Nbc Nightly News

Before Nicholas Sparks became the best-selling author of more than 20 books on the New York Times best sellers list, he was a college track star. And after an injury, his mom encouraged him to “do something,” so he wrote a novel he now calls “terrible.” Years later he was pharmaceutical salesman with a family, and decided to write “The Notebook” in his off hours. We all know what a hit that was! It launched his career. But even with the success of his books he says, “I think I can do better.” In a conversation with NBC News’ Kate Snow, Sparks reflects on his childhood, his writing process, and his latest book “Counting Miracles.”

Suspect in deadly New Orleans attack likely acted alone, FBI says; Suspect in Las Vegas bombing had apparent self-inflicted gunshot, police said; Families remember victims of New Orleans terror attack; and more on tonight’s broadcast.

At least 15 dead, 30 injured after New Orleans truck ramming attack; New questions about physical security measures after New Orleans truck attack; Louisiana Attorney General says Airbnb fire near New Orleans attack linked to production of explosives; and more on tonight’s broadcast.

New tornadoes reported across the South after outbreak in Texas; U.S. intelligence suggests Russians may have shot down Azerbaijan Airlines plane; Fifth graders learn fine dining at restaurant after viral classroom lesson; and more on tonight’s broadcast.

State funeral for former President Carter set for Jan. 9; Behind Carter's pivotal role in the Camp David Accords; Black boxes recovered from plane that crashed in South Korea, killing 179; and more on tonight’s broadcast. 

Former President Jimmy Carter dead at 100; President Biden and President-elect Trump react to death of Jimmy Carter; Tornados rip through the South, at least four people killed; and more on tonight’s broadcast.

Severe weather, tornado risk in the South threatens holiday travel; At least 15 injured after Brightline train crashes into fire truck in Florida; Video shows woman walking onto wing of Alaska Airlines plane; and more on tonight’s broadcast.

New tornadoes reported across the South after outbreak in Texas; U.S. intelligence suggests Russians may have shot down Azerbaijan Airlines plane; Fifth graders learn fine dining at restaurant after viral classroom lesson; and more on tonight’s broadcast.

Growing speculation that plane was brought down by Russian air defenses; Multiple tornadoes reported in Texas as millions face storm risk; Delta says stowaway was able to board plane without ticket or boarding pass; and more on tonight’s broadcast.

Dozens dead after Russia-bound plane crashes; Winter storms threaten the West; Russia launches Christmas Day missile attack on Ukraine; and more on tonight’s broadcast.

American Airlines temporarily grounds all flights, snarling holiday travel; Starbucks union strike expands as workers demand pay raises; Bird flu reaches zoos, further threatening endangered species; and more on tonight’s broadcast.

New report says Matt Gaetz may have violated laws on prostitution, statutory rape; Holiday travel ramps up as holiday week begins; Luigi Mangione pleads not guilty to New York state charges in UnitedHealthcare CEO murder; and more on tonight’s broadcast.

Amtrak delays snarl holiday train travel along much of East Coast; Man shot, killed by police after driving into Texas mall during high-speed chase; U.S. fighter jet shot down by friendly fire over Red Sea; and more on tonight’s broadcast.

At least 5 killed, 200 injured after car plows into Christmas market in Germany; Biden signs funding bill after Congress narrowly avoids government shutdown; Winter weather hits coast to coast, threatening holiday travel; and more on tonight’s broadcast

Car rams into crowd at German Christmas market, killing at least two, injuring dozens; House approves stopgap spending bill, hours before shutdown deadline; Richard Allen, convicted of Delphi murders, sentenced to 130 years in prison; and more on tonight’s broadcast.

Suspect in CEO killing extradited from Pennsylvania to New York; Congress scrambles to save spending plan to avoid government shutdown; Shooter in Wisconsin communicated with California man before shooting, according to court documents; and more on tonight’s broadcast.

Trump denounces massive spending bill, pushing government closer to shutdown; CDC reports first severe case of bird flu in U.S.; Stocks drop sharply after Fed cuts interest rates and signals more cautious approach next year; and more on tonight’s broadcast.

Three dead, six injured in Wisconsin elementary school mass shooting, police said; Much of Northeast remains on edge over reported drone sightings; Indictment of suspect in CEO shooting could come any day; and more on tonight’s broadcast.

Growing calls for action as drone sightings increase; Rare tornado hits Northern California; A grand jury indictment could come this week in the CEO murder case; and more on tonight’s broadcast. 

On the hunt for mystery drones; CEO murder suspect gets a new, high-profile lawyer; President-elect Trump attends Army-Navy game with political allies; and more on tonight’s broadcast.