Clive Cussler Discussed, But Did Not Cuss

Another great author night at Bass Hall in Fort Worth. Thanks to the Star-Telegram, various Trusts, and UT-Arlington for continuing to sponsor fun free events. (Parking is free too - hooray for Fort Worth).

Internationally renowned author, Clive Cussler, was delightful as he discussed his new book The Wrecker, his many other series, his most famous character Dirk Pitt, and writing in general. He came from an advertising background and decided to try his hand at writing a book. He read avidly and basically studied genres he admired - i.e. action/thriller. He chose one word names for his character (like a James Bond) so it would be easy to type and he was off and running.

He did comment that he and Dirk were both age 36 when he began. Clive's now 78, but Dirk is only 45. Said that wasn't quite fair. I'd say Mr. Cussler is keeping up pretty well. Looking dapper, he's working on approximately four books in various stages; he's pursuing a shipwreck; and he still has over one hundred cars in his collection.

The man has a twinkle in his eye and many a tale to tell. He said he considers himself an entertainer. I'd say he's certainly succeeded.

Why Didn't My Father Write a Book?

"So, who are we seeing tonight as part of the Ft.Worth Star Telegram Author Series?" I asked Ann.
"Jeff Shaara."
"Who?" Well, turns out I did recognize some titles the man has written as a New York Times list author. He wrote Gods and Generals, a prequel to his father's Pulitzer prize winning novel The Killer Angels, a book about Gettysburg. Specializing in military fiction, he went on to write the sequel too. (His father died at age 59 from a heart attack, before success hit - book and movie). Jeff picked up the torch and ran fast. He then hit the American Revolutionary War, the Mexican-American War, World War I, and now finished a trilogy on WWII. (Latest is No Less Than Victory) Actually his trilogy will have four books - three in Europe and one on the Pacific.

Jeff Shaara's key is characters. He loves the history but he seeks out the interesting characters and brings them to life through the common man. His enthusiasm was contagious and it seemed appropriate that his Q&A was on Veteran's Day. Held at UTA, there were ROTC candidates in the audience. When Jeff Guinn, our host for the night, asked for veterans to rise, the room was full of men and women standing. Wow!

From the sound of it (and yes, I plan on reading a Jeff Shaara book or two or...), he's been respectful of our armed forces and heroes and portrayed them well, both on and off the battlefield. Thanks to UTA, Star-Telegram, and the Trust Funds that helped underwrite the night. Interesting and compelling.

Okay, so I was driving to the talk, when my car turned over 100,000 miles on HWY 157. Yikes. The old Pontiac Grand Am GT has worked hard for me. I told Ray I hit 100K and he asked, "Words?" Not quite there on NaNo - I should cross 20K tonight. Maybe someday I'll write a 100K word novel - sounds daunting. I'm aiming for 50K by November 30th and an oil change!

support the arts - convoluted tales part 1

This cute fellow, Jamil, shall be our introduction to a multi-part support the arts blog series. Somehow I'll pull it all together and declare a finale in a week or so. First, I'm putting in a plug for Crystal Hines, an extended family member, who is enthusiastically starting up a photography business. She captured Jamil's engaging personality and can do the same for you.

Check out her blog: http://www.peekthrumylenz.blogspot.com She's competitive for formal or informal shots and has an exciting, exuberant style. More on her biz later. I shall also pose a question - what can be done so that Jamil wants to read, is thrilled to read, and will spend life as an avid reader?


Guess I needed Crystal to take this indoor pic - hard to tell but there are two chairs and two posters of Jeffery Deaver's new book Roadside Crosses. Fort Worth makes it easy to support the arts in so many ways. Thanks to the Star-Telegram and other fantastic underwriters, the author series was held at Casa Manana tonight.

Mr. Deavers, author of suspense thrillers, answered questions by Jeff Guinn in a very informal discussion mode. He quoted Mickey Spillane, "People don't read to get to the middle...folks want to read to the end." That's the mission - keep the pages turning and keep the reader guessing.
Jeffery Deaver's unassuming manner and quiet humor kept the audience entertained for an hour. As a writer, I always come away with a nugget or two. He writes 8 hours a day, 6 days a week. It's his job and he loves it. He outlines thoroughly - every twist, turn, and nugget of information. His goal is to fool the reader, not cheat the reader.

Excellent evening. Support the arts - photography biz, established authors, and engage youngsters like Jamil in the pursuit. More to come.

Thanks
Joanne