About Pauline

Pauline O'Connor is an author of fiction and non-fiction, and a patient advocate. She campaigns for brain injury survivors and for those diagnosed with the rare disease Phenylketonuria (PKU).

Her experience has inspired others to reimagine what recovery can mean:

"Her story was phenomenal, and really shows anything is possible."

After successful careers in winemaking and education, a sports injury in 2014 led to a bleed in Pauline’s brain — a life-changing event that she documented through writing. Her debut memoir, Living with Mild Brain Injury: The Difficulties of Diagnosis and Recovery from Post-Concussion Syndrome, was published by Routledge in 2020.

"Pauline...is also a role model for people who have PKU." J.J.Brown, public health advocate & author.

Diagnosed at birth with PKU, Pauline has lived with the condition for over forty years. Her second book, Living with PKU, shares practical and personal insights from that journey. She also created the Low Phe series of alphabet books, diet guides, and colouring books for children and families. Pauline works with patient groups to advocate for improved research and treatments for PKU.

Pauline writes about real lives shaped by rare disease, injury, recovery, and resilience — stories that turn science and struggle into hope.

Her motivational presentations, PPI insights, and patient workshops have been well received by patient charities, clinical researchers, and community groups such as the WI & the U3A. For a speaking engagement which will enrich and motivate your group, see Speaking for details or contact Pauline to discuss your needs.

Offline, Pauline is Head Butler for ''FluffMuppet", the Keeshond.

If you’d like to follow my writing and advocacy journey, join the PigPen community for monthly stories and updates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor in Viticulture and Oenology, Lincoln University, NZ.
• Diploma in Wines & Spirits, Wine & Spirit Education Trust, London, UK

Memberships

NSPKU: the national charity for people living with the rare metabolic condition Phenylketonuria (PKU). If you have PKU, or care for someone who does, they offer support and information.

Alliance of Independent Authors: a global membership association for self-publishing authors. A non-profit, our mission is ethics and excellence in self-publishing.

Society of Authors: the UK trade union for all types of writers, illustrators and literary translators, at all stages of their careers. They offer a contract vetting service and other helpful advice for new authors.

ALCS: the Authors' Licensing and Collecting Society are a a not-for-profit organisation. They work to ensure you receive the money you’re entitled to as a writer when someone copies or uses your work. They collect money from all over the world, then pay it out twice a year. Please join now, you may be missing out on money which you have earned.