In The notebookthe main characters paddle through a cypress swamp in the South Carolina Lowcountry; in An unforgettable walkThe young lovers in a small town in North Carolina watch the stars. In the books that Nicholas Sparks writes (and the films that are often made from them), place and people interact in a way that inevitably contributes to romance. His new novel, Miracles countis no exception. Set mostly in Asheboro, North Carolina, the film weaves a love story with elements of familial heartache and renewal.
Sparks has long been inspired by the modern rural South, but it turns out he’s influenced by Southern storytellers, too. Here, the bestselling author shares more about his latest work, some secrets of his writing process, and the places he’s eager to visit on his reading tour, which began in his hometown of New Bern, North Carolina.
Why did the South inspire so many of your settings?
Not only do I live in North Carolina, which allows me the admonition to “write about what I know,” but I also believe there is a culture of storytelling that is unique to the South. Writers from William Faulkner to Truman Capote to Harper Lee — and modern authors like John Grisham, David Baldacci, Patricia Cornwell, and James Lee Burke — all live or lived in the South. Even today, if you’re at a party or sitting with friends, you’ll hear people discussing people or events in an almost storylike manner, with a beginning, middle, and end, often complete with unexpected twists and unique characters.
Do you have a favorite story or character from the South?
I have always been a fan of Terry Kays Dancing with the white dogin addition to The masters of discipline And Prince of the Tides by Pat Conroy.
When someone tells a story, what makes you stop and listen?
Plot, characters and voice. Ultimately, great stories are defined by these three areas.
In this new book and in the last ones, you have focused more on familial love and kindness between generations. What makes these themes so powerful for you?
I believe that themes like familial love and kindness are timeless themes that add depth and resonance to a story. Finally, people of different generations tend to view the world from different perspectives, largely shaped by time. For example, young people are more likely to think about the future, while older people spend more time reflecting on the past. Adding in the wisdom and experience that comes with age can lead to interesting dialogues when people of different generations come together, while also allowing for different perspectives on any events that take place in the story.
Which scene or element are you most proud of in Miracles count?
I’m proud that the relationship between Kaitlyn and her children, Casey and Mitch, feels very real to me. I also think Jasper’s past will stay with readers long after they’ve turned the last page. I also think veterans – or their friends or family members – can relate to Tanner’s troubled attitude towards life.
What have you been reading lately?
I’ve been a bit fixated on philosophy lately. I particularly liked The Greek philosophers from Thales to Aristotle, Early Greek Philosophy, MeditationsAnd Ancient Greek philosophersI find today’s discussions about morality and ethics valuable, even insightful, and am continually impressed by the depth of thought, care and logic with which the arguments are put forward.
I also worked through a list of great classic novels that I hadn’t read yet. In the last few months I have The Last of the Mohicans, Ivanhoe, Darkness at noonAnd The heart is a lonely hunterI find the diversity of writing and narrative styles fascinating.
Do you have any secrets, tips or tricks for …
Tell an exciting story?
Focus on theme, plot, character, voice, perspective, writing style, pacing, structure, and length. In other words, a compelling story succeeds on every level, not just one or two.
Write about love?
To write realistically about love, you need to describe the transitions in an honest and believable way. By that, I mean you’ll never read a great love story that starts with the following dialogue, unless the latter character is insane.
“Hello. Nice to meet you. I’m Alice.”
“Hello Alice. I love you very much and want us to be together forever.”
Love is all about transitions, those gradual changes in thoughts or feelings. There may be an initial attraction, then a reminder that appearances can be deceiving, then perhaps an interesting comment that leads to further conversation. Each change or transition must feel real to the reader. Love begins and builds, perhaps retreats, then builds some more, from interest to attraction to joy and finally to love.
Create believable characters?
Voice and honesty are the most important elements when it comes to character. Ideally, voice reinforces the believability and uniqueness of each character. This includes the words they use in dialogue, the way they express and process their inner thoughts, their behavior, and their motivations. Honesty simply means: the reader must believe that the character is real, and that requires honesty, even when the character is being dishonest.
From the idea to the first draft?
This process can take anywhere from one week to several years. The desireFor example, was a story that took years to develop, while An unforgettable walk only took a few days. Generally, I need to know how the story begins and ends, some plot twists, and a bit about the characters before I start writing.
Paint the south precisely?
Perhaps the best way to describe the South would be to describe it as you would any other exotic place. To me, that means taking into account how history, geography, weather, and population influence the rhythm of life, behavior, and social interactions of the people who live there.
You started your tour in New Bern, which we have already discussed. So many people are traveling there now to honor your books. Are there any new places there that you’ve enjoyed recently?
Trent Woods, the neighborhood in New Bern where I live, recently installed sidewalks that are great for walking my dog. It may not be glamorous, but I really appreciate them.
But perhaps New Bern’s best “undiscovered secret” lies just outside of town, in the Croatan National Forest. Here you can find Venus flytraps, one of the few places on Earth where they still grow wild.
You’ve added Detroit to your book tour list this year. Is there a place you’re dying to see there?
I went to Detroit on a book tour early in my career and I’m excited to go back. As for places to visit while I’m there, I’m not sure people know what a book tour is. I usually arrive late the night before (usually around midnight), spend the morning doing media work, and start signing books in the early afternoon to prepare for the event, which lasts between three and four hours. From there, I head to the airport and start over the next day in a new city.
If I actually have more time, I’ll probably spend it on the Blue Heron Lagoon Trail. A little time in nature is always good.
I would like to mention a few more stops: What are your favorite places in …
Houston, Texas: In this case I have to choose the Space Center.
Greenville, SC: City center.
Charlotte, NC: Whenever I’m in Charlotte, I take a Segway tour. It’s a fun way to spend a few hours.
Charleston, SC: Historic downtown, Boone Plantation and the Citadel.
Southern Pines, NC: If I had the time and the opportunity, I would take a walk on one of the golf courses.
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