We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tommy Widekärr a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tommy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?
**What sort of legacy are you hoping to build? What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?**
As a writer, I believe that our words are the footprints we leave behind, long after we have departed. The legacy I hope to build is one of connection and resonance—a body of work that stirs emotions, provokes thought, and inspires introspection. My dream is for my stories to serve as a mirror for readers, reflecting their own joys, struggles, and humanity, while also opening doors to worlds and experiences they may have never encountered otherwise.
I hope people will say that I was a storyteller who dared to explore the complexities of life and relationships, someone who wrote not just with a pen but with a deep curiosity for the human spirit. That I sought to illuminate the small, seemingly ordinary moments in life that carry extraordinary weight and meaning. If my work sparks a conversation, helps someone feel seen, or gives them the courage to dream, then I feel my purpose has been fulfilled.
More than anything, I wish to be remembered for creating stories that feel alive—characters who linger in the minds of readers, places that they can still picture vividly, and themes that stay relevant no matter how much time has passed. Beyond the words themselves, I hope my legacy is one of encouraging others to find their voice, to take the leap into creativity, and to trust in the power of their own stories.
Lastly, I hope people will see my life as a testament to perseverance and passion. That I lived with a relentless commitment to creating, sharing, and connecting, and that my journey inspires others to honor their own dreams. Because, ultimately, a legacy isn’t just about what we leave behind—it’s about how we empower others to carry forward their own light.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Tommy, a Swedish author and storyteller with a deep love for exploring human connection, identity, and the intricate layers of life. My journey into writing began as a music teacher, where I discovered the power of stories—both the ones we tell and the ones we live. Over time, my creative pursuits shifted from teaching about the harmony of notes to weaving the harmony of words, crafting novels and reflective pieces that delve into the shared experiences that unite us.
My work primarily revolves around literary fiction, often with richly detailed settings that transport readers to specific places and moments in time. Many of my novels are inspired by my travels, particularly in the American South, where history, culture, and personal reflection intertwine. I aim to create immersive experiences, where readers feel like they’re not just reading a story but living it alongside the characters.
What sets me apart is my dedication to authenticity and emotional depth. I strive to write stories that resonate on a personal level, where the struggles, joys, and complexities of the characters feel deeply human and relatable. I often incorporate themes of self-discovery, relationships, and resilience, which not only entertain but encourage readers to reflect on their own lives.
In addition to novels, I’ve ventured into creating reflective self-help books and memory-keeping guides, such as my upcoming project *”Självinsikt: 52 Veckors Reflektioner”*. These works are designed to guide readers through personal growth and to capture the richness of their own stories and experiences.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the connection my work has fostered with readers across the globe. Hearing from someone who says, “Your story spoke to me,” or “I saw myself in your characters,” is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a reminder of why I write—not just to tell a story but to create a bridge between people, emotions, and perspectives.
For potential readers, fans, or collaborators, I want them to know that my work is rooted in a desire to inspire and connect. Whether it’s through a novel, a reflective guide, or a creative project, my goal is to leave an impact that lingers long after the last page is turned. My brand, if I could define it in one phrase, is about *creating stories that matter*—to individuals, to relationships, and to the shared human experience.
If you’re looking for stories that resonate with the heart or tools that inspire personal insight, my work is designed with you in mind. I believe stories, whether read or written, have the power to transform, and I’m honored to share that journey with my readers.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to forge meaningful connections through my work. There’s a profound sense of fulfillment in knowing that something I’ve written—a character’s journey, a vividly described setting, or even a simple line of dialogue—has resonated with someone, perhaps offering them comfort, inspiration, or a new perspective.
Creativity allows me to explore and express the complexity of human emotions and experiences in a way that words alone might not typically convey. It’s deeply rewarding to take abstract ideas or personal reflections and shape them into something tangible that others can engage with, relate to, and even make their own.
Another significant reward is the process itself—the act of creating. Writing, for me, is both a challenge and a sanctuary. It pushes me to delve deeper into my thoughts and observations while offering a space to explore ideas, experiment with narratives, and bring imagined worlds to life. This process is as much about self-discovery as it is about storytelling.
Lastly, I find immense joy in the lasting impact of creativity. Knowing that my work might live on, sparking conversations, evoking emotions, or inspiring others long after it’s created, is a gift I never take for granted. It’s a reminder that creativity is a shared journey, one that bridges the gap between individuals and reminds us of our shared humanity.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the ability to touch lives and evoke emotions through my work. There’s something profoundly fulfilling about creating something that resonates with others, offering them a moment of connection, introspection, or even escape. Knowing that a story, a passage, or a single sentence can inspire someone or make them feel understood is a privilege I deeply cherish.
The act of creation itself is also incredibly rewarding. It’s a journey of discovery, where I have the freedom to explore new ideas, challenge myself, and bring intangible concepts to life. There’s magic in starting with a blank page and watching it transform into a piece of art that carries meaning and purpose. This process allows me to grow, both as a person and as an artist, as I uncover new layers of creativity within myself.
Finally, I find great satisfaction in the permanence of creative work. Stories and art have the power to transcend time and place, continuing to impact others long after they are created. To be part of that tradition—to contribute something meaningful to the world that outlives me—is deeply humbling and immensely rewarding. Creativity, at its core, is about connection, and being able to foster that through my work is the greatest reward of all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tommywidekarr.se/
- Instagram: @widekarr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552717620340
Image Credits
Tommy Widekärr