About Pauline

"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 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.

Pauline is available to create & edit content on wine, PKU, brain injury, or mental wellbeing. See Services for details and examples, or contact Pauline now to discuss your requirements.

First fiction book 'The Red Hat Stories' out in 2024

Media information

Short author bio

Pauline O'Connor is a patient advocate and author of the popular Living with… self-help series. She also advocates for individuals who have survived brain injuries and those diagnosed with Phenylketonuria (PKU), collaborating with patient organisations and charities. Pauline had successful careers in winemaking and education until a brain injury changed her life. Now, she is pursuing her passions for advocacy and writing.

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. https://www.nspku.org/join-nspku/

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. Eligibility and membership information at https://societyofauthors.org/join

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. https://www.alcs.co.uk/