Derek Keilty author page

Derek Keilty biography

Derek Keilty is a Northern Irish children’s author based in Belfast, known for his engaging middle-grade fiction that blends adventure, fantasy, and humour. Since the publication of his first book, Back Up the Beanstalk, in 2003, he has authored over fifteen titles, with his work translated into multiple languages and recognised by various literary awards.

Keilty’s debut novel series, Will Gallows, combines elements of westerns and fantasy. The first book, Will Gallows and the Snake-Bellied Troll (2011), was selected for the Richard and Judy Children’s Book Club and shortlisted for the Children’s Books Ireland Book of the Year in 2012. The series has garnered international interest, with film rights to the first title optioned by Elton John’s Rocket Pictures.

In 2020, Keilty introduced the Flyntlock Bones series, featuring a young cabin boy turned pirate investigator. The first instalment, Flyntlock Bones: The Sceptre of the Pharaohs, was named a Times Top 20 Children’s Book and included in The Week’s Best Summer Reading for Children. The series has been praised for its inventive storytelling and appeal to reluctant readers.

Keilty’s most recent work includes the Ivy Newt series, launched in 2023. Set in the magical land of Miracula, it follows the adventures of a young witch and her shape-shifting familiar. Titles such as Ivy Newt and the Storm Witch and Ivy Newt and the Time Thief have been well received, with the series gaining popularity in both the UK and the US. A fourth title, Ivy Newt and the Vampixies, is scheduled for release in September 2024.

Beyond writing, Keilty is actively involved in promoting literacy and creative writing among children. He conducts storytelling and writing workshops in schools and libraries across Northern Ireland and beyond, aiming to inspire young readers and writers.

Website and social media

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Book lists featuring Derek Keilty