RICK RIORDAN

BRIEF BIOGRAPHY

• Born on June 5, 1964
• Grew up in Texas
• Enrolled at University of Texas, double majored in English and History
• Became a teacher and received a Master Teacher Award
• In high school, made many unsuccessful attempts at publishing his short stories. Eventually became editor of high school newspaper
• Riordan’s son, Haley, was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia
• His son was interested in the Greek mythology he taught, and often asked his dad to tell him made up stories about it
• Riordan made up the character of Percy Jackson and the plot of “The Lightening Thief” while telling his son a bedtime story
• Writes adult mysteries and children’s mythological novels
• Won Author of the year, Edgar Award, and many more awards

QUOTES AND ADVICE FROM RIORDAN

• “If my life is going to mean anything, I have to live it myself.”
• “You have to find what you MUST write. When you find it, you’ll know, because the subject matter won’t let you go.”
• “Write everyday, read a lot, and find a mentor who believes in your talent.”

THREE SAMPLES OF HIS WORK

• “The man facing me was small, but porky. He had a red nose, watery eyes, and curly hair so black it was almost purple. He looked like those paintings of baby angels-what do you call them, hubbubs? No cherubs. That’s it. He looked like a cherub who’d turned middle-aged in a trailer park...he would’ve fit right in at one of Gabe’s poker parties.”
• “There was little laughter at camp these days. Even the Hermes cabin didn’t play so many pranks. It’s hard to enjoy practical jokes when your whole life feels like one.”
• “She glanced down at her puzzle. “What’s an eight letter word for ‘perfect in character, beauty, and skill’?” She already knew the answer was ‘flawless’, but she wanted him to stay. So badly. He thought for a minute, then counted on his fingers before deciding, “Annabeth.””

INTERESTING ITEMS FROM HIS WEBSITE

• Riordan’s great great grandfather was a professor of writing and literature. He gave a speech on the importance of reading referencing Greek and Roman mythology
• Riordan and working with authors from underrepresented backgrounds, and publishing their stories about their mythologies, folklore, and culture.

LESSON PLAN

• I will give everyone a picture. For 6 minutes describe the image or create a story based on it using abstract descriptions or “showing” instead of “telling”.