Thursday, April 12: Nicholas Sparks wrote his first novel “The Passing” in 1985 while still in college. It never got published. Most folks would put away and pursue a “grown up career.” But Nicholas was determined and didn’t give up. Sure, he took on some day jobs like real estate appraisal, waiting tables and selling pharmaceuticals, but he kept writing, while being happily married and have a passel of kids. Then in 1994 a literary agent spotted his Nicholas’s “The Notebook” and the rest is history — book and movie.
Since then he’s produced more than a dozen novels, many of which have resulted in movie deals. The latest one, The Lucky One starring Zac Efron, comes to the “big screen” on April 20.
Ah, but before the movie opens, Nicholas will be at the Hyatt Regency for the 9th Annual Wings Luncheon benefiting New Friends New Life. Luncheon Chair Katherine Wynne LaLonde has not only arranged to have Jimmy Westcott and Kameron Westcott serve as honorary chairs, she’s also managed to have Nicholas do a book signing after the lunch.
Photo provided by New Friends New Life