One Minute With: Cecelia Ahern

Where are you now and what can you see?

I am in my publicist's office and I can see a lot of books.

What are you currently reading?

The Shack by William P Young. It's been number one on the New York Times best sellers list forever. It's about a man who has a confrontation with God.

Choose a favourite author, and say why you like her/him

Mitch Albom, who wrote The Five People You Meet in Heaven and For One More Day, which is my favourite. I always love his words.

Describe the room where you usually write

I have an office and it overlooks the sea but I always write in the kitchen by the kettle and the biscuits. I don't need to be detached from everything. The kitchen is kind of the heart of the home so it feels natural. The kitchen is the right place.

What are your readers like when you meet them?

They are always really sweet. Whenever I go to Germany I find that my readers have T-shirts with my book covers printed on them. They come to all the events, they have gifts and they come with their families. They are always very open to sharing their personal stories.

What distracts you from writing?

Promotion. I'm most happy when I am writing at night, because I need space and time to write.

Which fictional character most resembles you?

Alice in Wonderland. I just feel very often like a child in an absolutely weird world. I think that life is quite weird sometimes.

Who is your hero/heroine from outside literature?

My mum, dad and sister. I just love them and idolise them.

Cecilia Ahern's 'The Gift' is published by HarperCollins.