Rae Ballester loves movie musicals and—thanks to her dad—’80s rock. Since he died a year ago, his favorite music helps keep his memory alive. Struggling to move on, Rae keeps her head down and earbuds in, but shunning the world has cost her even her closest friendships, leaving her the “Owner of a Lonely Heart.”
When Rae meets Mac, a boy with a charming smile who thinks any problem can be solved with a show tune, she cautiously welcomes their easy banter. With his humor, enthusiasm, and well-curated Broadway playlists, Mac slowly edges his way into her heart, but when he proves “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” Rae thinks about withdrawing to the comfort of hair metal and the silver screen.
Should Rae retreat from the world to protect her already broken heart, or will her involvement in the school’s theatre program and the random acts of kindness she and others have started performing give her “Something to Believe In”? I’ll Be There for You delves into the personal journey of healing old wounds, making new friends, and learning how to build a future with pieces of the past and present.
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Fun extras
The shoes
One of the things I love most in this book is Mac’s shoes. I found someone on Etsy to make a custom pair with his favorite shows.
The playlist
Given my passion for theatre, it’s only natural that I create a playlist for each book I write to serve as the “soundtrack” for the novel if it were a musical.
The reverse burn book
Part of my joy with this book is inspiring acts of kindness. When I go to book events, I bring a notebook—my real-life reverse burn book—and encourage readers to write an uplifting message about someone in their life.
I’d like to create a digital version as well, so if you have something nice to say, shoot me a message and I’ll include your kind words.
You can also click here to learn more about—and be part of—a kindness movement inspired by I’ll Be There for You.
The interview
I was asked by Women Writers, Women’s Books to “interview” my character Rae, which was a lot of fun; you can read the interview below. (This post was first published at https://booksbywomen.org/authors-interviewing-characters-brieanna-wilkoff/. And check out more press for I’ll Be There for You here.)
Brieanna Wilkoff, author of I’ll Be There for You, catches up with Rae in the auditorium before rehearsal begins during tech week for It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.
Brieanna Wilkoff: Thanks for taking time to meet with me; I know you’re busy. How are rehearsals going—are you ready for the show to open this weekend?
Rae Ballester (laughs nervously): I kind of have to be. But everybody is working really hard. I’m sure by Friday, we’ll be ready.
Brieanna: The radio play within the show makes this play different from most. Is that challenging?
Rae: Well, it’s nice that we don’t have to memorize all of our lines, but it’s hard to play an actress who’s then playing multiple characters. And the sound effects have taken some work—fun work—to get right.
Brieanna: This is your first time performing, correct?
Rae: …It’s my first play, yes.
Brieanna: What made you decide to audition?
The student director, Mac, plops down in the seat next to Rae.
Mac Reddington: Me.
Rae: Excuse you.
Mac: Am I wrong?
Rae: He did write my name on the sign-up sheet, so I suppose, technically, he’s the reason I auditioned.
Brieanna: What do you like best about being part of the show?
Mac: Also me.
Rae (rolls her eyes): Losing myself in the character… Over the past year, I spent a lot of time in my head thinking about not-so-happy things, and when I’m playing Mary, I get a break from all that.
Brieanna: You’re referring to the loss of your father?
Rae: Yeah, but can we not talk about that?
Brieanna: Of course. In addition to starring in the play, I hear you’re making a name for yourself around school as a champion of kindness.
Mac: She’s a rock star.
Rae: Someone did something wonderful for me and asked me to pay it forward. So that’s what I’m trying to do. I haven’t done anything that remarkable; it’s only been—
Mac: Don’t let her humbleness fool you. She’s the head of the operation, and she’s inspired the rest of us who are involved with the show, plus kids who have no ties to the theatre department. The other day, I saw someone snag a parking spot just before someone else could pull in. That girl wrote a note and stuck it to the windshield of the car that cut her off. Do you know what it said? I hope something makes you smile today.
Brieanna: Taking the high road. Do you think—
Mac: And this morning, when I got my cappuccino at Starbucks, I paid for the person behind me. I didn’t used to do that kind of thing.
Rae: This is my interview, you know.
Mac: I just want her to know how awesome you are. But please (sweeps his arm in an arc), interview away.
Brieanna: Okay, I think our readers would like to know what’s in store for you in the future. Will we see you onstage again?
Rae: …Maybe? I might audition for the spring musical.
Mac: No “might”—she will.
Brieanna: Are there any dream roles you’d like to play?
Rae: Maria in West Side Story would be amazing. Or Maria in The Sound of Music.
Mac: If you’re willing to branch out beyond Marias, you’d be a killer Elle Woods in Legally Blonde. Oh, or Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls.
Rae: Yes, Sarah would definitely be on my list.
The director claps his hands together to get the attention of the cast, and students make their way onstage for the start of rehearsal.
Brieanna: Well, it looks like our time is up, but I’m so glad we had this opportunity to talk. Break a leg this weekend!
Rae and Mac (simultaneously): Thanks!