Anton
asked
Rick Riordan:
Hello Rick! Longtime fan here. The Lightning Thief is the book that sparked my love of reading and myths, and I will always be indebted to you for that! As an aspiring author, I would love to know: what was the most unexpected lesson you learned while writing The Lightning Thief?
Rick Riordan
I think the most unexpected lesson was that I was supposed to be writing for kids, and all my previous experiences had been leading up to this. Early on, it felt like I was doing a bunch of unconnected things: reading Greek mythology, working at a summer camp, teaching middle school, then writing mystery novels for adults. It seems obvious now, but I finally realized all those things were necessary before I could write Percy Jackson, a novel for kids about Greek mythology set at a summer camp. In the moment, it's hard to see, but in retrospect, all those detours and dead-ends we think we have taken actually can lead to the path we are supposed to take. Nothing is wasted!
More Answered Questions
Thecat
asked
Rick Riordan:
Hello Rick! How do you think Ares would react to one of his children not following in his footsteps? I'd love to write a fic on it, exploring the relationship between a parent and a kid who is fighting with expectations. Do you think there's a possibility Ares would eventually be supportive? Or is there no hope for a bond there? Thank you for all that you do!
lucia
asked
Rick Riordan:
hi! a general life advice question: assuming your career doesn't revolve around the arts/creativity, how do you intentionally make room for that while still being part of the rat race? I'm going into college soon & have no idea how I'm going to survive out there without the chance to foster meaning & beauty. how did you do it? does writing books as a career take away the magic & turn it monotonous? sos haha
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