strong>David Almond is the acclaimed author of many award-winning novels for children such as Skellig, Kit's Wilderness and My Name Is Mina, and has collaborated with artists Polly Dunbar, Dave McKean and Oliver Jeffers on fiction for younger readers. David's books sell all over the world, and in 2011 he was the recipient of the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award. He lives in Hexham, Northumberland.

Eoin Colfer used to spend his days teaching elementary school and his nights writing stories. Now he's writing stories full time! If he was not writing, he would still be teaching-or doing his dream job, which is drawing comic books.Colfer published several award-winning bestsellers, including The Wish List and Benny and Omar, before he started the Artemis Fowl books-all three of which have been bestsellers. He says there will be at least one more book about everyone's favorite criminal genius. "Once Artemis becomes the model citizen, I will have nothing more to say about him. But I think he has a few lessons to learn yet."When he's not on a book tour meeting his fans all over the world, Colfer lives with his wife and two sons in Ireland. He thinks the best thing about having Artemis Fowl made into a movie is the idea of bringing his kids to see it. "Dads aren't very often cool people, but I think I might be cool for a couple of days if Artemis makes it onto the big screen."

DEBORAH ELLIS is an anti-war and women's rights activist who works as a mental health counselor at Margaret Frazer House in Toronto. She has published a novel for children, Looking For X.

Born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1958, RODDY DOYLE has become one of the most renowned and celebrated Irish authors of the late twentieth century. He received his Bachelor of Arts from St. Finian's Christian Brothers School in Sutton and went on to University College, Dublin. Upon the completion of his education, Roddy Doyle worked as a Geography and English teacher in Kilbarrack, North Dublin.

Roddy Doyle's adult novel, Paddy Clark Ha Ha Ha, a story about a ten-year-old boy living in Ireland, won him the Booker Prize, the United Kingdom's greatest literary honour.

Roddy Doyle lives in Ireland with his wife, Belinda and their two children.

Tim Wynne-Jones is an English-Canadian author of children”s literature, including picture books and novels for children and young adults, as well as novels for adults.

Ruth Ozeki is an American-Canadian novelist, filmmaker and Zen Buddhist priest.

Gregory Maguire is the author of more than a dozen novels for children as well as four adult novels, including Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, which was made into a hit Broadway musical. He lives outside Boston, Massachusetts.