The actress takes a new turn as a children’s book author—with a few tricks up her sleeve.

You just penned your first kids’ book, Tilly the Trickster. What inspired it?

I would often tell my kids, Stella [8] and Nolan [6], bedtime stories about a family and all of their crazy hijinks. They loved the stories so much that I started taking notes of the elements they liked, and then I put the ideas together for this book. The main character, Tilly, is a fun-loving, mischievous girl who often gets into trouble. I love that she’s spunky and strong-willed.

Were you a trickster growing up?

Not always, but I did have my moments. My mother died when I was 4 and, for a while, I went to live with my aunt. I was in a dark place, but I remember one day waiting for the school bus with some other kids. I don’t know why, but I told them the bus had already come, and they started to walk to school. The bus came, I got on, and as it drove past them, I waved! I couldn’t believe that they actually believed me! 

How did your kids’ react to the book?

They loved it. They actually helped me create it. I showed them illustrations as they came in, and they helped me choose the best ones. I read the book to them a lot, too. After reading it so often, they’d say, “Mom, enough!” But they were by far my best test market group!

What’s the best thing about being a working mom?

I love being an actress because I get to express that creative part of myself. I had dreamt of being in the movies and on Saturday Night Live, and I did both! That in itself was so fulfilling, but then I got married and had kids, and my whole life really came together. I’m so happy I built my career before I had children, though, because when they came along, I was really ready. 

Do you get any “me” time?

Yes, I run every day and do yoga. It makes me a better mom because it’s calming. I still love to write, and this time I’m writing for the grown-ups; I’m currently developing a show for HBO. The premise is about a cloistered nun who decides to leave the convent and go into the world of dating. I liken it to a woman getting out of a long-term relationship, but in this case, it’s with Jesus Christ. It’s a fun idea, and yes, it’s a comedy.

What’s your ideal date with your husband [artist Fritz Chesnut]
We go out often, but our days of late night dates are over. Now, we get out of the house by 5 p.m., squeeze in dinner and a movie and, if we’re lucky, are in bed by 10. This way, we’re ready for those 6 a.m. calls for Mommy and Daddy!

How do you balance work with family time?

As for any mom, it’s a real struggle. I think it’s a personal thing that you figure out once you’re in the thick of it. I find that I’ve become really thrifty with time. Now that both kids are in school, I can get so much done! I’ve also become super organized, so I make the most of every moment. And when the kids come home, it’s all about them.

Molly’s tips for family fun

Puppy Love
We rescued a dog named Cinnamon, a lab/corgi mix. Playing with her brings the family closer together.

Wigging Out
We love to put on wigs and pretend to be different characters. My kids get a real taste of what I do as an actress.

Building Blocks
My son, Nolan, adores playing with LEGOs, so we’ll get down on the floor and build together.

The Write Stuff
Because of my book, Stella became inspired to write. I’m proud that I’m a role model for her.