Life and Career
Rick Riordan was born on June 5, 1964, in San Antonio, Texas. He attended Alamo Heights High School, graduating in 1982. He then went to the University of Texas in Austin double majoring in English and History. He chose a teaching career after graduation in 1986. For 15 years he taught English, History, and Greek Mythology. Riordan taught in many schools in the San Francisco and San Antonio area. In 2002, he was presented with the St. Mary’s Hall’s first Master Teacher Award for his exceptional teaching service.
Riordan enjoyed writing from early age. He attempted numerous times to get his short stories published but was unsuccessful. Riordan was the editor of his high school newspaper but didn’t take writing seriously until he graduated from college and got a stable job.
Riordan’s son, Haley was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia and had a great interest in his father’s favorite subject; Greek mythology. In the second grade, Haley would often ask Riordan to write stories based of Greek mythology. Thus, Percy Jackson was created, a twelve year boy who suddenly discovers he is the son of a Greek God. His son liked the stories so much that he suggested that his father should compile them into a book and maybe even a series. So, Riordan took time off to write his first book, The Lightning Thief. What was the most interesting aspect about Percy, the main character in The Lightening Thief, is that his personality is very similar to that of Riordan’s son.
Riordan lived in California comfortably with his wife and kids, but always had memories of his hometown San Antonia. These memories led him to write a mystery novel set in San Antonio called the Big Red Tequila. The novel received enthusiastic reviews and won Riordan the three most prestigious awards in the mystery genre. Riordan was presented the Edgar, Anthony and Shamus awards for Big Red Tequila.
Rick Riordan is author of five series which include Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Heroes of Olympus, The 39 Clues Series, Tres Navarre Series and The Kane Chronicles. He has also written a standalone novel entitled Cold Springs which was published in 2004. Rick Riordan currently resides in San Antonio with his wife and their two sons.
Riordan enjoyed writing from early age. He attempted numerous times to get his short stories published but was unsuccessful. Riordan was the editor of his high school newspaper but didn’t take writing seriously until he graduated from college and got a stable job.
Riordan’s son, Haley was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia and had a great interest in his father’s favorite subject; Greek mythology. In the second grade, Haley would often ask Riordan to write stories based of Greek mythology. Thus, Percy Jackson was created, a twelve year boy who suddenly discovers he is the son of a Greek God. His son liked the stories so much that he suggested that his father should compile them into a book and maybe even a series. So, Riordan took time off to write his first book, The Lightning Thief. What was the most interesting aspect about Percy, the main character in The Lightening Thief, is that his personality is very similar to that of Riordan’s son.
Riordan lived in California comfortably with his wife and kids, but always had memories of his hometown San Antonia. These memories led him to write a mystery novel set in San Antonio called the Big Red Tequila. The novel received enthusiastic reviews and won Riordan the three most prestigious awards in the mystery genre. Riordan was presented the Edgar, Anthony and Shamus awards for Big Red Tequila.
Rick Riordan is author of five series which include Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Heroes of Olympus, The 39 Clues Series, Tres Navarre Series and The Kane Chronicles. He has also written a standalone novel entitled Cold Springs which was published in 2004. Rick Riordan currently resides in San Antonio with his wife and their two sons.