Clive Cussler is a renowned American adventure novelist, best known for his Dirk Pitt series. His journey to success began with his novel "Raise the Titanic," which was purchased by Viking Publishing in 1976 for $840,000. This breakthrough came after 11 years of hard work, during which time he had written several other novels, including "Pacific Vortex" and "Iceberg."
Before becoming a full-time author, Cussler worked in advertising, where he developed his skills as a copywriter and creative director. However, it was his wife, Barbara, who encouraged him to pursue his passion for writing. After she got a night job as a clerk at the local police station, Cussler had more free time to focus on his writing. He began writing at night, after putting his kids to bed, and was inspired by his favorite authors, including Edgar Allan Poe, Conan Doyle, and James Bond.
Cussler's early novels, including "Pacific Vortex" and "Mediterranean Caper," were not initially successful. However, he persevered and continued to write, eventually finding a literary agent and securing a contract with a major publisher. His third novel, "Iceberg," was a turning point in his career, and he went on to write numerous bestselling novels, including "Raise the Titanic," which became a huge success.
Cussler's success can be attributed to his unique blend of adventure, history, and science. He is known for his meticulous research and attention to detail, which has earned him a reputation as a master of the genre. His Dirk Pitt series has been widely acclaimed and has sold over 100 million copies worldwide.
In addition to his writing, Cussler is also a passionate explorer and collector. He has founded the National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA),a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring and preserving the world's oceans. He has also discovered over 60 shipwrecks, including the Confederate submarine Hunley and the rescue ship Carpathia, which picked up the Titanic survivors.
Cussler is married to Barbara Knight and has three children and two grandchildren. He divides his time between his homes in Colorado and Arizona and is represented by the Bartholomeaux Agency. Despite his success, Cussler remains humble and dedicated to his craft, continuing to write and explore new adventures.
