Tom Paulding began writing poetry in high school and continued his passion through the years. His subjects range from family, to faith, to love, to self-reflection. The grandson of coal miners and son of a school superintendent, he attended several small schools in Iowa: Clutier, Deep River, Cotter, and Columbus Junction. He attended college at the University of Iowa.

He met Mary Frances, his wife of 52 years, in Columbus Junction and began farming with her father. During the next 20 years he broadened his sights to include horses, auctioneering, and commodities. He then joined Harker Foods and moved to Hillsboro, IL. There they purchased the Historic Red Rooster Inn.

They have one daughter, Ramona, ministering at Knoxville Presbyterian Church, and one grandson, Andy. You will never find Tom idle because family and friends keep inspiring his poetic reflections.