Rick Answers Fan Questions

This past weekend, Rick Riordan answered some questions for fans. I’ve selected some of the more important/relevant questions that Rick Riordan answered on his Twitter in celebration of the summer solstice!

Q: Is Drew in the Serpent’s Shadow the same Drew as the one in The Lost Hero?

A: Yes. 😀

 

Q: Why are you so great at writing cliffhangers?!

A: A true cliffhanger means characters end the story in imminent danger. Most of my endings aren’t actually cliffhangers. They just leave unanswered questions. Mark of Athena, however, ah… never mind.

 

Q:  How did Frank & Hazel kill the Giant in S.o.N when they can only be killed by Gods & Demi-gods working together?

A: The giant Alcyoneus is unique. He is only immortal in the land where he spawned, in this case, Alaska. Once outside, he’s fair game.

 

Q:  Tell me Nico is safe! Tell me he’s gonna have a bigger role!

A: Nico has a key role in MoA but demigods are rarely safe!

 

Q: Will we be getting a Percy and Annabeth reunion in MoA or not?

A: Don’t think it’s too much of a spoler to say yes.

 

Q: ARE YOU PLANNING A CROSSOVER? (Kane/Heroes).

A: If I did, that would be way down the line. Heroes & Norse series first.

 

Q: How come, in the new series, not all demigods have ADHD and dyslexia?

A: That’s true in PJO too. Many demigods do, but not all.

 

Q: Is Percy one of the four narrators in Mark of Athena? 

A: Have to wait and see.

Q: Any chance of an advanced copy?

A: No!

 

Q: Is there anything that you could say about the Leo/Sammy thing in MoA?

A: No spoilers. Sorry! But it will be explained in MoA.

 

Q: If you could be a god of anything what would it be?

A: The god of time so I could make more. I never seem to have enough.

 

Q: How do you handle writer’s blocks?

A: Outline first. That way I don’t get to the middle of the story & get stuck (as much).

 

Q: Have you read the Harry Potter or the Hunger Games? 

A: Yes. As I’ve tweeted before, I love them both.

 

Q: When is Annabeth’s birthday?

A: I don’t know. I’ve never had a reason to determine it, at least not yet.

 

Q: What happened to Calypso?

A: She will make an appearance later in the Heroes series. Right now, that’s all I can say.

 

Q: Out of the characters in the HoO, which is your favorite to write about? 

A: Gleeson Hedge. He cracks me up. Also Leo.

 

Q: What is your favorite book that you’ve written?

A: It’s usually the most recent one, because it’s freshest in my mind. Hard to say!

 

Q: What other mythologies besides Greek/Roman, Egyptian & Norse would you like to write about?

A: That’s 6-7 years in the future, so I have no idea. I can only write 1-2 books max a year, and I’ve got 2 Heroes and 3 Norse still to do! All I can tell you is if you’ve thought about it, I probably have too & I’ve got more ideas than I’ll be able to write in a lifetime!

 

Q: Are you planning on writing another Camp Half-Blood series?

A: Like I said, that’s waaaay far in the future. But some day, I’d like to do 1 more CHB series where all the action actually happens at camp, b/c most of the other books happen on quests.That’s part of the story that hasn’t been told, & would be fun. But like I said, that’s way, way in the future, so don’t hold your breath.

 

Q: Any characters based on real life?

A: Yeah. Mrs. Dodds is a real math teacher, but she’s not actually a monster. Mr. Brunner (aka Chiron) is a real Latin teacher. Travis & Connor Stoll, Beckendorf, Miranda & Nico are named for former students of mine

 

Q: I heard a rumor that Thalia will die in The Mark of Athena, you confirm?

A: I can confirm that you shouldn’t listen to rumors.

 

Q: What’s your favorite character from the Percy Jackson series?

A: Grover or Tyson. They’re so fun to write about.

 

Q: Have you ever cried while writing?

A: Only because the first draft is so bad and my deadline is so close. 😀 No, actually I got teary-eyed when I wrote one scene in Mark of Athena, and no, I can’t tell you what it was. Yes, I know that’s mean.

 

Q: After the TitansCurse, Annabeth and Percy’s Grey streaks are never mentioned…shouldn’t someone question them?

A: Actually that question will be addressed in Mark of Athena.

 

Q: What’s your favorite ship in your books?

A: The Argo II.  Oh . . . not that kind of ship?

 

Q: Do you think you belong in Camp Half-Blood or Camp Jupiter?

A: No. I would fail in either place! However, I can see living at Brooklyn House and studying magic. I would ace Advanced Napping class with Bast.

 

Q: I talked to a YouTube channel called RiordanRick. Was that account really you?

A: Nope. Only legit accounts are on my site. Usually I can’t respond to people on the Internet. Too many questions, gotta stay focused on writing. This weekend is a rare exception. This account is verified. http://Rickriordan.com is my site. Aside from that, if somebody writes you back, that’s a good sign it ain’t me.

 

Q: Who would you rather have: Festus or Blackjack?

A: At the risk of hurting Blackjack’s feelings, Festus for sure.

So, have you started speculating about things that might happen in Mark of Athena yet?? I know I have!

For more Q and A’s, visit Rick’s FAQ page!

Follow Rick on Twitter:

@CampHalfBlood