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Monday, February 20, 2023

Virtual Book Tour: Finding True North by Dianne Beck #blogtour #interview #youngadult #yabooks #giveaway #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours @PublishingAcorn


Young Adult Fiction

Date Published: January 31st, 2023

Publisher: Acorn Publishing


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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 appearance, 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 reality. Should she continue to focus all her time and energy on fitting in or should she surrender to God’s calling on her life?

 

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

 


INTERVIEW

What is the hardest part of writing your books?

 

I’d say the hardest part is probably the editing process, only because it’s my least favorite part. In spite of this though, I know how important this step is, and I’m always more satisfied with what I’ve produced after I see the improved version.

 

What songs are most played on your Ipod?

 

One of my favorite groups is Bay Ledges. One of my favorite solo artists is Brandon Lake. I also love music from the 70s, indie rock, some older rap/hip-hop, and contemporary Christian music. I guess I have quite a range of music interests!

 

Do you have critique partners or beta readers?

 

Yes. I felt that was especially important with this current novel, Finding True North, as I wanted to make sure I wrote authentically about characters like Aria, who is on the autism spectrum.

 

 

What book are you reading now?

 

I always seem to have a few books going at once. I just finished The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner and have started Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. In non-fiction, I’m reading Help is Here by Max Lucado, and I also read the Bible each morning.

 

 

How did you start your writing career?

 

I wrote in college for a local newspaper, then wrote in my career as a public relations coordinator, and began my first novel, published in 2020, while teaching middle school English. I promised one of my classes that I would finish the manuscript before they graduated Eighth Grade and that was one of the best things I ever did. They were very good about asking me on a regular basis, “Did you finish your novel, Mrs. Beck?” That kept me going, and I finished it on time!

 

 

Tell us about your next release.

 

Finding True North features main character North Carolina Simon, who 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.

 

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

 

 

 

 

About the Author

Dianne Beck has spent most of her career teaching students ranging from kindergarten through adult and currently works as a high school youth director at her church. In each of these roles, she hopes to encourage students to be their own unique selves, to have confidence in who they are, and to follow their passions.  Dianne’s debut young adult novel Sticks and Stones, winner of multiple awards, was inspired by her years of teaching, where she saw how an understanding ear and relevant literature could make a significant impact on students’ lives. She hopes young people and adults can find faith and strength in her stories.

Visit her author website at http://www.diannebeck.com.

 

Contact Links

Website

Facebook

Instagram: @beck_dianne

 

Purchase Links

Amazon 

B&N

 

 

 

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