Sparks to discuss his newest novel

You might not be able to yet read the newest book by Nicholas Sparks, but you can hear about it from the author himself during a fund-raising event in Craven County.

Sparks' next novel, "The Lucky One," will publish nationally at the end of September, but on May 20, the New Bern writer will discuss that novel - and more - during "Tea and Dessert with Nicholas Sparks." The event is a benefit for Friends of the New Bern-Craven County Public Library.

"I'll talk a little bit about writing and how I got started," Sparks said during a phone interview. "The new book due in the fall, the upcoming film and New Bern in particular."

That new book, "The Lucky One," and upcoming film, "Nights in Rodanthe," are due to be released nearly simultaneously in the fall. By themselves, they are enough to generate abundant teatime conversation.

But New Bern, the town where Sparks writes and where he lives with his wife, Catherine, and five children, is a subject on which the author is well-versed. The city and Eastern North Carolina have provided the setting for a number of his love stories.

They have also provided the setting for a number of Sparks' community contributions.

"There are so many worthy causes in New Bern," Sparks said. "Catherine and I do what we can to promote them."

The last time Sparks promoted a similar fund-raiser for the Friends of the Library, the event at a local restaurant drew hundreds of people to hear his presentation and to vie for an opportunity to have a picture taken with the best-selling author.

Elinor Hawkins, president of the library organization, envisions a comparable community response in a new and bigger venue.

"The Flame Banquet Centre holds 400," Hawkins said. "I expect standing room only."

Tom Mayer can be reached at (252) 635-5662 or tmayer@freedomenc.com.