Tell us a little bit about The Choice.
Like my other novels, it's a love story, and the structure is similar to that of The Notebook. It tells the story of a young couple that falls in love; years later, their love in tested in ways they could never imagine, and the question becomes, "Can the power of love overcome any obstacle?"
Who inspired your latest book?
The character Noah, from my first novel; he, of course, was inspired by my wife's grandfather. I wanted to write a novel that evoked the same feelings as The Notebook.
In your life, what was the hardest choice you had to make?
The decision to help my son Ryan, who had been diagnosed with autism. I decided I wasn't going to listen to the experts who said there was nothing I could do. In the end, they were wrong, but keeping faith through all those years was tough.
Do you believe that love is a choice?
Love is always a choice; granted, there's a bit of chemistry, too. But true love requires commitment, and that's always a decision that people make voluntarily.
What do you think is the most challenging choice of all: to stay and fight for a long lasting love or to leave and keep an open mind to the unknown?
To stay and fight for a long lasting love. Marriage -- or any long term relationship -- is always a challenge, which is why it's so satisfying when it remains a happy one.
Are you more romantic in real life or in your books?
I suppose my wife would be better able to answer that question than I can, but I will say that I consider myself lucky to have married my wife. She's terrific. And, without getting too personal, I've learned that my wife likes romantic gestures. Much of what I've written in my novels comes from the relationship between my wife and me.
Why did you start writing? And why did you choose love stories?
I'd always loved to read, and thought I'd try telling my own stories. There was no great plan; it had more to do with the fact that I thought I could do it and wanted to attempt it. I've always loved a challenge.
As for love stories, my first novel, The Notebook, was inspired by my wife's grandparents. Theirs was a real love story, and because it became so successful, I decided to stick with the genre.
Do you think real life is better than fiction? That imagination can’t beat the real thing?
Real life is sometimes better, sometimes worse. Depends on what a person is going through. That's where novels come in. Sometimes, they can be a wonderful escape.
Your books always take place in small towns. Do you think people in big cities are too busy to fall in love?
No, not at all. It's just that I live in a small town, and I'm familiar with the way of life. I also think it lends itself to a feeling of nostalgia in the novels, which aid in making the stories more vivid.
What inspires you to write?
I write simply to see if I can craft a story worthy of being told. I'm driven solely by the need to write something better than I've ever written before, just to see if I can. Granted, I might fail, but that's okay. As long as I know I haven't gotten lazy in either style or story, I'm satisfied with the work. For me, however, that's much more difficult than I make it sound. Trust me -- the pressure I put on myself causes me many a sleepless night.
Are your stories a reflection of reality? Are you inspired by you own life?
I definitely draw story elements from my own life and others I know; at the same time, some novels draw more inspiration, others less. My goal is always to write a story that seems universal, one that could happen to anyone, and by drawing on personal events, I find it easier to make the emotions and feelings seem real.
You must get thousands of messages and feedback from fan readers. What do you most like to hear? Do you remember any particular message which has touched you?
My favorite letters are those which simply tell me how much a particular novel meant to them and why. One of my favorites was from a young couple about to be married: he first told her he loved her after watching the South Carolina premiere of The Notebook; a year later, they were married in the old-fashioned theater. They sent an announcement; I sent a signed copy of the novel congratulating them on their marriage.
Interview courtesy of Diário de Notícias