Some New Pics

Happy New Year!

Do My Eyes Deceive Me?

OR IS THAT THE OFFICIAL SEA OF MONSTERS "COMING SOON" POSTER?!?!?!?!?!

I have reason to believe it's fan-made, but I have no proof as to whether it is or whether it's real.

And the Bulgarian cover for The Mark of Athena!

Greetings, Loyal Followers!

First things first: Interview with Logan Lerman, brought to my attention by Lynette. =D

Second, Sea of Monsters Graphic Novel case cover. Also from Lynette. =]

THIRD: From ForestQueen, we have a new development in the movie process. The added the names of the musical directions, which she informs me is the LAST STEP in the production process. Which means we'll at least be getting a poster soon.

I'll keep my eyes open!

Israeli Cover

Israel's cover of The Mark of Athena. I think it's a pretty cool concept they have going on here. =]

Sorry there hasn't been much news lately. After all, I don't make the news. I just report it. ;)

Something Small

Hopefully this will help with the unnecessarily long wait for The House of Hades.

Lookie what I found!!

Click to enlarge!!!

Bear in mind, though, that the site this came from finds all the circulating rumors and posts them, so this may only be partially true. But it's still pretty exciting! Also, I've heard Calypso is definitely going to be in Book 4 and Thalia is a maybe.

No new screencaps or news for the movie, but on the IMDb page, they edited the synopsis:

In order to restore their dying safe haven, the son of Poseidon and his friends head into the Sea of Monsters to find the mythical Golden Fleece.

Hopefully we'll at least get a poster soon. 

=D

These are legit, I swear! Logan Lerman and Douglas Smith on set.

Why Am I Not Doing My Job Right?

Remember those pics I just posted of the campers in the official camp t-shirts? From the movie?

I think they were photoshopped.

The evidence:

Dang it.

PROMOTION

Don't know why I didn't do this sooner...

Hello, my loyal lovelies! I am here with a special message from MortalNet announcing their giveaway contest, which their webmistress has asked me to promote.

The prizes include signed copies of The Mark of Athena, an official Camp Half-Blood t-shirt circulated by the publishing company, and the official SPQR t-shirt of Camp Jupiter. Check out MortalNet for all the details, including contact information, rules, etc.

GET MOVING! The contest is already well underway!

More From the Movie

The official shirts look awesome!
Besides this, there's no new information that I've found.

BUT DNN has had over 12,300 pageviews since February! Thank you everyone for supporting this site!

One More!!

And he's even got the official camp t-shirt! =D

Ooh, More Pictures!

Pictures of the Cast on Set

I got some pics for you all!!

I suppose this confirms that Gray Damon is part of the cast!

Short Q&A

Rick posted this on his blog recently. In case anyone was freaking out over the ending of The Mark of Athena (I know I was) there is some reassurance here.

"Q. Why can't I have the next book NOW? I NEED IT!
A. The thing is, it doesn't exist yet. Sadly, each book takes a full year to write.

Q. Why can't you speed it up? You were writing Kane Chronicles and now you're not, so can't you release the new book in six months?
A. No, even when I was writing two books a year, I'd be planning and researching one while revising the other. It is possible (though exhausting) to work on two series at once, but each book still takes a full year to create. If I tried to speed up the process, the book wouldn't be any good. It's better to take my time and write a good book than the rush out a bad book, I think! Besides, the publisher wouldn't ever release the books of one series in a time span shorter than a year. It takes that long to figure out the release date, promote the book, design the cover, edit the manuscript, talk to the booksellers, format the e-book in all the different versions and of course print and ship the physical books. It's a long process! 

Q. I want to go forward in time and pull the next book out of fall 2013.
A: Gosh, me too. That would save me a lot of work. Unfortunately, Kronos the god of time is not a friend of mine . . .

Q. Why are you taking time to write a blog entry? Get back to writing House of Hades!!
A. Yeah, well, I do have to take breaks from time to time for, you know, eating and sleeping and stuff. That's also part of the process. Like Percy, I'm pretty ADHD. I tend to write in a 'hit and run' fashion. Write a page. Get up a walk around. Check email. Write another page. Take the dog out. Etc. I've learned the hard way that if I treat writing like a nine-to-five job and sit at my computer for hours on end, my productivity and quality don't increase. I just stare at the screen more. Having said that, yes, I am trying to limit my time doing other things, so if you don't see a lot of new blog entries, that's why!

The one thing I can promise regarding The House of Hades  ***SPOILER ALERT****  At the end of Mark of Athena, Nico senses that Percy and Annabeth are still alive, despite the incredible danger they are in. Nico is right. They are alive. You WILL find out what is happening to them in the next book. They don't disappear from the story.  **** END SPOILER ALERT*****"

Lookie Here!

What fortuitous circumstance be this?

Excuse the Pirates of the Caribbean reference.

I have new international covers!!!

The Japanese cover of... one of the Kane Chronicles books.

I don't remember which country this one is from... I'm sorry. I don't even remember where I found it. 

Oh! Australia. I think it's the Australian cover. 

Brazilian Kane Chronicles Survival Guide!

Shoot I'm sorry I don't remember this one... The Throne of Fire. From another country...

I'm out! Peace.

Sea of Monsters Interview

Brought to my attention by Lynnette, Alexandra Daddario was interviewed for the upcoming Percy Jackson movie. Watch it here!

Unfortunately, there's no other news on the movie. But I think we can expect a teaser trailer or a movie poster the middle of next month. (If my calculations are correct.)

And I just wanted to thank everyone for giving DNN almost 11,500 page views!

Hey, Look What I Found!

It's a video for the Heroes of Olympus series.

From Turkey.

As in, the country.

I have no idea what they're saying, but it's pretty cool.

Watch the video here!

SCORE!

Did I just find the official movie poster for The Sea of Monsters?

 No, actually, I didn't. But I did find this.

I don't think this is the official movie poster. It looks a bit edited, but it's still pretty cool! There is no confirmed poster yet, but we should get one (and a teaser trailer) in December or November.

In other news, we've had over 11,000 page views since I started in February! Thank you everyone for depending on DNN!

One other question: what did everyone think of The Mark of Athena? Discuss in the comments!

The New Short Story!

Here's the video from the Paramus, New Jersey event: right here.

Oh, it's a good one! Classic Riordan. Rick explains where it's going to be published (which might not interest you that much...) so it's all in the video!

He doesn't read the entire story, by the way.

Available Tomorrow...

... The Mark of Athena! It hits bookstores TOMORROW.

Also available: The Red Pyramid graphic novel!

And if anyone is interested, I have the title of book 4 in the Heroes of Olympus series. You don't have to read it, but you're going to find out tomorrow anyway when you buy The Mark of Athena.

Book Four: The House of Hades.

Ooh, Look!

An interview and a book trailer!

Right here, folks!

Leaked Extended Preview

And some new confirmations!

The Mark of Athena is to be narrated by the four Greek demigods: Percy, Annabeth, Piper, and Leo.

Want the extended preview?

Go on Google Books and search The Mark of Athena. Read away! I can't provide a link because different versions are providing different chapters and I got chapters one through five. Some people are getting through fifteen.

But there are only five days left, so if you just want to wait, then go right ahead. =]

I Think Y'all Need to See This...

Generic Tumblr Link

Please ignore my strange sense of humor and click the link above.

From the new movie, perhaps? No idea. I'm inclined to think it's just fancy editing because Annabeth is not blond, but it's still funny.

Deleted scene from the Lightning Thief? Maybe, but I haven't watched the deleted scenes in a while.

Highlights

... from the Q&A weekend!

Myth and Mystery

Some Interesting Tweets from Q&A

From Rick:

For anyone who doesn't know what "Percabeth" means then it's the couple name for Percy and Annabeth.

And yes, ladies and gentlemen. Rick has just unwittingly admitted that Nico is the fourth demigod to narrate The Mark of Athena.

Sorry I'm a Tad Late...

Today and tomorrow Rick is holding Q&A sessions on his Twitter and Tumblr accounts. Check his FAQ to avoid repeating questions someone else already asked and be warned: he's not giving out spoilers. Here's the links: Twitter and Tumblr

On a completely unrelated topic, anyone like cosplay? 'Cause I found a great Rachel cosplay and it's been sitting on my desktop for a few weeks. I keep meaning to post it...

Heads Up, East Coast!

The Mark of Athena tour dates have been announced! As per usual, he's skipping where I live.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2
7:00pm
Barnes & Noble
765 Route 17 South        
Paramus, NJ 07652
www.bn.com

New Jersey & New York folks, this is the closest signing for you this time. Hope you can come! Be sure to check with B&N before the event, as many events are held off-site.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3
7:00pm
Cineplex Odeon Varsity Theatre
55 Bloor Street West
Toronto, Ontario
*Event presented by Indigo Books.
*Tickets are required.
www.indigo.ca/events

 Our one stop in Canada! Last time we did Vancouver, which means this time it's Toronto's turn. Indigo always does a great job, so come out on!

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4
6:00pm
Concord Mills Mall
8111 Concord Mills Blvd
Concord, NC 28027-6462
*Event presented by Books A Million. Please call 704-979-8300 for details.
www.booksamillion.com

 It's been years since I've visited North Carolina. Glad to be coming back!


FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5
7:00pm
Wait Chapel at Wake Forest University
1834 Wake Forest Road
Winston-Salem, NC 27106
*Event presented by BookMarks with support from the Forsyth County Public Library, Reynolda House Museum of American Art & Wake Forest University.
*Tickets are required.
www.bookmarksbookfestival.org

Another North Carolina event. Thanks, BookMarks and Wake Forest University for hosting us!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6
2:30pm
Page & Palette / Grand Festival of Arts & Books
32 South Section Street
Fairhope, AL 36532
www.pageandpalette.com

 My first ever event in Alabama. I have never been to this state, so it's fair to say this is a rare chance for me to meet my Alabama fans. See you there!

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7
2:00pm
Temple Judea
5500 Granada Blvd.
Coral Gables, FL 33146
www.booksandbooks.com
*Event presented by Books & Books.
*Tickets are required.

Been several years since I did an event in the Miami area. Books & Books is awesome! South Florida, hope to see you there. 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 8
2:00pm
BookPeople
603 North Lamar
Austin, Texas 78703
www.bookpeople.com

The events start October 2! Buy tickets now, because he sells out fast, people.

Also, we've hit 9,000 page views! That's pretty impressive, considering I started the blog in February. I wouldn't have been able to do it without you all, though!

One other thing! We have some new casting news. (Nothing's confirmed, however.)

Ethan Nakamura: Danny LeBoyer

Young Grover: Bjorn Yearwood

Young Luke: Samuel Braun (no picture available.)

Ichnautae (whoever that is): Jordan Weller

Just checked google: Ichnautae means trackers or tracking satyrs... one of the council, maybe?

Like I said, nothing's confirmed, and we have a whole bunch of characters I've never heard of like Tereus and Reardon. But as far as I know, Grey Damon has been confirmed as Chris Rodriguez...

Heads Up

On September 22, Rick will be doing a Q&A on Twitter and Tumblr.

You can ask absolutely anything!!

Here's the catch:

"I won't be giving out any spoilers on The Mark of Athena. That wouldn't be right. I won't be able to answer every question, because if the last Q&A is any indication, there will be way too many of them. But I will do my best to get to as many as I can. You can increase your chances of getting an answer by thinking of a cool question that hasn't been asked already, but don't start asking them yet! Wait until I announce on Twitter that the Q&A has begun. See you online during the weekend of Sept. 22!"

One other thing: the tour dates and locations for the MoA promo tour will be up TOMORROW so check back here and see if Rick's going to be in your area. Remember, his publisher picks the dates so don't start yelling at him if he decided for another year in a row that he doesn't want to come to the East Coast... sorry. That slipped.

More Pics From the Set

I'm still holding out hope that we get the official movie poster soon, but I guess we'll just have to be patient little fans and wait like everyone else.

So here's the pictures!

Hey Look, Guys!

Some pictures from the Red Pyramid graphic novel (available October 2) :

Those right there are the final versions of pages 16 and 17, everyone.

23 Days (well, technically, it's almost 22) until this lovely book and The Mark of Athena are released. =D I'm so excited!!!

The Disney Hyperion Site...

... finally got its butt into gear.

The characters have been updated!!

Arachne:

Spiders don’t just exist in dusty cabinets...meet Arachne, the mother of all eight-legged creepers.  Eek!

What does she do?  This former weaver turned super spider is part Black Widow, part human, and completely terrifying.

Noteworthy:  Frightening looks aside, Arachne can still construct a mean tapestry. Just don't get caught in her next design...

Hercules: 

A legend of his own making, Hercules is the movie star of Greek gods. His movie star charm, however, is a bit lacking.

What does he do?  Currently the doorkeeper of Olympus, once the noble figure of epic quests, Hercules has a bit of a complex. Being a "minor" god will do that to a guy.

Noteworthy:  Don't underestimate this god. Those who cross him might find themselves faced with an impossible quest of their own...

Aphrodite: 

Also known as the goddess of beauty, Aphrodite is described as quite the looker. Just ask her...

What does she do?  Aside from looking annoyingly perfect ALL the time? Aphrodite has confidence to spare, and her beauty isn't just superficial. This girl knows how to use her looks to get what she wants.

Noteworthy:  Aphrodite's appearance, always appealing, can morph at will, so anyone who gazes upon her will see what he or she deems as most attractive. Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder.

And that's everyone! Once I find out the tour dates for the MoA promo tour, I'll post that here.

You know what else comes with those tour dates??

Another reading from MoA.

I'll be posting that as well. =D

Quick Update

So, I officially started school today!

Technically, I started last Tuesday. I'm taking a college class. But I'm still in high school. Most people start tomorrow, yes? I'm homeschooled. We wanted a head start. Or so my mother tells me. ;)

Does this mean that, with my freakishly busy schedule, I won't be able to update? Haha, no. In fact, I found something today. Actually, two somethings.

The official tour poster for the MoA promo tour! (No dates yet, however.)

And, Rick Riordan got a tumblr, for anyone out there who has one.

RRRiordan

And if anyone wants to follow me: Natalie-G1417

For the record, my tumblr account isn't solely dedicated to DNN, but I do post a lot of PJatO stuff. I'm always looking for new followers! (As you can tell. Is my desperation showing??)

Guys? I'm Scared...

The last character reveal and it's Arachne.

Would not want to EVER run into her. Or her children, for that matter.

Our final art reveal for The Mark of Athena is the original spider lady herself: Arachne. Maybe you've heard her story. Once a mere mortal, Arachne dared to call herself better than Athena at weaving. Gods are proud. Calling yourself 'better than Athena' is only slightly less dangerous than juggling unpinned grenades.

The goddess challenged Arachne to a weaving contest. Arachne lost. As her punishment . . . well, there are many stories. Some say Arachne hanged herself in shame then became the world's first spider, the weaver of the animal world. Some say Athena turned her into a spider on the spot, cursing her children for all time to be creepy eight-legged weavers.

No spoilers, but I say Arachne is still out there, waiting for revenge. All spiders hate the children of Athena. How do you think Big Momma Spider feels about them? You'll find out in The Mark of Athena, and I've got to say, this is probably my favorite villain yet! 

This is our last art reveal. In exactly one month, on October 2, The Mark of Athena arrives! (This release date is for the US, Canada and the UK. I don't know about other countries. Ask a local bookseller or the publisher in your country.) I'll be announcing North American tour information soon, so stay tuned!

More info will probably be available when the characters are officially released on the Disney Hyperion site. Check back often!

30 days left until MoA!!!

What is it With Hercules??

Always Hercules...

Meet Hercules. As if you haven't met him plenty of times before. Seriously, you can't get away from this guy if you're reading Greek myths.

So which is it: Hercules or Heracles? Heracles is his Greek name. He's better known by his Roman name Hercules, which is what most people, even Greek demigods, tend to call him. At the end of his life, his dad Zeus made him a minor god, the doorkeeper of Olympus, but if you value your life, don't call him a "minor" god to his face. And also, avoid the topic of that horrible Disney animated movie based on his life. As usual, the movie got NOTHING right. He tends to get a little agitated about that topic, and you'll notice he carries a sizable club.

You will meet Hercules face-to-face in The Mark of Athena. Friend or foe? Oh, boy . . . the demigods aboard the Argo II had better pray he's a friend. Then again, demigod luck is never very good . . .