One minute with...Eoin Colfer, novelist

 

Interview,Boyd Tonkin
Friday 29 June 2012 14:59 BST
Comments
Eoin Colfer pic 2012 (new).bmp
press shot
Eoin Colfer pic 2012 (new).bmp press shot

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Where are you now and what can you see?

I'm in my office at home [in Wexford]. It has two large windows: out of one I can see my son drinking Ribena, which he's not supposed to do.

What are you currently reading?

The Sisters Brothers by Patrick DeWitt... The author has really nailed the voice of the period.

Choose a favourite author and say why you admire him/her

William Boyd... He expresses the inner working of the human mind so beautifully, it makes me want to quit.

Describe the room where you usually write

It's a renovated stable designed by my brother, an architect... it's the only place I'm allowed to hang up leprechaun memorabilia.

Which fictional character most resembles you?

The Woody Allen character in films like... 'Annie Hall'. The kind of neurotic person who has to fill the silence.

Who is your hero/heroine from outside literature?

My father. He was the first person from his [fishing] village to go to university. He taught me at school, when physical punishment was encouraged – but he refused to hit children. Then he did a doctorate and has become one of the foremost authorities on Irish medieval history.

Eoin Colfer's 'Artemis Fowl and the Last Guardian' is published by Puffin.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in