Becca Wierwille writes stories to show kids they are wonderfully created for the unique adventures in their lives. Born with only half of her right arm, she aims to help others find beauty in what makes them extraordinary. Mom by day and novelist by relatively early in the morning, she wishes she could eat peach pie as often as most writers drink coffee. Despite her dreams of sandy beaches and mountain peaks, she loves living in Pennsylvania with her family.
In this interview, Becca shares some thoughts about her debut novel, Road Trip Rescue, with the FamilyFiction audience.
FF: What inspired the story in your book?
My first inspiration for Road Trip Rescue came when my family was planning a trip to the Adirondack Mountains in New York. I was researching online for things to do while we were there and found a photo of a dog eating ice cream.
The photo sparked a question in my mind. What if a girl saw this photo and was convinced it was a dog she lost years ago? What if she loved this dog more than anything and was willing to do whatever it took to bring her home?
From there, the idea grew.
FF: What can you tell us about the main characters in your book?
The main character, Kimmy, is twelve years old. Like me, she was born with a limb difference, missing half of her right arm. Kimmy carries wounds from the past from a best friend who betrayed her, and she has felt lonely ever since her dog disappeared two years ago. Now, she is determined to find him and bring him home.
Aunt Skylar, who joins Kimmy on the road trip to find her dog, is intense, adventurous, and unpredictable.
FF: Which character surprised you the most?
Probably Aunt Skylar, just because I never knew what she would say or suggest next! It was fun to experience her “road trip rules” and unpredictable nature alongside Kimmy—though I probably had more fun with it than Kimmy, since she grew quite frustrated with her aunt along the way!
FF: Why do you think storytelling is such a powerful way to share truth?
Stories can share truth by putting us in a character’s shoes and showing the choices they make and the transformation they experience. Because of this, they can help us grow in empathy too. Plus, Jesus communicated truth through story all the time using parables, so we follow the example of the greatest storyteller!
FF: What can readers expect from the rest of this series?
There will be three books in the Road Trip Rescue Series, all written from the perspective of a different character who goes on a transformative road trip adventure. Book 2 will be written from the perspective of Kimmy’s friend Daniel.
FF: What kind of research did you do for this book?
A lot of my research came from my own road trip to the Adirondacks in upstate New York! Since I already had this story idea forming in my mind when my family vacationed in the Adirondacks, I took lots of notes and pictures along the way. And though my road trip wasn’t anything like Kimmy and Aunt Skylar’s, I implemented a lot of what I saw into their story.
FF: What do you want readers to take away after reading your book?
In all of my stories, I aim to show readers they are wonderfully created by God for the unique adventures in their lives. In this story particularly, I want them to see that they are not alone, and they never have been, because God is always with them.
FF: What are the biggest challenges for you as an author writing in your specific genre?
Honestly, marketing is a big challenge when writing middle grade—because while you’re writing books for children, you’re marketing to the adults since they are the ones buying the books for their kids. An important thing I like to keep in mind is how I can provide value for parents, grandparents, and teachers as they seek out hope-filled stories for the young readers in their lives.
FF: What authors or books have inspired you as an author?
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo has always been a favorite of mine. I also felt very inspired and encouraged by Wonder by R. J. Palacio. And, of course, I love the Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis. And Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White! The list could go on and on, and my answer could probably change depending on the day you ask me.
FF: How has your faith or world view impacted the way you tell stories?
I believe God has given me the gift of writing sharing stories, and so my faith in Christ is inherently a huge part of my storytelling. My characters will often pray, go to church, and openly talk about God because of the way their faith is integrated into their lives. Even more than that, their internal character arcs also reflect spiritual transformation as the lies they believe about themselves or the world are replaced with God’s truth.
Road Trip Rescue
Road Trip Rescue Series
Becca Wierwille
Beloved Chronicles LLC
Genres: Children’s, Middle Grade Kids
Release Date: October 24, 2023
ISBN-10: 1961066009
ISBN-13: 978-1961066007
Book Summary:
A heartwarming adventure for kids ages 8-12 with a missing dog, a determined girl, a pink-haired aunt, and themes of faith and friendship.
Twelve-year-old Kimmy trusts dogs more than people.
After all, her dog Bo never made fun of her for having one hand. But two years ago, Bo disappeared.
When Kimmy stumbles across a magazine photo of a dog in upstate New York that looks just like Bo, she knows she has to find him. Her parents seem oddly unsupportive, but pink-haired, adventure-hungry Aunt Skylar agrees to a road trip with a stop in the Adirondacks. Kimmy jumps at the chance to bring her furry family member home.
Unfortunately, Aunt Skylar’s idea of a road trip isn’t the rescue mission Kimmy had in mind.
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