Meet the Author: Andrea Couture

Andrea Couture is an author, a mother, and a vocal advocate for Alzheimer’s awareness. Here’s what she has to say.

Hi, Andrea! Tell us a little about yourself!

Hi! I am a wife, mom of three, and most recently a published author. My first book was published in June of this year and it’s a memoir about my father and I and his journey with Alzheimer’s, titled Embracing What Remains.

What inspired you to write your most recent novel?

I felt inspired to write my memoir because of the pain, grief, shock, and overall experience of having a parent diagnosed at age 67 with Alzheimer’s. I wanted to document my feelings but also write it for others going through the same thing. My father was a physician so at times it was extremely difficult to watch him decline and his life and our family change so drastically.

I’m so curious, what’s your writing routine?

My routine was to write when I had a thought, sometimes an email to myself or a note in my phone. Typically, I wrote when I had a free moment when my kids were either out of the house or distracted by other things that gave me a few minutes or, if I was lucky, hours to sit and write uninterrupted. As a stay-at-home mom I had to be very flexible and creative with my time and when I could fit in my writing.

What are your top 3 favorite books?

Some of my favorite books are The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian, The Kite Runner by Khaled Hossein and The German Midwife by Mandy Robotham.

Those are great choices!

What writers inspire you?

Other memoirists and those not afraid to discuss difficult subjects and taboo topics.

What are you currently reading?

I am currently reading God’s Country by L.R. Eckley, a fellow indie author.

Do you use any life experiences to inspire your writing?

Yes, most of what I write is based on my life and experiences that have happened to me. I prefer to write nonfiction or creative nonfiction.

So, how did you originally get into writing? Is it something you’ve always wanted to do?

I started writing at a young age. In high school I journaled almost every night to get out my thoughts and feelings from the day. I majored in Journalism in college yet did not enter the field after graduation, twenty years ago! I enjoy writing as a way to process my feelings. I continued to journal throughout my life and most recently decided to write a book.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

When you write just dump out all of your thoughts and ideas. You can always go back and craft it, edit it, and change it to be clearer or better. Your first writing doesn’t have to be perfect it just needs to be written down before you forget or lose your idea. Believe that someone, somewhere will want to read your story!

That’s great advice!

What’s your experience marketing your book? And do you have any suggestions for other authors trying to do the same?

I sort of just jumped into the marketing of my book. I watched videos, did some Googling, and learned some tips from my editor on how to market a self-published book. I sat back and observed others as well. I made sure to pick at least two platforms to maintain a strong presence in and I chose Facebook and Instagram. I enjoy marketing my book as it’s something I know well, believe in, and want to share with the world. I think variety is important and engaging your audience as well.

What's next for you? Do you have any other books in the works right now?

For now, I am working on marketing my book. I think promoting Alzheimer’s awareness is hugely important for our world and our aging population. I hope I can be a voice that is one of many speaking on behalf of awareness and education. I may plan a second book continuing my family’s story and journey with Alzheimer’s but for now, I am happy to continue promoting Embracing What Remains.

Thank you, Andrea, for providing this insight into your writing process and sharing your story!