How does an ordinary history teacher living in San Antonio, Texas, become one of the most well-⁠known middle-⁠grade writers of the 21^st century?

Rick Riordan’s first book series "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" 30 ____________ out as a bedtime story for his son Haley, who had just been diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder) and dyslexia. 31 _____ the time Haley was in the second grade and was studying Greek mythology. He asked his father to 32 ____________ him some myths as bedtime stories. When Rick ran out of myths, Haley insisted that he make 33 ________ some new ones. This is how the fictional character Percy Jackson was born, who, just as Haley did, suffered from ADHD and dyslexia. Later Rick told some of these stories to his 6th and 7th grade history class, who critiqued it, made some improvements and 34 ______________ him to write the story down.

At that time Rick Riordan was already an aspiring writer. He was trying and 35 _______________ to get some of his works published. On a whim, he sent his agent a manuscript with the title: "Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief", which very quickly got published.

Rick Riordan got enough money from his first book to quit his teaching job and become a full-⁠time writer. 36 _____________ then, he has written three more series based not only on Greek, but also on Roman, Egyptian, and Norse mythology. And he doesn’t seem to intend to stop writing any time soon!