Julie asked Christopher Paolini:

I'm sure you've been asked this before, countless times; but what compelled you to begin writing Eragon? Also, I must thank you for having introduced me to "real" (fervent, as opposed to forced) reading all those years (a.k.a. around 5 years) ago. I feel as if thought I might be forever in your debt. :D

Christopher Paolini Glad to hear you enjoyed the Inheritance Cycle! My decision to write ERAGON began as a personal challenge. I was homeschooled in a rural part of Montana, was an avid reader, loved to tell stories, and enjoyed tackling big projects. When I graduated from high school, at fifteen, I needed something to do before going off to college. So I decided to write a story, one that I would enjoy reading.

As the manuscript developed, I drew inspiration from good literature, music that sends tingles up my spine, great movies, and nature—the soaring Beartooth Mountains that edge the valley where I live, and the Yellowstone River that rushes by my home. This natural beauty helped me envision my fantasy world; at times, I could almost see Saphira flying over the sharp, snowcapped mountain peaks that I see from my window.

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