Cecelia Ahern, pregnant with her third child Blossom at the time, began experiencing aura migraines, a condition marked by sensory symptoms like flashes of light and colour distortions. The bestselling author of 20 books, including the beloved 'PS I Love You,' initially found the condition fascinating, even entertaining thoughts of magic. “I found [the episodes of aura migraines] fascinating,” she shared during a visit to Dubai, adding, “I believe in auras; I don’t see them, but yes, I do believe in them.”

Curious about her symptoms, Cecelia, known for her sensitivity and ability to sense energies, consulted her neurologist. “He made me realise that it was not magical… that there’s so much that happens in the world that can easily be explained by science and medicine.” This realisation became the catalyst for her novel 'In a Thousand Different Ways.'

The book delves into the life of Alice, a highly sensitive and empathetic protagonist who can read people’s emotions through their auras. Alice’s ability to sense moods like danger, anger, and joy, however, comes with a cost—she absorbs these emotions, making social interactions challenging. “The colour travels to my character; she feels exactly what the person she is with is feeling,” Cecelia explained.

The novel also explores synaesthesia, a neurological condition where one sense triggers another. Cecelia drew inspiration from real-life accounts, such as a person who could see colours while listening to music. “It’s amazing. So I just took all of those things and put them in a story.” By endowing her protagonist with synaesthesia, Cecelia explored the depths of empathy, a theme close to her heart.

Cecelia also reflected on the pandemic’s impact on empathy. “I think there was a lot of it during the pandemic,” she said. “For the first time, people really could feel what everybody else was going through because they themselves were suffering.” She believes personal challenges foster a deeper understanding of others’ struggles.

In 'In a Thousand Different Ways,' Cecelia weaves in themes of climate change and modern lifestyles, juxtaposing them with changes in people’s personalities. Alice, the protagonist, likens people’s protective auras to Earth’s ozone layer, highlighting the need for emotional protection in a stressful world.

Cecelia’s writing process is a blend of observation, imagination, and experience. “How it comes up? I don’t really know. It’s like, you’re thinking something and your mind is wandering, and then all of a sudden, everything comes together,” she explained.

Her first novel, 'PS I Love You,' emerged from a period of personal fear and the joy of receiving handwritten notes. The book’s success catapulted her into literary fame, but she didn’t feel pressured to replicate it. “I’ll probably never replicate what that one book did, and I am not trying to because my work now is quite different.”

Despite rejections, Cecelia’s resilience drives her forward. “If somebody says ‘no’ to me, I tell myself I’ll pitch it somewhere else because I believe ‘No’ means it’s a no for that person.” Her determination even led her to earn a forklift driving licence, a quirky achievement she fondly recalls.

Inspiration for Cecelia comes from the human spirit. “I'm inspired by people who are courageous and brave, and get through difficult moments in life and become stronger and are ready for the next challenge life throws at them.”

For aspiring writers, Cecelia offers advice: “Write with your voice. Don’t write for readers. Write for yourself. Give your drafts to people who would encourage you. Just write your first draft. It doesn’t have to be perfect.”

Her writing ritual includes lighting a Jo Malone candle, a scent that triggers her creative mind. “The scent is really like a trigger to my brain — a message to my creative mind that it’s time to start — and I love that.”

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