more clear and effortless. If you could offer one piece of advice to someone who is thinking of venturing into this line of work, what would it be?
Susan: Be persistent. If you want to be a writer, you’ll face a lot of rejection. Develop a tough skin and keep going. The first Chicken Soup for the Soul book was rejected by more than 40 publishers, and it’s now a worldwide sensation because the authors believed in their product and didn’t give up.
Tara: I believe when you work from your heart, it will happen regardless of what the outside world says. What has it meant to you personally or to the success of your product to have been honored with a Mom’s Choice Award®?
Susan: Mom’s Choice Awards® are the best-known and most reputable awards in the parenting field. I proudly display these awards on my books. It gives them distinction as high-quality and valuable resources for parents.
Tara: Love to hear that! What are your future plans; what’s next for you as an author?
Susan: As an author, I will continue to write more books! In early 2009, my book, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Twins and More
Tara: Congratulations, we will definitely have to keep an eye out for your upcoming Chicken Soup books. Is there anything you would like to add?
Susan: Please visit my blog, Susan Heim on Parenting, at http://susanheim.blogspot.com, where I share parenting advice, product reviews and giveaways!
Tara: Thanks Susan and good luck with all of your future endeavors!
Mom’s Choice Awards® Honors
Boosting Your Baby’s Brain Power
written by Susan M. Heim and Holly Engel-smothers
published by Great Potential Pr, Inc., 2008
2009 Gold Medal, Family & Parenting
It’s Twins! Parent-to-Parent Advice from Infancy through Adolescence
written by Susan M. Heim
published by Hampton Roads Publishing, 2008
2008 Gold Medal, Family & Parenting
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