A Conversation with Rebecca Balcárcel

I had the privilege of meeting award-winning children’s author Rebecca Balcárcel through my local chapter of the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.  Her debut novel, THE OTHER HALF OF HAPPY, is an earnest, lyrical coming-of-age story about twelve-year-old Quijana’s struggle to find where she belongs.

KM: Do I remember correctly that The Other Half of Happy started as a book of poetry? Could you describe how and why it evolved into a middle grade novel?

RB: It’s hard to believe that I didn’t know I was writing a novel when this project started! With an MFA in poetry, I started writing prose poems in the voice of a bi-cultural twelve-year-old. She had a lot to say, and in one summer, I created about 40 little scenes. I wasn’t sure, though, if this was an adult looking back or a true middle-grade project. It was my agent who said, “I think this would sing as a middle-grade novel.” I decided to go for it! It took two years of revision and rewriting to turn my stack of poems into a novel. I lengthened scenes, I added a clear plot arc, and I wrote the connective material that would make this feel like a fully-realized story.

KM: Do you have a favorite place to write? What makes it your favorite?

RB: I write in many places – Starbucks, my public library, the desk in my bedroom. My favorite place is that desk, but sometimes I need to escape from laundry and lawn chores that distract me at home. Wherever I am, I use a laptop and Google docs. I listen to music that either reflects my book’s theme or inspires me.

KM: When you write, do you snack? If so, what are your go-to foods?

RB: Unfortunately, yes! I like popcorn and dark chocolate, but since I don’t want to over-do salt and sugar, I also drink tea. Peppermint, English Breakfast, and Lady Grey are my favorites. The mint works well at night when I want to avoid caffeine.

KM: You are living your debut novel year – what has been your biggest surprise? 

RB: I’ve been amazed at the generosity of the writing community! I joined a debut group, and we cheered each other as our covers were revealed or starred reviews came in. We also held each other’s hands (online) when un-starred reviews came in or our books weren’t chosen for certain year-end lists or awards. The Twitter writing community has been a joy as well. I’ve discovered chats like #LasMusas and #mglitchat. It’s such fun connecting with writers. After all the isolation of writing the book and talking about it to only my agent and editor, the open arms and support of the writing community took my breath away!

KM: If you could go back in time to the moment you began writing The Other Half of Happy and tell yourself anything, what would you say?

RB: I would say, “Keep believing in your character. The revision will be worth it. Be ready to rewrite the whole book from page one if you want a wider audience, but also stay true to the heart of the book.” And most of all, “Don’t give up!”

 Rebecca Balcárcel’s debut novel, THE OTHER HALF OF HAPPY (2019), is a Pura Belpré Honor Book, an ALSC Notable Book, and a Junior Library Guild selection that was called “a must-have for all library collections” by School Library Journal. She serves the students of Tarrant County College as Associate Professor of English.

Kell McKinney earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and an M.S. in documentary studies from the University of North Texas. She’s a part-time copywriter, double-time mom and wife, and spends every free minute writing and/or hunting for her car keys. Connect with her on Twitter @Kell_McK or kellmckinney.com.