A moment with ... 'Artemis Fowl' author Eoin Colfer

Saturday, May 17, 2003

By CECELIA GOODNOW
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

Is Artemis Fowl really on his last caper? In the third installment of the popular children's book series, "Artemis Fowl: The Eternity Cube," the young criminal mastermind crosses paths once again with the high-tech fairy police force before going straight.

Join us as Ireland's mega-author, Eoin (pronounced "Owen") Colfer, 38, reveals what's next for his fictional boy-wonder -- and how his own life has changed since his kiddie techno-thrillers hit the best-seller list.

Colfer will read from and sign his latest book (Hyperion, 208 pages, $16.95) at 11 a.m. today (Saturday) at All For Kids Books & Music, 2900 N.E. Blakeley St.; at 11 a.m. Monday at Borders in Puyallup, 3829 S. Meridian, and at 7 p.m. Monday at University Book Store, 4326 University Way N.E.

How much of your record $1.5 million in deals have you collected? "Most of it's not in yet. I think there are 40 deals. I come from a very down-to-earth family, so I haven't spent a lot. The biggest thing we're doing is looking for a new house."

What's the status of the overdue "Artemis Fowl" movie? "A screenplay is written. Casting will begin next month. I'm very skeptical, but they assure me it's definitely going ahead."

Artemis has mellowed. Did you get complaints he was too sinister? "Oh, yes, but it was always the intention that he develop. Otherwise, there's no point to the character. I think deep inside he's kind of a moral boy."

Will there be future Artemis books after this so-called last caper? "I think there could be, but not immediately. I would like to do a couple of other books to revitalize my interest."

How do you come up with the techno plot twists? "I don't really have a background in technical stuff. My idea is, 'Is it possible?' Kids are very critical. If you say, 'Holly had a magic ray gun that turns everyone's hair blue,' they wouldn't believe that."

Has your success foreclosed a return to your teaching job? "I would like to think I could do volunteer work or teach for six weeks. My principal (in Wexford, Ireland) is very accommodating. He has told me I won't be paid."

Your core readers are 12-year-old boys. Any young adults at your signings? "This year I've been very surprised there are twentysomethings who admit they own the books. Last year it was, 'This is for my little brother.' "

P-I reporter Cecelia Goodnow can be reached at 206-448-8353 or ceceliagoodnow@seattlepi.com

Add P-I Book headlines to