Interview With Author Sammie Marsalli
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
As an author this is my first attempt to write. I am not an expert or an authority on Alzheimer’s. I never pretended to be. I am simply an ordinary “John Doe” caregiver, husband sharing my experiences living and caring for my wife with Alzheimer’s. We have been married 43 years and I am trying to not let go and avoid her shutdown.
Preventing Her Shutdown is my desperate effort to keep my wife with Alzheimer’s “connected”. In Real Time there are very personal unloaded feelings, emotions and reactions expressed, never confided to anyone while slowly losing my wife.
There are really no fixed “do this” and “do that” rules, as there are no two profile behavioral changes alike. Consequently, no one has the “key” as to how to respond to a family member with Alzheimer’s radical behavioral changes . I describe these dramatic changes with my wife who is in the beginning of the advanced stages. My reactions have always been intuitive in my desperate attempts to keep her “connected” with me, family and her surroundings. Real time experiences and actions “racing against the Alzheimer’s clock” to keep her communicating and interacting every day, even though she no longer speaks are detailed in my never-ending battle to prevent her shutdown.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Preventing Her Shutdown started out as a daily diary of events, emotions, and decisions made in real time to keep my wife interacting with me and responding. I realized that perhaps this could be a book to help others living this very tortuous journey.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Sometimes my emotions take over my writing and I just let it all hangout.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Mary Moller, Alzheimer’s Through the Stages: A Caregiver’s Guide
What are you working on now?
My diary is continuing, perhaps this will turn into a second book. I can´t be sure as I hope this diary never ends.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am new in this field so I don´t fell qualified to give an opinion.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
In non fiction write from your heart, from your gut, relax, be honest and let go.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
none yet.
What are you reading now?
I have several books on my following list but as a 24/ 7 caregiver for my wife and writing I haven´t been able to read very much.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Continue with my daily diary.
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?
Probably if it is the current situation I am living with my wife I would bring the following:
Caregiver Overwhelmed, When Only Love Remains, When reasoning No Longer Works
Author Websites and Profiles
Sammie Marsalli Amazon Profile
Sammie Marsalli’s Social Media Links