Focus in on the genre you want to write, and read books in that genre. A LOT of books by a variety of authors. And read with questions in your mind.
Meaning of the quote
If you want to become a good writer in a certain type of story, like a mystery or a romance, you should read lots of books in that type of story. Read books by many different authors, not just one. And as you read, think about questions like "Why did the author choose to write this part this way?" This will help you learn more about how to write in that type of story yourself.
About Nicholas Sparks
Nicholas Sparks is an American novelist, screenwriter, and film producer who has published 23 New York Times bestselling novels, with over 115 million copies sold worldwide. Many of his works, including The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, and Message in a Bottle, have been adapted into feature films.
More quotes from Nicholas Sparks
Focus in on the genre you want to write, and read books in that genre. A LOT of books by a variety of authors. And read with questions in your mind.
American writer and novelist
I think that men know how to romance a woman and most do it well, at least for a time, otherwise women wouldn’t marry them. The problem is that most of them begin to rest on their laurels.
American writer and novelist
I read over a hundred books a year and have done so since I was fifteen years old, and every book I’ve read has taught me something.
American writer and novelist
I have certain moral parameters that I do not cross in writing; I don’t write about adultery or kids having premarital sex.
American writer and novelist
I’m writing a new love story, set in eastern North Carolina. Surprise, surprise, huh?
American writer and novelist
Because publishing is becoming more business-oriented each day with more examination of the bottom line, it’s harder to break out than ever.
American writer and novelist
A typical agent in New York gets 400 query letters a month. Of those, they might ask to read 3-4 manuscripts, and of those, they might ask to represent 1.
American writer and novelist
My wife, my family, my friends – they’ve all taught me things about love and what that emotion really means. In a nutshell, loving someone is about giving, not receiving.
American writer and novelist
Writing the last page of the first draft is the most enjoyable moment in writing. It’s one of the most enjoyable moments in life, period.
American writer and novelist
Spreading the news is your duty as a Christian, and there are many ways to do this.
American writer and novelist
Publishing is a business. Writing may be art, but publishing, when all is said and done, comes down to dollars.
American writer and novelist
I think that enduring, committed love between a married couple, along with raising children, is the most noble act anyone can aspire to. It is not written about very much.
American writer and novelist
There’s always pressure, a great deal of pressure, when writing, since my first books were so successful.
American writer and novelist
The first thing I did when I sold my book was buy a new wedding ring for my wife and asked her to marry me all over again.
American writer and novelist
Over time, quality work will lead to an audience for your work.
American writer and novelist
To be quite honest, I’ve been very blessed when I’ve worked with Hollywood. The studios that have purchased my work to be adapted to film have really liked the work and wanted to stay as close as they could to what the book was.
American writer and novelist
All characters come from people I know, but after the initial inspiration, I tend to modify the characters so they fit with the story.
American writer and novelist
I don’t know that love changes. People change. Circumstances change.
American writer and novelist
Rekindled love is generally short-term.
American writer and novelist
I suppose I’m most influenced by any good, commercial writer. I learn from everyone.
American writer and novelist
By reading a lot of novels in a variety of genres, and asking questions, it’s possible to learn how things are done – the mechanics of writing, so to speak – and which genres and authors excel in various areas.
American writer and novelist
In all love stories the theme is love and tragedy, so by writing these types of stories, I have to include tragedy.
American writer and novelist
I do not use profanity in my novels. My characters all go to church.
American writer and novelist
Romance is thinking about your significant other, when you are supposed to be thinking about something else.
American writer and novelist
What’s the challenge in writing a novel that few people will read? I’m more than happy writing what I do and have no plans to change that.
American writer and novelist
None of my characters are rich or famous, and the situations they find themselves in could happen to anyone.
American writer and novelist
I suppose more than anything, it’s the way of life in this part of the country that influences my writing. In Eastern North Carolina, with the exception of Wilmington, most people live in small towns.
American writer and novelist
Above all, a query letter is a sales pitch and it is the single most important page an unpublished writer will ever write. It’s the first impression and will either open the door or close it. It’s that important, so don’t mess it up. Mine took 17 drafts and two weeks to write.
American writer and novelist
I’ll admit that it’s not easy to get an agent, but becoming successful in anything requires perseverance.
American writer and novelist
I write 2,000 words a day when I write. It sometimes takes three hours, it sometimes takes five hours.
American writer and novelist
Loving once and only once is possible – anything is possible.
American writer and novelist