Eoin Colfer: Ireland Author

I'm a bit elfin myself.

Eoin Colfer

Eoin Colfer sees a bit of himself in the characters he brings to life. He possesses a sparkle in his eye along with the grin of a person who appreciates and knows how to infuse his writing with humor and imagination. Although humor is embedded in his works, he also explores many deep themes.

Eoin Colfer was born in Wexford, Ireland on May 14, 1965. He received his degree from Carysfort College of Education in Dublin. He was inspired to follow in his father's footsteps as an elementary school teacher and had the opportunity to spend four years as a teacher in Italy, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia. Since 2001, Mr. Colfer has been a full-time writer, thanks to the international success of his beloved Artemis Fowl series.

Benny and Omar (1998), Colfer's first novel, was inspired by his experiences in Tunisia. Here he explores themes of sibling rivalry, racism, poverty and bereavement in a book that is both poignant and hilariously funny. Benny, a newcomer to a Muslim country, develops a relationship with a local boy who is orphaned and homeless. We meet Benny again back in Ireland in the sequel, Benny and Babe (1999), a story that explores gender roles in modern urban and country life.

A lifelong native and resident of Ireland Colfer has a broad knowledge of Irish history and folklore and has incorporated creatures such as fairies, dwarves, trolls, and centaurs into the pages of his most successful books. His love of Irish legend is evident in the Artemis Fowl series, a modern fantasy that puts a technological twist on the traditional folktale. The series, now including six titles, pits Artemis Fowl, a 12-year-old criminal mastermind from North Dublin, against Captain Holly Short the first female officer of the LEP (Lower Elements Police). Witty humor pervades the stories along with fast-paced action and fully-developed characters.. At the present time, Miramax Production has purchased the film rights to Artemis Fowl with a film in the offing.

While Colfer is still adding to the Artemis Fowl series he has also ventured into the genres of science fiction, historical writing and graphic novels. (The Supernaturalist, 2004, Airman, 2008). Eoin Colfer has received many awards for his work, and his books have been published in over forty languages.