State of author’s affection

Nicholas Sparks of ‘The Choice’ tells why he always returns to North Carolina for his settings

The latest film adaptation of a Nicholas Sparks novel, “The Choice,” opens Feb. 5. The Lionsgate film is a romantic drama about a medical student and a womanizer who fall in love, with complicated consequences. We asked Sparks to pick out some photos from the film’s North Carolina location and explain his deep connection with the state.

When I first moved to North Carolina in 1992, I was immediately struck by how varied and vast the landscape was. North Carolina is a rare state that has gentle mountains, expansive farmland, slow-moving rivers and an incredible coastline.

Practically every city has its own identity, idiosyncrasies and charms, but the beauty of the state as a whole is unparalleled, and I knew when I started writing “The Notebook” that North Carolina (where I then lived) would be the setting. Since then, every book I’ve written has been set in North Carolina.

Setting is a major aspect of my work, both in terms of natural and cultural environments and atmosphere. I love the community, the pace of life, the languid summers and the beautiful small towns that offer memorable backdrops to my stories.

One of the people who understands this more than anyone is set designer Mark Garner. Mark first worked on [the movie version of] “The Notebook” years ago and has worked on many of my films since then, so when I produced “The Choice,” I knew that he would be my first call. He understands what it takes to bring my vision of North Carolina to life, and he did so perfectly in “The Choice.”

Dana Hawley “THIS PICTURE captures the essence of the film: the chemistry between Gabby and Travis in a gorgeous, romantic setting,” Sparks says.

Dana Hawley OF A SCENE involving actors Walker and Palmer, Sparks asks, “Is there anything more romantic than a sunset boat ride?” The author counts North Carolina’s mountains, farmland, rivers and coastline among its attractions.

James Bridges THE BRASSERIE DU SOLEIL, Sparks says, is the “quintessential small-town restaurant: tables outside, twinkling lights, and the perfect setting to sit outside and enjoy a good meal.” As he says above, atmosphere is important.

Dana Hawley CHARACTERS Travis Shaw (Ben Walker) and Gabby Holland (Teresa Palmer) in the latter’s kitchen. “This is Mark’s set design at its finest: quirky, eclectic, and sweet. Just like Gabby,” Sparks says of Garner’s craft.

Dana Hawley A BUNGALOW belonging to medical student Gabby “was designed and built from scratch by Mark Garner,” Nicholas Sparks says. “It had to be bulldozed for a scene involving a hurricane — a heartbreaking moment for us all.”