Eragon

After receiving his high school diploma at the age of 15, the homeschooled Paolini started planning a novel which he would enjoy reading himself. After a month of planning out the trilogy, he started writing the first draft of Eragon, initially by hand, but after writing the first sixty pages he continued writing it on a computer. After a year of writing, Paolini finished writing the first draft of Eragon and commenced writing a second draft.

Paolini never intended that the novel be published. However, after finishing re-drafting the story he gave it to his parents, who decided to self-publish it. A further year was spent proof-reading and editing the novel, in addition to creating a cover and map of Alagaлsia (both the first cover and the map were drawn by Paolini).

The following year was spent promoting the novel, touring across the USA. Paolini and his family gave over 135 talks at bookshops, libraries and schools. Many of these events were done with Paolini wearing a "medieval costume of red shirt, billowy black pants, lace-up boots, and a jaunty black cap". In summer 2002 the author Carl Hiaasen brought Eragon to the attention of his publisher Alfred A. Knopf after his stepson read a copy of the self-published novel. Knopf went on to acquire the rights to the entire trilogy. The novel was once again edited, and a new cover was drawn by John Jude Palencar. [1][2]

[edit] Plot summary

Eragon, a 15 year-old boy, lives with his uncle Garrow and cousin Roran on a farm on the outskirts of a small village, Carvahall. While hunting in the Spine, a large range of mountains running down the West side of Alagaлsia, which is believed to have mysterious happenings, Eragon is surprised to see a polished blue stone appear in front of him. After failing to sell or trade the stone, Eragon witnesses a baby dragon hatch from the "stone," which was in reality a dragon egg. He questions Brom - the elderly town storyteller - about the