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Video Q&As with Christopher: Writing Tips, Life’s Mysteries, and Striving to Achieve

We’re freshening things up with a video Q&As gallery! Join Christopher as he discusses topics ranging from tips on writing to what he’s learned since he became a successful author—and what he still strives for.

Special thanks to Alex Vivaut of Eragons.com (Spain) and Cara of Fletcher High School for providing some of the footage and questions.

 
What inspired the Inheritance Cycle and why the medieval feel? Why did you choose the name Saphira? What was your favorite book growing up? How do you overcome writer's block? What lessons have you learned since becoming an author? What would you tell your younger self, especially about school? What do you still strive for? How much time do you spend on games and TV per day? What things in life are still a mystery to you? What are some writing tips? What advice do you offer to young adults graduating from high school?
 
Can’t get enough? Check out our Q&A archive and FAQ page. Still want more? Submit your questions and follow the latest on Christopher’s Twitter a...
View more on Christopher Paolini's website »
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Published on February 08, 2017 15:01
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message 1: by Kanomi Okina (new)
Feb 14, 2017 08:45AM

Kanomi Okina ||Emily the Seraphim|| How did you decide on the limitations of Eragon's magic? I'm trying to figure that out for my characters.


message 2: by Christopher (new)
Feb 14, 2017 10:29AM

Christopher Paolini Kanomi wrote: "How did you decide on the limitations of Eragon's magic? I'm trying to figure that out for my characters."

Thanks for your question, Kanomi! When I started writing Eragon, it was clear that without limits a magician would be all-powerful, so I searched for a way to constrain the magic. Linking magic use with a person's physical strength put limits on that power.

Additionally, I invented a language to control the magic because I reasoned that the use of magic should be difficult, esoteric. If magic could be controlled by the common human language, then it would be accessible to more people and too easy to master.

Hope that helps!


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