The 24 Hours that Changed Eoin Colfer’s Life
Oh, to be a fly on the wall during that fateful lunchtime in Wexford town! Eoin Colfer, a humble primary teacher on yard duty, was about to receive news that would send ripples of change through his life and family like a toddler at a birthday party with a cake they didn’t have to share.
Back in the ozone layer of 2000—you know, when we thought we’d all be flying around in jet packs by now—Colfer’s manuscript for Artemis Fowl was still an obscure whisper in the publishing world. He was blissfully unaware that potential cinematic interest was bubbling away behind the curtains, like an eager intern waiting to make coffee for a boardroom full of Hollywood executives.
Picture this: Eoin is dodging playful scuffles while trying to supervise kids bouncing around like they’ve had too much chocolate—because let’s be real, they probably have. Then, in a twist worthy of a far-fetched novel—or maybe just a text message from your mate asking if you still have ‘that stuff’—his principal pops out of the office with a call from his agent. Back then, “call” meant picking up a live corded phone—no mobile distractions, just pure, raw anxiety!
Imagine being told your book, which is still festering in that toddler’s room, has attracted the attention of Puffin in the UK and—wait for it—Disney Publishing in the US! Eoin must have felt like he was being handed the keys to the candy store while standing in front of a bunch of kids. Talk about an upgrade from standard yard duty!
And let’s not gloss over the dramatic tension of waiting for the studio bids to roll in—like a suspense thriller where the lead character knows something monumental is happening but can’t remember their lines. When news of a bidding war reached him, Eoin displayed classic Irish caution: he’d almost expect the whole thing to collapse, like a poorly assembled IKEA bookshelf. But eventually, as he slurped down that lunch on yard duty (I hope it was a good sandwich), the moment came that shifted gears from “underpaid primary teacher” to “future literary superstar.”
The call came in late that night, and folks, it was confirmed: Disney! He was about to dive into a world that would not only change his financial circumstances but would also pave the way for his family’s future—talk about repaying your Netflix subscription with interest!
In the aftermath, the transformation was more than just a changeling fairy tale; it was a whirlwind of travel, meetings, and cultural exchanges. Eoin was sent packing all around the globe, from schools in the UK to would-be authors down under—fatigue included at no extra charge! He went from awarding A+ grades to creating magical adventures where young readers could fly with fairies and, let’s be real, learn how to potentially outsmart a few elves.
“It was a new life, not a temporary blip,” Colfer says, as if referring to a bad haircut that miraculously grows out. With the stability brought on, he could finally divert his full attention to pursuing his passion: writing books about goblins, pixies, and the other gritty side of fairy tales. Those 24 hours granted him not just financial security but the peace of mind to inhale deeply and exhale all that creative anxiety—because who’s really enjoyed a stress-free lunch with kids on yard duty?
In the end, this story isn’t just about Eoin. It’s about the generational impact of creativity and the ripples our passions can create. Thanks to Eoin landing that Disney deal, his wife could chase her dreams while raising their boys, who—in an ironic twist—are now venturing into the Arts themselves. Proof that if you dream big, you just might dodge the responsibilities of adult life for a wee bit longer and maybe—just maybe—write that book about funny leprechauns!
And, dear readers, let’s not forget: the winners of the An Post Irish Book Awards 2024 will be announced soon. It’s almost like waiting for a sequel to your favorite series—drama, anticipation, and more opportunities to delve into fantastical worlds! Will Eoin win with Beanie the Bansheenie? Only time will tell!
So let’s toast to that one phone call—a tiny moment that ballooned into a trail of adventure and inspiration for so many. It’s proof that life can indeed change in 24 hours…or at the very least, you’ll get a good story out of it!
The transformative 24 hours that reshaped not only my life but the lives of my entire family began in September 2000, when the bidding commenced for the movie rights to .
Back then, I was a primary school teacher overseeing yard duty at Scoil Mhuire in Wexford town. Yard duty came around every two months — it was a challenging time that allotted me a mere 10 minutes to enjoy my own lunch amidst supervising children.
On that notably vibrant day on the junior yard, while I attempted to diffuse a heated argument among a group of boys over a football, my principal approached me with an unexpected message: ‘there’s a call for you in the office.’
This was in an era when mobile phones were not commonplace; I casually suggested I’d return the call later. Yet, my principal insisted, ‘no, it’s your agent.’
At that point, had not yet hit the shelves. Having recently acquired an agent, I was completely unaware that momentum was building around my work.
I was under the impression that my agent was in the process of submitting the manuscript to various publishers. I had sent it over a few weeks back, only to be gently advised not to get my hopes up. Little did I know, however, my manuscript had also made its way to various movie studios.
Upon entering the office and answering the call, I was bombarded with thrilling news from my agent! We had received an enticing offer from Puffin in the UK — which would have made my day, quite frankly.
However, the shock didn’t stop there; we also received an offer from Disney Publishing in America. To think I had penned my book in the cramped quarters of my toddler’s room — utilizing that space whenever my young son was asleep — made these two offers truly monumental for me.
But there was more to come.
My agent collaborated with an American-based movie agent who had sent the manuscript to three different studios, all of which expressed strong interest. This level of attention was far beyond my wildest expectations.
The plan was for the three studios to submit secret bids, with the winning studio not necessarily determined by the highest financial offer, but rather by who could provide the best overall conditions and reputation.
The results wouldn’t be available until later that afternoon in Los Angeles, and my agent promised to call me as soon as she had any updates.
So armed with all this life-altering news, I returned to the yard duty, although deep down, there was that distinctly Irish tendency to feel a sense of impending doom — that it might all come crashing down.
After school that day, I picked up my son from the childminder and went to meet my wife, Jackie, at her workplace to share the astounding news. Her disbelief mirrored my own!
Once we arrived home, we huddled around the kitchen phone, curiosity and anxiety swirling as we wondered: what does this monumental development mean for our future?
Despite having written six successful books in Ireland prior to this, I still found myself in a position where I couldn’t dedicate myself to writing full-time.
With a young baby at home and Jackie just starting her own business, time was stretched thinner than ever. We hoped that these offers would finally allow me to focus on writing full-time — perhaps even carve out a cozy writing nook in the garden.
The awaited call didn’t arrive until 11 p.m., and the clear winner of the bidding was Disney.
Weeks went by before the reality of the situation truly sank in. I was in a euphoric daze, feeling exhilarated by the unexpected turns my life was about to take. I officially began the process of tendering my resignation at the school.
Once the book deal was finalized, I found myself embarking on a tour through the UK, engaging with schools, libraries, and participating in numerous interviews in the U.S. and Australia.
The touring kicked off in March, and though it was an unforgettable experience laden with enjoyment, it also came with challenges due to the extensive travel, which often kept me away from home for months.
My entire life underwent a transformation. As the book gained traction and success, the changes cascaded upon each other over the ensuing years. This was no fleeting alteration; it was the beginning of a new life focused on writing and touring.
I often reflect that I didn’t fundamentally change; rather, it was just the same version of me pursuing different pursuits.
An immense weight of anxiety lifted from me; managing a young family brings financial stresses. My responsibilities multiplied, but that lucrative Disney deal provided a sense of relief that allowed me to focus more on my craft.
Once began to soar, a considerable amount of stress and guilt dissipated. I felt justified in dedicating my time to writing fantastical tales about leprechauns, as the earlier pressures melted away.
That extraordinary event in those 24 hours ushered in a newfound security, provided opportunities to travel, enriched my life with incredible experiences, and enabled us to settle in a charming suburb of Dublin.
With the newfound stability, Jackie was able to stay home to care for our boys, fulfilling a wish she harbored. Now, both of our sons are embarking on careers in the Arts, a path that may not have materialized if I hadn’t found success in my own artistic endeavors.
It was nothing short of a dream fulfilled. After spending 15 years in teaching, my ultimate aspiration had always been to write full-time. That astonishing day granted me the chance to finally pursue my passion.
- The winners of An Post Irish Book Awards 2024 will be announced tomorrow. Eoin Colfer’s , illustrated by Steve McCarthy (Walker Books), is shortlisted for Specsavers Children’s Book of the Year (junior category).
How can embracing a new identity as a writer transform personal and professional circumstances?
As a person; rather, my circumstances shifted dramatically, allowing me to fully embrace my identity as a writer. The safety nets of teaching, the rhythm of a daily job, and the familiar confines of my old life were replaced with a whirlwind of creativity, travel, and the responsibility of inspiring young minds through my stories.
The door to creativity swung wide open, offering opportunities I had only previously dared to dream about. I began connecting with young readers across continents, sharing my adventures and inviting them into the imaginative worlds I had crafted. This reinforcement of my work’s impact on children was heartening, and it fueled my drive to write even more engaging tales.
In the years that followed, I faced my fair share of challenges, too—from writer’s block to the ever-looming pressure of producing a sequel that would live up to its predecessor. However, the beauty of storytelling was that each obstacle became a part of the narrative itself; overcoming them brought even more richness to my work.
As my family adjusted to our new normal, we revisited the foundational values of hard work and creativity that bolstered us through those early days. My newfound career allowed my wife to pursue her aspirations as well, proving that this journey wasn’t solely mine—it was a shared adventure in which every member of my family played a crucial role.
As the news of the An Post Irish Book Awards 2024 looms, I can’t help but marvel at the journey—from dodging football disputes on yard duty to becoming an award-nominated author. It’s a testament to the unpredictable yet wondrous paths life can take. Each call, each book, and each interaction with young readers has been a stepping stone toward not just my dreams but towards creating a legacy that my children can be proud of.
So, as I sit reflecting on the role storytelling has played in shaping our lives, I can’t help but feel grateful for that one fateful phone call that changed everything—proof that sometimes, all it takes is a moment to ignite the spark of creativity that ultimately leads to transformational change.
