Fantasy & Science Fiction

[1shadowfax1]

Mr. Colfer,

I was wondering if you are having any more book tours in the USA, because I don't think I live near places you visit (I live in Denver, Colorado). I realize that you just visited a few months ago, but if you do plan on coming back to the States soon, could you please reply to this, because you are my favourite author, and I met you when I was 5, but I'd rather like to meet you now, since I have read all of your books at this point.

[Zarniwoop]

Thanks for the reply Eoin, I have bought the book & look forward to reading it!  I will also look for the Simon Jones audio version.  Sorry to hear you won't be providing the seventh..

Best wishes

Zarniwoop...

[sara-bella]

hey eoin,

are you coming to Indiana, US by chance? i realize there's probably a really slim chance you are, but i had to ask. (Indiana's so boring, there's nothin' but corn!)

thank you so much for your advice, its an honor to be able to talk to you

sara-bella, the US Sharkey

[XxArisaHimexX]

Mr Colfer

Thank you for taking your time to write back to me. I am really sorry i missed youTT.TT but when are you planning to come back again?

Arisa(Aka Emily)

[TheMagicOtter]

---

Eoin-Colfer wrote:

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TheMagicOtter wrote:

On the revision side of things, what is the biggest change you've had to make, and why? And I know writing the whole of And Another Thing . . . surely felt like a risk, but what is the biggest risk you've taken in one of your novels, and how do you feel about it now that people have reacted? (This comes from my constant worrying about my audience. I'm in a creative-writing class now, and I've written a historical-fiction short story that my classroom audience -- and professor, for that matter -- thinks only I "get," thus I should explain more about my world. On the other hand, I hate talking down to my audience, and I notice that that is one thing you never do, even when you're talking about things in Haven.)

Thank you!

Ashley O'Mara

---

There is a fine line between talking down to people and explaining your set-up. There is a certain amount that your readers will get on their own- but if I am wondering how much exposition I need, I often imagine I am telling a story to a close friend who is not stupid but at the same time can’t read my mind.

---

Thank you -- that is just the kind of practical advice I needed to get me excited about revision again; so I'm off to revise and try it out! :-D Thank you ever so very much for answering my questions, Mr. Colfer. Good luck with your next books, and may your words always come out just the way you want them to!

[TiggerBear]

Mr Colfer I've got 20 pages left.

But before you go, thank you. I really do hope this gets more people reading and laughing at Adams books. I enjoy your other series, both Fowl and Moon. You are a wonderful enjoyable writer who I hope never stops.

So with much honor... I hand you your own towel, package of peanuts, and a bottle of lager.

[paulgoatallen]

Eoin:

Well, it's evening here in New York – I don't know where in the world you are now – so I suppose that your time here in the forums is drawing to a close...

Thanks so much for answering all of the questions and for all of the advice – it has been priceless. Although there weren't as many posts as I had expected, almost 1,000 people have visited this thread this week so I hope that it has been enjoyable for all of those who did post comments and had the opportunity to interact with you as well as all of those who have just been following along...

It has been a glorious experience to be able to revisit Douglas Adams's madcap universe through And Another Thing... Thank you for agreeing to write it – I wish you unparalleled success with the book!

Paul

[Eoin-Colfer]

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paulgoatallen wrote:

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Eoin-Colfer wrote:

Hi Paul- I think Harry Potter has really legitimized adults reading YA books and it is a good thing too because many YA books are written without condascension and so perfect for anyone who cares to read them. At my own readings there are at least 50% adults though in fairness, many of those are parents- but I do get a lot of people who are just reading the books for their own enjoyment- and of course people who started the series when they were 15 or so, and have kept on going ever since.

Best,
Eoin.

---

I couldn't agree more, Eoin. When I think of the "classic" young adult novels and series that hooked me reading SF/fantasy – Le Guin's Earthsea trilogy, L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time, Tolkien's the Hobbit, etc.  – I think of "purity" of narrative, for lack of a better term. There's little or no graphic sex and gruesome violence to detract from the storyline.... I'm almost 50 years old now but I've gone back and re-read the Earthsea novels, The Hobbit and  other memorable childhood reads and I enjoy them just as much today as I did 40 years ago. 

I'd glad more adults are reading "YA" and children's books – I'm glad that there is less of a stigma now. The bottom line for me is, regardless of classification, if a storyline is intriguing, I'll read it. And if it's a children's book, that's even better – I can give it to my kids!

Another question along those same lines – the boundaries between genres has been becoming increasingly gray over the last few decades. so many of today's releases feature elements from numerous genres – fantasy, SF, horror, romance, mystery, etc. And readers are LOVING these books! Authors like Kim Harrison, Laurell K. Hamilton, Jim Butcher, Charlie Huston, and Ken Scholes are like rock stars. I've talked with quite a few authors about these genre hybridization and they pretty much all say that if it makes for a better storyline, they're going to use whatever they want – be it vampires or private investigators or supernatural monsters...

Where do you see genre fiction headed in the next few decades? Do you think this kind of genre-blending will continue to gain in popularity? And what about SF? It seems like fantasy has become the new "cutting edge" genre for innovative writers....

Paul

---

I have always found genre blending to be vital in order to keep stories fresh. It also helps draw in a bigger audience as if you have a vampire PI- then you get the vampire readers and the crime fanatics- so everyone wins. My aim is always to be surprising- give readers what they don’t expect. The best feeling you can get reading a book is to be peasantly surprised.

[Eoin-Colfer]

---

TheMagicOtter wrote:

On the revision side of things, what is the biggest change you've had to make, and why? And I know writing the whole of And Another Thing . . . surely felt like a risk, but what is the biggest risk you've taken in one of your novels, and how do you feel about it now that people have reacted? (This comes from my constant worrying about my audience. I'm in a creative-writing class now, and I've written a historical-fiction short story that my classroom audience -- and professor, for that matter -- thinks only I "get," thus I should explain more about my world. On the other hand, I hate talking down to my audience, and I notice that that is one thing you never do, even when you're talking about things in Haven.)

Thank you!

Ashley O'Mara

---

There is a fine line between talking down to people and explaining your set-up. There is a certain amount that your readers will get on their own- but if I am wondering how much exposition I need, I often imagine I am telling a story to a close friend who is not stupid but at the same time can’t read my mind.

[Author94]

-Thanks for the tip, I will follow it always.

-I too hope the movie will come soon.

-I'd order the hitchiker's books accordingly

1st Life, the Universe and Everything

2nd The Restaurant at the End of the Universe

3rd And Another Thing

4th The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy

5th So Long and Thanks for all the Fish

6th Mostly Harmless

-Why can't the 7th book come sooner? Oh well, the longer I wait, the more I will appreciate it when the Amazon package comes.

I hope that you continue writing such good books, Eoin!

ps. It is thanks to your books that I write today...

[Thomas_T]

Mr. Colfer, I am a huge fan.. and I am an adult...

I have loved the Artemis Fowl books since I cracked one open about 5 years ago... but I just recently got around to reading Airman and it is by far the best thing I have read by you in my opinion. Are there any plans for a sequel or follow up of some sort?

[Alexandra_Vasi]

Excuse me, but about visiting Russia - is it already decided? And if not, where to look for information about this? I have visited your website but found no touring plans...

I believe today is the last opportunity to talk to you on this forum, so just one more question. Have you ever tried to write short-stories? Did you succeed?

And about adults reading books for young adults - I believe this is not the only important thing about ageless books. They make young adult return to kind stories, somehow keep them in childhood. Someone wrote on this forum that some people start reading YA novels aged 15 and don`t stop - well, I`ve started reading Art aged 7 and now I`m 14 and I still love them. So, it`s not only about connecting adults to YA books, it`s also about connecting young adults to their childhood.

Thank you - and sorry for too many questions .

Alexandra.

[paulgoatallen]

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TiggerBear wrote:

---

paulgoatallen wrote:

---

Eoin-Colfer wrote:

Hi Paul- I think Harry Potter has really legitimized adults reading YA books and it is a good thing too because many YA books are written without condascension and so perfect for anyone who cares to read them. At my own readings there are at least 50% adults though in fairness, many of those are parents- but I do get a lot of people who are just reading the books for their own enjoyment- and of course people who started the series when they were 15 or so, and have kept on going ever since.

Best,
Eoin.

---

I couldn't agree more, Eoin. When I think of the "classic" young adult novels and series that hooked me reading SF/fantasy – Le Guin's Earthsea trilogy, L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time, Tolkien's the Hobbit, etc.  – I think of "purity" of narrative, for lack of a better term. There's little or no graphic sex and gruesome violence to detract from the storyline.... I'm almost 50 years old now but I've gone back and re-read the Earthsea novels, The Hobbit and  other memorable childhood reads and I enjoy them just as much today as I did 40 years ago. 

I'd glad more adults are reading "YA" and children's books – I'm glad that there is less of a stigma now. The bottom line for me is, regardless of classification, if a storyline is intriguing, I'll read it. And if it's a children's book, that's even better – I can give it to my kids!

Another question along those same lines – the boundaries between genres has been becoming increasingly gray over the last few decades. so many of today's releases feature elements from numerous genres – fantasy, SF, horror, romance, mystery, etc. And readers are LOVING these books! Authors like Kim Harrison, Laurell K. Hamilton, Jim Butcher, Charlie Huston, and Ken Scholes are like rock stars. I've talked with quite a few authors about these genre hybridization and they pretty much all say that if it makes for a better storyline, they're going to use whatever they want – be it vampires or private investigators or supernatural monsters...

Where do you see genre fiction headed in the next few decades? Do you think this kind of genre-blending will continue to gain in popularity? And what about SF? It seems like fantasy has become the new "cutting edge" genre for innovative writers....

Paul

---

Paul, I really think this needs it's own thread. Big subject!

And personally I don't want to ruin or shatter Mr. Colfer's HK G book talk.

Almost finished with it myself.

---

You're right, Tig. I'll start a thread tomorrow. Thanks!

Paul

[TiggerBear]

---

paulgoatallen wrote:

---

Eoin-Colfer wrote:

Hi Paul- I think Harry Potter has really legitimized adults reading YA books and it is a good thing too because many YA books are written without condascension and so perfect for anyone who cares to read them. At my own readings there are at least 50% adults though in fairness, many of those are parents- but I do get a lot of people who are just reading the books for their own enjoyment- and of course people who started the series when they were 15 or so, and have kept on going ever since.

Best,
Eoin.

---

I couldn't agree more, Eoin. When I think of the "classic" young adult novels and series that hooked me reading SF/fantasy – Le Guin's Earthsea trilogy, L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time, Tolkien's the Hobbit, etc.  – I think of "purity" of narrative, for lack of a better term. There's little or no graphic sex and gruesome violence to detract from the storyline.... I'm almost 50 years old now but I've gone back and re-read the Earthsea novels, The Hobbit and  other memorable childhood reads and I enjoy them just as much today as I did 40 years ago. 

I'd glad more adults are reading "YA" and children's books – I'm glad that there is less of a stigma now. The bottom line for me is, regardless of classification, if a storyline is intriguing, I'll read it. And if it's a children's book, that's even better – I can give it to my kids!

Another question along those same lines – the boundaries between genres has been becoming increasingly gray over the last few decades. so many of today's releases feature elements from numerous genres – fantasy, SF, horror, romance, mystery, etc. And readers are LOVING these books! Authors like Kim Harrison, Laurell K. Hamilton, Jim Butcher, Charlie Huston, and Ken Scholes are like rock stars. I've talked with quite a few authors about these genre hybridization and they pretty much all say that if it makes for a better storyline, they're going to use whatever they want – be it vampires or private investigators or supernatural monsters...

Where do you see genre fiction headed in the next few decades? Do you think this kind of genre-blending will continue to gain in popularity? And what about SF? It seems like fantasy has become the new "cutting edge" genre for innovative writers....

Paul

---

Paul, I really think this needs it's own thread. Big subject!

And personally I don't want to ruin or shatter Mr. Colfer's HK G book talk.

Almost finished with it myself.

[paulgoatallen]

---

Eoin-Colfer wrote:

Hi Paul- I think Harry Potter has really legitimized adults reading YA books and it is a good thing too because many YA books are written without condascension and so perfect for anyone who cares to read them. At my own readings there are at least 50% adults though in fairness, many of those are parents- but I do get a lot of people who are just reading the books for their own enjoyment- and of course people who started the series when they were 15 or so, and have kept on going ever since.

Best,
Eoin.

---

I couldn't agree more, Eoin. When I think of the "classic" young adult novels and series that hooked me reading SF/fantasy – Le Guin's Earthsea trilogy, L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time, Tolkien's the Hobbit, etc.  – I think of "purity" of narrative, for lack of a better term. There's little or no graphic sex and gruesome violence to detract from the storyline.... I'm almost 50 years old now but I've gone back and re-read the Earthsea novels, The Hobbit and  other memorable childhood reads and I enjoy them just as much today as I did 40 years ago. 

I'd glad more adults are reading "YA" and children's books – I'm glad that there is less of a stigma now. The bottom line for me is, regardless of classification, if a storyline is intriguing, I'll read it. And if it's a children's book, that's even better – I can give it to my kids!

Another question along those same lines – the boundaries between genres has been becoming increasingly gray over the last few decades. so many of today's releases feature elements from numerous genres – fantasy, SF, horror, romance, mystery, etc. And readers are LOVING these books! Authors like Kim Harrison, Laurell K. Hamilton, Jim Butcher, Charlie Huston, and Ken Scholes are like rock stars. I've talked with quite a few authors about these genre hybridization and they pretty much all say that if it makes for a better storyline, they're going to use whatever they want – be it vampires or private investigators or supernatural monsters...

Where do you see genre fiction headed in the next few decades? Do you think this kind of genre-blending will continue to gain in popularity? And what about SF? It seems like fantasy has become the new "cutting edge" genre for innovative writers....

Paul

[Eoin-Colfer]

Hi Paul- I think Harry Potter has really legitimized adults reading YA books and it is a good thing too because many YA books are written without condascension and so perfect for anyone who cares to read them. At my own readings there are at least 50% adults though in fairness, many of those are parents- but I do get a lot of people who are just reading the books for their own enjoyment- and of course people who started the series when they were 15 or so, and have kept on going ever since.

Best,
Eoin.

[Eoin-Colfer]

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XxArisaHimexX wrote:

Mr Colfer

I am a huge fan of your books. I just love the Artemis Fowl series! I am wondering if you'll come to toronto for your tour this year. All of my friends (who are all fans of your books) really hope you could come.>.< We'll all be waiting.

Emily (Aka Arisa)

Team minerva

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Hi Emily and all Team Minerva- I was in Toronto two weeks ago- I did a big event there. I am so sorry to have missed you. I think the event was filmed for the Toronto Festival so you could go on-line and watch.

[Eoin-Colfer]

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Yecam wrote:

My Colfer

I am quite disapointed to discover that most of your recent books including your latest Hitchhiker's volume are not available in North America in ebook format.  Apparently, in the realm of publishing the world is divided up into territories where competitors may not tread.  The ebook format available in England, alas is not to be had in the United States or in Canada where I reside.  Even Barnes and Noble who are hosting this conversation do not list it in their online catalog.

You might want to consider incorporating this state of affairs in one of your future projects; there is some humour in stopping the flow of literary electrons across the pond with your own publisher's set of restrictions.

---

The e-book situation is fraught with legal complications- but they are being sorted- I think the H2G2 6 book is available on iTunes- though not to me as I live in Europe- so I can't get a copy of my own book. Aaargh! Anyway- they should be available very soon. I know there is a DS light version of Artemis coming out with some games and puzzles.

[paulgoatallen]

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Eoin-Colfer wrote:
...my aim was to point people towards the original series. To do anymore would be trying to take over the series.

---

This is just a heads-up for not only those hardcore H2G2 fans out there but also SF fans who have yet to experience Adams' cult classic saga – the new and updated version of Don't Panic: Douglas Adams and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy was just released. It was originally published in 2003 (I'm fairly certain) and Neil Gaiman wrote it so this is highly recommended.

Here's the short synopsis:

Acclaimed author Neil Gaiman celebrates the life and work of Douglas Adams who, in a field in Innsbruck in 1971, had an idea that became The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. The radio series that started it all, the five — soon to be six — book ‘trilogy’, the TV series, almost-film and actual film, and everything in between.

Paul

[TheMagicOtter]

On the revision side of things, what is the biggest change you've had to make, and why? And I know writing the whole of And Another Thing . . . surely felt like a risk, but what is the biggest risk you've taken in one of your novels, and how do you feel about it now that people have reacted? (This comes from my constant worrying about my audience. I'm in a creative-writing class now, and I've written a historical-fiction short story that my classroom audience -- and professor, for that matter -- thinks only I "get," thus I should explain more about my world. On the other hand, I hate talking down to my audience, and I notice that that is one thing you never do, even when you're talking about things in Haven.)

Thank you!

Ashley O'Mara