In the introduction to Pacific Vortex, Dr. Cussler wrote a little about how he came up with the idea for Dirk Pitt. Paraphrasing, he wanted something different from the typical spy or detective character. In creating NUMA, a scientific agency, he gave his new creation an excuse to travel the world, use new technologies, discover archaeological treasures...really, to do almost anything. It was a magnificent idea because there were no limits on what sort of tangles Dirk might find himself in.
Here's the question:
If you wanted to create a trendsetting hero, a la Dirk Pitt, what sort of occupation would you choose? What hasn't been done to death already? And what will give our fellow the freedom to operate in a variety of environments? I'd love to hear from everyone on this; there is no wrong answer.

Actually that is what I'm writing a book about right now. Since I'm still developing the characters with the story line I won't give much away. Reading Dr. Cusslers books is helping me avoid doing what hes already done. My main character is job specific but life does have a way of throwing funny and dangerous curves. It will involve Oceanliners that the world has pretty much forgotten about and bring them full force into an unknown spotlight. :)

Well that helps a lot :rolleyes:

What my character is going to do hasn't been done to death, by other writers that is. :P

The types characters I'm using in Raptor Down have been used a lot, but I'm giving them a different look. I'm trying to give them that comraderie, that bond, that forms with people in the Armed Forces. The characters in the Dragonfly (if I ever get around to it) will be different, but kinda similar to the Oregon crew.

How about this ...

Take a fictional sporting hero who becomes resentful of the spotlight and public scrutiny and retires at an early age with bucket-loads of money and royalties. He lives as a private recluse in a very remote location and is only visited by a trusted inner core of friends and family. After years of rejecting the outside world, he ventures out with a privately funded team and crusades against the villains and poachers of an increasingly insane world.

If I think up any more for you, I'll post them here ...

Good one! th: That would make an interesting CCForum Writers story....

Does Ricky Williams know you're following him?

Sounds very interesting Julie.I'll be first in line if you ever get published.
Please don't forget western canada on your book signing tour ;)

How about a ravishing blonde who works as a public defender, a sex-hungry prosecutor, a judge with a sense of humor, a former military clerk of courts and one tall, strong bailiff working as a team against the evildoers of the world. :lol: