It’s something of a show business tradition to get your act together and then take it on the road.
But for primary-school-teacher-turned-author Eoin Colfer, who’s been toodling around the United States for more than a week now aboard a bus emblazoned with the words “Fairies, Fiends and Flatulence,” the whole experience has been … Well … ” … a little overwhelming.”
Colfer’s making this cross-country tour to help promote the release of his latest book, “Artemis Fowl: The Time Paradox” (Hyperion Books for Children, July 2008). And as for those words on the side of the bus …
“That’s the name of my one-man show,” Eoin explained. “I first performed it in the U.K. back in 2006 to help get the word out about the fifth book in the ‘Artemis Fowl’ series, ‘The Lost Colony.’ Disney executive saw the show there and thought that it might play in the States. Which is why I’m now aboard this bus.”
As it turns out, those Disney executives were right. At each stop of the tour so far (Which began last week with a stop at Chicago), the crowds have been tremendous.
Author Eoin Colfer
“At one stop, they had to open a long-closed balcony to accomodate all of the people that turned out,” Colfer continued. “At another, they had to crank out the stands at this gymnasium in order to provide seats for everyone. It’s been great to have this sort of turnout for the tour.”
As for that reference to gas in this family-friendly show’s title … Well, “Fairies, Fiends and Flatulence” — in a rather roundabout way — deals with the creation of the “Artemis Fowl” series. To be specific, the very real people who served as inspiration for the various characters that Eoin uses in his books. And as for Mulch Diggums, that flatulent dwarf character found in the “Fowl” series …
“That would be my brother, Donal,” Colfer laughed. “Who was not very pleased to learn that he was Mulch’s inspiration.”
Today’s stop on the tour — the San Diego Comic-Con — is particularly exciting for Eoin. Who admits quite proudly that he’s a comic book enthusiast.
“I’ve heard about Comic-Con for years now, so I just can’t wait to get into the convention center,” Colfer continued. “I’ve already warned everyone on the bus that I plan on filling the place up with all of the comic books that I’ll be buying in San Diego.”
But before that shopping spree can begin, Eoin must first perform an abridged version of “Fairies, Fiends and Flatulence” from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in Room 7AB. That performance will then be followed by an autograph session from 3 – 4 p.m., where Colfer will be happy to meet with “Artemis Fowl” fans.
And if that schedule doesn’t already sound busy enough … While he’s in San Diego, Colfer will also be meeting with the screenwriter of the upcoming “Artemis Fowl” movie. Which is to be a co-production of Walt Disney Pictures and the Weinstein Company.
After spending two days in Southern California, the “Fairies, Fiends and Flatulence” tour motors on to Phoenix, Austin and Decatur, GA before finally arriving in the Big Apple. After meeting with NYC’s “Artemis Fowl” fans, Eoin then flies to the U.K. to begin a second two-week-long publicity tour there.
“After that, I plan on staying home for a year so that I can then concentrate on writing my next book,” Colfer joked. “As well as recover from my jetlag.”
If you’d like some information on the remaining dates in the U.S. leg of the “Fairies, Fiends and Flatulence” tour (or would like to see some video from the first four stops on this tour), check out Eoin Colfer’s website.