Tami Lou’s debut memoir is the story of a daughter’s search for her authentic father and the unconditional love that shapes us - if only we allow it.
The Mould Maker
Tami Lou grows up longing to be close to her father, only to watch him drift further into the self-destructive storm of a long-held secret. Decades later, the truth finally emerges. Where Roy once stood, now there is Connie. But can Connie’s courage heal their broken relationship?
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“Tami writes about her family with such compassion and love, even through the hard times and frustrating times. Her relationship with Connie is complicated, as many parent-child relationships are, but her support for Connie during Connie's transition shows just how strong the family bond is. I loved following Tami's childhood through Los Angeles suburbs and how her relationship with her parents changed and developed over the years. Tami makes Connie come alive on the page, whether she's in her workshop or throwing a party or taking her girls dancing. This is, ultimately, a book full of love.”
Deborah Shaw, editor of The Mould Maker
“I was in it from the start, such a heartfelt, compassionate and courageious tale. I’m blown away, firstly, by your mum, what an extraordinary woman…your Dad’s story is both heartbreaking then redemptive. There’s so much love and joy in your memoir Tami, it shines.”
Early reader feedback
“In moving and evocative prose, Tami Lou Castillo offers a profound reflection on the value of family, love and life.”
Merav Fima, author of Late Blossoms
“A moving journey of love, acceptance and the triumph of truth.”
A business Entepenur
About Tami Lou Castillo
Tami Lou Castillo is a global educator who has been teaching in secondary classrooms and universities across the US and Australia for thirty years. With a BA in English and an MEd in Education, she specialises in literature, writing, academic skills and curriculum design. Outside of the classroom, Tami has also championed the importance of English communication skills and student engagement models in various educational conferences.
Tami’s first foray as an author was writing a book chapter titled ‘Mastering Environment and Sustainability’ in a scholarly collaboration between Monash University Library and La Trobe University Library around curriculums, libraries and student learning.
Following this, she embarked on a personal writing journey leading to her debut memoir, The Mould Maker. She was in part inspired to write by her parent, Connie, who was one of the first persons in California to have her name and gender changed on her birth certificate.
When she’s not writing, Tami enjoys running on forest trails, riding bikes with her husband, Peter, traveling and of course, reading.