Evelyn
asked
Rick Riordan:
Hello Mr. Riordan! I am a big fan of your books, especially the Percy Jackson series, and I wanted to ask you some questions, if you have the time to answer them. I'm sure that you're very busy. 1) How do you deal with negative feedback on your books? 2) If Percy and his friends were Star Wars characters, who would they be? Thank you! -Greek Mythology nerd
Rick Riordan
Re. negative feedback, I'm only human, and I criticism is tough to deal with for all of us, I think, but another writer told me something once that helped a lot: It's a GOOD thing that we all have different opinions about books. If 100% of people like the same kind of book, then that's the only kind of book that would ever get written. How boring would that be? Diverse opinions means there's a diverse market for many different kinds of stories. If people don't like my books, that's okay. There are so many other great authors and great books out there. It's a big buffet of literature, and you don't have to like everything that is being served! (re. Star Wars, idk. I really like the kids in Skeleton Crew. I can imagine them doing very well at Camp Half-Blood.)
More Answered Questions
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
Valowlie
asked
Rick Riordan:
Hiya, Uncle Rick! Hope you and your family are happy and well. I was wondering whether you're the type of author who writes better in complete silence or with background music? And if it's the latter, did you have a playlist or specific songs specially listened to when you were writing the PJO and HoO books?
Arden Young
asked
Rick Riordan:
Hi Rick! I am a substitute children's librarian as well as a grad student studying Children's Literature and Library Science. I'm wondering if you have read any new Middle Grade or YA books that you think are underrated or not get as much love? I'm always looking for a new series to recommend to kids, or to read myself! :)
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more