NEW BERN, NC — On Sunday, renowned novelist, screenwriter and film producer Nicholas Sparks started his tour for his new novel.

The New Bern resident met with his fans at the New Bern Books-A-Million. Those in attendance received a photo with Sparks and a copy of his new novel, Counting Miracles.

It is the first stop on his eleven-stop tour, which will take him to Houston (Texas) and Detroit (Michigan), among others.

“It’s wonderful to start in the hometown. It’s great that I get to see everyone. A lot of people have been coming here for many years, so it’s a nice opportunity to say hello to the people who have been reading me for a long time and of course to meet new people too,” Sparks said.

Sparks adds that his new novel, Counting Miracles, has several references to Eastern Carolina.

Sparks said, “Most of the novel takes place in Asheboro, and of course I mention the zoo there, but there is another character who is from Pine Knoll Shores. She spends a little time there and also in a lot of small towns in that area.”

If you would like to learn more about Counting Miracles, click here.

Sparks will also be interviewed on Good Morning America on Monday, September 23rd at around 8:30 a.m.

“Counting Miracles” officially hits stores on Tuesday.