Nicholas Sparks is one of the world’s most beloved authors, and we are honored to welcome him as our next Lillian Louise Pharr Signature Author Series featured author. Sparks’ books, including titles such as The Notebook, A Walk to Remember and Nights in Rodanthe, have sold over 105 million copies in more than 50 languages worldwide. His twenty-fifth novel, the paranormal romantic thriller Remain, was cowritten with M. Night Shyamalan and will be adapted into a film releasing in 2026. In anticipation of the Pharr Author Series event An Evening with Nicholas Sparks, we asked some questions to get to know a bit more about the author.
You are notable for your philanthropy benefiting education. Why do you think that education is so important and what role do you think libraries play in it?
I’ve expressed in the past that education changed my life. It introduced me to the world, critical thinking, creativity, and taught me that the world – and various historical events – are often less black and white than shades of gray. It’s also important to me that children these days are afforded the same opportunity that I received.
And yet, education is tricky, because it requires two willing parties. After all, kids will receive from an education only what they are willing to put into it. There’s an old adage that goes like this: there are no teachers, only students, and I believe that there’s a lot of truth in that simply statement. At the same time – and here’s one of those shades of gray – students flourish best in an environment in which there are excellent and interesting teachers who care for their well being. When I founded a Christian college-prep school in New Bern, where I live, all these truths were in mind, and I set out to design a time-tested classical curriculum, but would also prepare students for life in the 21st century. At the same time, we focused on finding, hiring and retaining the best teachers possible.
Your book Dreamland is partially set in Florida, specifically St. Pete Beach. What do you like about visiting our home state and how did it inspire you?
I’ve visited St. Pete Beach numerous times in the past, often staying there for at least a month. Like most people who visit, I enjoy the weather, the lovely beaches, the dining and laid-back lifestyle. As for inspiration, the town obviously served it’s purpose in Dreamland, and it was enjoyable to me to introduce the area to people who may not realize how special it is.
Resilience is a major theme in your work. How do you think our understanding of resilience has changed since you began writing?
Life is challenging for everyone. At the same time, challenges vary, not only among different people, but within the same people at different times of their lives. Without resilience, it’s difficult to move forward, to find ways to be grateful, or find ways to move foward despite trying circumstances. At the same time, resilience builds strength and confidence, which enable one to accept whatever new challenges arrive from the horizon. The opposite of resilience is giving up, and I know few happy people who’ve made it a habit to give up.
The Notebook was recently adapted into a Broadway musical and is now touring the US, with a stop planned here in Orlando at the Dr. Phillips Center. Are there any of your other books that you would like to see on stage?
I’m thrilled with the production of The Notebook musical, and know that fans who enjoyed the novel or the film will enjoy the show. For now, ensuring that show’s success is my primary obligation. As for other novels that could be adapted, I’m not working on any at the present time, but I’ve been around long enough to know I can’t predict the future.
Your new book, Remain, was written in collaboration with M. Night Shyamalan. What was the process like?
The process was smooth and enjoyable. Essentially, Night focused on the film and I focused on the novel, and we each gave the other “long leashes.” The only thing we’ve asked of each other is for each other to a) make the novel as great as it can be, and b) make the film as great as it can be. Night and I became great friends during the process, and it was a thrill for me to watch him work.
An Evening with Nicholas Sparks takes place on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts. Tickets are on sale now.
