Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a 74-year-old retired teacher with ALS. Since 2011 I’ve lived in a retirement community, URC, in Davis CA, with my husband John, an emeritus law professor at UC Davis. In 1999 I was diagnosed with primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), a progressive degenerative neuromuscular illness of the voluntary muscles. I retired in 2000 so I could travel while I
could still walk. By 2003 I needed a power wheelchair to get around. Since about 2016 I’ve been in a wheelchair 24 hours a day. I feel very fortunate to still be able to type so that I could write this book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is THE CONSCIOUS TEACHER. I was reading my autobiography in my memoir group here about my early struggles with reading and math as an elementary student. I related how this inspired me to become a teacher with insights about how to do a better job of reaching all students. The group said, “Debbie this is too important to just write for your memoir. You need to stop and write a book about your teaching for parents and teachers before its too late.” I was excited they thought my ideas were worthy of a book, but saying “before its too late” really got me. It was true that having ALS meant I better get to it before it was too late. So I started writing in earnest, turning my autobiography into this book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I got up, got my cup of coffee, and started writing. I wrote for at least two to three hours every day. ALS has impaired my fingers so it is difficult to type as I used to. It took about a year to complete the first manuscript. Then I had to add stuff, rewrite parts, and edit. Waiting for the publisher to make the changes in the manuscript took time. That took almost four years.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve enjoyed reading all kinds of books, but this just came directly out of me. It wasn’t influenced by any other authors.
What are you working on now?
I’m back to writing my autobiography. That includes not only my childhood, but also being
on the Davis City Council, finding the love of my life, designing and being the general contractor for building three houses, quilting and developing my own original designs as I became more handicapped by ALS, among other highlights of my life.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
N/A
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write about what you know and what inspires you. Honestly tell your story. I don’t have
advice for fiction writers. But they amaze me with their imaginations.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I don’t know. I guess it might be: follow your heart, don’t give up, tell the truth, and persevere.
What are you reading now?
I am a member of two book groups. I just finished The Last Bus to Wisdom and The
Traveling Cat Chronicles.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m back to working on my autobiography. I’ve thought of writing a book about living with ALS, but for now that’s on the back burner. I was diagnosed in 2006, so it has been slow to
progress, thank goodness.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I have no idea. I order ebooks, so I would just order what I wanted from there. Hopefully the island would have an internet connection.
Author Websites and Profiles
Deborah Nichols Poulos Amazon Profile