Q: Where in your house do you write?

I write in my room on my Apple computer. Everyone in my family has their own computer, and we all work pretty much all day. I treat it as a job. I get up in the morning, grab breakfast, sit down at the computer, and don't usually get up until dinner.

Q: What is your favorite detail (power, quirk, observation, description) you put in your book?

I'm very fond of Eragon's sword. It's has a blood-red sheath, lacquered and shiny, and both the blade and sheath bear an odd symbol. The blade is an iridescent red. It's a dragon rider's blade, so it matches the color of the dragon. It never dulls and cannot be chipped.

Q: How do you feel about being called the New Tolkien?

I'm not going to complain, although I'm not sure I believe all the praise.

Q: Can you describe the deal with Knopf?

Knopf bought the trilogy. They're going to release "Eragon" in hard cover next September, and the rest of the books will follow. It's really a monster deal, but I can't give very many specifics.

Q: How will this change the way you work?