I’m writing from beautiful, sunny California, where I’m doing my best to escape the humidity of summer on the East Coast for a few days, and where I’m hard at work on my next book. After such a busy spring, touring throughout the U.S. and Europe to promote the film release of The Lucky One and the international publications of The Best of Me, it’s nice to have a little time to unwind with my family and focus on crafting my next story.
Not that it isn’t going to be a busy summer! The film adaptation of Safe Haven started shooting in North Carolina last week. I’m beyond thrilled to again be working with director Lasse Hallström and producers Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey on another movie. Safe Haven will star Julianne Hough and Josh Duhamel as the leads Katie and Alex—and I have to say, they have an immediately apparent chemistry perfect for this story. The film couldn’t have been better cast. I’m really looking forward to joining them on set next month!
Win a visit to the set of Safe Haven
Below, Julianne Hough, Josh Duhamel and Mimi Kirkland spend time together between shooting and rehearsing for Nicholas Sparks’ Safe Haven, directed by Lasse Hallström.
Speaking of which, Relativity Media, the studio behind the film, is going to pick one lucky winner to send to the set in Southport, NC this summer, so perhaps I’ll see you there! The prize includes transportation, hotel accommodation, and even a little spending cash to be sure you get the most out of your stay. To enter, and to learn more about the sweepstakes, visit SafeHavenSweeps.com.
For a Good Cause
If you want another chance to win a visit to the Safe Haven set, you should check out a sweepstakes that my charity foundation, the Nicholas Sparks Foundation, is hosting online. By donating as little as $10, you’ll have another chance to win a trip to the set, while at the same time supporting Hope for Warriors and the Epiphany School. For more information about these great causes and this great opportunity, visit our fundraising page at Crowdrise.com. Hurry! This sweepstakes ends on Saturday, June 30th.
Save the Date
On that note, after our great success raising funds for the foundation with the Celebrity Golf Weekend this past April, we have decided to host another fundraising weekend in my hometown of New Bern, North Carolina. Save the date! The second annual Nicholas Sparks Foundation Celebrity Golf Weekend will be April 19th through April 22nd, 2013.
New Edition of Safe Haven
Before you see the Safe Haven movie—which comes out February 8, 2013—you should of course read the book if you haven’t already! Luckily, my publisher is releasing a new edition of Safe Haven this week, so be sure to pick it up. For those not familiar with the story, it follows the mysterious and beautiful young Katie as she tries to carve out a new life for herself in the small town of Southport, where her sudden arrival raises questions about her past. Despite her determination to avoid forming personal ties, she becomes drawn into two reluctant relationships: one with Alex, a handsome store owner, and another with her neighbor, Jo. As Katie lets her guard down, she finds herself increasingly charmed by the rhythm of life in the small town—and by its inhabitants. But before Katie can find a path into the future, and let herself fall in love again, she will have to confront the dark secret in her past that continues to haunt her. It was a satisfying story to write, and I hope you’ll agree that it’s as fulfilling a read!
For My Fans Abroad
I’d like to say how glad I was to meet many of my international fans on my recent European tour. It was so exciting to be able to attend some of the European premieres of The Lucky One film and also to give readings and book signings in the UK, Germany, Poland and Italy. I always love to meet my readers from all over the world, and would like to send a heartfelt thank you to all of you for your support!
I hope everyone has a great summer. Stay cool!
