Q. In your essay for Secrets of the Dragon Riders you write about the use of anthropomorphic animals in fiction, like dragons in Paolini's books and birds in your own. If you could have an anthropomorphic pet what would it be? What human characteristics would it have?

A: I would have a miniature griffin-like creature, who'd canter around on my desk as I write. He'd have white fur and feathers, with black letters of the alphabet speckled over it, and because he'd eat wood he'd keep my pencils sharp. My pet would speak, of course, and wear little reading glasses. "What happens next in the story?" he would often say.

Q. What is your all-time favorite anthropomorphic character?

A: I love Charlotte the spider, from Charlotte's Web by E. B. White.

Q. The average ten-year-old isn't sitting at home starting a novel. How did you end up starting on such a big project?

A: The idea for Swordbird came from a number of places. I was inspired by the woods near my home and my love for birds. I had also been learning about different wars in my history classes. I had visited the World Trade Center several months before 9/11, so that experience affected me as well. One night when I was in fifth grade, all of these things whirled into a strange dream, of birds in old-fashioned clothing battling one another, and of a huge white bird with a sword. When I woke up, I wanted to write about the dream as a story, as a way of expressing the importance of peace and freedom.

Q. How did the teachers and kids at school react to you becoming a bestselling author?

A: They congratulated me. My classmates asked me to sign their copies of my books after class. People kept coming up to me in the hallway to exclaim, "You're the one who wrote the book!"

Q. Have your parents always been supportive of your writing?

A: They are always very supportive, and they make sure I get enough rest. They help me find a balance between schoolwork, writing, and extracurricular activities.

Q. What are your plans after high school? Do you want to continue writing?

A: I plan to attend a university and study literature. No matter what I will do or become when I'm older, I'll always write!

Q. Your Web site mentions that you practice martial arts and love birds. Obviously, your interest in birds shows in your writing. Do you think your martial arts background is reflected in your writing as well?

A: Yes. In fact, I started practicing martial arts because of writing Swordbird. I became a disciple of a martial arts master for a few weeks to find out what it is like to wield a sword, so I could describe scenes of battle better. From this, I learned that the ultimate meaning of martial arts is to prevent violence and to keep peace. This is a recurring theme in my books.

Q. What are you working on right now?

A: I am working on Sword Mountain, a sequel to Sword Quest. It's about a royal family of eagles and what happens when the disowned son of the eagle king returns from exile.

Q. If you could tell us to read one book this year (other than yours, of course!), what would it be?

A: Brisingr!