Tucker Tooley, whom I consider a friend. I'm honored by your endless support for my work.
Ryan Kavanaugh and Robbie Brenner at Relativity Media, for the numerous great films they've helped to adapt from my work. It's been fabulous working with you both.
Courtenay Valenti, at Warner Bros., for helping to launch the Hollywood side of my career. It's always fun to catch up with you whenever I'm in town with a new project.
Emily Sweet, at the Park Literary Group, is always available to lend a helping hand in whatever capacity is needed. Thanks so much for temporarily taking over the reins of my foundation, and for listening whenever I call.
Abby Koons, at the Park Literary Group, for so deftly handling my foreign rights. I am always aware of the amazing work you do. You're the best, and I'm the first to understand that.
Andrea Mai, at the Park Literary Group, for all she does with our retail partnerships. It's been an extraordinary working relationship, and I must say that I'm in awe when it comes to your enthusiasm and persistence. And many thanks also to Alexandra Greene, who not only peruses every contract, but has incredible creative instincts. I would not be where I am today without you both.
My gratitude also goes to Brian McLendon, Amanda Pritzker, and Maddie Caldwell at Grand Central Publishing--your enthusiasm and commitment mean the world to me.
Pam Pope and Oscara Stevick, my accountants, have been a blessing in so many ways, not only for their work, but for their friendship. You've both been terrific.
Tia Scott, my assistant, is not only a friend, but she keeps my daily life on track. I appreciate all you do.
Andrew Sommers has always been an essential sounding board, and does important work behind the scenes in my world. My life has been the better for it. Thanks also to Hannah Mensch for all you've done this past year.
Michael Armentrout and Kyle Haddad-Fonda, who do amazing work at the Nicholas Sparks Foundation. Thanks so much.
Tracey Lorentzen, who is always willing to lend a helping hand in the way that I most need it, when I most need it. I don't know what I would have done without you.
Sara Fernstrom, formerly of UTA, and David Herrin, my oracle at UTA, have unique talents and abilities, and I've benefited much from their expertise.
Dwight Carlblom and David Wang, who run the Epiphany School of Global Studies, are terrific educators. I am so appreciative.
Michael "Stick" Smith, a friend, who has always been there to listen and offer support. The next few years should be interesting and fun, don't you think?
Jeff Van Wie, who has been a friend since we roomed together in college. Thanks for always being there for me.
Micah Sparks, my brother, is the best brother a guy could have. We'll make a point to do more traveling together this year, okay?
David Buchalter, who help arranges my speeches, is consistently outstanding. Thanks for everything.
Eric Collins, who has helped in ways that I can't even express. The same goes for Jill Compton. Thanks.
Pete Knapp and Danny Hertz, who always did whatever they could to help. Thanks, guys!
Other friends, with whom I always enjoy speaking, the kind of friends who make life worthwhile: Todd and Kari Wagner, David Geffen, Anjanette Schmeltzer, Chelsea Kane, Slade Smiley, Jim Tyler, Pat Armentrout, Drew and Brittany Brees, Scott Eastwood, and Britt Robertson.