Author Interview with Dianne Beck

Finding True North is a prequel to Sticks and Stones, but each can be read as a stand-alone novel.

Praise for Finding True North:

“A relatable and intriguing story of finding identity while remaining true to oneself. North’s journey gives a realistic view of the struggles so many young people face, and her triumphs provide a ray of hope. An important read for teens and adults alike.”

-Li-Ying Lundquist, author of Wings of Silk

“Finding True North paints an authentic view of one girl’s desire for belonging for herself and her family. An inspiring story that reminds us to be ourselves and to let others do the same.”

-Jessica Therrien, bestselling author of the Children of the Gods series

Finding True North

North Carolina Simon hates her name. As a fourteen-year-old girl growing up in the 1970s, she has a lot of challenges. People not only make fun of her name but also scoff at her eccentric family. Dad’s a hoarder, Mom’s an unpredictable artist, and her older sister lives with an autism diagnosis. After a humiliating middle school event shatters her confidence as a singer, North determines to break free from the stigma surrounding her family.

As she starts high school, North tells people to call her Carol. Armed with a new name, she updates her hair and clothes, befriends a popular boy in hopes of joining his band, distances herself from her two longtime friends, and avoids being seen with her adoring and dependent sister. Everything seems to be going according to plan until her sister suddenly disappears. Carol is forced to face the fact that fitting in and being popular have come at a cost and that the sister she might lose could have the answer to what she’s been looking for all along.

What is the PRIMARY benefit, above all others, that your potential reader will gain from reading this book? I think the primary benefit readers gain from reading Finding True North is knowing the value of who they are as a unique person on this earth, and how valuable those around them are too. The main character, North, struggles with who she is, wanting to be the cool, popular girl. I think we all have a bit of North in us, and often compare ourselves to others or worry what others might think of us. While this is normal, it can be a problem if we don’t respect ourselves and fulfill our true calling and purpose in the world. At any age, it’s important to stay true to who we are for the benefit of ourselves and others.

If you had to compare this book to any other book out there, which book would it be? I think I might compare my book to The Someday Birds by Sally J Pla. In this coming of age novel, the main character is a boy who feels he doesn’t understand the world and finds order and understanding in his love and knowledge of birds. His character reminds me a lot of my secondary character, Aria, who is also passionate about birds and teaches my main character, North, quite a bit about life and resilience by being true to her unique self.

Hundreds of thousands of books come out every year. Why should someone buy THIS book? This book, Finding True North, in addition to my previous novel, Sticks and Stones, both have elements of faith written into them, not because they are meant to be forcing any certain belief on people, but simply because the characters find strength in finding a faith and encouragement from characters who help them see themselves as valued and loved individuals. I think my books blend spirituality and story in a way that is encouraging and relatable to readers of any belief system.

Who is your target audience? My primary target audience is female, age 14 and up. I know that seems like a large age range, but I think that’s because even when we’re not teens and young adults anymore, we can still remember and understand those feelings that come from being that age. I have quite a few moms and daughters who enjoy my books together, as well as Grandmothers and granddaughters, for example. The benefits of reading my book are seeing characters go through real-life, relatable struggles and how they find perseverance and strength through these times. When we read these kinds of stories, we can often find the strength to get through our own struggles.

Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage? Writing has always been very therapeutic to me. I would write my feelings in a diary growing up, and have always journaled. I also know how powerful peoples’ stories are, true or fictional. It’s a dream for me to be able to write words that impact others and help them feel stronger and less alone in the world.

Tell us your most rewarding experience since publishing your work? My most rewarding experience has been when people tell me they kept thinking of my book days after reading it and that it encouraged them, or hearing when readers decide to get my book for someone else they think would benefit from reading it.

How would you describe your writing style? Readers often tell me I have very descriptive, vivid writing, and that my stories have well developed and relatable characters.

Are your characters pure fiction, or did you draw from people you know? They are a combination of both, but mostly completely made up. In order to create realistic characters, I think pulling from various people I know or encounter is quite helpful.

Are you more of a character artist or a plot-driven writer? I usually have a character in mind before I decide what the plot is going to be.

What do you hope to accomplish with your book other than selling it? I hope to encourage readers to be confident in who they are and courageous in pursuing their hearts’ dreams and desires.

Contact Links

Website: https://www.diannebeck.com/