If you’ve spent any time in the world of independent publishing or spiritual writing, you’ve probably heard the name Tom Bird. He’s the guy who famously claims he can help anyone write a book in a weekend. But lately, there’s been a bit of a buzz—the kind of quiet, nervous whispering that happens on internet forums and in writing groups. People are asking: is Tom Bird still alive?
It’s a fair question. In an era where "internet death hoaxes" are a weekly occurrence, it’s easy to get confused, especially when several prominent men named Thomas Bird have passed away in recent years.
Honestly, the short answer is yes. As of early 2026, Tom Bird—the author, speaker, and creator of the "Tom Bird Method"—is very much alive and actively teaching.
Why People Think Tom Bird Might Have Passed Away
Confusion usually stems from a mix of shared names and a lack of mainstream media updates. If you search for "Thomas Bird obituary," you’ll find several results that might make your heart sink if you don't look closely at the details.
For instance, Thomas A. Bird, a highly decorated British Army officer and architect, passed away back in 2017 at the ripe old age of 98. Then there was Tomas Durant Bird, a beloved figure in the Boy Scouts of America, who died in early 2024. Most recently, in August 2025, a Jennings Thomas Bird passed away in Washington.
When these names pop up in search results, it’s easy for the "author coach" Tom Bird to get swept up in the mix.
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Then there is the infamous case of Thomas Bird, the former minister from Kansas who was convicted of murder in the 1980s. That’s a whole different story, and while that Tom Bird was paroled years ago, his name still triggers "where are they now" searches that lead to dead ends—no pun intended.
What is Tom Bird Doing Now?
The Tom Bird we’re talking about—the one who lives and works in Sedona, Arizona—is still very much in the game. He hasn't retired to a quiet life of silence. In fact, his schedule for 2026 is looking pretty packed.
His organization is currently promoting "Virtual Weekend Retreats" throughout 2026. If you check his official platform, you’ll see dates listed for March, May, and November of this year. He’s still teaching people how to bypass the "left brain" and tap into a more spiritual, fluid way of writing.
The Tom Bird Method in 2026
The core of his work hasn't changed much, but it has adapted. He’s moved a lot of his traditional in-person retreats to a virtual format. This probably helped fuel some of the "is he still around?" rumors, since he isn't popping up at as many physical college lecture halls as he used to back in the early 2000s.
- The Spiritual Connection: He still preaches that writing isn't an intellectual exercise but a divine one.
- The Speed: The "Book in a Weekend" promise remains his calling card.
- The Location: He’s still rooted in the high-vibe atmosphere of Sedona.
Clearing Up the Identity Crisis
To be super clear, let’s distinguish the living Tom Bird from the others you might see in the news:
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The Living Tom Bird:
This is the author of over 30 books, including Write/Right from God and You Were Born to Write. He was a former publicist for the Pittsburgh Pirates before a spiritual awakening changed his career path. He is active, teaching, and leading retreats right now.
The "Other" Tom Birds (Deceased or Different):
- Thomas A. Bird (Died 2017): British war hero.
- Thomas Bird (The Minister): Involved in a famous 1980s criminal case in Kansas.
- Tom Bird (The Musician): There is a younger Tom Bird based in London who fronts the band SolarCircles. He’s very much alive and released an interview in early 2026 about his new music.
Why He Still Matters to Writers
It’s easy to be cynical about "write a book fast" coaches. But Tom Bird has lasted decades in an industry that eats people alive.
He’s not just a "how-to" guy; he’s more of a "why-to" guy. People gravitate toward him because he treats the act of writing as a form of healing. Whether you buy into the "Divine Author" stuff or not, the fact remains that he’s helped thousands of people actually finish their manuscripts. In a world where 90% of people say they want to write a book but only 1% do, that’s a significant track record.
If you’ve been holding off on a project because you weren’t sure if the "Method" was still being taught by the man himself, you can breathe easy. He’s there.
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How to Verify His Current Status
If you’re ever in doubt, the best way to see what Tom is up to is to look at his direct channels. He isn't a "mainstream celebrity" who gets TMZ coverage, so you have to look at the niche spots:
- Official Website: Check the "Retreats" page for 2026 dates.
- Webinars: He still frequently hosts live sessions where you can see and interact with him in real-time.
- Sedona Community: He remains a fixture in the Arizona spiritual community.
Basically, if the retreats are still being sold and the newsletters are still hitting inboxes with fresh content, the "Book Whisperer" is still on the job.
Actionable Insights for Writers
If you were searching for Tom Bird’s status because you’re stuck on your own book, don’t let the uncertainty stop your momentum. Here is what you can do next:
- Check the 2026 Schedule: Visit his official site to see the upcoming March and May virtual retreat dates.
- Verify the Presence: Look for his most recent "Oracle of Writing" updates to see his current thoughts on the publishing industry.
- Ignore the Noise: Don't get tripped up by obituaries for people with the same name; look for the "Sedona" or "Pittsburgh Pirates" connection to ensure you're looking at the right person.
- Start Writing: Whether you use his method or not, the best way to honor a teacher’s work is to actually do the work.
Tom Bird is alive, well, and still pushing writers to get their stories out of their heads and onto the page. There's no reason to wait for "someday" when the guy who invented the "weekend book" is still standing by to help.