Christopher Paolini Interview

[@b-i-c7969]

If you can create such a masterpiece at age 15, you're very, very talented.

[@concernedcommenter8258]

Or, you have lots of time, good imagination, and your homeschooled so you can actually finish it. Most writers starts at 14 but can't post till 21-ish. Cuz ya know- school.

[@EragonEnjoyer]

Yes.

[@dorothea9401]

@@concernedcommenter8258 He was still learning but not in school you know xdd

[@franciscotorresbta]

Well it is definetly NOT a masterpiece, but cool for him to have a book published at the age of 17 I think.

[@devonshadrach2693]

Absolutely amazing

[@thenujigunathilaka1078]

im starting to feel like im the only person who absolutely loves this book. i knw it's not the most original story, but i really love eragon's character. it was the little things in this story that mattered to me, like the way eragon's character changed, n the feelings he went through. honestly, i've loved book for years!

[@daltonrobertson8320]

You're not alone! The inheritance cycle is my favorite series by far.

[@thenujigunathilaka1078]

+Dalton Robertson thank god. and here i thought i was alone!

[@daltonrobertson8320]

+thenuji gunathilaka nary a bit my friend!

[@raizenpk]

+thenuji gunathilaka It's been 10 years since I first got my hands on Eragon. I remember it took my something like 3 days to read it, I completely neglected food, sleep and hygiene during that time. Reminiscing about those times just completely fills me with nostalgia, because this book meant and still means a lot to me, even now as a 22 year old. Those who didn't get these kinds of feelings can't possibly understand it.

[@thenujigunathilaka1078]

+Essar ikr!i dont even bother telling my friends to read the book. they still wont understand how i feel. i think my obsession developed over the course of 5 years. i just feel this connection to eragon

[@thread20]

The audio is so annoying!

[@grahamthomas9319]

Thought my earbuds died lol

[@Spartan322]

So far I have read the last bout 30 comments and I must say, some people either insult Paolini for inspiration or are very fanatic-like which in opinion is fine but there are facts here. Now even books have all kind of marking achievements lets examine a what a young guy did and some how came up (and yes, even though he was heavily inspired by many, he has a lot of his own in the books and it seems a lot more then those who are insulting him think) with. First he makes the New Yorks best seller for a bit and wins a lot of awards even though he only started with a self-published book. Then it has about (I seriously forget the last time I checked but I think) 35 million of the Inheritance Cycle sold. Now I'd like to see one person here get the achievements that Paolini got before you say it is unoriginal or bad or whatever. I like the books but I would look at what it did before saying anything. If you really want to complain then try selling 35 million copies in 10 years. I am not saying this because I like the books (I do but that is not the reason I said this, I have no reason to argue), I say this because each book has done more then Chris could have thought, just look at how far a community he has simply from the book. He has made a story that many people liked but if you complain in public about it being unoriginal or being bad then too bad, sorry to tell you this (really I am :( ) but they just shit on your opinion.

[@thelegendaryblackbeastofaa115]

***** The number of copies sold speaks to Paolini's (parents) MARKETING skills. Not his writing skills. By your logic, Stephanie Meyer must be a better writer than Neal Stephenson, because her books sold more copies. Some people value quantity, others value quality. One need only try reading a paragraph written by Paolini to see which one he and his fan-base value.

[@dragons123ism]

+TheLegendaryBlackBeastOf Aaagh Agreed. Though I would not be so simplistic as to attribute his success to marketing skills but would say that he really did somehow strike a chord with readers. It is just that a mass of readers are not necessarily capable to discern a poorly written paragraph or a story lifted straight out of another.

[@barbarascales1871]

"If you really want to complain then try selling 35 million copies in 10 years." Ahh, this tired old argument. I don't need to be a professional chef to know when food tastes bad, just like I don't need to be a New York Times best-selling author to know when a book is bad.

[@Spartan322]

@@barbarascales1871 You just necro'ed a dead topic, honestly I want to beat my past self to a goddamn pulp for this argument. That aside I think people give CP too much flak for the story anyway, its not the most original in many respects, (nor is it the most amazing in any respect, honestly I can think of 3 much superior dragon centric stories older then it, tho tbf written by adults at the time, and it is still quite an achievement for a kid at the time regardless) and there are many flaws that better plotting would've certainly solved, but it was a very entertaining read and it did mix in enough original ideas to not be plagiarism in any respect. I do have a problem with him sticking so much of his ideology down the readers throat instead of leaving it a question to solve in the story and by the audiences contemplations. But one thing I did find entertaining was the mind manipulation stuff brought in by magic, even tho its implied in Star Wars canon (and occasionally outright claimed in the Legends canon) that the Force can do much similar stuff, it rarely ever brings it up beyond the mind trick or other small things, so it was interesting getting the torture scenes, kinda wish he focused even more on them tbh. But that dues ex machina was so bad, and the whole naturalism thing does annoy me a lot, its not a very good use of the elves as a concept imo. Also yeah, best sellers are easy to ripoff, but I'm not entirely against it being awarded that, I don't think it was the most deserving of it if it meant anything, but its on the higher end of books that got it, tho again that says practically nothing I suppose.

[@andrewdockrill]

@@dragons123ism the story was not lifted out of another, is it original in its concept, no, there are alot of tropes and inspiration but that's what fantasy is. Robert Jordan did the same as any number of successful writers. My wife is a literature masters teacher who adores the series.

[@thesofiaclara]

My ears.

[@AnneMarieChoon]

I'm in Year 11 and I still absolutely adore the series, I think it's amazing, especially since he was 15. But not just that, the plot itself its very interesting, and I love the way he develops Eragon's character throughout the books.

[@crystalraptor195]

This series is my favorite series, the Inheritance Cycle is amazing.

[@samjensen392]

Persistence is key, and I try to follow that by writing at least one thing in one of my books each day.

[@villamatt96]

was anyone else watching with headphone and hearing paolini in one ear and the other guy in the other

[@d1st0rt3dsan1ty]

This is probably my single favorite series. Rivaling Harry Potter.

[@princeofelsweyr8099]

d1st0rt3dsan1ty Harry Potter is nothing to inheritance

[@f34rsz]

neither are anything compared to The way of kings /Stormlight Archives.

[@MZ-xx9hx]

Are you crazy? Inheritance couldn't hold a candle to Harry Potter.

[@thermalcows]

I could not agree more

[@thegxdfxther3010]

You are wrong dude

[@concernedcommenter8258]

NOTE- He finished many short storys before the book, and he finished highschool before he started that.

[@mannieyoung5477]

I really enjoyed this saga. Yes, it mimics a lot of other source material, but it holds true to its core elements and had enjoyable character development. It is a really fun read and I love how Christopher left the ending wide open. I hope he returns to Alagaesia at some point to further the epic of Eragon and Saphira!

[@takemetodinnerplzbidenuwu2580]

Oh my god fuck the audio. But Christopher you rock man! You've inspired me!

[@pablozky21]

sadly not yet, the book just came out past March so it still has to grow in sales before even dreaming of going outside the country. Thank you very much for the support, though! I hope you get the chance to read it someday :)

[@pablozky21]

"Writting is the way writers explaing the world to themselves" Agree, whenever I write stories it always surprises me, I always realize that the way I write it down is the way I see the world and I feel my whole heart on it. Christopher is awesome, he taught me a lot with Eragon. I'm from Chile and I managed to publish my own book "El Filo del Olvido" (I think it would translate as "Forsaken's Blade") and I owe a lot of it to my experience with Eragon, so thank you Christopher Paolini :)

[@leo-qd6qm]

Great series

[@bluestar52281]

I totally agree with you. Plagiarism and bad writing are just plagiarism and bad writing, no amount of debate can change that solid fact.

[@BillKenower]

There was some trouble with the audio. Chris's Audio is only in one speaker, so one of your speakers may not be working properly.

[@connieice5530]

my grandson read all the books but inheritance he finish brisngr today

[@bluestar52281]

(Part 3) Arya vs Arwen: both Elven princesses that are beautiful, elegant creatures with pointed ears...hmm...Isengard vs Isenstar: uhhh...hang on...Angrenost vs Angrenost: did he just give up here...Morgoth vs Morgothal: Oh come on, that could be a coincidence! Like hell it would. Elessar vs Elessari: is the latter one not a plural of the first? No? Wait, it was "written" by another author who just happened to have something that sounded so similar? Bull. Isildur vs Isidar. I could go on(cont)

[@alicek2420]

This is amazing!

[@austinduran3557]

5;00 Story: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting by Robert McKee characters and viewpoint by orson scott card

[@blakenolan8387]

It's 2017 and we're still waiting !! 😖

[@leobertobittencourtfilho3036]

Just love his work! I'm finishing Brisingr and already ordered the last book!

[@ttv_masterofcats]

Have u finished the last book I heard it’s very good from my brother he has read all of them I just finished the 1st one and started the 2nd

[@leobertobittencourtfilho3036]

@@ttv_masterofcats Yes! I read them all and it's just amazing! The story is captivating and the evolution of the main characters is astonishing. I strongly recommend this work for those who are interested in fantasy!

[@ttv_masterofcats]

@@leobertobittencourtfilho3036 good to hear you read all of them apparently there making a tv series about eragon and Christopher is a producer of it and it’s coming to Disney+ I can’t wait to watch it it’s going to be soo good

[@leobertobittencourtfilho3036]

@@ttv_masterofcats ohhhhhh, NICE! Thanks for sharing the info, because I didn't know that 🙌🏻

[@ttv_masterofcats]

@@leobertobittencourtfilho3036 np for giving u the info

[@OKB74U]

Believe me! That's not the only thing wrong with this series!

[@dorothea9401]

xdddddddddd poor you

[@shuthefudgeup]

Paolini mentioned writing a 5th book as a stand alone novel several years from now. The end of Inheritance left me begging for a 5th book so Dear Christopher, If you're reading this, get on that 5th book ASAP!!! PLEASEEEEE!!!! D'X

[@TheLollygaggerz]

Best books I've ever read.

[@Lu-ii8he]

I LOVE ERAGON , ELDEST, BISINGR AND INHERITANCE CHRISTOPHER 😍😍😍

[@randytubbs1460]

i'm with ya Brandon Hamilton it was my fav series of all time but lacked a good ending and needed more

[@StevieShows12]

Please the fans, you bloody broke my heart at the end of Brisingr. But still I absolutly loved it anyway.

[@JosephProductionsify]

You have inspired me to do many things and i highly appreciate your work and i hope you continue writing books after your Inheritance book series

[@looeoramaomatic333]

Christopher's voice is entirely in the right channel, so you might have a problem of your speakers or headphones that removes the right channel of the audio.

[@jakacerovsek]

Very good books, but last one has sad end. Paolini, I hope for more Eragon books.

[@Mateus15Lopes]

Altough I also didn't like very much the end of "Inheritance", I have to agree that it was necessary, not always we have happy endings! Despite all of that, Christopher created an amazing story, and has been one of my greatest writing inspirations since I was 12, thanks to that I recently finished my first fantasy novel. So, thank you Christopher, you will always have at least these fan!!!

[@ItsDaKoolaidDude]

I've my own gripe about Inheritance, specifically how Chris had built Galbatorix far too strongly The rest of the books, I still do enjoy

[@sithapple]

@Phantomofthenovels they mixed the audio so that the Christopher's dialogue is in the left ear/left speaker and the interviewer's dialogue is in the right ear/right speaker.

[@iskander07]

this is a message to Christopher Paolini : can you write more books, please ! Help !

[@bluestar52281]

Of course I know "The Hero's Journey", it is a common basic pattern that most fantasy stories and such tend to follow. Harry Potter is an example of Hero's Journey, and although it shares similarities with stories such as Star Wars, the plotline is not entirely the same. In Eragon, it basically is. The website that I had just referred to earlier has an explanation on this subject, which you would know if you had bothered to even read it. (cont.)

[@rayaguilar4075]

Great books enjoyed them 100%

[@bigguschungus995]

he looks so young in these imagine him 9years later just having a full beard i hate how all good books have a endeing

[@keyseeker1]

I read the first three, but by the time the fourth was released I had pretty much outgrown it. I think you're absolutely right about how his age and inexperience were his main setbacks, it really goes to show that writers need to be just as interesting as the characters they come up with.

[@NathanWDrums]

I've heard loads of complaints about the Inheritance book, but I've nearly finished it and I love it! I hope he writes more!! :D

[@keyseeker1]

I just feel like there's a total lack of subtext here. LOTR contains parables about the corruptive influence of power, and the effect of war/adventure on the common man. HP has messages about acceptance and mortality. Star Wars teaches to look beyond the physical with the Force. What are we being told here, apart from A) dragons are awesome and B) revolution is black and white? It screams 'Inexperience.' So relieving to hear some agreement, I usally get lynched for this opinion. Thanks dude!

[@mygreenburrito]

my biggest immediate issue is the audio is coming from the wrong speaker for whoever is speaking. If you have left and right speakers, you know exactly what i mean

[@TheLollygaggerz]

Why did he end inheritance in such a bad way. "And the boat sailed down the river to the dark lands beyond." It made me cry. I need to know more of what happened. Overall the series was great. I would have cried anyway.

[@Mortablunt]

Not the best writer, but his stories are enjoyable and ultimately harmless. If you want to see how bad things truly can get, read fanfics.

[@turtleanton6539]

Yup

[@jacquelinestigman6432]

So easy to criticize.

[@pablozky21]

Thank you! I've been working quite hard on it :)

[@TheUnknown495]

i wish i had that kind of eloquence. to be able to speak like he does, would be wonderful.

[@keyseeker1]

I guess to me, a good book is something that you remember for ages afterward, something that sticks with you, that takes you somewhere and makes you care. Its lazy to exclusivley rely on public opinion, but on the other hand specialists can take it way too seriously and suck the fun out of it - you have to find the right the right blend of both. Its different for everyone I suppose. Paulo Choelo is a master! Definitely agree on that one!

[@OKB74U]

I already have. It was a fascinating read. If you're interested, look up Eragon Sporkings by Kippurbird for an in-depth investigation where Paolini's true writing skills are brought to the light!

[@TheCode52]

What a great human being !

[@CrashBandicootFan971]

Paolini is an inspiration to me.

[@sif_2799]

I'm shocked learning abt how many ppl are saying he copied other authors. I first read the eragon books when I was 9-12(?) and have reread them multiple times since. I've read a lot of fantasy books and didnt notice anything copied 🤔

[@TheGizmoTruck]

Damn, he's a lot younger than I imaged him to be.

[@aubreycopeland7978]

Have you ever heard of "The Hero's Journey"? This goes back to ancient mythologies, as studied by a man named Joseph Campbell. George Lucas happened to know Campbell, and incorporated lots of the "Hero's Journey" structure into Star Wars. These myths have become cliche over time. It was not begun by Lucas, nor Tolkien, but ancient societies.

[@juli512d]

I looooooooved the last book....

[@IamPatrickStar]

Quite surprised on how young he looks in this

[@JordanMarshDev]

Your right speaker has gone out. This video seems to be shot in surround sound, and the speaker appears in the left ear and paolini in the right.

[@bgamer205]

How in the world does he think he did the readers justice with the end of inheritance? It was a humongous letdown, and I was extremely upset and disappointed. He needs to write a 5th wrap up book to conclude the story properly

[@danielchavez7891]

this is a really good book. i have read alot of books in my life fiction non- fiction etc. and this inheritance is within my top 10 list

[@keyseeker1]

Yeah I've read a few articles to that effect, look up Apolitically Incorrect's essay about it if you haven't already, its thoughtful reading.

[@emilieknutson1439]

Sometimes the magic lies within the mystery, and he is letting the readers imagine what happened to the characters themselves, but yeah a 5th book would be awesome.

[@turtleanton6539]

Its coming

[@radagastofrhosgobel]

his language is basically substituting ridiculously unpronounceable words into English grammar, his world is a flanderization of middle earth, and his 'memorable' characters are just like any other destiny-teenage-superpowered-sociopaths who have dragons for no reason

[@harvplayzgames228]

Christopher is my idol man he is the best, his books have got me through a lot! I can't wait for book 5 and hopefully there will be a prequel on born and the start of the riders, I also want to see a boom on murgtagh and his father and mother (the black hand) Gildor and oumis need there own book too because they gave Eragon his knowledge!

[@foxxeil]

Just a quick spelling check, it’s Glaedr, Oromis, and Murtagh.

[@IamPatrickStar]

I doubt there will be a book 5 because really think about, the whole plot was basically to be rid galbitorax off of his throne and that has already been accomplished, so what logically is the point for book 5?

[@LuckenStudio]

Well, each with their own opinion... but believe me, rather reading his works than Twilight (because I've read several pages of twilight in a public library). I don't mind people saying he's not good, because I'm not saying that the books are the work of a genius, they were just to entertain me.

[@katiemcdonald5052]

Well, he was like, fifteen when he wrote Eragon.

[@shuthefudgeup]

@ritzinlondon I absolutely agree, besides, he's already mentioned in several interviews that he plans for several more books still based in alagaesia which i'm quite excited about. I really enjoy his writing style. But i realllyyyyyy want him to get on that 5th book soon lol

[@AUGmaster1500]

I guess the series was ok, just wasn't my style I guess. I suppose I'm better off reading books that I enjoy. I tried reading this series twice, and both times I stopped after eldest. Christopher's style just wasn't enough to really enjoy. For now, I'm calling it a great series, but I think books like the warriors series are more for me.

[@OKB74U]

Where do you want me to start? His lack of knowledge of medieval life (poor families do NOT live in houses where everyone has their own room), medieval economy (the extravagant dowry Nasuada gives Katrina for no reason), or medievel warfare tactics? (Which I study during my spare time and Paolini's battle plans are recipes for disaster). His not at all knowing what he's talking about (swap a classic sword for a FALCHION), or the wierd innuedo, lack of consistency... I could go on all day.

[@federicofaraviera9963]

Sure, because it's obvious that these stories want to show feudal life in a fantasy world! Where there are elves, dwarves, dragons! I study history, obviously the Alagaesia lifestyle does not respect the feudal life ... BUT IT IS A DIFFERENT WORLD. It is inspired by feudalism and nothing else.

[@MiamiGameHunter]

Man, he seamlessly stepped back into the literary world after a decade of seclusion.

[@horseracer2733]

I love them too and I really want him to make a 5th book to the dragon sires would wait however. long it took to get the book when I'm reading his books its like I'm inside of the story and I block all others out

[@jacksondavis9712]

He announced that he would

[@gavinday7390]

I LOVE THIS SEIRES AND why did i find this in the teen section in the sun prairie public library when I'm 8 years old and i read it fine?

[@drksideofthewal]

They also have the name thing in the Dresden Files. Your point? I could say that Tolkien was ripping off every mythology where the wizard carried a staff. I could say that Tolkein borrowed WAY to liberally from Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen. I could say that you would be hard pressed to find any mythos that Tolkien hadn't ripped off at one time or another. I would be right. But in the end, LOTR is a good book. It isn't a masterpiece of original thinking, it's just a good book. Like Eragon.

[@turtleanton6539]

Yup

[@drksideofthewal]

I thought he sounded humble. Like he was acknowledging that he has a long way to go before he reaches that level.

[@RumTumTuggy]

Well, the vault of souls makes everyone forget what is inside of it not what is outside. So once eragon was outside, he still knew about the eldunari but the magic in the vault of souls forced him to forget about the dragon eggs and remaining eldunari untill galbatorix is dead.

[@joegrzenia1122]

Well it made sense although a 5th book would be nice

[@RyanUnplugged]

yall jealous

[@harrisonrotliegh8905]

I havent read inheritance and looking at the comments i might not

[@riaraut9469]

i have a question for christopher paolini: who made the dwarf, elf, and the urgal language? P.S does he actually swear? is he like the character eragon- not from the behavior, but the things he does? like drinking and stuff? and is arya the shadeslayer now? and did you-C.P- choose Edward speleers as eragon? and does the the Eldunari ever die? sorry, i have a lot of questions. lost and love eragon. both, ERAGON, and eragon.

[@Higth115]

I only watched this video for the last 30 seconeds

[@SemperFidelis0229]

Your English is very impressive

[@Stevessie]

I hear questions in my left speaker and Paolini in my right. Use a stereo system.

[@HTMangaka]

The Inheritance Cycle Pulls from Monomyth. Something that existed WAY before Star Wars or Lord of the Rings. The Fact that these stories all have the same foundation in common does not mean that the Inheritance Cycle is Plagiaristic just because it was the last batter to step up to the plate. Paolini has been criticized on his poor writing, but I understand his use of the english language a lot better than the crap most other authors put out there these days. There is a good reason this series is popular, guys.

[@TheNewWierdo]

How come every time his name is mentioned and every time he talks it's muted?

[@breakupbreakdown01]

the panning on this video hurts lmao

[@StevieShows12]

Elrun ono Christopher elda... thank you pronunciation guid.

[@bluestar52281]

(pt 4) but it would be pointless, and the fact that the list is too long for me to even bother typing out. I personally think that it is really, really cool that Paolini some how magically made up his own names that paralleled Tolkien's so well! It was almost like he was psychic! (sarcasm, in case you didn't catch it there. Hopefully you can define it yourself, if not...good luck.) See, even you admit it, P lacks creativity. Unfortunately, he has to take from others to make up for that. (cont)

[@drksideofthewal]

...But others have seen something special in Eragon. What makes your opinion better than mine?

[@keyseeker1]

Tolkien drew from more than mythology and opera. He drew from his own childhood and wartime experiences. His originality arises where he centralises his influences and gives them name and form, of his own design. Tolkien's work is obviously inspired but there is divergece there. There is no divergence in Paolini's work. Nothing distinctly of his style. Nothing I have not seen anywhere else and nothing I will remember 10 years from now. I will remember Gollum and the Nazgul until the day I die.

[@bluestar52281]

As for suing, it wouldn't make sense for any of the author to go sue Paolini because that would 1.) alienate and split up the shared fanbase, making the quibble (much like how we are doing now.) 2.) just cause a huge messy scandal that can lag for years and cast a bunch of $ 3.) because he is of no threat to the established author's popularity. If he was, then he would be squished without a warning, like what J.K. Rowling did. As for plot, just read the website. It's a pain to be redundant(cont)

[@bluestar52281]

Speaking of pitiful, did you know that I'm not arguing about that? If LOTR is a ripoff, fine. My argument is that Paolini is a monster ripoff of well, basically alot of people. Quite sad. Quite sad indeed. I am also quite happy responding to your posts. It is very interesting how assuming and dense can be. I am also very interested in the psychology of delusional Eragon fanboys. You have MY permission to comment. I don't need yours because I actually have a brain and mind of my own. :)

[@drksideofthewal]

If your looking for something unique, it doesn't exist. Everything has been done before. Even Homer was ripping off someone. There are only so many story's you can tell, the trick is finding an interesting way to tell them. As for "done better" that's a matter for debate. I personally enjoy Paolini's style more than most other authors, including Tolkien. Why? Because it's my opinion. Some things just can't be quantified.

[@davidfischer240]

even if it was a copy, show me the better original

[@leventebartha7470]

Star Wars

[@adircoffeebtm8496]

@@leventebartha7470 not even a chance

[@IamPatrickStar]

@@adircoffeebtm8496 the lord of the rings?

[@bluestar52281]

(pt 9 and last) My argument stays the same: Paolini's Eragon is nothing but his poorly written fanfiction (Heck, he even said that he was Eragon himself. If that is not a Mary Sue, then what is.) based on Star Wars (and a slew of other works), set on Middle Earth. He is the male counterpart Meyer, (or E.L. James, pick your poison) with considerably less originality-so much that he had to take from others. Quite pitiful, really. :)

[@keyseeker1]

i feel like i could forgive all of that if there was a richness or substance to the characters, but when you take away Eragon's magic sword and dragon, what can you really say about him?

[@mishkarules1]

@WilliamKenower dude! his voice is really muted!

[@TheLovemeorgo]

@qbomb50 he forgets about the eggs not the eldunari

[@keyseeker1]

My opinion isn't better than yours, there's nothing wrong with enjoying these books. But people want to go on and on about what a genius he is, he sits on panels discussing his 'methods', he preaches to others about how to write, and considering the quality of his work so far, its kind of unwarranted. He is not in the same ballpark as Tolkien, Rowling or Pratchett, as much as he'd like to be.

[@thebadassgeek1409]

I used to love inheritance cycle and paollini. But now, there isnt nothing original in that saga

[@federicofaraviera9963]

I hate people who come to criticize. If you do not like this saga, fine, but do not bother and impose. The books are made to transmit emotions to the reader, and Eragon touched many people. We are not interested in seeing comments from people who think they are the best writers and critics ....

[@keyseeker1]

if you'd like a suggestion, check out 'The Left Hand of God' by Paul Hoffman, its a great read.

[@warmsteel]

Wow., . . I didn't know it took him 13 years xD