The Wonders of Magic

Tiffany Nguyen
(In the Style of Rick Riordan)

Table of Contents
Cover Page...........................................................................................................................1 Title Page.............................................................................................................................2 The Wonders of Magic.....................................................................................................3-9 Fun Pages...........................................................................................................................10 Greek Mythology...............................................................................................................11 Zeus and Hera....................................................................................................................12 Poseidon and Demeter.......................................................................................................13 Athena and Hestia..............................................................................................................14 Apollo and Artemis............................................................................................................15 Ares and Aphrodite............................................................................................................16 Hephaestus and Hermes.....................................................................................................17 Words from the Author......................................................................................................18 Author Interview with Rick Riordan............................................................................19-25

Fun Pages

The Wonders of Magic Maybe youve woken up one morning to gum in your hair, or an extreme case of body odor, or your favorite cereal is out so youre forced to starve in the morning. In my case, I woke up to find thoughts. Okay, that might sound normal to you, so Ill clarify: they werent my thoughts. That meant I was reading minds. How did I know? I was pretty darn sure that I wasnt thinking about the location of the car keys or telling myself to wake up in the morning. Soon, I realized that they were my parents thoughts. So now Ill be able to sucker up to them. Thats right. I suddenly receive this amazing, baffling new power, and all I think about is kissing up to my parents. What a life I have. By this time, I was wide awake. And then I realize something horrifying: I was awake. That meant thatI really am reading thoughts, like a little psychic, or something. I was stunned and dismayed; what if someone found out about me and decided to send me into a mad scientists lab to experiment on me?! So I decided to keep my ability a secretfor now, at least. The door creaked open, and my mom popped her head into the doorway, dispersing my thoughts. Wake up! Youre going to be late for school! Which would be nothing new, anyway, I thought I might add. Awww, look how adorable my little Ace is with his bed-head, she thought. I felt my eye twitch. Mo-om, Im not a little kid, anymore! She widened her eyes. Its as if he knows what Im thinking about. Her thoughts floated to my head. Um, I can wake up myself; Im not a little kid anymore! I said quickly in order to hide my mistake.

She shrugged and informed me again, Wake up and get ready for school, Ace. I prepped myself as well as I could for another boring day in school. After running out the door with a piece of toast sticking out of my mouth, I became conscious of something; I became aware of the true blessing I was given. There were countless of ways I could use my abilities, especially in school. I would never have to study for another test ever again. My bus stop was in my view as I continued racing with my thoughts. Suddenly, an unfortunate figure stepped into my view: Felix Anderson, the most massive, terrorizing, and notorious 8th grader in the school. Rumors say that he once got suspended for giving a teacher a wedgie, got expelled from a school for sneaking into the principals office and stealing her purse, and hed been in jail for pointing a gun at an officer. Those tales and rumors got more unrealistic and extreme each time, and I didnt know which ones to believe, but I wanted to play it safe. His subject of intimidation changed from one student to another over the course of several weeks, and this week, he was my bully specifically. Heeey, well lookie whos here! Its Lacy Acey! he taunted in a singsong voice. I had no idea how my power was going to aid me now. Shove it, Felix. Im not in the mood, I replied, trying to steady my voice. Several kids waiting for the bus stop immediately caught on to what was happening, but no one dared to speak up. Felix clenched his fists, which were practically the size of my head, and held one up an inch away from my face. You want to know what my fists tastes like? he whispered darkly. His thoughts were no different: Im going to imprint his face on the concrete. I had no doubts about that.

My eyes darted around frantically for help. Maybe I can run; Im no good in gym, but a hefty guy like Felix would certainly be slower than me. That is, if I could avoid being tackled first. I wish I could just throw that rock on the ground over there at him. All of a sudden, the rock reacted to my thoughts and ripped through the air towards him. It conked him right in the back of his head. Gaaah! he hollered. His eyes immediately caught the rock as he turned towards the students at the bus stop. Who threw that rock?! None of them answered. They all were visibly trembling. I said who threw that rock?! A scary looking vein popped out on his forehead; his face was steaming red. I had just used telekinesis, something that popped up into one of the few school lessons that I actually somewhat paid attention to. Telekinesis was when you moved something by just looking at something, which was totally sweet if you asked me. Just as Felix was stomping towards the group, the bus came roaring down the street and stopped at the bus stop. The students pushed each other in order to scramble onto the bus. Felix had completely disregarded me as he hopped on, too. Hurry up and get on the bus! the bus driver yelled out. I dont have all day! I blinked, still stunned. I I decided to keep my mouth shut. As I entered the bus, deafening noises surrounded me. Thoughts. Everyones thoughts overwhelmed me. I decided that mind reading was more intricate than I thought, especially reading a busload of middle school-ers minds. Whoa! Check out the racks on that chick! Gah, I left my biology essay on my desk! He is so dreamy I cant wait until that new game comes out! Hurry up! I aint got all day, the bus driver rumbled. He always wore the same things every day: his red and black Astros cap, a pinstriped shirt that could barely hold in

his belly, shaggy shorts, and a greasy pair of brown, leather shoes. I stumbled to the nearest vacant seat as I held my head in pain. Oh sweet mother of I mumbled under my breath. I tried to block out the thoughts and slowly, throughout the bus route, the thudding pain dulled and I could only hear two or three peoples thoughts. It made me anxious at the growth of my powers. Before I knew it, I was in school, with an even worse headache; with over six hundred students, I wasnt surprised. As soon as I stepped off the bus and pushed open the doors, my knees had nearly collapsed on me. Move it, a random kid pushed me. I staggered to my first period while attempting to ease my migraine. I felt better as soon as I got inside the classroom. On the board, there were the words Pop Quiz with my teacher, Mr. Handels handwriting. Usually, I would stare at those two words long and hard, knowing that I didnt study. I had nothing to worry about now. Hahaha, I cackled to myself. People around me stared at me like I grew another head, which I could understand. I rubbed my hands together and grinned. It was a beautiful day. The bell screeched, signaling the start of the period, as students scrambled to reach their seats. Mr. Handel passed out the tests by rows, and soon, he reached my desk. He leered darkly at me through his thick glasses, so I focused on looking at his greasy hair. I hope you studied yesterday, Levine. Youre going to need all the help that you can get. I gulped and I grew dizzy looking at all of the numbers and words. Hypotenuse? Monomials? My hands grew sweaty, but I knew I could do this. I closed my eyes and focused on the thoughts of my classmates. Half of them were as clueless as I was. I knew who would definitely have the correct answers, though:

Tristan Marley, certified class nerd, fully equipped with wide-rim glasses, a multitude of freckles, and two pencils in hand. He was the perfect image of a stereotypical geek, and he was one. I dont remember the last time he got anything lower than a 105. No, seriously. I raked through my collection of other peoples thoughts and finally found his. Muddled, just like the paper. X plus 21 times 12 cube blah blah blah. I rolled my eyes and waited for him to solve the problem. Okay, so 3 is the answer for the first one. This quiz is sooo easy, why cant Mr. Handel make this any harder? I grinned. Good ol Tristan.

My stomach growled as I quickly skimmed through ancient books with disintegrating pages. Out of all the places I could be, I was in the dusty, uninhabited library, attempting to find something out about my stupid powers that arent supposed to exist. I delicately opened up one of the books to a random page, but soon found lengthy words that I was sure even my English professor didnt know. Picking up the next book, I first examined the title: The Origins of Extra-Sensory Perception. The book had silver lining and appeared fairly new, compared to the other books. Extra-Sensory Perception (ESP) is the ability to receive information using ones mind. Examples of ESP include, but are not limited to, mind reading, clairvoyance, telepathy, and precognition. The first page ended there, but afterwards, there was a table of contents available, listing all of the different types of ESP. I scanned through it quickly for mind reading and telekinesis.

Mind reading pertains to the power to retrieve thoughts and data from another person. Mind readers are also often dubbed physics, telepaths, or mentalists. Reading thoughts is a difficult practice due to the frequent overwhelming of noise, especially in public areas. More adept mind readers are able to tune out thoughts and find only certain peoples thoughts. True mind reading has no origin date, but is formed when a person has specific points. There are several occurrences where a person gained mind reading skills at a certain age due to genetic connections, however it is unknown if there is a specific age range, due to the variety. Another method in gaining mind reading powers is when a person with mind reading skills passes it onto another person, whether knowingly or accidentally. While there are no precise processes, known transference processes include rituals, sudden collisions and impacts, blood oaths, and drinking enhanced water. My eyes skimmed through the section, feeling dazed and light-headed. I was pretty sure that my parents werent psychics, or else I would have noticed by now or they would have told me. On the other hand, I had no clue whether or not someone gave me their powers. Why would someone give away such useful powers? And we give them to me out of all people? I shoved those thoughts to the back of my head as I flipped to the telekinesis section. Telekinesis is the power to physically move objects by using ones mental prowess. It is also commonly referred to as psychokinesis and used to be the term for objects that are moved by ghostly apparitions. Telekinesis is a power that is capable of

unlocking once someone reaches certain factors in his or her mental and physical aspect. A persons willpower has to exceed the maximum limit for a standard human. His or her focus has to be resolute, and more than often, he or she has to be observant and maintain high concentration. Only then will that person be able to find and connect with the energy inside living and inanimate things and use it to shift those things. In contrast, one does not have to be strong physically in order to unlock telekinesis. He or she, however, has to be able to contain a durable body in order to constrain energy of other things when not in use. Surprisingly, I had somewhat understood that. I was never great with paying attention in class, because it was just all so dull. Instead, I kept my eyes fast on the hands of the clock of the class I was in. Second by second, I waited for the minutes to pass. That explained my concentration and focus. The willpower part was simple, too. I didnt want to be beaten into a pulp by Felix, so I willed myself to move the rock. I wasnt quick or brawny, but I had a bit more stamina than other guys in my class; I lasted longer. That might also explain my enormous appetite. Briiing! I peered up as the bell rang; lunch was over and it was time for the next class. I rapidly shelved the unnecessary books randomly into the bookshelves as I grabbed my bag and checked the peculiar, silver book out. I had countless questions and absolutely no answers. Who transmitted their powers to me and why? Does anyone else have these powers? What will I do now? And thus, my misadventures with my powers and my quest to find its origin began.

What is Greek Mythology?

Greek mythology is a series of stories about Greek deities, monsters, and heroes that explain how something works, such as the seasons and spiders webs. Before the Greek gods reigned, mightier deities, called titans, were the rulers of the Greek world. The leader of the titans was Cronus, who swallowed his kids in fear of being overthrown. Eventually, the gods teamed up and usurped his thrown; those main gods are now called the Twelve Olympians, who reside on the depths of Mount Olympus.

Zeus
Zeus was the ruler of the gods. His symbol was the lightning bolt and he was married to Hera, a fellow god and also his sister. However, like many other gods, he had many affairs, which led to the birth of numerous Greek gods and demigods, half human and half god.

Hera

Hera was the goddess of marriage and family. Her symbol was the peacock and she was often jealous of Zeuss lovers. She often tried to kill or curse them because of her role. She also was known as a nemesis of Hercules, a famous demigod son of Zeus; Hera often tried to slay him or slow him down in his quests.

Poseidon
Poseidon was the god of the sea and earthquakes. His symbol was the trident and was said to have created horses. He, along with Zeus and Hades, were part of the Big Three, who are the three main gods of Mount Olympus; each rules over the sky, sea, or underworld.

Demeter
Demeter was the goddess of harvest. One of the popular Greek myths involves her, Persephone, her daughter, and Hades, which explains the cycle of seasons. Hades had kidnapped Persephone and they both reached an agreement: during spring and summer, Demeter could visit her daughter in the underworld. During that time, harvest was

rich; however, during fall and winter, harvest was poor because Demeter could not see her daughter.

Athena
Athena was the virgin goddess of wisdom and strategic battle. She was a daughter of Zeus, who, much like his father, swallowed Athena because of fear of being overthrown. However, it was said that she was born inside Zeuss head, and as the gods opened him up, she leapt out, fully grown and in battle armor. She is also the main goddess worshipped in the Greek city of Athens, who received her namesake.

Hestia
Hestia was the goddess of the hearth and warmth. She was both the youngest and oldest child of Cronus, because she was first to be swallowed, but last to be rescued. Hestia gave up her place in Mount Olympus to Dionysus, the god of wine.

Apollo
Apollo was the god of music and the sun and was also an oracle, a person who prophesized the future. He was a healer and protector of light. Apollos twin sister is Artemis.

Artemis
Artemis was the virgin goddess of the hunt and moon. Her symbol was the deer and cypress tree. She once turned a man named Actaeon into a deer, because he accidentally saw her bathing.

Ares
Ares was the god of war and was Aphrodites lover. He represented the physical aspect of war and was often depicted as violent and aggressive. Ares was an expect in charioting.

Aphrodite
Aphrodite was the goddess of love and beauty. She was married to Hephaestus, but she often had affairs. She is the mother of Eros, more commonly known as Cupid, and is known for her striking beauty.

Hephaestus
Hephaestus was the god of blacksmithing. In many versions of Greek mythology, he was conceived by Hera alone, when she attempted to convince Zeus that she didnt need him. However, he was born deformed, so Hera threw him off a cliff; there, he grew up into a skillful blacksmith. When Zeus and Hera saw their mistake, they offered him Aphrodite in return for his services in weapon-making.

Hermes
Hermes was the messenger god and his symbols included roosters and his winged sandals. He was the link between the gods and humans.

Words from the Author:

This short story, The Wonders of Magic, was meant to be a mimic of renowned author Rick Riordans writing style and voice. I attempted to mix my own writing style with Riordans in order to better understand his style, a style that hundreds of thousands of kids enjoy reading, since I aspire to be one as well.

I had included an interview between Riordan and me in order to explain to readers what his books and writing style was like.

What influenced you to write The Lightning Thief?

My youngest son, Haley, has ADHD and had difficulty reading, much similar to my childhood. However, I was very relieved to find out that he was fond of Greek mythology. Each night, I told him a Greek myth as a bedtime story. However, when I ran out, he told me to just make a new story with the same characters. So I did, and Percy Jackson was created. It took me three nights to tell the full story, and when I finished, he told me that I should publish it. Haley really added on to my humorous writing style, because I wrote it for him specifically. My fast-paced writing style was clear in " I snatched the ballpoint pen out of the air, but when it hit my handit was a swordI did the only thing that came naturally: I swung the swordShe exploded into yellow powder, vaporized on the spot The concrete diction in the word snatched signifies that Percy was in a hurry, which makes my style quick and actionable.

What made you want to become a writer?

If you asked me what I would be when I grew up before I was 12, I definitely would not have said an author. I wasnt much of a reader; books that were recommended to me didnt appeal to me. That is, until one of my teachers introduced me to Greek mythology. I was fascinated. From mythology, I started reading fantasy novels and found them enjoyable, too. One of my favorite books includes The Lord of the Rings. One of my most memorable teachers, Mrs. Pabst, persuaded me to publish one of my short science fiction stories that I wrote for class. Because of her, I became a teacher and author.

When did you write your first publication?

I first tried to publish a piece of my writing when I was 12, because of Mrs. Pabst. I sent it to the Isaac Asimov Science Fiction Magazine, but I was rejected; my mom kept the rejection letter stored somewhere and showed it to me when I first became a published writer when I was 30. Before writing young adult books, I also wrote short stories and adult mystery. My adult mystery series is called Tres Navarre.

What was your career as a teacher like?

It was a wonderful experience, thats all I can really say. I had taught English and history for middle school-ers for 15 years and included Greek mythology in my lesson plans. The students enjoyed creating their own demigod hero, and thats also where I got the idea for Percy Jackson from. I remember asking my students, what is your favorite Greek god? One of my favorite answers was from a girl who said Batman. When I was writing The Lightning Thief, my students gave me inspiration and advice. They suggested the way Percys sword, Riptide, would work.

While writing The Lightning Thief, I often imagined my students as my audience. It helped me shape my humorous writing style, which was shown in Nancy Bobofit appeared in front of me with her ugly friendsand dumped her half-eaten lunch in Grover's lapHer freckles were orange, as if somebody had spray-painted her face with liquid Cheetos. The simile and imagery used to vividly describe Nancys appearance was in an amusing way for readers.

Even though I had countless memories from teaching, I quit in order to become a fulltime writer; there was no way I was going to be able to publish both a book from my adult series and young adult series on time. It wasnt as difficult to leave my long profession as you would think, though. Mrs. Pabst had already taught me to pursue my dreams, and so I did.

People are often comparing your Percy Jackson and the Olympians series with the Harry Potter series. Any comments?

Its inevitable, regretfully. I admire Rowling, Harry Potters creator, but in my opinion, our books are completely different. Many books have magic, monsters, and some sort of problem that the characters need to solve. Thats just the plot outline of both our books and its probably the only thing we have in common. Everything else is completely different.

Both of our writing styles are different. Rowlings style, for my part, is meticulous and detailed. By using that style, shes able to create a brand new fantasy world. In comparison, I believe that my style is clear-cut and straight to the point. I do so, because compared to writing for adults, I know that children have little patience for details and like their stories filled with action and a fast pace. An example of my straight-forward style is found in the phrase Her eyes began to glow like barbecue coals. Her fingers stretched, turning into talons. Her jacket melted into large, leathery wings. She wasn't human. She was a shriveled hag with bat wings and claws and a mouth full of yellow fangs, and she was about to slice me to ribbons. The metaphor and imagery was used to illustrate the character, Mrs. Doddss ghastly appearance in an unambiguous manner and style.

Can you Summarize The Lightning Thief for Our Readers?

The Lightning Thief is the first book in a young adult series called Percy Jackson and the Olympians. The protagonist of the series is Percy Jackson, a 12-year-old who has ADHD and dyslexia, which are both learning disorders. The disorders cause him to perform poorly in school, which discourages him. Percy tends to bring trouble with him wherever he goes, already being expelled from several schools for accidental incidents. Suddenly, he one day finds out that hes different for a reason: hes a demigod, someone whos born from a human and god. More specifically, hes the son of Poseidon, who made an oath to never have any offspring again. Because of that, Zeus, the ruler of the gods, believes that Percy is trouble and was the one who stole his master lightning bolt. Percy now is on a quest to find Zeuss lightning bolt, but hes not alone. Annabeth, demigod daughter of Athena, the goddess of wisdom, and Grover, a satyr, which is half human and half goat, accompany him throughout America. They run across several monsters, such as Medusa, the gorgon monster with snake for hair.

What was college life like for you?

I graduated college from the University of Texas and didnt focus much on writing during those years. I played in a folk rock band that played music from artists like the Beetles, Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan. Embarrassingly, we had Tony Orlando hair in mid-80. I graduated with degrees in English and history so that I could teach.

How do you think your society, history, and culture affected your writing?

My writing was influenced a lot by those factors. First of all, my writing style is entertaining to the readers, because I focus on writing for an audience of kids who dislike reading. Its important for me to do so, because of how my son was one of them and the society today is filled with those types of kids. The current society reflects my

humorous, direct style in the quote: Grover was an easy target. He was scrawny. He cried when he got frustrated. He must've been held back several grades, because he was the only sixth grader with acne and the start of a wispy beard on his chin. The concrete connotation in the word scrawny describes Grover as a weak person and was blunt and candid.

Secondly, my parents were both teachers and artists, so I envisage that my imagination can get out of hand at times, as shown in the quote, She exploded into yellow powder, vaporized on the spot, leaving nothing but the smell of sulfur and a dying screech and a chill of evil in the air, as if those two glowing red eyes were still watching me. The simile and imagery used to vividly describe Mrs. Dodds made it possible for readers to visualize the teacher, which explains my direct style.