Author Description

Christopher Paolini and Tad Williams: Author One-on-One Christopher Paolini's abiding love of fantasy inspired him to write the Inheritance cycle--Eragon, Eldest, and Brisingr--which quickly became an internationally bestselling series. Christopher draws inspiration for the world of Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, from the natural beauty that surrounds his home in Montana: the tumultuous weather, the rushing Yellowstone River, and the soaring Beartooth Mountains. Read on for Paolini and Tad Williams's discussion about why they write fantasy, their upcoming projects, and more. Tad: Hi, Christopher. Nice to talk to you, albeit virtually. It was great hanging out with you and your family this summer. Pretty much all of us fell in love with your part of the world, too. Be warned: this isn't my best time of the day, so if I start calling you "Herman" and asking what it was about whaling that interested you, please forgive. The first thing I'd like to ask you as a starter question is: why fantasy? I mean, there's the obvious answer (which is also true for me) that it was something I loved to read growing up, but I guess I'm curious what is it that still resonates for you. Why do these kind of stories, these kinds of characters, these kinds of worlds, still speak to you? In a similar vein, do you have another kind of fiction, another genre, that you'd really like to try? If so, why? Any genres you think you'll never write but wish you could? Christopher: Hi Tad. Great talking to you as well. We all had a wonderful time when you guys visited. Definitely o