Nicholas Sparks is an American novelist and screenwriter best known for bestselling romantic dramas exploring love, loss, grief, and second chances. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1965, he attended the University of Notre Dame on a track scholarship and graduated with a degree in business finance. He rose to international fame with his 1996 debut novel, The Notebook, and has since written more than 20 novels, including A Walk to Remember, Dear John, Message in a Bottle, and The Longest Ride, many of which have been adapted into successful films. Sparks lives in North Carolina and has also supported educational initiatives through the Nicholas Sparks Foundation.