Authors on the spot: Eoin Colfer

Eoin Colfer's Artemis Fowl books have been enjoyed all around the world.

His books are set to hit the big screen in the near future.

What was your favourite book when you were a child?

My favourite book was Stig of the Dump by Clive King.

How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a writer?

I think I realised that writing was what I wanted to do about age 12.

Any tips for kids who want to get started as an aspiring author?

Read all you can, write every day, pay attention to what goes on around you, and develop a thick skin for the refusals you will get.

What makes books so special?

Books are the only form of entertainment that work so closely with your imagination. The book suggests strange and different worlds, and your imagination supplies the pictures.

How do you get your inspiration for your writing?

Writing is inspired by life. Even my fantastical characters are human underneath. You never know when something interesting is going to happen right in front of you, so keep your mind open at all times.