Derek Landy is a highly accomplished Irish author, best known for his work in young adult and children's mystery and sci-fi/fantasy novels. He is the creator of the popular Skulduggery Pleasant series, which has garnered him numerous awards, including the Irish Book of the Decade and the Red House Children's Book Award. Landy's career began in film, where he wrote two screenplays that were later made into movies. His first film, 'Boy Eats Girl,' was nominated for an IFTA award, and his second, 'Dead Bodies,' won the award for Best Script.
Before becoming a successful author, Landy was a screenwriter, but he grew frustrated with the collaborative process and decided to focus on his writing. This led to the creation of the Skulduggery Pleasant series, which was an instant success. The first novel in the series, also titled 'Skulduggery Pleasant,' was published by Harper Collins and received critical acclaim, including being named a Publisher’s Weekly Best Book of the Year. In 2007, Landy signed a 1 million USD deal with Warner Bros to adapt the series into a film, but after constant modifications to his script, he bought the rights back. He is currently working with the producers of 'Clash of Titans' to develop a new script.
In addition to his success as an author, Landy is also an avid fan of various forms of media. He enjoys playing video games, reading comics, and watching movies. He has stated that he is particularly fond of the works of Joss Whedon, especially 'Buffy – the Vampire Slayer.' Landy currently resides in Ireland, where he continues to write and create new worlds for his readers to explore. Despite his success, he remains humble, stating that he is far too modest to mention all the awards he has won and inviting Oprah to visit him for tea. He also has a fondness for cats, sharing his home with too many to count. Landy continues to be an influential figure in children's and young adult literature, captivating audiences with his unique storytelling and intriguing characters.