Since 1993 Lynda La Plante has spearheaded La Plante Productions. In that time the company has produced an impressive slate of innovative dramas with proven success and enduring international appeal.
February 2012
Clive Cussler talks to World of Books about his novels, his underwater adventures and his new novel
Clive Cussler, the American adventure novelist and marine archaeologist, was born 15th July 1931 in Aurora, Illinois, and grew up in Alhambra, California. After attending Pasadena City College, Clive enlisted in the United States Air Force and served during the Korean war, working as an aircraft mechanic and flight engineer for the Military Air Transport Service (MATS). Upon leaving Clive worked as a copywriter and a creative director for two advertising agencies. It was not until 1965 that Clive began to write; his first novel was not published until 1973, but it marked the beginning of his most famous character’s journey- the marine engineer, government agent and adventurer, Dirk Pitt.
“I quite fancy being a marine iguana”- Presenter turned author Penny Smith chats to World of Books about her pet peeves, her funniest anecdotes, and her novels
Penelope Smith, television presenter and personality, newsreader and writer, was born 21st September 1958 in Eastwood. In her early years, Penny attended Uppingham Primary School in Uppingham and the Rutland High School for Girls in Oakham. After beginning her career as a reporter and feature writer on the Peterborough Evening Telegraph, Penny then left to backpack through Central and South America and South East Asia, where she reported and presented on a current affairs programme for Radio Television Hong Kong.