Clive Cussler Collector's Society

ISOTTA

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The 1929 Isotta Franchini is one of Clive's Classic
Auto's on display at the Cussler Museum.

The Cussler Museum
14959 W. 69th Avenue
Arvada, CO, 80007
303.420.2795

Image property of Cussler Museum Copyright © 2009

Long before Facebook became a hit, the Simon & Schuster Clive Cussler Bulletin Board was "The
Forum" for Cussler fans to get connected and educated on all things Cussler.

Here's an eight month snapshot of what was going on in Clive's life through the efforts of Isotta keeping us updated by posting on the Simon & Schuster Clive Cussler Bulletin Board (SSBB) from 2/9/2004 to 10/4/2004. Images were not part of the original posts. The posts below have not been edited. Replies to Isotta's posts are not included. If someone has more posts from Isotta on the SSBB, please let me know. I'd like to add them to this article.
bjk2020

On 9/22/21 Steve Tracy contributed a SSBB post dated 03-05-2004 03:54 PM with Clive answering questions from the group.

"From the Simon & Schuster Clive Cussler Bulletin Board"

Isotta posted 02-09-2004 02:46 PM

Hello Fans,
I would like to introduce myself, I am a member of the Clive Cussler family. I have been reading this forum from the beginning and have occasionally posted under the name of Isotta (as in Isotta Franchini, one of Clive's many classic cars). I, along with other family members, will do our best to keep you informed of all of the latest works of Clive, including a monthly posting from Clive himself.
A few updates for you.....
Dirk Cussler is nearing completion of the first draft of the next Dirk Pitt adventure.
One of the many projects Clive is working on, is a children's book based on the wildly creative bedtime stories he would tell us kids (when we were little) while tucking us in at night.
And the coffee table book featuring all of Clive's classic car collection is moving right along. We liked all your thoughts on a calendar featuring the cars, and we will be looking into that idea.

On behalf of the Cussler family, I would like to thank all of you for the thoughtful condolences we recived in the loss of our dear Mother, and Clive's wife, Barbara. She is truely missed.

We would especially like to thank all of you for your positive comments and endless support for Clive. He is extremely appreciative of all of his fans, which is why he has no intentions of retiring!

Sincerely,
Isotta

Isotta posted 03-05-2004 03:54 PM
This Isotta post of 03-05-2004 03:54 PM was contributed by Steve Tracy on 09/22/2021.
For a Steve's description, history and images of the original posts GO HERE.

Greetings,
I've been asked by many of you to make an appearance on this board, and answer some questions. I've set aside a day of writing, to reply to some of your inquiries, that Isotta presented to me. I'll do my best, so here goes.

To Dave (Cusslerman): The auto collection book is in the works, probably another year or year and a half before all the pictures are done.

To Papa John: Yes, I received your audio book, and it's really terrific. Thank You, sorry you missed the train ride.

To Numa Diver: I hope to conduct another search for the "White Bird" possibly this spring. Thanks for the patch.

Miss Claudia: Thanks again for the drawing of the "Maybach". It's not likely I'll ever retire from writing. I may do more children's books but I'm not sure yet.

Granpa Snow: Thanks for the offer but I don't know when I'll ever get to Alaska again.

Jim C: That would depend on how big your truck is.

Paladyn: Yes, I'd like to try one more time in finding the "Twin Sisters", in a new location.

Mushy: Yes, I have quite a few fans in Thailand, and have visited once. I do 90% of the research for my books myself.

BFD: No, I don't intend toto do an autobiography. Raise the Titanic was a fun book to write.

Vogtj: Periwinkle, I just thought it was a cute name for a mule. Just for fun I threw it in another book. As far as my collaborating with my cohorts, I dont do outlines. They do most of the writing, I go back in and edit or review.

amjschmitz: The toughest part of writing a novel is sitting down and starting it. The first sentence comes hard, but once I finish the first paragraph, I'm usually off and running. I think the Bermuda Triangle is alot of bunkum, so much myth.

Skipperwheel: Yes I listen to music when I write, today it's Hawaiian music.

Dirkpittwanabe: I had a real friendship like that when I was in the airforce, his name was Al Giordino.

flanman: Yes, I'd like to go back someday to Aurora, Illinois and see St. Joseph hospital where I was born.

taxman2001: I answer of your question of 3 provisions: My fovorite song would be: "Beyond the Reef, the book title would be, "How to build a boat out of sand and Coral", and my luxury item would be a case of Don Julio silver tequila.

mm6mm6: I have been approached for an autograph in bathrooms before, and one of the most unusual items I've signed was a woman's bra.

bruce: The new Numa Files book is titled "The Lost City", and the next Oregon Files will be titled, "Sacred Stone", and the next DP novel is still untitled.

Ace Roberts: My children's novel is to be titled: "Vin Fiz" and the story is is based on bedtimes stories I would tell my children when they were young.

RiverRunner: As far as my car collection goes the only car I really drive, is 1954 XK120 Jaguar.

Stranger: I'll consider your question when after I find the Bonhomme Richard.

Thank you all for your questions and thank you for enjoying my books.

One last note regarding the issue of making NUMA a government agency, it sounds fascinating but I doubt the government will embrace it.

Best of Luck,
Clive Cussler

Isotta posted 04-16-2004 12:13 AM

I'm sorry not to keep you informed more, but there really hasn't been too much to report. So a "little update":

Dirk Cussler and Clive's collaboration on the latest Dirk Pitt adventure is completed and off to the editor. They are still trying to decide on a title.

Clive has almost completed the children's book he has been working on.

The book featuring all of Clive's classic car collection is still plugging along. I've managed to sneak a peak at a couple of the "shoots" and I think the book will be awesome.

And as you know, Clive is in Charleston, SC., this week to attend the burial of the Hunley crew, a ceremony he is proud to be attending, as well as Dirk C. who also was instrumental in finding the Hunley.

I will be visiting Clive in a few weeks, and hope to have him post the latest news
on his adventures.

And regarding the "Sahara" lawsuit rumor....it's just a rumor...for now.

That's all for now.....
Isotta

Isotta posted 06-09-2004 06:20 PM

So sorry to be out of touch.
I have been suffering from major computer dilemma's and was ready to toss both my computers out the window.
Clive has been doing a little traveling lately since he has more time on his hands. He and Dirk Cussler both attended the Indy 500 and had a great time. And Clive just returned from Newport Beach, Calif. We lived near there many years ago, and he wanted to relive some of the memories of some favorite places, see our old house, and visit his parents who are buried there. I spoke with Clive this morning and he asked me to inform all of you the latest happenings.
Around the end of July, you can expect to see the release of "Lost City" written by Clive, and Paul Kemprecos.
The latest in the NUMA files series.
And also around the end of July you can look forward to the release of "Sacred Stone", by Clive and co-author Craig Dirgo. A continuation of the Oregon Files.
And "Black Wind" is the tentative title of the next Dirk Pitt adventure. A collaboration between Clive, and Dirk Cussler. This should see a release sometime around Nov. or Dec. Just in time for your holiday wish list. Clive also informed me that he and Dirk will go on book tour together for this book. (Sorry, no schedule yet)
Clive is still working on his children's novel.
Also, the first week in July, Clive and the NUMA crew will be going back to the North Sea for a month, in search of the historic ship, "Bonhomme Richard".
That's all for now, I hope all you have a wonderful summer!! (and no computer problems)!!
Isotta

Isotta posted 08-24-2004 02:02 PM

Hello everyone,

Forgive the tardy response to all your questions. I love my readers because you are what keeps me in the saddle and writing.

Let's see. The law suit is in limbo. It won't go to court till next spring. The attorneys will be taking depositions next month, but beyond that I'm in the dark when it comes to legal proceedings.

No news on the movie except it's being cut by the director and edited. Have no idea how it turned out.
Just returned from the North Sea where my NUMA crew and I spent a month searching for John Paul Jones' ship the BONHOMME RICHARD. I'm sad to report we didn't find it, but will return again next year for another attempt. It's got to be there off Flamborough Head somewhere and I'm not giving up. It took 15 years off and on to find the HUNLEY. There are times my stubborn streak become agonizing, but it occasionally pays off.

It was fun working with my son Dirk on the new Pitt book Black Wind. Pitt's kids take on quite a bit of the story, but Dirk and Al still show up to save the day. I'm hoping this is the first of may Pitt adventures we can write together on.

The car this time is a 1958 Chrysler 300 convertible. Dirk really wrecks it in a grand chase while being shot at by the villains. The scene where he escapes onto a ferry is most exciting.

As you might have heard, Craig Dirgo wanted to concentrate on his own books and stepped aside. Jack Da Bruhl, a successful author of adventure tales in his own right, will be taking over the Oregon adventures.

Paul Kemprecos and our efforts on Lost City came out great and it is doing quite well on the Times list. I think you'll like it. Paul and I work together like brothers. He is a delight to write with and is genuine nice guy.

That's about all I've got for you, except to say I am in good health and still nasty.

God bless you all,

Clive Cussler

Isotta posted 09-15-2004 04:57 PM
Topic: Clive & Dirk's Book Tour.

I have just received a tentative schedule for Clive and Dirk Cussler's book tour for Black Wind, Dirk Pitt's next adventure, which should be released late November.

Nov. 29th - Scottsdale, AZ
The Poisoned Pen

Nov. 30th - San Diego, CA
Warwick's

Dec. 1st & 2nd - L.A. area
Borders & Barnes & Noble

Dec. 3rd & 4th - Seattle area
Barnes & Noble, & Costco

Dec. 5th - Vancouver, WA
Barnes & Noble

Dec. 6th - Portland, OR
Powell's

Dec. 11th - Denver, CO
Tattered Cover

And possibly New York City on Dec. 13 & 14, this one is still up in the air. I will let you know times and more details, as soon as they are given to me.

Isotta

Isotta posted 10-04-2004 06:14 PM

Those of you in the Washington D.C. area might want to check out the Book Festival on the National Mall. Clive will be there signing books and talking with fans on Saturday, Oct. 9th,
from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The coffee table book featuring all of Clive's car collection is progressing along. Approximately half of the 85 cars have already been photographed for the book, and Clive is busy writing the details of each car. The cars featured are from the early 1900's thru the late 1950's. The book will probably be released the latter part of next year. Clive does have a 1965 Corvette (it was actually a gift to his wife Barbara). It is not really part of the collection and is kept at one of the family's homes.
Isotta

The scheduled signing tour for Clive and Dirk Cussler for their new Dirk Pitt adventure "Black Wind" is as follows.

Monday, November 29th
Scottsdale, Arizona
The Poisoned Pen 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, November 30th
San Diego, Calif.
Warwick's (La Jolla) 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, December 1st
Los Angeles, Calif.
Borders (1360 Westwood Blvd.) 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 2nd
Huntington Beach, Calif.
Barnes & Noble 7:00 p.m.

Friday, December 3rd
Seattle, Washington
Barnes & Noble (University Village) 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 4th
Tacoma, Washington
Costco (South 37th St.) 12:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 5th
Portland, Oregon
Barnes & Noble (N. Jantzen Beach) 3:30 p.m.

Monday, December 6th
Portland, Oregon
Powell's Books ( NW 29th Ave.) 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 11th
Denver, Colorado
Tattered Cover Bookstore 1:00 p.m.