Jack DuBrul is the author of seven best-selling Phil Mercer thrillers.  DuBrul was educated at the West Minster School and holds a degree in international relations from George Washington University.

“I started writing my first novel at prep school and only abandoned the project after six hundred pages the encouragement of a few people who told me I had the gift but this wasn’t the story to pursue. I started my second, Vulcan’s Forge shortly after graduating from George Washington University while I was tending bar and waiting tables in Florida. It was published after I moved back to my native Vermont where I worked construction for my father.

This isn’t to say all I’ve ever done is work and write. Credibility is one of the keys to success as an author. Readers have to believe you know what you’re talking about or they won’t care about the book. There are two ways to gain (more…)

If it’s the first weekend in October . . . this must be Cusslercon! The Clive Cussler Collector’s Society brought its 2008 annual get together back to Denver, where it all began back in 2005.

Old friends and new, nearly 150 in all, gathered once again to celebrate all things Cussler. Early arrivers had a reunion dinner Thursday evening at Cinzetti’s Italian restaurant not far from the Ramada Plaza Hotel, site of the convention. Friday found Debbie and Bruce Kenfield greeting arriving attendees in the society registration room. It’s the place to be on Friday as returning “Cussler Crazies” renew old friendships as they watch for arriving luminaries.

The afternoon passed as Paul and Kristy Kemprecos, and Jack Du Brul sat around chatting with those waiting for the evening festivities to begin. Just as at previous conventions nothing officially starts until the arrival of the grand master himself, Clive Cussler. As the seven o’clock hour approached eager fans gathered near the entrance of the hotel to await Clive’s grand entrance. Not to be disappointed a classic car came into view, the 1932 Auburn V-12, featured in the 20th Dirk Pitt adventure, Arctic Drift. Driven by Dirk Cussler the Auburn came to a stop in the breezeway greeted by cheers of excitement from the gathered throng. Just as Dirk and his sister Teri stepped from the car, another classic – this one a miniature – pulled in behind. Folded into the driver’s seat was none other (more…)