Imaginary Interview with Christopher Paolini the Writer of Eragon

This is an imaginary interview. I interview Christopher Paolini the writer of the best-selling book and later movie, Eragon. The interview helps us learn a little about this extraordinary 15 year old author. It is based on information I read about him.

Me: Hello Christopher. Nice to meet you!

Christopher: Nice to meet you too.

M: I wanted to tell you that I just finished your book. I enjoyed it immensely.

C: Thanks! I am so glad you liked it. It took me several years to write.

M: Excuse me for being rude but you look pretty young. At what age did you start writing it?

C: I actually started writing it at age fifteen. I had just graduated from high school and-

M: You graduated at age fifteen?!

C: Yes, I skipped a couple of grades and worked extra hard to finish all my classes. To tell you the truth, I decided to write Eragon as a challenge for myself. I wanted to see if I could write a story long enough to be a book.

M: So when did you decide to publish it?

C: My parents run a small publishing company. Once I finished it we realized that it was good enough to publish. Later I sold it to a bigger company who helped make it more well- known.

M: Have you always liked fantasy?

C: Yes, I read lots of different fantasy books. One of my favorites is Dune by Frank Herbert.

M: I really liked the dragon. She had so much personality. I also liked the fact that she wasn't evil like dragons are in a lot of books.

C: Oh! You mean Saphira. She was my favorite character to write. She keeps Eragon out of trouble yet she is his best friend. I tried to make her intelligent, witty and nice. She and Eragon share a special bond.

M: Did you have contact with any fans?

C: The year after the book was published I traveled through the United States to do book signings. I got to meet thousands of fans and it was a pleasure to know that so many people enjoyed my book.

M: Is there anyone who helped you especially?

C: There are so many people who helped that I can barely name them all but the person who helped me the most was my mother. She is an author in profession and she helped me edit and re-edit the entire book. She is also the one who arranged all the book signings and was there with me in every single one.

M: Can I ask you one last question before I go?

C: Sure, go ahead.

M: Okay, I noticed that in the books there were many different languages. Are they real or did you make them up?

C: The eleven language is based on an ancient language but all the rest I invented. It was kind of fun making up the words. I added a glossary in the back to help people understand.

M: Christopher, it was great talking to you!C: My pleasure! Be sure to read the second book in the trilogy!