Tommie has been performing poetry since 1986. She studied literature and language at UT San Antonio and moved to Austin in 1990 where she was quickly embraced by local poetry groups and performed at many local venues. Her publications include Di Verse City, In the Company of Women, Poesia Y Calle, The Glass Eye, and the Cancer Poetry Project. Her works have been included in over 50 local, national, and e-zine literary compilations.

Her poetry, art, and photography continue to be an evolution of creative ideas.