Darren Shan: A damned good storyteller

Horror writer Darren Shan’s teen books are gory and fun, but also educational, says Colette Sheridan

REPORTS of youngsters being too engaged with social media and computer games to read books are greatly exaggerated, says mega-selling author, Darren Shan. Shan, whose book, Zom-B Family, the ninth in the 12-book series, ‘Zom-B’, was recently published, says it’s a myth that young people don’t read. The 42-year-old horror writer’s main audience is teenagers.

“Every generation mutters that children aren’t readers, not in the way they used to be. But I think there’s more children reading than ever. The internet, and gadgets like the kindle and the iPad, actually make books far more accessible than they’ve ever been in the past. Now, you can download a book instantly and it’s much cheaper than buying books. It’s a revolution. I’m delighted it’s happening. People who love books can go out and buy a physical book but, for me, the story is always what matters most. Children and teenagers are reading huge amounts,” he says from his home in in Pallaskenry, Co Limerick.