How 24 Hours Transformed Eoin Colfer’s Life and Career with Artemis Fowl

In September 2000, a major event changed my life and my family’s life forever. Bidding began for the movie rights to my book, Artemis Fowl. At that time, I worked as a primary teacher at Scoil Mhuire in Wexford town. Yard duty was a routine I had every two months, allowing me only a few minutes to eat during lunch.

One day, while supervising a rowdy group of boys, my principal informed me that my agent was on the phone. Back then, mobile phones were rare, so I planned to call back. My principal insisted it was urgent. At that moment, Artemis Fowl had not even been published. I had just acquired an agent, and I was unaware of the buzz surrounding my book.

I entered the office and took the call. My agent revealed big news! We received an offer from Puffin in the UK, which was exciting. Then she shared that Disney Publishing in the US also wanted to buy the rights. This news was monumental for me, as I had written the book in my child’s room, working around his nap times.

But there was more. My agent mentioned that three movie studios showed interest. They would submit secret bids, and the agent would choose the best offer, not solely based on money. I had to wait until the afternoon for the final decision from LA.

After delivering such significant news, I returned to yard duty. I felt it was too good to be true, a typical Irish sentiment. Later that day, I picked up my son and told my wife, Jackie, who was stunned.

We gathered around our kitchen phone, pondering the possibilities. Until that point, I had published six successful books in Ireland but still struggled to write full-time. With a baby and Jackie launching a new business, life was hectic. We hoped this opportunity meant I could finally write full-time and maybe even create a workspace in the garden.

The call finally came at 11 p.m. Disney was the clear winner. It took weeks for the reality to sink in. I was thrilled and began to resign from my teaching job.

Once the deal was finalized, I embarked on a tour for public appearances in the UK, US, and Australia. This experience was unlike anything I had seen before. It involved significant travel and time away from my family, but it was incredibly rewarding.

My life was transformed. The book became a major success, leading to ongoing changes. I didn’t feel different; I was still me, just doing different things. With a young family, I had always worried about money and responsibilities. The Disney deal alleviated much of that anxiety.

Prior to Artemis, I had written successful books in Ireland but earned little despite my efforts. I often felt I should be doing more—like caring for my son or taking on another job. I questioned whether I could continue to devote time to writing if it didn’t lead to financial security.

When Artemis Fowl took off, a lot of my stress vanished. I could comfortably write stories about leprechauns. In those crucial 24 hours, we gained security and the chance to travel, meet amazing people, and enjoy a better home in Dublin.

Jackie could stay home with our boys, which was her dream. Inspired by my success, both sons are now pursuing careers in the arts. This experience was a dream come true for me, as I had spent 15 years in teaching, always wanting to write full-time. That day opened the door for me to do exactly that.

As a side note, Eoin Colfer’s book Beanie the Bansheenie, illustrated by Steve McCarthy, is shortlisted for the Specsavers Children’s Book of the Year at the An Post Irish Book Awards 2024.