Rick Riordan Quotes:

It's always hard to wrap up a series. The longer I spend with the characters, the more they become like friends.

Topics: Character

The most important thing whenever we're connecting kids to books, is that we try to match the book to the kid and make sure that reading is a fun, rewarding experience outside the classroom.

Topics: Fun, Book, Reading, Rewarding Experiences, Connecting

I have more ideas than I'll ever be able to write in five lifetimes.

Topics: Writing, Ideas, Able

I try to craft books that are fun, that are sort of subversively educational so kids learn but they don't really feel like they're being lectured to, and I want kids to always finish one of my books and think, "That was great, where's the next one?"

Topics: Fun, Educational, Book

I'm a teacher still, but with a much larger classroom.

Topics: Teacher, Classroom, Stills, Inspirational Teacher, Self Glorification

I like to remind teachers that even though they're all overwhelmed and overloaded, and it's easy to get burned out, it really is about the kids. It only takes one good teacher to change a life - one time, and one book. That's what happened when I was a kid. I had one good teacher that came in at the right time and turned me into a writer. So never lose sight - you could be that teacher.

Topics: Teacher, Book, Kids, Burned Out, Overloaded

Teachers and librarians are some of my favorite people, especially since I was a teacher myself. I love talking to them because they have wonderful ideas about how to share books, and especially about how to share my books with kids.

Topics: Teacher, Book, Kids

It's all still about having a good story. You have to have a good story as your anchor, as your main focus. So for me, personally, I just like to concentrate on writing the best book I can, and if there's other stuff that goes along with it, that's awesome, as long as the story is central.

Topics: Book, Writing, Anchors

Can we just call them storm spirits?” Leo asked. “Venti makes them sound like evil espresso drinks.

Topics: Espresso, Evil, Storm, Lost Hero

As an author, I don't really think too much about being a celebrity. It's not like being a movie star or a TV star. It's not as if people recognize me when I walk down the street. That hardly ever happens, and it's just as well. But it is great when people know my books, when I walk through an airport and see them in the bookstore, or when I see someone reading a book on a plane or on a train, and it's something I've written. That's a wonderful feeling.

Topics: Stars, Book, Reading

Great victory requires great risk. -Hera

Topics: Risk, Victory, Hera, Risk-taking, Great Victory

I think I write for reluctant readers. Of course I want everyone to enjoy my books, but if the kids in the back row who normally don't pick up a book are engaged with what I'm writing, along with the kids who are big readers anyway, then I really feel like I've done my job.

Topics: Jobs, Book, Kids

Be careful of love. It'll twist your brain around and leave you thinking up is down and right is wrong.

Topics: Love, Thinking, Brain, Percy Jackson And The Olympians

I could always see myself being a teacher. I remember sitting in class as a kid, listening to the teacher and thinking, you know, I'm pretty sure I could explain that a little bit better.

Topics: Teacher, Kids, Thinking

Remake the world, a little at a time, each in your own corner of the world.

Topics: World, Littles, Remakes, Corners Of The World

It's hard to know what [literature] will end up being timeless and what will be something that doesn't translate into the future, especially with the way we're evolving since our culture is changing so fast.

Topics: Literature, Way, Culture

But remember, boy, that a kind act can sometimes be as powerful as a sword.

Topics: Powerful, Boys, Kind, Dionysus, Look At Me Now

Selling one's book to Hollywood is rather like selling someone your house. After it's sold, it isn't yours anymore. They can paint it a different color, tear it down and build something new, or do anything they want.

Topics: Book, Color, House, Different Colors

She'd also called me brave...unless she was talking to the catfish.

Topics: Talking, Brave, Catfish

I enjoy writing for both kids and adults, though I think I'm better at children's stories because I was a teacher for so long, and I know that audience well. The process is no different whether I'm writing for children or adults. Really, the elements of making a good story are the same.

Topics: Teacher, Children, Writing

I think anytime you're writing to the middle grades, you're writing to young readers who are trapped in a number of ways between two worlds: between childhood and adulthood, between their friends and their parents.

Topics: Writing, Thinking, Two

I think the more you understand myths, the more you understand the roots of our culture and the more things will resonate. Do you have to know them? No, but certainly it is nice to recognise how deeply these things are embedded in our literature, our art.

Topics: Art, Nice, Thinking

Nothing like watching your relatives fight, I always say.

Topics: Fighting, Family Drama, Getting Along, Extended Family

It's funny how humans can wrap their mind around things and fit them into their version of reality.

source: - Rick Riordan (2006). “The lightning thief”

Topics: Life, Reality, Humanity

The sea does not like to be restrained.

Topics: Sea, Doe

If my life is going to mean anything, I have to live it myself.

source: - Rick Riordan (2006). “The lightning thief”

Topics: Inspirational, Life, Inspiring

Knowing too much of your future is never a good thing.

Topics: Knowledge, Fate, Knowing, Knowing Too Much, Percy Jackson And The Olympians

The real world is where the monsters are.

Topics: Life, Real, World

Does truth have a moral?

Topics: Truth, Doe, Moral

Young people don't always do what they're told, but if they can pull it off and do something wonderful, sometimes they escape punishment.

Topics: Children, Punishment, People

You might as well ask an artist to explain his art, or ask a poet to explain his poem. It defeats the purpose. The meaning is only clear thorough the search.

Topics: Art, Creativity, Purpose

Getting something and having the wits to use it...those are two different things.

Topics: Two, Use, Different, Two Different Things

You deal with mythological stuff for a few years, you learn that paradises are usually places where you get killed.

Topics: Years, Paradise, Stuff, Percy Jackson And The Olympians

People are more difficult to work with than machines. And when you break a person, he can't be fixed.

Topics: People, Machines, Break, Hephaestus

Always, Always have a plan

source: - Rick Riordan (2010). “Percy Jackson: The Demigod Files: The Demigod Files”, p.9, Penguin UK

Topics: Plans

[My mom's] funny that way, celebrating special occasions with blue food. I think it's her way of saying anything is possible. Percy can pass seventh grade. Waffles can be blue. Little miracles like that.

Topics: Mom, Thinking, Blue, Special Occasion, Seventh Grade

Rachel: You're a half-blood, too? Annabeth: Shhh! Just announce it to the world, how about? Rachel: Okay. Hey, everybody! These two aren't human! They're half Greek god!...They don't seem to care.

Topics: Blood, Two, Greek, Greek God, Rachel Elizabeth Dare

I nodded, looking at Rachel with respect. "You hit the Lord of the Titans in the eye with a blue plastic hairbrush.

Topics: Eye, Blue, Lord, Percy Jackson And The Olympians, Rachel Elizabeth Dare

I told Tantalus to go chase a doughnut.

Topics: Doughnut

The world was collapsing, and the only thing that really mattered to me was that she was alive.

Topics: Love, World, Alive, Olympian, Annabeth Chase

With great power... comes great need to take a nap. Wake me up later.

Topics: Naps, Needs, Great Power, Percy Jackson And The Olympians, Olympian

Afterward, I had the last laugh. I made an air bubble at the bottom of the lake. Our friends kept waiting for us to come up, but hey-when you are the son of Poseidon, you don't have to hurry. And it was pretty much the best underwater kiss of all time.

Topics: Love, Cute, Son, Poseidon, Percabeth

I had weird dreams full of barnyard animals. Most of them wanted to kill me. The rest wanted food.

Topics: Dream, Animal, Kill Me, Weird Dream

Chaos is impatient. It's random. And above all it's selfish. It tears down everything just for the sake of change, feeding on itself in constant hunger. But Chaos can also be appealing. It tempts you to believe that nothing matters except what you want.

Topics: Selfish, Believe, Tears

Because I know you, Percy Jackson. In many ways, you are impulsive, but when it comes to your friends, you are as constant as a compass needle. You are unswervingly loyal, and you inspire loyalty. You are the glue that will unite the seven.

Topics: Loyalty, Inspire, Way, Son Of Neptune, Impulsive

dealing with any man means dealing with multiple personalities.

Topics: Mean, Men, Personality, Multiple Personalities

Writing is like a sport - you only get better if you practice

Topics: Sports, Writing, Practice

On the bright side," Percy said, "both Jason and I outrank you, Octavian. So we can both tell you to shut up.

Topics: Sides, Jason, Shut Up, Octavian

[Iris] squeezed his hand. "Don't lose hope, Frank. Rainbows always stand for hope.

Topics: Hands, Rainbow, Irises, Don't Lose Hope

The meeting was like a war council with donuts. Then again, back at Camp Half-Blood they used to have their most serious discussions around the Ping-Pong table in the rec room with crackers and Cheez Whiz, so Percy felt right at home.

Topics: War, Home, Blood, Donuts, Ping Pong

I don't deserve you." "You're not allowed to say that." "Why not?" "It's a breakup line. Unless you're breaking up-" Jason leaned over and kissed her. The colors of the Roman afternoon suddenly seemed sharper, as it the world had switched to high definition. "No breakups," he promised. "I may have busted my head a few times, but I'm not that stupid.

Topics: Breakup, Stupid, Color, Mark Of Athena, Deserve You

Knowledge of any value can't be given. It must be sought and earned

Topics: Given, Values

I didn't understand how. But the toilets had responded to me. I had become one with the plumbing...

Topics: Toilets, Plumbing

Traitor!" Hera shouted. "You meddlesome, D-list goddess! You aren't worthy to pour my wine, much less rule the world.

Topics: Wine, World, Lists, Meddlesome, Lost Hero

Twelve minutes. I can give you that.

Topics: Giving, Twelve, Minutes

My goal in the classroom was always to make sure they were having so much fun that they didn't realize they were learning.

Topics: Fun, Goal, Realizing

I have a great deal of sympathy for reluctant readers because I was one. I would do anything to avoid reading. In my case, it wasn't until I was 13 and discovered the 'Lord of the Rings' that I learned to love reading.

Topics: Reading, Lord, Cases

Families are messy. Immortal families are eternally messy. Sometimes the best we can do is to remind each other that we're related for better or for worse...and try to keep the maiming and killing to a minimum.

Topics: Family, Home, Trying, Beautiful Family, About Family

In a way, it's nice to know that there are Greek gods out there, because you have somebody to blame when things go wrong. For instance, when you're walking away from a bus that's just been attacked by monster hags and blown up by lightning, and it's raining on top of everything else, most people might think that's just really bad luck; when you're a half-blood, you understand that some devine force is really trying to mess up your day.

Topics: Nice, Rain, Thinking, When Things Go Wrong, Greek God

Go on with what your heart tells you, or you will lose all.

Topics: Inspirational, Heart, Goes On

Can you surf really well, then?" I looked at Grover, who was trying hard not to laugh. "Jeez, Nico," I said. "I've never really tried." He went on asking questions. Did I fight a lot with Thalia, since she was a daughter of Zeus? (I didn't answer that one.) If Annabeth's mother was Athena, the goddess of wisdom, then why didn't Annabeth know better than to fall off a cliff? (I tried not to strangle Nico for asking that one.) Was Annabeth my girlfriend? (At this point, I was ready to stick the kid in a meat-flavored sack and throw him to the wolves.)

Topics: Daughter, Mother, Girlfriend, Grover, Zeus

The end of the world started when a pegasus landed on the hood of my car

Topics: Car, World, Pegasus

I love New York. You can pop out of the Underworld in Central Park, hail a taxi, head down Fifth Avenue with a giant hellhound loping behind you, and nobody even looks at you funny.

Topics: New York, Central Park, Giants, I Love New York, Fifth Avenue

Even strength must bow to wisdom sometimes.

Topics: Inspirational, Wisdom, Understanding

I past another telkhine, who was so startled he dropped his Lil' Demons lunch box. I left him alive - partly because he had a cool lunch box...

Topics: Past, Lunch, Alive

Well . . . sure good to be together again. Arguing. Almost dying. Abject terror. Oh, look. It's our floor.

Topics: Dying, Together, Looks, Olympian, Almost Dying

Aretmis gripped her bow. “Let us pray I am wrong.” Can goddesses pray?

Topics: Bows, Praying, Goddess

Not knowing is half the fun," Aphrodite said, "Exquisitely painful isn't it? Not being sure who you love and who loves you? Oh, you kids! It's so cute I'm going to cry!

Topics: Cute, Fun, Love You, Aphrodite, Annabeth Chase

I've been waiting a long time for a quest, seaweed brain," she said. "Athena is no fan of Poseidon, but if you're going to save the world, I'm the best person to keep you from messing up.

source: - Source: www.hbook.com

Topics: Long, Waiting, Brain, Messing Up, Poseidon

Nico strode forward. The enemy army fell back before him like he radiated death, which of course he did. Through the face guard of his skull-shaped helmet, he smiled. "Got your message. Is it too late to join the party?" "Son of Hades." Kronos spit on the ground. "Do you love death so much you wish to experience it?" "Your death," Nico said, "would be great for me." "I'm immortal, you fool! I have escaped Tartarus. You have no business here, and no chance to live." Nico drew his sword-three feet of wicked sharp Stygian iron, black as a nightmare. "I don't agree.

Topics: Party, Son, Army, Helmet, Hades

It takes strength and courage to admit the truth.

Topics: Courage, Honesty

Have you ever noticed how parents can go from the most wonderful people in the world to totally embarrassing in three seconds?

Topics: Relationship, People, Parent

A hero can go anywhere, challenge anyone, as long as he has the nerve.

Topics: Hero, Long, Challenges, Percy Jackson And The Olympians

I'm Dylan. I'm so cool. I want to date myself, but I don't know how! You want to date me instead? You're so lucky!

Topics: Want, Lucky, Dylan, Lost Hero

Egyptians believe in the power of the sunrise. They believe each morning begins not just a new day, but a new world.

source: - Rick Riordan (2010). “The Kane Chronicles, The, Book One: Red Pyramid”, Hyperion

Topics: Morning, Believe, New Day

To all my librarian friends, champions of books, true magicians in the House of Life. Without you, this writer would be lost in the Dust.

Topics: Book, Dust, House

Hestia shook her head. "I am here because when all else fails, when all the other mighty gods have gone off to war, I am all that's left. Home. Hearth. I am the last Olympian

Topics: War, Home, Gone, When All Else Fails, Hestia

Fairness does not mean everyone gets the same. Fairness means everyone gets what they need.

source: - Rick Riordan (2010). “The Kane Chronicles, The, Book One: Red Pyramid”, Hyperion

Topics: Mean, Doe, Needs

Sadie," he said forlornly, "when you become a parent, you may understand this. One of my hardest jobs as a father, one of my greatest duties, was to realize that my own dreams, my own goals and wishes, are secondary to my children's.

Topics: Dream, Jobs, Children, Sadie, Hardest Job

The right choice is hardly ever the easy choice.

source: - Rick Riordan (2011). “The Throne of Fire (The Kane Chronicles Book 2): The Throne of Fire”, p.61, Penguin UK

Topics: Choices, Easy, Right Choices

A general never shows despair. He instills confidence in his troops. He leads them forward, even into the mouth of death.

Topics: Leadership, Despair, Mouths

Life is only precious because it ends, kid.

Topics: Kids, Life Is, Ends

Being a hero doesn’t mean you’re invincible. It just means that you’re brave enough to stand up and do what’s needed.

Topics: Hero, Mean, Brave, Mark Of Athena, Being A Hero

Words are the source of all power. And names are more than just a collection of letters.

Topics: Names, Letters, Source

If I'm going to burn, it might as well be bright.

source: - Rick Riordan (2011). “The Son of Neptune (Heroes of Olympus Book 2)”, p.339, Penguin UK

Topics: Might, Wells, Ifs

Sometimes, it takes us a while to appreciate something new, something that might change us for the better.

Topics: Appreciate, Might, Sometimes

Never bet against a cat.

source: - Rick Riordan (2010). “The Kane Chronicles, The, Book One: Red Pyramid”, Hyperion

Topics: Cat

Do not despair. Heroes rarely live up to to our expectations

Topics: Hero, Expectations, Despair

Things will work out - maybe just not the way you plan

Topics: Work Out, Way, Things Will Work Out

No one can hate you with more intensity than someone who used to love you.

Topics: Love, Relationship, Hate, Love Me Or Hate Me, Love Hate Relationship

Hope survives best at the hearth.

source: - "Percy Jackson and the Last Olympian". Book by Rick Riordan, books.google.ru. May 5, 2009.

Topics: Pandora, Hestia, Percy Jackson And The Olympians, Olympian Gods, Olympian

I try very hard to be annoying. Don’t insult my ability to annoy.

Topics: Trying, Insult, Annoying, Jason Grace, Leo Valdez

Is it fair your life burns so short and bright? Death had asked. "No such thing as fair," Frank told himself. "If I'm going to burn, it might as well be bright.

Topics: Might, Wells, Frank

The most dangerous flaws are those which are good in moderation," she said. "Evil is easy to fight. Lack of wisdom… that is very hard indeed.

source: - Rick Riordan (2008). “Percy Jackson and the Titan's Curse”, p.217, Penguin UK

Topics: Fighting, Evil, Flaws, Athena

The world may need fixing, but it's worth preserving.

Topics: May, Fixing, Needs

You must forge your own path for it to mean anything.

Topics: Mean, Olympus, Path, Jason Grace, Leo Valdez

Humans see what they want to see.

source: - "Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief". Book by Rick Riordan, July 1, 2005.

Topics: Ignorance, Knowing, Perspective, Sixth Sense, Perception Reality

Just because you don't see me doesn't mean I wasn't there

Topics: Mean

A person's shadow stood for his legacy, his impact on the world. Some people cast hardly any shadow at all. Some cast long, deep shadows that endured for centuries.

Topics: Impact, Long, People, Long Deep, Impact On The World

For what it’s worth: trust your feelings. I can’t promise that you’ll never get hurt again, but I can promise you the risk is worth it.

Topics: Hurt, Feelings, Risk

Tell the sun and stars hello for me.

Topics: Stars, Sun, Hello, Sun And Stars, House Of Hades

Some pain shouldn’t be wished away so easily. It has to be dealt with, even embraced.

Topics: Pain

It's natural to feel fear. All great warriors are afraid. Only the stupid and the delusional are not.

source: - Rick Riordan (2013). “The House of Hades (Heroes of Olympus Book 4)”, p.118, Penguin UK

Topics: Stupid, Warrior, Natural, Great Warrior

Love is powerful. It can bring the gods to their knees.

Topics: Powerful, Love Is, Knees, Lost Hero, Piper Mclean

Ptah? son of ptooey? What is he god of spitting? i asked

Topics: Son

See you on the other side. -Percy Jackson

Topics: Sides

Sometimes you have to lose a piece to win a game.

Topics: Winning, Games, Pieces

It's hard to enjoy practical jokes when your whole life feels like one.

source: - Rick Riordan (2009). “Percy Jackson and the Last Olympian”, p.37, Penguin UK

Topics: Life, Humorous, Enjoy, Practical Joke

Just remember if we get caught, you're deaf and I don't speak English.

Topics: Speak English, Remember, Deaf

Enemy giants moved towards the breech, and Tyson picked up the fallen warrior’s club. He yelled something to his fellow blacksmiths – probably ‘FOR POSEIDON!’ – but with his mouth full of peanut butter it sounded like, ‘PUH PTEH BUN.’ His brethren all grabbed hammers and chisels, yelled, ‘PEANUT BUTTER!’ and charged behind Tyson into battle.

Topics: Warrior, Enemy, Battle, Poseidon, Chisels

Despicable creatures, vultures: without a doubt the most disgusting birds ever. I suppose they served their purpose, but did they have to be so greasy and ugly? Couldn't we have cute fuzzy rabbits that cleaned up roadkill instead?

Topics: Cute, Bird, Doubt, Vulture

When in doubt, start from the top. -Jason Grace

Topics: Grace, Doubt, Jason, Jason Grace, Lost Hero

Maybe it's okay to still be a kid every once in a while.

Topics: Kids, Okay, Stills

You have to be compelled to write. If you’re not, nothing else that you do matters.

Topics: Writing, Matter, Letting You Go

Far, far below, red liquid bubbled. Blood? Lava? Evil ketchup? None of the posibilities were good.

Topics: Blood, Evil, Red, Ketchup, Lava

Think about Isis,” Jaz repeated. “And Sadie…there is a purpose. You taught us that. We choose to believe in Ma'at. We create order out of chaos, beauty and meaning out of ugly randomness. That's what Egypt is all about. That's why its name, its ren, has endured for millennia. Don't despair. Otherwise Chaos wins.

source: - Rick Riordan (2013). “The Kane Chronicles: The Complete Series”, p.524, Penguin UK

Topics: Believe, Winning, Thinking, Sadie

Percy smiled at her - that sarcastic troublemaker smile that had annoyed her for years but eventually had become endearing. His sea-green eyes were as gorgeous as she remembered. His dark hair was swept to one side, like he'd just come from a walk on the beach. He looked even better than he had six months ago - tanner and taller, leaner and more muscular. Percy threw his arms around her. They kissed and for a moment nothing else mattered. An asteroid could have hit the planet and wiped out all life, and Annabeth wouldn't have cared.

Topics: Sarcastic, Beach, Eye, Dark Hair, Green Eyes

You began your journey here as a pup. Now you must find your way back. A new quest, a new start.

Topics: Journey, Pups, New Start

Love was the most savage monster of all.

source: - Rick Riordan (2013). “The House of Hades (Heroes of Olympus Book 4)”, p.218, Penguin UK

Topics: Monsters, Savages

Oh, did you expect me to play fair?" Cupid laughed. "I am the god of love. I am never fair.

source: - Rick Riordan (2013). “The House of Hades (Heroes of Olympus Book 4)”, p.214, Penguin UK

Topics: Play, Cupid, Hades, House Of Hades

Everybody loves to show up at the party once all the hard work is done.

Topics: Party, Hard Work, Done

Frank couldn't breathe underwater. But where was he? Percy turned in a full circle. Nothing. Then he glanced up. Hovering above him was a giant goldfish. Frank had turned -clothes, backpack, and all- into a koi the size of a teen-aged boy. "dude." Percy sent his thoughts through the water, the way he spoke to other sea creatures. "A goldfish?" Frank's voice came back to him: "I freaked. We were talking about goldfish, so it was on my mind. Sue me.

Topics: Boys, Talking, Sea, Full Circle

Our baboon was going completely sky goddess - which is to say, nuts.

Topics: Nuts, Sky, Goddess, Baboons

I think kids will read more good books than we can possibly produce.

Topics: Book, Kids, Thinking

You have to read a lot so you know what good writing looks like and you get inspired. You have to write a lot because it's like a sport - you have to practice. And, also, you have to persevere. Don't give up. I got rejected on my first book, like, 14 times, but I just kept going. So believe in yourself and don't give up.

source: - Source: starraptureblog.wordpress.com

Topics: Sports, Giving Up, Book

Your mom is a rainbow goddess?" "You got a problem with that?" "No, no. Rainbows. Very macho.

Topics: Mom, Rainbow, Problem, Macho

Percy looked at his friends. "I'm getting tired of this guy's shirt." "Combat time?" Piper grabbed her horn of plenty. "I hate wonder bread," Jason said. Together, they charged.

Topics: Hate, Tired, Guy, Jason Grace, Piper Mclean

Don't decide yet," Hephaestus advised. "Wait until daybreak. Daybreak is a good time for decisions.

source: - Rick Riordan (2009). “Percy Jackson and the Battle of the Labyrinth”, p.160, Penguin UK

Topics: Decision, Waiting, Good Times, Daybreak, Hephaestus

Christmas in the Underworld was NOT my idea. If I'd known what was coming, I would've called in sick. I could've avoided an army of demons, a fight with a Titan, and a trick that almost got my friends and me cast into eternal darkness. But no, I had to take my stupid English exam.

Topics: Stupid, Fighting, Army, Thalia Grace, Nico Di Angelo

I always love it when I hear back from kids who say they discovered Percy Jackson and now wear their learning difference as a badge of honour.

Topics: Kids, Differences, Badges

your loved ones have been used to lure you into Kronos's traps. Your fatal flaw is personal loyalty Percy. You do not know when it is time to cut your losses. To save a friend you would sacrifice the world.

Topics: Loyalty, Cutting, Loss, Athena, Fatal Flaws

Thankfully,two old friends stood next to the throne. Horus wore full battle armor and a khopesh sword at his side.is kohl-lined eyes-one gold, one silver-were as piercing as ever. At his side stood Isis in a shimmering white gown, with wings of light. "Welcome," Horus said. "Um, hi," I said. "He has a way with words," Isis muttered, which made Sadie snort.

Topics: Eye, Light, Isis, White Gown, Horus

Carter started down the stairs, but I grabbed his arm. “Hang on. What about traps?” He frowned. “Traps?” “Didn’t Egyptian tombs have traps?” “Well…sometimes. But this isn’t a tomb. Besides, more often they had curses, like the burning curse, the donkey curse—” “Oh, lovely. That sounds so much better.

source: - Rick Riordan (2013). “The Kane Chronicles: The Complete Series”, p.76, Penguin UK

Topics: Lovely, Sound, Burning

I tell aspiring writers that you have to find what you must write. When you find it, you will know, because the subject matter won’t let you go. It’s not enough to write simply because you think it would be neat to be published. You have to be compelled to write. If you’re not, nothing else that you do matters.

source: - "Advice For Writers". Q&A, rickriordan.com.

Topics: Writing, Thinking, Would Be, Compelled, Aspiring Writers

WARNING: The following is a transcript of a digital recording. In certain places, the audio quality was poor, so some words and phrases represent the author's best guesses. Where possible, illustrations of important symbols mentioned in the recording have been added. Background noises such as scuffling, hitting, and cursing by the two speakers have not been transcribed The author makes no claims for the authenticity of the recording. It seems impossible that the two young narrators are telling the truth, but you, the reader, must decide for yourself.

source: - Rick Riordan (2010). “The Kane Chronicles, The, Book One: Red Pyramid”, Hyperion

Topics: Illustration, Background Noise, Two, Carter Kane, Sadie Kane

We were absolutely destined to meet your hot sister

Topics: Hot, Destined, Leo Valdez

Percy and Reyna occupied matching praeters' chairs on the dais, which made Percy self-conscious. It wasn't easy looking dignified wearing a bedsheet and a purple cape. "The camp is safe," Octavian continued. " I'll be the first to congragulate our heroes for bringing back the legion's eagle and so much Imperial gold! Truly we have been blessed with good fortune. But why do more? Why tempt fate?" "I'm glad you asked." Percy stood, taking the question as an opening. Octavian stammered, " I wasn't--" "--Part of the quest," Percy said. "Yes I know. And your'e wise to let me explain, since I was.

Topics: Wise, Blessed, Hero, Octavian, Reyna

Then she did something that really surprised me. She blinked back tears and put out her arms. I stepped forward and hugged her. Butterflies started turning my stomach into a mosh pit. "Hey, it's... it's okay." I patted her back. I was aware of everything in the room. I felt like I could read the tiniest print on any book on the shelves. Annabeth's hair smelled like lemon soap. She was shivering.

Topics: Book, Butterfly, Hair

Curled up at the base of the scales, fast asleep, was the oddest monster I'd seen yet. It had the head of crocodile with a lion's mane. The front half of its body was a lion, but the back end was sleek, brown, and fat - a hippo, I decided. The odd bit was, the animal was tiny - I mean, no larger than an average poodle, which I suppose made him a hippodoodle.

Topics: Mean, Animal, Average

Rowww!” Bast wailed. The wrecking ball rolled straight over her, but she didn’t appear hurt. She leaped off and pounced aain. Her knives sliced through the metal like wet clay. Within seconds, the wrecking ball was reduced to a mound of scraps. Bast sheathed her blades. “Safe now.” “You saved us from a metal ball,” Sadie said. “You never know,” Bast said. “It could’ve been hostile.

Topics: Hurt, Knives, Clay, Sadie

Americans are an odd bunch, but they grow on you.

Topics: Odd, Bunch, Grows

the best people have the rottenest luck

source: - Rick Riordan (2006). “The lightning thief”

Topics: People, Luck

The Set animal’s jaws were pried open so fast that it yelped and let go of my arm. I stood, now encased in a magical barrier twice my normal size, and kicked Leroy into a wall. Good! said Horus. Now dispatch the beast to the netherworld! Quiet man. I’m doing all the work.

Topics: Letting Go, Wall, Animal, Quiet Man, Horus

Great, I thought. We just blowtorched a national monument.

source: - Rick Riordan (2006). “The lightning thief”

Topics: Monument

I wanted to keep things as normal as possible for the trainees, so I led my usual morning class. I called it Magic Problem-Solving 101. The trainees called it Whatever Works.

Topics: Morning, Class, Magic, Whatever Works, Trainees

I excel at pulling strings!” said Arachne. “I’m a spider!

Topics: Spiders, Strings, Said

In the old legends, Arachne had gotten into trouble because of pride. She’d bragged about her tapestries being better than Athena’s, which had led to Mount Olympus’s first reality TV punishment program: 'So You Think You Can Weave Better Than a Goddess?' Arachne had lost in a big way.

Topics: Pride, Reality, Thinking

Whathat!" Tyson gasped. "Those are the stables for the pegasi," I replied, "You know, winged horses?" "Whasthat!" "Um... those are the toilets.

Topics: Horse, Toilets, Tyson

YEAH! Bring it on, lake!

source: - "Search Results The Mark of Athena". Book by Rick Riordan, October 2, 2012.

Topics: Lakes, Yeah, Coaches, Mark Of Athena

I'd like to say I took the news well. The truth was, I wanted to strangle the Hunters of Artemis one eternal maiden at a time. --Percy Jackson

Topics: Hunters, News, Maidens, Grover Underwood

I’m a cat. I respect the sanctity of sleep.

Topics: Sleep, Cat, Sanctity

I may be biased, but I think jackals are cute and cuddly, even if they were known for digging up graves in Ancient Egypt.

source: - Rick Riordan (2012). “The Serpent's Shadow (The Kane Chronicles Book 3)”, p.142, Penguin UK

Topics: Cute, Thinking, Egypt, Jackals

Knowledge isn't always good for you.

source: - Rick Riordan (2007). “The Sea of Monsters”, Disney-Hyperion

I am committed to writing appropriate books for the middle grades. This means no bad language, no gratuitous or explicit violence, and no sexual content beyond what you might find in a PG-rated movie – expressions of who likes whom, holding hands, and perhaps the occasional kiss. The idea that we should treat sexual orientation itself as an adults-only topic, however, is absurd. Non-heterosexual children exist. To pretend they do not, to fail to recognize that they have needs for support and validation like any child, would be bad teaching, bad writing, and bad citizenship.

Topics: Children, Book, Teaching, Orientation, Bad Language

Percy, lesser beings do many horrible things in the name of the gods. That does not mean we gods approve. The way our sons and daughters act in our names... well, it usually says more about THEM than it does about us.

source: - Rick Riordan (2009). “Percy Jackson and the Battle of the Labyrinth”, p.256, Penguin UK

Topics: Daughter, Mean, Son, Horrible Things

Scrawny? Baby, I invented scrawny. Scrawny is the new sizzling hot.

Topics: Baby, Nymphs, Hot, Sizzling

The truth is harsh." Anubis said. "Spirits come to the Hall of Judgement all the time, and they cannot let go of their lies. They deny their faults, their true feelings, their mistakes.......right up until Ammit devours their souls for eternity. It takes strength and courage to admit the truth.

Topics: Letting Go, Mistake, Lying, True Feelings, Anubis

Think positive girl, or the world ends.

source: - Rick Riordan (2011). “The Throne of Fire (The Kane Chronicles Book 2): The Throne of Fire”, p.119, Penguin UK

Topics: Girl, Thinking, Think Positive

Doesn't miss many meals, does he?" Zeus muttered. "Tyson, for your bravery in the war, and for leading the Cyclopes, you are appointed a general I. The armies of Olympus. You shall henceforth lead you breathren into war whenever required by the gods. And you shall have a new...um...what kind of weapon would you like? A sword? An axe?" "Stick!" Tyson said, showing his broken club. "Very well," Zeus said. "We will grant you a new, er, stick. The best stick that may be found." "Hooray!

Topics: War, Army, Broken

Annabeth's face, her blond hair and gray eyes, the way she laughed, threw her arms around him, and gave him a kiss whenever he did something stupid. She must have kissed me a lot, Percy thought.

Topics: Stupid, Eye, Kissing, Gray Eyes

Eat bitter, taste sweet," Frank said. "I hate that proverb." "But it's true. What do they call it these days---no pain, no gain? Same concept. You do the easy thing, the appealing thing, the peaceful thing, mostly it turns out sour in the end. But if you take the hard path---ah, that's how you reap the sweet rewards. Duty. Sacrifice. They mean something.

source: - Rick Riordan (2011). “The Son of Neptune (Heroes of Olympus Book 2)”, p.270, Penguin UK

Topics: Sweet, Pain, Hate, Bitter Taste, No Pain No Gain

Schist," said an angry voice from the grass. Hazel raised her eyebrows. "Excuse me?" "Schist! Big pile of schist!

Topics: Eyebrows, Voice, Excuse, Excuse Me

Yeah, well,” Nico said, “not giving people a second thought…that can be dangerous.

source: - Rick Riordan (2013). “The House of Hades (Heroes of Olympus Book 4)”, p.435, Penguin UK

Topics: People, Giving, Yeah, Nico Di Angelo, House Of Hades

It is a costly thing, looking on the true face of Love.

Topics: Faces

But beauty is about finding the right fit, the most natural fit, To be perfect, you have to feel perfect about yourself --- avoid trying to be something you're not. For a goddess, that's especially hard. We can change so easily. -Aphrodite

Topics: Perfect, Trying, Fit, Aphrodite

Only the fire of life can melt the chains of death.

Topics: Fire, Chains

Nothing is unfixable.

my sword reappeared in my pocket. yeah,great timing.now i could attack the walls all i wanted.my cell had no bar,no window,not even a door

Topics: Wall, Doors, Cells

A giant vulture with a girl hanging from its feet tends to attract attention.

source: - Rick Riordan (2010). “The Kane Chronicles, The, Book One: Red Pyramid”, Hyperion

Topics: Girl, Feet, Giants, Vulture

Most of Set’s forces were running towards our boat, screaming and throwing rocks (which tended to fall down and hit them, but no one says demons are bright).

source: - Rick Riordan (2010). “The Kane Chronicles, The, Book One: Red Pyramid”, Hyperion

Topics: Running, Fall, Rocks, Throwing Rocks

I heard Amos yell, “For Brooklyn!” It was an odd battle cry.

source: - Rick Riordan (2010). “The Kane Chronicles, The, Book One: Red Pyramid”, Hyperion

Topics: Battle, Brooklyn, Cry, Battle Cry

I was a fight to the death, and I felt great.

source: - Rick Riordan (2010). “The Kane Chronicles, The, Book One: Red Pyramid”, Hyperion

Topics: Fighting, Felt

Set screamed something in Ancient Egyptian. I was fairly sure it wasn’t a compliment. “I will rend your limbs from their sockets!” he shouted. “I will—” “Die?” Carter suggested.

Topics: Compliment, Ancient, Egyptian, Ancient Egyptian

Desjardins was literally fuming. His tattered robes still smoked from battle. (Carter says I shouldn’t mention that his pink boxer shorts were showing, but they were!)

source: - Rick Riordan (2010). “The Kane Chronicles, The, Book One: Red Pyramid”, Hyperion

Topics: Battle, Boxers, Shorts

If anybody felt worse than I did, it was Amos. I had just enough magic to turn myself into a falcon and him into a hamster (hey, I was rushed!)

source: - Rick Riordan (2010). “The Kane Chronicles, The, Book One: Red Pyramid”, Hyperion

Topics: Magic, Hey, Enough, Falcon, Hamsters

You are one freaking awesome baboon.

Topics: Baboons

What are you?” She demanded. “My dad? Osiris? Are you even alive?” Dad looked at Anubis. “What did I tell you about her? Fiercer than Ammit, I said.” “You didn’t need to tell me that.” Anubis’s face was grave. “I’ve learned to fear that sharp tongue.” Sadie looked outraged. “Excuse me?

Topics: Dad, Osiris, Anubis, Sadie, Sharp Tongue

Ma’at demands a leader.” “Yeah so I’ve heard.

source: - Rick Riordan (2010). “The Kane Chronicles, The, Book One: Red Pyramid”, Hyperion

Topics: Leader, Demand, Yeah

Sadie got up and kissed Amos on the forehead. “Leave it to us, Uncle. I’ve got a plan.” “That,” I said, “sounds like very bad news.

source: - Rick Riordan (2010). “The Kane Chronicles, The, Book One: Red Pyramid”, Hyperion

Topics: Uncles, Sound, News, Sadie

Do you have a favorite constalation, Percy?' I was still kind of wondering about the little green snakes he'd shoved into his jogging shorts, but i said. 'Uh, I like Hercules.' 'Why?' 'Well... because he had rotten luck. Even worse than mine. It makes me feel better." The jogger chuckled. 'Not because he was strong and famouse and all that?' 'No.

Topics: Strong, Feel Better, Snakes, Make Me Feel Better

Like some helpful person (hi, Mom) has tried to "'clean'" it, and suddenly you can't find anything?

source: - Rick Riordan (2007). “The Sea of Monsters”, Disney-Hyperion

Topics: Mom, Helpful, Clean

Curse us eh/I'll make you pay!/I don't want to rhyme all day!

Topics: Want, Pay, Rhyme

Good luck, boss. Don't let'em turn you into horse meat! (Blackjack)

Topics: Horse, Good Luck, Boss

I don't care what your nose says! The last time you smelled half-blood, it turned out to be a meatloaf sandwich!" "Meatloaf sandwiches are good! But this is a half-blood scent, I swear. They are on board!" "Bah, your brain isn't on board!

Topics: Blood, Brain, Boards, Meatloaf

The telkine growled and muttered as he tapped on his keyboard. Maybe he was messaging his friends on uglyface.com

Topics: Keyboards

Wisdom's daughter walks alone, The mark of Athena burns through Rome.

Topics: Daughter, Rome, Athena, Mark Of Athena

Frank stared at him. "Unfair? You can breathe underwater and blow up glaciers and summon freaking hurricanes-and it's unfair that I can be an elephant?" Percy considered. "Okay. I guess you got a point. But the next time I say you're totally beast-" "Just shut up," Frank said. "Please." Percy cracked a smile.

Topics: Blow, Elephants, Underwater

Jeez, Hazel," Percy said, "tell your horse to watch his language." Hazel tried not to laugh. "What did he say?" "With the cussing removed? He said he can get us to the top." Frank looked incredulous. "I thought the horse couldn't fly!" This time Arion whinnied so angrily, even Hazel could guess he was cursing. "Dude," Percy told the horse, "I've gotten suspended for saying less than that.

Topics: Horse, Saying Less, Laughing

Otrera stayed dead the second time," Kinzie said, batting her eyes. "We have to thank you for that. If you ever need a new girlfriend...well, I think you'd look great in an iron collar and an orange jumpsuit." Percy couldn't tell if she was kidding or not. He politely thanked her and changed seats.

Topics: Girlfriend, Eye, Thinking, Jumpsuits, New Girlfriend

Frank nodded grimly. “Well…any goddess who throws a Ding Dong at a giant can’t be all bad. Let’s go.

Topics: Giants, Goddess, Wells

Nice creepy reptile,” Frank said, very aware of the driftwood in his coat pocket. “Nice poisonous, fire-breathing reptile.

Topics: Nice, Fire, Breathing, Driftwood

This is Leo. I'm the... What's my title? Am I like, admiral, or captain, or..." "Repair boy." "Very funny, Piper.

Topics: Boys, Titles, Captains, Leo Valdez, Piper Mclean

Hazel blinked. “Two gods had a horse for a kid?” “Long story.

Topics: Horse, Kids, Two, Long Story

There's another problem," Percy said. "I'm not good with air travel. It's dangerous for a son of Neptune." "You'll have to risk it...and so will I," Frank said. "By the way, we're related." Percy almost stumbled off the roof. "What?

Topics: Son, Air, Risk, Son Of Neptune, Neptune

What did he say?" Hazel asked. "With the cussing removed? He said he can get us to the top," Percy replied.

Topics: Said

So...your name means Mr.Underwear." -Frank

Topics: Mean, Names, Underwear

Frank: "I wish I was ADHD or dyslexic. All I got is lactose intolerance." Percy: "Seriously?" Frank: "And I love ice cream too.

Topics: Ice Cream, Wish, Adhd, Dyslexic

Percy frowned "You have a feast for tuna?

source: - Rick Riordan (2011). “The Son of Neptune (Heroes of Olympus Book 2)”, p.37, Penguin UK

Topics: Tuna, Neptune, Son Of Neptune

Percy imagined what that would be like: getting an apartment in this tiny replica of Rome, protected by the legion and Terminus the OCD border god. He imagined holding hands with Annabeth at a cafe. Maybe when they were older, watching their own kid chase seagulls across the forum.

Topics: Kids, Rome, Hands, Ocd, Replica

He [Death] pulled a pure-black iPad from thin air. Death tapped the screen a few times and all Frank could think was: Please don't let there be an app for reading souls

Topics: Reading, Thinking, Air