The Official Nicholas Sparks Web Site

Frequently Asked Questions About
Three Weeks With My Brother

With
ANSWERS BY NICHOLAS SPARKS

Considering you live across the country from one another, how did you write the novel?

Micah and I spoke every day on the phone about the structure, the story, which memories to include, and how to describe them. I would ask Micah to write certain sections and he would fax them to me for editing; I would do the same for him. Micah would then review every chapter and make appropriate changes.

How much did Nicholas write?

In it's final -- not draft -- form, Nicholas was responsible for most of the writing. This was to ensure uniformity of voice. Micah’s contributions were edited into my voice so as not to add unnecessary complexity to the novel.

Will you two write another book, either fiction or non-fiction?

Perhaps. We’re talking about it now, but in the end, we both know there has to be something to write about. Three Weeks with my Brother covered our lives up to 2003: I suppose we’ll have to live a few more years before we would attempt another memoir. But, as I said, we’re in discussion about some other possible projects.

Will Micah write his own novel or non-fiction book?

Maybe. He’s thinking about it.

Do you and Micah still see each other regularly? Or has the relationship changed since you write the novel?

It's still the same. We still get together five or six times a year and speak two or three times a week on the phone. He’s still, along with my wife, my best friend.

What was your favorite place to visit?

Both Micah and I answer the same way: Machu Picchu, in Peru, was our favorite. The site is overwhelming, and is definitely a place I’d like to visit again.

What was your least favorite place to visit?

Micah swears he'll never go back to India; because of the lack of northern lights, I thought the trip to Norway was one that could have been omitted. With that said, however, we would recommend the exact trip to anyone else who wants to go.

Did either of you -- or anyone on the trip -- get sick?

I was sick for about eight hours after eating in Cambodia. Ironically, we were staying in a five-star hotel at the time. Thankfully, it passed quickly. There were, however, a couple of people who were sick for the majority of the trip.

How much did the trip cost?

About $35,000 per person. But because we wrote a book, it was tax-deductible.

Would you recommend TCS again?

Yes, without a doubt.