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Kids' author follows in steps of Twain more than Rowling
By Frank E. Lockwood
15th May 2003

Reporters often compare Artemis Fowl to a certain cherub-faced orphan at the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. But Fowl has much more in common with Huck Finn than Harry Potter, says Eoin Colfer, author of the Artemis Fowl trilogy.

Fowl is a rascal, not "a perfect do-gooder type," says Colfer, whose first name is pronounced "Owen." Wherever 13-year-old Artemis goes, trouble -- and excitement -- follow.

Most kids have a good dose of mischief in them, Colfer, 37, a former fourth- and fifth-grade teacher from Ireland, says. "I think it's very daunting sometimes for kids to read about these perfect heroes who never do anything wrong and are always right, because kids aren't like that."

Of course, Artemis isn't exactly an ordinary kid himself. He steals gold from fairies and fights the Russian mob. Billed as "the world's youngest, brightest and most dangerous criminal mastermind," Artemis has gizmoes and gadgets that would make James Bond burn with envy.

Artemis hobnobs with hobgoblins and crosses paths with trolls, fairies and dwarves. But, like most children, he's loveable even when he's getting into mischief.

"Kids make mistakes and they make bad choices, but at the heart they're good," Colfer says.

Readers can see Artemis' character developing and his behavior improving if they read the entire trilogy, he adds.

The first two Artemis Fowl books have made The New York Times' best-seller list. The third book, Artemis Fowl: The Eternity Code, is a shoo-in.

Coming in the wake of the Harry Potter craze, it might look to some like Colfer was trying to capitalize on J.K. Rowling's success. But Colfer says fairy tales aren't a recent fad in his native land.

"In Ireland, they're a very important part of our culture. The stories are even taught in the school syllabus," he said. "I've always wanted to write a book about these creatures."

Colfer received a $1 million advance for his first Artemis Fowl book. And today, he's arguably the second-most-popular children's author, behind Rowling.

Right now Colfer is working on a musical. Eventually, he hopes to write some science fiction and a crime book for children.

"I really don't just want to write the same kind of book forever," he said. "I want to stay excited by what I'm writing about."