Nicholas Sparks' Valentine's Day advice. Write this down, people!

By Elizabeth Snead

February 4, 2010 4:08 PM ET

Nicholas Sparks, the acclaimed author of so many moving and popular books made into films -- "The Notebook," "Nights in Rodanthe," "A Walk to Remember," "Message in a Bottle " -- and the new romantic film, "Dear John," has some Valentine's Day advice for you.

Write your beloved a love letter. No diamonds, no fancy dinners, no grand gestures.

Just a letter detailing why you love them. Remember the little things: holding hands, the kindness they show to other people, the way they teach their children. That's what he does for his wife on their anniversary.

"Tell someone why you love them and be specific," he says. "Make sure the person understands why they mean so much to you. Not just generalities. 'I love you because I married you,' that's not enough. 'I love you because of ... the way you treat people ... ."

"Dear John" opens Friday, Feb. 5 nationwide. It stars Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried as long distance lovers whom, you guessed it, write their feelings down -- not in emails -- but in love letters.

Follow Zap2it's Dish Rag on Twitter and Facebook.

More Dear John dish

Amanda Seyfried on long distance love

Channing Tatum on dexadrine stripping and his burnt penis,

Amanda Seyfried at the GQ Men of the Year party

Zap2it wants Amanda Seyfried to guest on 'Glee'

Follow Zap2it on Twitter and Zap2it on Facebook for the latest news and buzz