Christopher Paolini

I had friends growing up; there were other home-schoolers we were in touch with so we weren't isolated, and I've always been happy engaged in my own projects and pursuing my own goals. ”

I don't discuss my own beliefs in public, but I will say the beliefs I've given my characters do not necessarily represent what I myself believe. ”

I have 20 or 30 books completely plotted out in my mind - mysteries, thrillers, horror, romance, science fiction. You name it. ”

I built two forges when I was in my teens. I was just really, really into metalworking and making stuff. ”

I've always been very grateful that enough people have enjoyed reading what I've written that I've been able to pursue writing professionally. ”

Just writing a lot doesn't necessarily make you a better writer. You have to hear yourself as a writer, and the best way to do that is to read your writing out loud. ”

I love telling stories and I love writing so the fact that I can do it professionally is something that I've always been very grateful for. ”

I find inspiration in many places. Sometimes music gives me the kernel of a story. Sometimes it's dissatisfaction with the plot of a movie or a book that gets me thinking. Sometimes it's love of a movie or book. ”

Basically, I would be happy with any profession where I got to be creative and make things. ”

Personally, I had a great education. My mum was a trained teacher, a Montessori teacher, and I know that I could not have written 'Eragon' if I had gone into a public school system because I would have just been too busy attending classes and doing homework - I wouldn't have had the time to write. ”