Eoin Colfer, pronounced "Owen," is an acclaimed Irish author renowned for his contributions to children's literature. His journey began in Wexford, Ireland, where he was born into a family deeply rooted in education, with both parents serving as educators. This environment fueled his early interest in writing, initially inspired by Viking stories drawn from the history he learned at school.
After acquiring his degree from Dublin University, Colfer qualified as a primary school teacher and returned to work in Wexford. His teaching career, coupled with his international experiences in Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and Italy, served as a rich source of inspiration for his writing. His first book, Benny and Omar, was influenced by his time in Tunisia and marked the beginning of a prolific writing career.
The release of the Artemis Fowl series was a turning point, enabling him to resign from teaching and focus on writing full-time. The series, which details the adventures of a young criminal mastermind, has achieved global success, selling over 25 million copies and being translated into 40 languages. Beyond Artemis Fowl, Colfer's bibliography includes notable works such as The Wish List, The Supernaturalist, and the Legends series, among others.
In 2009, Colfer was commissioned to write And Another Thing..., the sixth installment of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series. He has also ventured into young adult and adult literature, with projects like Iron Man: The Gauntlet and Highfire, showcasing his versatility as an author. His contributions to literature have been recognized with numerous awards, and he served as Ireland's Children's Laureate from 2014 to 2016.
Colfer's dedication to storytelling extends beyond books. He has been involved in various adaptations of his work, including the 2020 Disney+ release of the Artemis Fowl movie, directed by Sir Kenneth Branagh. As a storyteller, Colfer continues to enchant and inspire readers of all ages with his imaginative worlds and unforgettable characters.