Irish author Eoin Colfer (pronounced Owen) is well known for his bestselling adventure/science-fiction series about a mischievous, highly intelligent and world-renown "James Bondesque" hero, Artemis Fowl. To celebrate the sixth book in the series, Artemis Fowl: The Time Paradox, we have an exclusive interview with Eoin Colfer where he discusses the new book, the series and his life as an author.

Be sure to browse our Eoin Colfer Library where you can review all of the Artemis Fowl as well as Colfer's other bestselling books: Supernaturalist, The Legend of Spud Murphy and Benny and Omar. As well, check out this video on Indigo's Community where Colfer discusses more about Artemis Fowl: The Time Paradox.

Q:   What can fans of Artemis Fowl expect in the sixth book of the series, Artemis Fowl: The Time Paradox?
A:   More of the usual weirdness and techno hi-jinx, plus some new gross characters, time travel, friendships tested to their limits, one kiss, several bubbles of wind and a primate who may or may not be a monkey.

Q:   You have written a couple of books based on your time in Tunisia (Benny and Omar) and most recently, Airman. Do you find it easier creatively to work within an already established character, or, is it more challenging because you are working within a particular framework?
A:   It is always good to have reference points based in reality even if you are working in the fairy realms. If the real is more believable then the unreal is easier to swallow.

Q:   Do you have a vision in mind for the Artemis Fowl? For example, are you planning to write so many books in the series?
A:   No vision, I'm afraid. I tend to have one idea at a time and write that book. I have no idea how the series will end, or if indeed it is already over.

Q:   How do you feel about the world wide fan base you have received since the first Artemis Fowl?
A:   I feel incredibly lucky to have so many loyal fans. Every time I go on tour the same faces show up again and again to make me feel at home in their town. Having fans makes me try hard to be a better writer on every book because I know these guys are waiting.

Q:   How has your teaching influence what and how you write? (If it did at all.)
A:   Teaching helped me to get onto the same wavelength as the kids I was writing for. Nothing bores children faster than being talked down to by an adult. They would much prefer to be insulted as equals.

Q:   What do you think about the trend towards fantasy/science-fiction books for kids? Where do you think your novels sit within this trend?
A:   I have always been a sci-fi/fantasy person, so I am just happy to be in fashion for a period. I don't think it will last forever. Someday we will be relegated to cult status again, which is fine too. Then we can sneer at the popular people.

Q:   Artemis Fowl is being made into a movie. How involved have you been in the process? How have you had to adapt your characters or story so that it makes sense in a different medium. Has it influenced the way you see your novel and its characters?
A:   I have been quite involved with putting the movie story together. It is such a long process, much longer than writing the book. We did have to develop parts of the book and drop others so that it would work as a movie. Now my involvement is more or less finished, so I will have to wait and see how things turn out.

Q:   What were some of the creative considerations you made when working on the graphic novel version of Artemis Fowl?
A:   I wanted the graphic novel to be very faithful to the book, but also to stand alone as a comic and not just a companion piece. Other than that the artist just created this wonderful look that I was completely blown away by.

Q:   What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A:   I wanted to write and drawn comic books, so I have managed to get 50% there.

Q:   What is your favourite thing about being a writer?
A:   I like to be alone, which is a strange thing, but very peaceful.

Q:   Do you have any recommendations for kids who are interested in being a writer?
A:   Read as much as you can. Jot down anything interesting or quirky you come across in life. Be vigilant, you never know when a story will strike. Be strong, you're first book may not get published, mine didn't.

For more on Eoin Colfer and the Artemis Fowl Series, be sure to check out his website at http://www.eoincolfer.com/