The author expounds on this week’s big announcement regarding his most famous character’s return to the screen…

My favorite passage from Rick Riordan’s most recent blog post, a piece that speaks to his recent announcement of Percy Jackson’s green light from Disney, reads:

There’s an old Zen saying: “Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water,” the point being that enlightenment is great, but it doesn’t change your daily work. The same is true here: Before green en-lightenment, tons of stuff to do. After green en-lightenment, still tons of stuff to do.

For all you budding professionals out there, read and re-read that passage. Because there is nothing more truthful about success.

Furthermore, much of the time, you make your own luck as you work ever harder – even if you “father” a demigod.

However, along the way — much like Annabeth and Grover — folks will assist you. And for Riordan, many of those folks are fans.

“We couldn’t have done it without the enthusiasm and support of millions of Percy fans making themselves heard,” said Riordan. “Thank you for that!”

But, the most important things those fans “heard” in his triumphant post, were the words, “Becky and I will be involved at every step of the process, making sure this is a show we think you’ll be proud of.”

Moreover, Riordan doubled down on the show’s, well, “Riordan-ness” by explaining:

“I can tell you with 100% confidence that this season follows The Lightning Thief faithfully, although we’re adding a lot of interesting nuances, depth, Easter eggs and backstory that will keep the story fresh and fun even if you know the books inside and out.”

But beyond the important passages above, Riordan was clear that the entire endeavor remains a team effort; moreover, he made pains to tell readers he does not have full creative control.

However, a confident Riordan remains unconcerned.

“Will every viewer approve of every choice we make? Human nature would indicate that isn’t possible.” wrote Rick. “But you are going to see Percy Jackson.

“You will be immersed in his world. You will recognize the stories you know and love.”

Rick Riordan

Chop wood. Carry water, Mr. Riodan. Chop wood. Carry Water.

Keep it here for more news on the upcoming Percy Jackson show.

About Post Author

John Bishop

A graduate of Boston U. and Northeastern University, John Bishop, became the beat reporter for BostonBruins.com before the Boston Bruins 2006-07 NHL hockey season. While with the Black & Gold, “^BISH” traveled North America and Europe to cover the team’s every move via laptop, blog, and smartphone. The co-author of two books, “Bygone Boston” and “Full 60 to History: The Inside Story of the 2011 Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins,” John also covered the XXI Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver in 2010 and the Bs 2011 Stanley Cup championship run and banner raising before taking a faculty/communications position at a prep school outside Boston in 2013. He lives with his wife Andrea, and sons Jack, Scott, and Luke, in central Massachusetts.

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