‘The Notebook’ musical, 2 new novels coming from Sparks

SPARKS. “Writing is the creation of something from nothing.” photo by ruben v. nepales

LOS ANGELES—Bestselling author Nicholas Sparks is a busy man. Not only is he writing two novels at the same time, he is also working on bringing his novel-turned-movie hit, “The Notebook,” as a musical to Broadway. “The Longest Ride” is the latest book by one of the most successful novelists of our time to be turned into a movie.

“The Choice,” coming next year, marks the first feature film to be independently developed and produced by the writer under his Nicholas Sparks Productions.

Sparks’ other novels that have been turned into films include “Message in a Bottle,” “A Walk to Remember,” “Nights in Rodanthe,” “Dear John,” “The Last Song,” “The Lucky One,” “Safe Haven” and “The Best of Me.”

Excerpts of our New York interview with the lively, articulate author:

Through the movie adaptation of your books, you helped launch the careers of several actors. What do you look for in a leading man?

It depends on the story. I have worked with people that you didn’t know much about prior to being cast—Ryan Gosling or Channing Tatum, who had been in a few things but, really, “Dear John” helped launch him into a much bigger realm. I certainly can’t claim to have launched the careers of Kevin Costner, Paul Newman (both were in “Message in a Bottle”) and Richard Gere (“Nights in Rodanthe”).

You’re looking for someone who is right for that particular role. Sometimes, you feel like you want someone new and fresh; sometimes, you feel like you want someone a little more established.

How did you pick Scott Eastwood for “The Longest Ride”?

We had cast Britt Robertson, who was great, so we were looking for someone who had real depth. Of course, we wanted someone who would look good opposite Britt.

Enthusiastic, committed

We started with about 12 names. Then, pretty quickly, it got down to two—between Scott and someone else. They both read with Britt. We thought there was something between Scott and Britt that would work out on film. He was very enthusiastic and committed, so we chose him.

Can you talk about your writing process? Do you write with pen and paper or on a computer?

I have tried to write with pen and paper, but that didn’t work for me. I edit too much as I go. Usually, when I sit down, I try to write 2,000 words. Not every day is devoted to writing. Some days are devoted to editing or rewriting. Other days are devoted to publicity tours.

Passion

How old were you when you discovered your passion for writing?

I was 19 years old when I wrote my first novel (“The Passing,” which is unpublished). Up to that point, I was no better at writing than I was at science, math or history. I was a track-and-field athlete—it was the most important thing in my world. But, I got injured.

The doctor told me I couldn’t run for two months! I went crazy. My mom said, “Do something.” I said, “What?” She said, “Go write a book.” And I said, “OK.” That’s really how it came up! (Laughs)

Once you have the basic idea, do you feel that the novel writes itself?

No. I have done a lot of different jobs in my life, and writing is far and away the hardest. After 17 novels, writing is still incredibly difficult. I spent 22 hours last week editing a single page. There are moments when it flows a little easier. But, writing is the creation of something from nothing.

You sit down and think, “OK, today is going to be a great day of writing.” You sit, and you’re like, “I don’t know what to write!” That’s very common. Other days, you can get through your writing day in just three or four hours.

Next book

Do you already have your next book in mind?

I’m working on two of them now. One book is 80-percent complete, while the other is about 40-percent complete. Today, I worked on the 40-percenter.

Does that happen often?

No. I’m just trying to keep things interesting, because I can work on one. Then, when I get a little tired of it, I go get a cup of coffee. I come back, and it’s a little like turning the channel. I’m in a different world, and I am like, let me write this other one.

How is the Broadway adaptation of “The Notebook” coming along?

It will be a musical. We’re getting the team who will put the show together. We will probably do test runs in places like the La Jolla Playhouse and work the kinks out. In a couple of years, we’ll see what happens.

E-mail [email protected]. Follow him at twitter.com/nepalesruben.