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Exclusive interview with Percy Jackson author Rick Riordan
In an exclusive interview with Motley.ie, world-renowned author and UCC graduate Rick Riordan spoke about his studies at UCC, the power of mythology and the upcoming Percy Jackson series on Disney+.
Rick Riordan is a graduate of the Masters in Gaelic literature from UCC which he studied online. He commented to www.ucc.ie about the course:
"UCC’s online Gaelic literature MA provided me with everything I needed. UCC allowed me to immerse myself in the subject, interact with students from all around the world, and have access to the finest faculty available for Gaelic studies, all at my own pace and on my own schedule.”
Riordan's ancestors were from Cork, and during his time undertaking the MA in Gaelic Literature, he had the opportunity to connect to his roots. Speaking to Motley's Alana Daly Mulligan, he said:
“Connecting to one’s past is a powerful experience. It makes the old stories more real, more immediate and relevant. It has helped me have a better appreciation for where I come from, and how the experiences of many generations have affected who I am and how I fit into the world.”
“So much of who we are is about where we come from. Cork, I must say, is a marvellous place.”
Rick Riordan is the number one New York Times bestselling author of over twenty novels for young readers, including the Percy Jackson series, the Kane Chronicles, the Magnus Chase series and the Trials of Apollo. He is also the author of the multi-award-winning Tres Navarre mystery series for adults.
Today, over one hundred million copies of his books are in print in the United States alone, and rights have been sold into more than 37 countries. He is a former teacher and now writes full-time. He lives in Boston with his wife and two sons.