Interview with Tom Bird

What drew you to want to write your book?

What drew me to write this book was a desire to preserve some of my family's stories. My mother was one of seven siblings. As our family grew smaller and my mother's health declined, I realized that the memories of their childhood and the experiences that shaped them could easily disappear with time. Since I spent sometimes weeks in Mexico, I too had many experiences that I wanted to document. While caring for my mother, I often asked her about her younger years. Whenever my two remaining aunts visited, I kept a pen and notebook close by, taking notes. Listening to them laugh, reminisce, and recall long-forgotten moments, inspired me to write my first fiction story, mainly to protect my family's privacy. Most of the events are true, but the story itself is made up.

Prior experience before writing your book?

I've loved writing since I was a teenager. In the 1970s, I took a children's writing course through the mail, but as life became busier with school and other responsibilities, I set that dream aside. Even so, I continued writing on my own over the years.

After retiring, I attended one of Tom Bird's weekend writing retreats in Sedona, Arizona. His encouragement and guidance inspired me to pursue my lifelong passion for writing. I went on to publish my first book, Unraveled—A Journey Led by Faith and Hope, a memoir, followed by my second book, Yearning for Mama—The One from Yesteryear, a nonfiction account of caring for my aging mother.

Those experiences gave me the confidence and foundation to write my first work of fiction.

What method did you employ to write your book?

As I wrote, I wanted to transport readers back to the 1970s and capture the charm and simplicity of growing up in a small town. My goal was to create a story that would resonate with readers who appreciate that era while giving others a glimpse into a time when family, friendships, and community played a central role in everyday life. I enjoyed creating the main character and her family and friends.

What did you most gain from writing your book?

Writing this book gave me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone and write my first work of fiction. After spending a weekend on Zoom with Tom Bird, it was confirmed that I could create an engaging fictional story inspired by real-life experiences. The writing process also taught me to trust my instincts. At one point, I considered removing the Spanish words and phrases from the dialogue, fearing they might distract some readers. Instead, I realized they were essential to the authenticity of the story. They reflect the culture, setting, and everyday language of the people who live in this small town, making the characters and their experiences feel genuine.

Most of all, I gained the satisfaction of preserving the spirit of my family's memories in a way that allows others to enjoy and connect with them through fiction.

Future works?

I would like to write an Anthology with short stories about our old neighborhood. It will include stories from my siblings and old neighbors, or I'll go solo!

Are you still writing? If so, what are you writing?

Yes. I am currently writing the second book that follows Yearning for Mama—The One from Yesteryear. After my mother's recent passing, I felt called to finish her story. The first part of the book was written at night while I was caring for her through her journey with dementia. The second part will take the form of a letter to my mother after her passing, reflecting on our time together, my grief, and the lessons I learned along the way. Writing this book has been an emotional journey. Every memory I revisit reminds me not only of the challenges of caring for my mother but also of the exhaustion, self-doubt, and emotional unraveling that often accompany caregiving. My hope is that by sharing both the difficult and the beautiful moments, other caregivers will know they are not alone. I will definitely need a weekend retreat with Tom Bird to finish the story!

Do you know Tom? If so, how do you know him?

I first met Tom Bird at one of his evening writing workshops in Tucson, Arizona. A year or two later, I worked up the courage to attend one of his weekend writing retreats in Sedona. That weekend was just a taste of what was to come.

Later, I participated in one of Tom's Zoom writing retreats, and it was there that I finally found the confidence to let go of my first book. I truly believe that Tom's music, along with the moments of prayer before each writing session, creates an atmosphere that unlocks the stories within me. Those experiences give me the freedom to trust my voice and write from the heart.

Advice for any new author

Set your fears aside and listen to your heart. Keep a pen and notepad nearby, and write your thoughts down before they slip away. Start with a few notes, then write a paragraph, and then another. Before you know it, those paragraphs will begin to tell your story.

If you need guidance or structure, I highly recommend one of Tom Bird's Write Your Book in a Weekend retreats. It gave me the confidence to stop doubting myself and finally put my words on paper.

Most importantly, don't wait for the perfect time or the perfect story. If your heart is telling you to write, then write. Your story matters, and no one else can tell it the way you can.

August 2026