Irish-born author Eoin Colfer has written a number of books for children and young adults, including the The New York Times best selling series, Artemis Fowl.

Influenced by both of his teaching parents, Colfer studied to become a teacher. Despite his first choice in careers, he expressed an interest in writing early in his youth. After marrying his wife, Jackie Colfer, the couple traveled throughout Europe and Asia. The different experiences Colfer gathered during his travels would provide him with the inspiration for his first book, Benny and Omar. Eoin Colfer: Official Site

Juggling two careers finally became hectic enough that in 2001 Colfer gave up teaching and took on writing full when the first book in the Artemis Fowl series was published.Eoin Colfer: Official Site

• 1965: Born Wexford, Ireland

• 1973: Begins writing

• 1987: Graduates Dublin University | begins teaching

• 1991: Marries

• 1992-1996: Travels all over Europe and Asia

• 1998: Publishes first book

• 2001: Retires from teaching to pursue writing full-time