Clive Cussler Dies at 88
Colorado Authors League member Clive Cussler died in February leaving behind more than 50 books about underwater shipwreck discoveries, both fiction and nonfiction. Two books became movies, Raise the Titanic and Sahara. “If it’s lost I’ll look for it,” he liked to say.
Many writers identify with Cussler’s lifelong love of adventure stories: “I detested school. I was always the kid who was staring out the window. While the teacher was lecturing on algebra, I was on the deck of a pirate ship or in an airplane shooting down the Red Baron,” he said in a Publishers Weekly interview.
His books have been translated into 40 languages and are available in 100 countries. He turned fiction profits into real life maritime discoveries funding the nonprofit organization National Underwater and Marine Agency. The volunteer foundation is dedicated to "preserving our maritime heritage through the discovery, archaeological survey and conservation of shipwreck artifacts." The organization has located more than 60 significant shipwrecks.
Clive supported Colorado authors through his work with CAL and other groups. When he accepted the CAL Lifetime Achievement Award he reflected on the changing environment for writers. He encouraged authors to stick with their writing. He mentioned some of his tough early reviews and noted that once readers had a chance to weigh in he enjoyed success.