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.
Rick RiordanThe wand ricocheted through the swarm, thumping six, seven, eight of the little monsters before returning to Carterโs hand. โNot bad,โ I said. โKeep it up!
Rick RiordanPeople are more difficult to work with than machines. And when you break a person, he can't be fixed.
Rick RiordanFair... You'd be amazed how often I hear that word, Frank Zhang,and how meaningless it is. Is it fair your life will burn so short and bright? Was it fair when I guided your mother to the Underworld? No, not fair. And yet it was her time. There is no fairness in Death. If you free me, I will do my duty.
Rick RiordanPoseidon raised his eyebrows as they shook hands. โBlowfish, did you say?โ "Ah, no. Blofis, actually.โ "Oh, I see,โ Poseidon said. โA shame. I quite like blowfish. I am Poseidon.โ "Poseidon? Thatโs an interesting name.โ "Yes, I like it. Iโve gone by other names, but I do prefer Poseidon.โ "Like the god of the sea.โ "Very much like that, yes.
Rick Riordan