About Pauline
50-word author bio
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). A brain injury ended Pauline’s successful careers in winemaking and education. Now, she pursues her passions for advocacy and writing.
"Her story was phenomenal, and really shows anything is possible."
Pauline is an author of both fiction and non-fiction, and advocates for brain injury survivors and patients with Phenylketonuria (PKU). Her Living with… non-fiction series has helped people around the world. She volunteers with charities, and speaks at community groups to raise awareness and fund her charity work. Her story is described as "phenomenal" and inspiring, showing that "anything is possible."
After successful careers in winemaking and education, a sports injury in 2014 led to a bleed in Pauline's brain. This was truly a life-changing injury, and she documented her recovery in writing. Pauline's debut memoir of her experience, 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.
Pauline was diagnosed at birth with a rare inherited metabolic disease called Phenylketonuria (PKU). Her second book, Living with PKU, shares her insights from over forty years of living with the condition. She works with patient groups to advocate for more research into treatments for PKU.
Her motivational presentations, PPI insights, and patient workshops have been well received by patient charities, clinical researchers, and public 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.
Pauline offers specialist reader and editorial assistance on areas including wine, sake, PKU, brain injury, or mental wellbeing. See Services for details and examples, or contact Pauline to discuss your requirements.
Pauline is also Butler to ''FluffMuppet" the Keeshond.
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.
