While talking with Mr. Sparks personally as he signed my books, I commented that "Notebook"was my all-time favorite novel. He replied that it was a great story, speaking as if it weren't his own, as if he really felt the story was given to him. How truly humbling. I was very impressed by how he portrayed himself so honestly and openly, feeling honored to write these books which touch so many, so deeply. He's genuine and uplifting, the kind of author that accepts responsibility to produce a certain kind of material, books that are always unique and inspiring. While he has clearly become "famous" for his tender, tear-inducing love stories, he's equally respected as an author who relies on realness over lust, who avoids the fluff in favor of authentic characters that experience the miracle of true love. He consciously strives to extend, challenge and improve upon himself, writing stories based on actual people he's witnessed in his own journeys. These are the stories that have inspired him to carry their powerful messages and inspirations of varying aspects and takes on love.
One thing that became apparent as I listened to Nicholas speak, was that this man is a pure hearted romantic, himself. I could see how he infuses parts of his own passion for love and his awe of its magnitude into his characters. He not only extends the themes he's been inspired by, but Mr. Sparks also brings his own visions into his book's characters.
In his talk, which was thoroughly enjoyable, he went through his background, how he got into writing, and the inspiration for each of his novels. Ironically, he never saw himself as becoming an author. It wasn't until he was 25 that he got the inspiration that would establish him as a cherished writer, world-wide. The story behind the story is unique and personally intimate, so I'll keep it for the author himself to reveal. Basically, his wife's grandparents, married for many years, still treated each other as tenderly as newlyweds. Nicholas was in awe at their commitment, devotion, and ultimately by the power and pure beauty of their love. So, that was the basis for writing a book about soulmate, life-long passion that strongly grows and endures with the years. That story, combined with Nicholas' own passion for writing his wife love letters, became the endearing tale of The Notebook.
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