NYCC 2023: Discussing ‘The Inheritance Cycle’ With Writer Christopher Paolini
by Tom Smithyman
When he was 15 years old, Christopher Paolini began writing Eragon, which would be the first of his books in The Inheritance Cycle. The book went on to sell more than 7 million copies in the US and Canada. Murtagh, the fifth and final book in the cycle will be released on November 7, 2023, and Paolini is attending New York Comic Con 2023 to autograph books, to connect with fans and to drum up excitement for the 20th anniversary of the series in a special panel on Sunday of the show. In a Comicon exclusive, Paolini discusses how this series has changed his life and how strikes by the writers and actors have held up progress on an Eragon movie.
Tom Smithyman: Is it even conceivable to you that it’s been 20 years since Eragon was published?
Christopher Paolini: No! The passage of time always strikes me as a surprise. Not sure why, but so it is. The fact that it’s been 20 years since Penguin Random House/Knopf released their edition of Eragon is a source of constant amazement for me. And even more so that folks are still buying and reading the book. Even in my wildest dreams I never imagined that I would be so fortunate. And it’s all due to the readers all around the world. To them, I can only say, “Thank you!”
Smithyman: You were a teenager when you wrote Eragon. How much different do you think that story or the characters would be today, given everything you’ve experienced since then?
Paolini: The story itself wouldn’t be too different — the plot and characters still appeal to me as much as before — but I like to think that I could do a much better job in the execution. I’ve learned a lot over the years. Especially when it comes to setting a mood and getting inside characters’ heads. Still, Eragon has been wildly successful, so maybe I shouldn’t second-guess myself too much when it comes to what I did.
Smithyman: Eragon and The Inheritance Cycle mean a great deal to so many readers around the world. But what does it mean to you, both personally and professionally?
Paolini: Everything. The publication of Eragon completely transformed my life, personally and professionally. Without it, my life would be different in every detail, from the house I live in, to the career I’ve followed, to the family I now have. No matter how long I live or how many books I write, Eragon will always be the fulcrum upon which everything turns. Because of it, I have an incredibly deep love for the book and it’s setting, and I hope to tell stories in that world for as long as I can.
Smithyman: You are coming out with a new book, Murtaugh, in November. What can readers expect, and how does it add to the mythos you’ve already developed?
Paolini: Murtagh serves as both a standalone entry into the world of Eragon as well as a direct, in-line sequel to The Inheritance Cycle. The story deals with Murtagh’s and the dragon Thorn’s efforts to investigate some mysterious going-ons in the land while, at the same time, grappling with the difficult and often painful events of their upbringing. There are dragons, magic and werecats. A brooding lead character with a troubled past. What more do you need? . . . Oh yes. A big fish. That too.
Smithyman: The last book in the cycle, Inheritance, came out in 2011. Why have you waited so long to revisit the world of Alagaësia?
Paolini: I didn’t! The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm, a collection of short stories set in the world of Eragon, was published at the end of 2018/beginning of 2019. It’s not a big book, but I had a lot of fun with it. More generally, though, I needed a break after working on The Inheritance Cycle from the age of 15 until 26 or so. That, and I wanted to work on some other things, such as my sci-fi novels, To Sleep in a Sea of Stars and Fractal Noise. I won’t lie, though, the whole time I kept thinking of the World of Eragon and all the stories I want to tell there. As much as I like spaceships, dragons will always have my heart.
Smithyman: Have you been to NYCC before as a guest or a fan?
Paolini: I’ve been to San Diego Comic-Con many times, but never New York. Not only that, but it’s my first convention since before Covid hit. I’m looking forward to it!
Smithyman: I know the strikes from the writers and actors complicate matters, but is there any update on the Eragon streaming series?
Paolini: Not until the strikes are over. We were just starting to get things off the ground when the strikes hit, and of course, everything is on hold now. Once the strikes are resolved, we’ll re-evaluate and figure out our path forward.
Smithyman: Let’s say the series is going full steam ahead, and you are offered the role of your choice. Which character would you portray?
Paolini: Ha! Probably just a character in the background. I’m far too old to play Eragon, Roran or Murtagh (nor do I have the acting skill). It would be fun to have a cameo as a dwarf. Or an Urgal. Although I’d be the shortest Urgal ever.
Smithyman: In that case, I’ll make sure not to utter “Brisingr” around you! Enjoy NYCC and good luck with the new book.
