Eoin Colfer copyright Michael Paynter
Harrogate is in for a riotous end of term treat as Artemis Fowl author Eoin (it’s pronounced Owen!) Colfer heads to Harrogate. Eoin will be making a very special appearance at Harrogate Theatre as part of the Festival’s Little Read project in association with Leeds Metropolitan University – encouraging schools, teachers and young people to get their nose stuck into a good book.
It’s been nine years since you published Artemis Fowl and now it’s going to become a Puffin Modern Classic – How does it feel to be a Puffin Modern Classic?
I am amazed, delighted and a little suspicious (of myself). I never imagined that I would be in such great company. I have to say that the Classic Artemis is the book I am proudest of. It is a wonderful thing to admire a series since childhood then grow up to be a part of that group, especially when so many great books have been published in the past decade.
What’s the secret of success when it comes to Artemis Fowl – have you been able to isolate its appeal? Is it the action? The escapism? The mud eating dwarves?
I think in the end it seems to come down to humour. The readers seem to enjoy a good laugh. The story and characters are fine, but it’s hard to beat a good fart joke.
Do children’s authors feel jealous/ murderous towards each other or are you a really nice bunch too?
All the murderous jealousy is well concealed beneath tweed jackets and gypsy skirts. No, we are a nice bunch, honestly. Most of us are genuinely concerned with getting children reading. Many of us started off as teachers so we still hold onto that instinct. Having said that, I do have off days, which I try to hide from the public.
You’ve sold over 18 million books – would you want to take JK Rowling on in a book sales’ race?
I don’t think JK needs to worry. I am like a suburban bungalow beside her New York skyscraper. I am like a molehill beside her Mount Everest. You get the idea.
Of course you cross over into adult fiction – most notably with the Douglas Adams sequel – how difficult or intimidating was that to do?
This was an intimidating project to take on, but incredibly fun to actually write. The writing was the best part of the entire project. I felt young again for those few months as I revisited all the ideas I’d had as a younger man to finish the story. Most of them were rubbish so thankfully I had some new ones. The Hitchhiker fans were extremely sceptical about an authorised sequel, but I think I convinced most of them that I am as much of a fan as they are. I don’t dress up though.
Your books are so well written (I guess there’s an assumption writing for children is easier…) how do you feel about the differences writing for adults/ children?
Artemis Fowl and the Atlantis Complex
Firstly, thank you and secondly, I think of children’s books as stories that are suitable for everyone. When I have a story to tell that isn’t appropriate for youngsters then it goes into the grown up section. But to me there is no difference in the quality of writing. I don’t try harder for my adult books than I do for my kids’ books.
Sebastian Barry, John Banville, James Joyce – what is it with you Irish and your incredible way with words? And of course your sense of humour (Father Ted etc…!)?
In Ireland, writing is a very acceptable occupation. No-one thinks you are a soft egit for writing a book in your spare time. Many of my friends are tapping away in the evening and it gives us something to talk about in the pub. And of course, Father Ted is genius.
If you could pick three children’s books that you would have on every child’s must-read list, what would they be (not yours!)
I would pick:
Stig of the Dump by Clive King
Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Treasure Island by R L Stevenson.
The Little Read is of course all about the power and magic of reading, what would you say to kids to encourage them to get on board, especially when there might be something on the TV or some computer game they’d rather see than pick up a book?
I would tell them to Sky Plus the TV show and take a few minutes to make themselves smarter. Also having read a book is a great way to act superior to your dad because you can say stuff like: Of course you would know that if you ever read a book instead of watching football all them time.
What’s next on your agenda and the future of Artemis?
My first crime novel for grown-ups is out later this year. My first musical ‘The Lords of Love’ had a run last month. Then I am going to do a little touring with the next Artemis book. Then a week off.
Little Read Special Guest Event: Eoin Colfer Live! Thursday 22 July, 11am Harrogate Theatre.
Tickets £3 – To book your tickets, call the Festival Office on 01423 562303.
