The Passing

The Passing

The Passing has been passed on. The title is an obscure lost manuscript written by an infamous novelist who has promised it will never be published. Being the first ever penned by this well known best seller one can only imagine what genius it may harbor. Every published book has struck immediate notoriety. Eleven of these masterpieces have been adapted to successful draws at the box office. After thirty years of producing flawless works could it be possible the first would not live up to the last twenty five? Should the author be the final judge of the piece? Shouldn't the sizable adoring fan base have a vote in the validity of it's merit?

Certain attributes are common for this writer's creative ventures. The story must evoke genuine emotional impact across the full range of human emotion without being manipulative. The story must be dramatic without being melodramatic. The characters, plot, and story elements must be universal (feel "real" to the reader), interesting, and original.

Once a marketable formula has been developed stick with what works for the majority of readers. They will pick up a new offering because they are familiar with the style. They have come to expect a level of excellence and seek out whatever is produced by a favorite wordsmith. However, some critics may scrutinize and complain of the predictable tropes created over and over again thereby swearing off ever picking up another title by the composer. Still, with over 132 million books sold and translated into 54 languages, can anyone argue the popularity of this talent? Something is charismatic and charming about the brand.

Some things can always be expected within the prose. There will be a strong, alpha-type male character coming to the rescue of a beautiful and/or talented female heroine. She will be near perfect, he may be slightly flawed. The setting will be in a small town on the east coast of the United States. A major conflict will arise that looks insurmountable. They may not like each other initially but eventually will come together to overcome the problem whether it be an antagonist or a circumstance. They will inevitably fall in love. Smaller obstacles may hamper their happily-ever-after search adding to the plot but eventually it will all work out despite any twists along the way. The ending may be totally unexpected but the heart-touching human elements almost always show growth and may bring a tear to the eye. What's not to like?

Fans are hungry for more from this prolific scribbler. Without formal training in how to go about writing anything, let alone a best seller, perhaps this originator lacks confidence that the first effort was worthy. After all it came about at a very young age. Ten years later with much more maturity and literary reading under the belt an acceptable script was produced. Even after several rejections a beginning faithful agent believed in it and procured a hefty advance along with selling it to a film producer. As they say, the rest is history. Every one of subsequent novels became instant best sellers.

What if, with a good deal of speculation using the tried and true formula of the perfect love story, we craft our own version of what may be within this hidden potential gem titled 'The Passing'? It may summarize something like this:

Frequent moves in his younger years caused Nick to be somewhat shy and introspective. Even so the serious high school student is attracted to the beautiful homecoming queen, Cathy. On his part he is a true believer in love at first sight but she is far out of his social status being outgoing and involved in all theatrical endeavors. She loves to sing and dance but is slowly finding herself enthralled by his love of poetry, the ever present notebook he keeps for journaling and his academic achievements.

As he makes his valedictorian speech at graduation and she sings the last song, the choice is made as they embark on the longest ride. Within a year they take a walk to remember down the aisle. The wedding is all white lace and promises as he feels like the lucky one because she has entered the safe haven of his love and they start their own dreamland side by side.

Even going to college on an athletic scholarship did not insure success when an injury crippled his running ability. He graduated with a finance degree but still struggled to find his niche. He started and lost his own company then settled for a pharmaceutical sales position as he and Cathy started counting miracles one after another then two by two as twin girls arrived.

A bend in the road happened when he tried his hand at writing well instead of simply writing. The wish for success finally came to the rescue. He could now claim the public can “see me” and recognize “the best of me”.

But even unparalleled fame and attention does not guarantee a happy life or a happy wife. After years of being the guardian of each other's every breath, upon the return from a three week trip with his brother he finds a 'Dear John' letter awaiting him as a message in a bottle from the love of his life. Even after nights in Rodanthe trying to recapture the magic the writing is on the wall. The ultimate love story has suffered the passing.

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All novel titles by this beloved author are highly recognizable even in reverse order of their debut: Counting Miracles (due out in September 2024); Dreamland; The Wish; The Return; Every Breath; Two By Two; See Me; The Longest Ride; The Best of Me; Safe Haven; The Last Song; The Lucky One; The Choice; Dear John; At First Site; True Believer; Three Weeks With My Brother; The Wedding; The Guardian; Nights in Rodanthe; A Bend in the Road; The Rescue; A Walk to Remember; Message in a Bottle; The Notebook.

Okay. Admit it. There is a spark of recognition: Nicholas Sparks, reigning king of tragic romance. He hopes to be remembered as an author who defined and exemplified excellence in crafting the modern love story.