Here is the second batch of questions we collected from Christopher’s Facebook Q&A in February! Keep an eye out for our next installment and don’t forget to peruse our Q&As archive for hundreds of answers to fans’ most pressing (and hairsplitting) questions!
INHERITANCE CYCLE
Amy Ivany: Reading through other questions got me thinking… How do you come up with names for your characters? I mean, how did you ever end up thinking ‘yeah, I think Eragon is more fitting then Kevin’, and where do you find these awesome and unique names?
My names tend to come from three sources:
- Wordplay: ‘saphira’ is a play on ‘sapphire’. ‘eragon’ is a play on ‘dragon’. Etc.
- Historical sources: Horst, Katrina, Helgrind, etc.
- I invent them according to the rules of the various languages of Alagaësia.
Michael Gideon Rossow: 1) What race/culture in Alagasia was your favorite to write about? 2) Is there any type of gem that can store more energy than others or are they all the same? Also could you store energy in isidar mithrim? 3) Will we ever get more information on the ra’zak in future books?
- The dwarves! They live a long time but they’re a lot more fun to hang out with than the elves. 😀
- Yes. Some gems are bigger batteries than others. Depends on the type of gem, purity of the gem, and size of gem. Diamonds are one of the best, simply because of their strength and hardness. Sapphires/rubies are close behind. And yes, you could store energy in Isidar Mithrim.
- No comment. 😀
Miles Everson: Will Murtagh ever return? (Murtagh Returns, coming soon) when it came down to it, he chose to do the right thing, and yet he has it worse off than Eragon who had to leave everyone he cared about behind (save Saphira of course).
You’re right, Murtagh and Thorn have had a much worse time of it than Eragon and Saphira. And yet I believe they will end up stronger and wiser for it in the long run.
Austin Boyette: I’ve loved the Inheritance series since I cracked Eragon a decade ago, but I ironically found Murtagh to be character I latched on to the most. Which character did you feel the most connected to while writing?
Roran and Elva. . . . Uh-oh. What does that say about me?
Molly James: How many Riders had their gedwëy ignasia not on their hands? Any of the Forsworn? And what would you call them since “Argetlam” means “Silver Hand” and theirs isn’t on their hand?
Only a few Riders had the gedwëy ignasia on places other than their hands. They would probably still be called Argetlam, though, as that’s used as a title more than an accurate descriptor at this point.
Nicholas Jennings: Who has a better advantage when it comes to sword fighting? Murtagh has Zar’roc, which was his father’s sword, whereas Eragon has Brisingr, which he forged himself and seems to be more comfortable with it. I guess what I am asking as since in a sword fight the sword should feel like a extension of your arm. Who has the advantage?
Depends on the fight, what’s at stake, and at what point in the story it takes place. In terms of sheer skill and technique, Murtagh has the edge (the edge, ha!). However, Eragon is stronger and faster, and those are both substantial advantages. Most days it would be a draw, but if either one of them had something dear to them at stake, that would be the person who would win.
BOOK FIVE
Chris Fleming: Do you have an antagonist for Book 5?
Yes, and you’ve already met him/her/it/they/what-the-heck-is-that?
WRITING ADVICE
Rodolpho Carvalho: Chris, I can’t wait to read your new book. Eragon was one of the first books I read and I was amazed due the fact you were 15. I’m 24 and I still trying to write mine. I have 2 questions. 1) What is the best tip you could give us to write? Where I can find some ideas and how is your routine? I think I don’t write the way I want because I want to give my boyfriend some attention. 2) Have you ever re-read Eragon? How did you feel after reading it again after so many years? Thanks.
- Write every day. Plot your stories out beforehand. And write about whatever you care about the most! Good fiction is true to life and emotions. Be brave and say the things you want to say.
- I can’t bear reading my own writing. It’s one of the most exquisite tortures I can imagine. That said, I did the best job I could at the time, and I’m proud of the book.
MISCELLANEOUS
Michael Funk: Did you play the Witcher 3? I know you’re a fan of The Elder Scrolls so I figured the Witcher series would be right up your alley. Love your books by the way. I hunger for more adventures in Alagaësia. Atra esterni ono thelduin!
Haven’t yet, but it’s on my list!
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