Nbc Nightly News

Before Nicholas Sparks became the best-selling author of more than 20 books on the New York Times best sellers list, he was a college track star. And after an injury, his mom encouraged him to “do something,” so he wrote a novel he now calls “terrible.” Years later he was pharmaceutical salesman with a family, and decided to write “The Notebook” in his off hours. We all know what a hit that was! It launched his career. But even with the success of his books he says, “I think I can do better.” In a conversation with NBC News’ Kate Snow, Sparks reflects on his childhood, his writing process, and his latest book “Counting Miracles.”