Nicholas Sparks’ novels—“The Notebook,” “Message in a Bottle,” “A Walk to Remember” and “Nights in Rodanthe,” to name a few—have all been New York Times bestsellers. His books have sold more than 100 million copies and been translated into more than 50 languages. “See Me” is the 18th novel for the North Carolina-based author, who makes his home in New Bern.
Sparks’ passion for writing also led to the formation of a Nicholas Sparks Productions in 2012. The 11th film based upon his novel “The Choice” arrives in theaters in February 2016.
A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, where he still holds a track and field record, Sparks had a new running track installed and coached track and field athletes at a local high school in New Bern for four years.
His philanthropic efforts also led to co-founding The Epiphany School of Global Studies, a college-preparatory school in New Bern, as well as a nonprofit foundation, where 100 percent of donations are designated for its educational programs.
Readying for his latest worldwide book tour, Sparks has three stops set for his home state: New Bern, Chapel Hill, and Charlotte.
ONC: Can you tell us about “See Me,” and how you came to choose Wilmington for its setting?
NS: “See Me,” in some ways, is similar to “The Guardian” and “Safe Haven,” in that the novel evolves from a simple love story to a story with thrilleresque elements. Unlike the previous novels, however, “See Me” has more twists and turns and part of the fun of the novel is in trying to figure out what’s happening, and who the antagonist actually is.
As far as choosing Wilmington as the setting, I wanted a moderately sized coastal city, one with a thriving historic district, a university, varying neighborhoods, and a city with much to offer in the way of restaurants, gyms, and things to do.
Was there a real-life inspiration for the characters of Colin and Maria?
Characters in my novels—including Colin and Maria—are created and developed as the story itself unfolds, until they become their own unique people, with their own voice, backstory, thought processes and beliefs. Both Colin and Maria have bits of me in them; they also have bits and pieces of other people I’ve met over the years. What was most fun about these characters was that they were very different— perhaps even more flawed—than characters in previous novels.
Choosing North Carolina locales has become a signature for your novels. How did that develop, and do you plan to continue setting books here?
Every novel I’ve written has been unique in structure, voice, point-of-view, length, themes, and the ending of the novel – whether tragic, bittersweet, or happy – is always in doubt until the final pages. There is no formula, in other words; with each and every novel, it’s as though I have to reinvent the wheel. For that reason, I’ve always elected to have a few unchanging elements to my novels—a North Carolina setting, interesting and unique characters, and a love story element—because I want readers to have at least the smallest idea of what to expect when they pick up my novels. In other words, yes. My novels will always be set in North Carolina.
What do your readers and their loyalty mean to you as a writer? Any moments you can share from signings?
I appreciate my readers; I’m humbled by my readers; I feel more gratitude for them than they can possibly imagine. That’s the primary reason I continue to tour. I want to thank them for the support and loyalty over the years. As for memorable moments … there’ve been many. I’ve seen marriage proposals, four generations in a single-family getting their books signed, people who feel the need to share something meaningful in their own lives. I suppose the most humorous moment I’ve had came at signing while I was in Dubai. Four shy and giggly teenage girls, in traditional Muslim garments, approached the table and the first one looked directly at me and said: “You know … In Dubai, you can have four wives.” It made me laugh, if only because it was something I had never heard before.
Readers were able to vote for the cover of “See Me” this time. Are you involved in cover choices, and did you agree with the fan choice with the roses on the beach?
I’ve been involved with cover choices from the beginning, as has my agent. I think most authors are. Covers are incredibly important; ideally, they are recognizable to fans at a glance while enticing new readers as well. And yes – I agreed with the fan choice for the cover of “See Me.” To me, it’s a fabulous cover.
Do you find it harder now to come up with storylines, and what inspires you to keep writing?
There’s always a challenge to conceiving a unique, compelling and original storyline; after eighteen novels, it’s even more difficult. The last thing I want to do is to write a novel that doesn’t surprise and delight the reader, and I suppose that desire more than anything, is what inspires me to keep doing what I do. I’m wired to set goals and then to try to reach them.
With the formation of your production company, can you elaborate on any upcoming projects?
The only thing I know for sure is that the film adaptation of “The Choice” will be coming out in February. There are a number of television projects in the works, but until any of them are on the air, there’s not much I can say about them.
Turning 50 this year, do you have goals for the second 50 personally or professionally in mind?
I’ve not thought in terms of “the next 50 years.” If I could be so lucky! As a general rule, I’ve always tried my best to maintain balance in my life on both the personal and professional levels. And it’s always hard to do. If there’s one goal, I suppose, it would be to continue that.
Do you still make time to run, and what do you most enjoy about the sport and staying fit?
I still run, though not as much as I once did. I do, however, work out regularly. It’s something I’ve done for a long time. It lowers my stress, allows me to decompress, and as an additional reward, I’m still able to keep up with my kids. For the most part, anyway.
With your mother’s words sparking you to write your first novel, is there a part of your success that is the most surprising or rewarding?
The success I’ve had was impossible to predict. I hoped for it—doesn’t everyone who writes a novel hope that it’s successful?—but only in somewhat vague and blurry ways. For the most part, I’ve simply tried to concentrate on writing the best novel I could, one after the next. As for surprises, I think what might surprise people is how little I reflect on what I’ve done in the past. Unless asked directly in interviews, I’m usually thinking about what I have to do on a given day or in the coming weeks. As for rewarding, the most wonderful aspect of being an author is that it allowed me to work at home, which meant I could watch my kids grow up.
How do you balance family life and fatherhood with writing and traveling?
Balance is always hard to maintain, and impossible unless one makes balance a goal in and of itself. As to the how: I’m sure it’s the same for me as it is for everyone else: Sometimes, career takes priority; other times, the family does. Still, other times, friendships or personal time takes priority. And the cycle starts all over again.
With five children, what’s the most rewarding part of being a dad, and do you think any of your kids may share your passion for writing?
I suppose that what’s most rewarding for me is watching how each child, over the years, becomes who he or she is meant to be. It’s been wonderful to see ways in which my kids differ from each other, and in which ways they’re the same. As to whether any will develop a passion for writing, I honestly have no idea.
What books are you reading now?
On my bed-stand is “Brain Maker,” by Dr. David Perlmutter. I finished “Dark Places” by Gillian Flynn yesterday; before that, I enjoyed “The Wright Brothers” by David McCullough.
With your philanthropy through the foundation, The Epiphany School, scholarships and coaching, why is giving back important to you?
Education changed my life and it’s important to me to do what I can to create educational opportunities for others. I guess it’s as simple as that. I don’t think about what I do in terms of legacy: I think about it in terms of children who are given the tools to succeed in life.
Would you describe North Carolina as home, and if so, why? What is most appealing about it to you?
North Carolina is home for me. I think that’s the best way to put it. At the same time, why a place feels like home has a thousand different dimensions. Even for me, it’s hard to articulate.