Honestly - What is Eragon?

[hafrogman]

There's a lot of people who have read and enjoyed the books as well. I am one of those. It's a fun and enjoyable read, perhaps not the most unique story ever, but presented in a fresh way. And the age of the author didn't even enter into it for me, I wasn't aware of it until I read the dust jacket, AFTER finishing the book. I can't say how the movie will be yet, but in opposition to everything else in this thread, I'd recommend the books.

 

[IcyCool]

I got to meet christopher at a convention here in Montana when he was still promoting the first (self-funded) print run of his book. Until he told me, I honestly had no idea he was so young. We picked up a signed copy.

Eragon is the first book in a trilogy. The second book is 'Eldest', and the third book isn't out yet. The first book is formulaic, yes, but it is a good "popcorn movie" type of book. The second is a little more thought provoking, and makes me think that his future books have real promise.

 

[sirwmholder]

I found the books enjoyable. Then again I'm a big fan of the Harry Potter books... I don't know how to describe the feel of these type of books other than fresh. The original works of classic fantasy writers paint a master piece filled with political intrigue and systems of how things work... in this latest crop you just accept their is a method to it and it works but the book doesn't beat that method over your head every other chapter.

***SPOILER ALERT***
I especially liked the Shade character... the unique way of possession and inherent power of magic. I also like the debunking of the frail elf image... very Tolkeinsque in that regard.

 

[Berandor]

Personally I think we should be trying to encourage this sort of thing. The very fact that a 15 year old went ahead and spent the time and energy...and had the interest...to write a book, and then spent the time and energy to actually get it published, should be applauded.

Of course it's good that he started writing at an early age. But a good part of writing is craftsmanship, and that has to do with practice. If you're fifteen, you can't have as much practice as someone aged 21 might have. Or aged 30. Or even 40. So if you're one of the rare kind of talents, then your book may be great. If not, then it might be average, perhaps even good. But telling me a book was written by a fifteen-year-old will not encourage me to buy it – I've seen the kind of prose and poetry these kids publish on their websites. The selling point of a book, to me, has nothing to do with the author's age.

I'm all for having the kid write, write, write as much as he can, though.

It probably isnt the best-structured story ever, but I still feel people like us should be supporting such efforts, and offering constructive criticism, rather than putting them down

Sure. Give me the boy's E-Mail adress, and I'll offer constructive criticism. Point me to a message board thread, and I'll simply say my piece.

 

[nyrfherdr]

I do think that many of you are overlooking the fact that ERAGON as a book is in the Children's section of most bookstores. It was not sold or marketed to adults. It is more like Harry Potter and was written mostly for young adult readers. It is a nice book for young people to read.

ERAGON is a fantasy novel with most of the tropes you would expect and provides lots of fun scenes. Competing with Tolkien was never the intention of the publisher or, I think, the author.
The fact that adults are reading it is nice, but not the real target audience.

I have read the book, enjoyed the story, and recognized the fantasy elements you would find in many fantasy novels written by much older authors, who make the same 'mistakes' that many of you describe. My son, an 11 year old. LOVES the book.

Like or dislike the book, but you probably are not the intended audience.
In addition, most movies are meant for a very broad audience and a simple story like ERAGON translates very well to the big screen and I hope they do a good job on it.

My 2 cents.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Theres also no reason to believe that the writting quality...good or bad...has anything to do with age. A 15 year old isnt really all that much different than a 21 year old when it comes down to it.

I've been writing professionally since I got out of college. That six years is more than "much different," it's a giant yawning gulf.

It probably isnt the best-structured story ever, but I still feel people like us should be supporting such efforts, and offering constructive criticism, rather than putting them down

That's the role of parents and friends, not customers.

 

[IcyCool]

I've been writing professionally since I got out of college. That six years is more than "much different," it's a giant yawning gulf.

What have you written? Do you have a popular fantasy series? Do publishers base their decision off of quality of story, or what will sell well? Perhaps your writing is of far better quality than Paolini's (or perhaps you write something other than fantasy fiction), but does that make you more marketable?

 

[Chain Lightning]

What have you written? Do you have a popular fantasy series? Do publishers base their decision off of quality of story, or what will sell well? Perhaps your writing is of far better quality than Paolini's (or perhaps you write something other than fantasy fiction), but does that make you more marketable?

Well, I gotta say that the "talent" and the "publishers/producers" are two different things. I'm confident in saying that most of the machine that runs entertainment (books, tv, movies, video games) aren't as sharp at seeing what is good and what isn't. Sure, they accidently pick winners from time to time ....but you'd be surprised how many they miss.

I've been around long enough to meet several very talented artists from all crafts that were hidden in rough. Just because they don't have a best selling book out, just because they don't have a multi-million dollar movie done, or whatever ....doesn't mean they're not qualified to talk about the art or that they aren't good or even better than those they are commenting on. It just means that fate hasn't dealt them the same cup of gold that Eragon's young writer was given.

It takes more than just great talent to rise above the others and be seen/heard. Personally, I'm happy for the kid. He's got loving parents that were willing to work hard so that his book would get attention. Does it mean its good? Does it mean it deserves to be a movie? I don't know.

The only opinion I have on it is that I feel sorry for all the other long time fantasy/sci-fi writers that have properties that the movie industry passed over in favor for this newcomer. I haven't decide whether or not my feelings are wrong or right on that...heh heh.

 

[IcyCool]

Well, I gotta say that the "talent" and the "publishers/producers" are two different things. I'm confident in saying that most of the machine that runs entertainment (books, tv, movies, video games) aren't as sharp at seeing what is good and what isn't. Sure, they accidently pick winners from time to time ....but you'd be surprised how many they miss.

Do big sales = Winners, or does Talent = Winners?

I've been around long enough to meet several very talented artists from all crafts that were hidden in rough. Just because they don't have a best selling book out, just because they don't have a multi-million dollar movie done, or whatever ....doesn't mean they're not qualified to talk about the art or that they aren't good or even better than those they are commenting on. It just means that fate hasn't dealt them the same cup of gold that Eragon's young writer was given.

I'm not saying someone isn't qualified to comment, where did you get that? I'm saying that success isn't necessarily measured by talent alone.

It takes more than just great talent to rise above the others and be seen/heard. Personally, I'm happy for the kid. He's got loving parents that were willing to work hard so that his book would get attention. Does it mean its good? Does it mean it deserves to be a movie? I don't know.

Honestly, movies are made to make money. So from that standpoint, if it will sell well, then it deserves to be a movie. If your superior story won't sell as well, then it isn't "good" enough.

The only opinion I have on it is that I feel sorry for all the other long time fantasy/sci-fi writers that have properties that the movie industry passed over in favor for this newcomer. I haven't decide whether or not my feelings are wrong or right on that...heh heh.

It comes down to what will sell. I think Firefly and Serenity were very creative and interesting. But it didn't sell as well as say, Titanic (which I didn't like very much). If your writing doesn't appeal to the widest audience (i.e. you don't pander to the masses), then it simply won't be as successful as someone who does.

So, do you pander to the masses and live like a king, or do you stick to your guns and work that part-time job to pay the bills. Personally, if I was involved in that sort of industry, I'd pander to the masses until I could live comfortably, then I'd write my "good stuff".

 

[Chain Lightning]

Do big sales = Winners, or does Talent = Winners?

In my opinion? Both. Of course, I don't know how much validity my opinion really has. But it seems to me, a lot of the really stand out movies, tv shows, and books we like had both big sales and big talent. Granted, there is plenty of evidence to the contrary. The movie "Armageddon" was (if I recall correctly) the biggest money success that year (and I think its safe to say that most of us agree on its low level of quality -- as far as story goes).

I'm not saying someone isn't qualified to comment, where did you get that? I'm saying that success isn't necessarily measured by talent alone.

This is one of those times where I am the guy who put his foot in his mouth. For some reason, I had read your post too quickly and perceived a tone of sarcasm when there probably was no evidence that it was written with that intent. When I read your "What have you written? Do you have a popular fantasy series?" I thought that was a challenge marked with sarcasm. For this misunderstanding, I fully apologize.

Honestly, movies are made to make money. So from that standpoint, if it will sell well, then it deserves to be a movie. If your superior story won't sell as well, then it isn't "good" enough.

Oh, I completely agree....the main purpose is to make money with movies. But as we've seen, the innovative or just the "plain well done" movies make MORE money than the safe bet lowest common denominator property. Again, yes I'm aware of low brow pedestrian works have also made lots of money, but I think its usually the well crafted ones that hit it bigger more often.

It comes down to what will sell. I think Firefly and Serenity were very creative and interesting. But it didn't sell as well as say, Titanic (which I didn't like very much). If your writing doesn't appeal to the widest audience (i.e. you don't pander to the masses), then it simply won't be as successful as someone who does.

I think Firefly/Serenity was well written but not terribly ground breaking as far as creativity goes. Plus, its a movie not a novel....so that means more than just good writing has to be there. It also has too "look" good too. With the art direction and the low budget, Firefly/Serenity never gave the common audience a sense of quality. Titanic may not be our cup of tea, but it is well written and well executed.

If your writing doesn't appeal to the widest audience (i.e. you don't pander to the masses), then it simplly won't be as successful as someone who does)

Here's where the grey areas start to show themselves. What's going against the masses and what's not? To me, I think if the masses is the center line in which we creatively travel along, my intent was to say that we can veer slightly to the left and right of it to achieve uniqueness without putting mass appeal into jeopardy. Only when you veer drastically like ....let's say David Lynch's films, do yo lose mass appeal.

I think its possible to maintain mass appeal and be highlly creative at the same time. This is the hard part of being an Editor, Producer, whatever.....

Having the skill to be able to see what is unique and new , but yet understandable to most people, is rare skill indeed. In my opinion, those who are both well skilled in writing as well as being a fan/consumer too are the ones that can see it the best. Lots of "suits" don't realize this and that's why I think we have lots of junk out there too.

So, do you pander to the masses and live like a king, or do you stick to your guns and work that part-time job to pay the bills. Personally, if I was involved in that sort of industry, I'd pander to the masses until I could live comfortably, then I'd write my "good stuff".

That's a pretty safe tactic I must admit.