Author Sparks Writing Interests in Young Adults

December 6, 2010
Filed under Features

His books have captured the hearts of many all over the world. Six of his 17 novels have been adapted into movies including Dear John and The Last Song. Nicholas Sparks’ workshop, ‘The Art of Writing,’ has sparked the interests of students and faculty alike.

“I went to the workshop because he is one of my favorite authors, and he is like a celebrity to me,” Senior, Amanda Walker said.

Sparks held The Art of Writing workshop for aspiring writers to learn writing techniques, and was also the keynote speaker at the sixth annual Signatures Author Series Luncheon at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center on November 11.

“I wanted to go to the workshop because I have many ideas of things I want to write about, and his workshop taught me about those things. I would have attended the luncheon as well, but because of work, I couldn’t go,” English teacher, Brandi Collins-Halverson said.

Sparks explained the crazy journey he experienced on his road to success.

“He told us about the publishing process and how he didn’t know a thing about getting it done. He bought a book to teach him the whole ordeal. He sent a quiry letter to a lot of Literary Agencies for them to review. A Literary Agent read it, and then asked for his manuscript,” Senior, Jessi Mullennex said. “She told him that it would be ‘big,’ but he didn’t really understand what she meant by that. They ended up sending it to the editors, and he finally got a call from Warner Books asking him to sell the rights to The Notebook for one million dollars.”

Sparks also revealed some his inspiration about the stories behind his books.

“He talked about how he got his ideas for his books, and how they were based on relatives and people he’s met. Message In a Bottle is about his parents and their tragic death, and The Notebook is about his parent-in-laws’ story,” English teacher, Joy Preble said.

Sparks even shared some secrets for his upcoming releases.

“Zac Efron is going to be in his next movie called The Lucky One, and he also thinks that he’s already sold his upcoming book to Hollywood, and he hasn’t even written one page of it yet,” Mullennex said.

The attendees felt like the experience benefited them greatly as well.

“It’s always fun to get up close and personal with a writer like him who is so famous and popular. He is an excellent speaker,” Preble said.

They also learned some good tips from the famous writer.

“I learned that you don’t always have to use personal experience; just as long as your characters seem real,” Walker said.

Audience members claimed that his speech motivated them.

“It was really awesome. He made me want to go home and write a book. He’s been through many negative trials in his life, but he turned them around and made his life positive. He’s very inspirational,” Mullennex said.