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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Writing Like Nicholas Sparks

I wish I could write love stories the way Nicholas Sparks writes them. I've only read one of his books, the one about the teenage girl at the beach and her stained-glass artist father. I enjoyed it. But I see all his books lined up at the bookstore, and thumb through them, and read their synopses, and I truly wish I could write like that. I've been doing this same thing for years now. But, for some reason, it doesn't happen. Those kinds of ideas just don't arise for me.

I don't think I envy Mr Sparks. Envy is a sick thing, a deadly sin per the Catholic Church. But I do admire him and his achievements. He seems like the nicest man in the world. He profusely thinks everyone he's associated with. He seems to be a devoted family man. He achieved success at an early age. I presume he's doing what he loves. Isn't this what most of us want in life? Why is it so elusive for most of us. What's missing? Is it just a matter of I.Q. and hard work? Is it a matter of love? Is it a matter of talent?

So many questions, so few answers. Still, I wish I could write love stories the way Nicholas Sparks writes them.

Is there a writer you feel similarly about? I'd like to think I'm not the only one.

16 comments:

Donna K. Weaver said...

I think we can admire people's talents. I have many authors I wish I could mimic better, but even as I strive to grow and improve my writing, I realize that I will find my own way. I'd love to be the amazing world builder Brandon Sanderson is or the tricksy 'hidden in plain sight' writer J.K. Rowling is, or even be able to do a little better at description like Mary Stewart. Alas, perhaps I admire them so well because I suck at those things myself. lol

writing and living by Richard P Hughes said...

Ah, but Donna, you're doing something right. Good for you.

Lea said...

I've read 3 books by Nicholas Sparks and watched movies of the 2 I've read. Different writers do have different fortes. Sparks' is about love.. most full of drama :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I haven't read any of his books, but I know what you mean when I read a book I fall in love with. I try to remind myself that each of us has our own unique stories within us and admiring another's work makes me want to push to do better in my own.

writing and living by Richard P Hughes said...

Linda, you have the right attitude.

Tanya Reimer said...

My daughter loves his books. My daughter. How does a grown macho man write for a teenage girl? Who the heck knows but he does it damn well. Makes me feel like I can do anything I want. Great post, Richard!

Anonymous said...

It's good to be back, Richard. And especially to see your smiling face on my blog just now. Taking care of a 3 year old at our age: not easy. I don't think I could do it again. But I have great memories of my three little granddaughters from birth to eight years (the oldest): babysitting, etc. It can be a "ride" even when you're "younger," which I was during the late 80s and 90s!!!

Talli Roland said...

Oh yes, there are quite a few! Sigh...

Elise Fallson said...

There are many authors I admire and often wish I could write the way they do. But I also remind myself that they've had to work very hard, and most likely had to go through several revisions, and edits before submitting their final draft.

Unknown said...

Oh, I totally understand the envy you feel. I have been reading Ann Cleeves lately and have been envious of her narration. I try to copy it but she doesn't have my voice or style. So, I guess I'll just have to write like myself.

Deb Shucka said...

What a poignant reflection. I know just what you're saying here. I feel the same way about Terry Tempest Williams. I think the answer has something to do with each of us having a particular set of gifts the world needs.

Kelley Lynn said...

I've never read any of this work. Though I've cried through many of the movies.

Laini Taylor inspired me to write my Fantasy novel. I wouldn't go so far as to say I write like her (she is amazing) but I definitely set out to write something like her stuff.

Great post!

Valentina Hepburn said...

I know how it feels, Richard. Sometimes, when I'm reading a book I particularly love I can't help thinking 'if only', but at the same time I know that what we write has to come from within. This is why there are so many interesting and emotion drawing books out there.
We're all so very different, as are our experiences of life which enrich our own writing. No one can be you - only you.

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Denise Covey said...

Hi Richard. I'm a great fan of Nicholas Sparks. His writing style has been criticised (whose isn't?) as being too simple, but his gift is in his storytelling. Isn't that the most important thing? His stories remain with us long after we've read his books - that's who I call a good author.

writing and living by Richard P Hughes said...

Denise: me too.