Meet Kristi

Name: Kristi McManus
Novel Title: How to Get Over Your (Best Friend’s) Ex
Genre: YA Romance
Release Date: June 11 2024
Website/Platform Name: www.kristimcmanus.ca
Contact Information: [email protected]
 
1. Can you give me a brief overview of your novel?

Hannah Taylor has lived in her best friend Braelyn’s shadow all through high school. But when she meets Seth, the handsome and charming newcomer, she wonders if, for once, she might finally be in the spotlight. Until Braelyn and Seth meet, and Brae sweeps his attention away as only she can. Hannah is left to watch the first boy she’s ever truly liked date not only someone else, but her best friend.

When Seth unexpectedly breaks up with Brae months later, Hannah vows to help her friend get over the breakup while secretly trying to move on from Seth once and for all. Because even though Seth is no longer dating Brae, you never, ever date your best friend’s ex. But getting over Seth is easier said than done when Hannah learns that she was the reason for the breakup, and Seth may like her back.

2. What inspired you to write it?

The title came to me first while driving. I wanted something relatable, something that a lot of teens can likely relate to when it comes to crushes and friendship. I wanted to show the power dynamic of high school and also the vulnerability that comes with it, while also showing the challenges of first love.

3. Tell me about the main characters in your book. What makes them unique or relatable?

I think Hannah is relatable in that she is the quintessential girl in the background. Wonderful in her own right, but somehow always overshadowed by the loud, outgoing girl in Brae. I think a lot of teens can relate to that, always feeling like someone else is more popular, prettier, more deserving.

4. What themes or messages do you hope readers take away from your novel?

To always belief that you are worthy of love, of friendship, and of being who you are.

5. How did you approach the writing process for this book?

Typically when starting a new book, I sit with the idea until the first few chapters have somewhat formed in my head. Then I outline by breaking down the entire story by chapter, making sure I hit certain plot points, following a clear arc, ect. I find this way I can get a feel for how the story will play out, and avoid writing myself into a corner. As I write, the story may change, and I update my outline as needed.

6. Do you have any writing rituals or habits that you follow?

I need silence to write. I’m easily distracted, and when writing I want to immerse myself in the world, in the minds and emotions of the characters. To do that, I need quiet and focus. Some people need music, I need silence.

7. Were there any challenges you faced while writing this novel? How did you overcome them?

As with any novel, I always reach a point where I wonder if its any good, if I’m doing the story justice in comparison to what I hoped it would be, etc. Especially with first drafts. I tell myself to just keep writing, get the draft done, and it is in the revision process I can flesh things out and deepen the emotion. It doesn’t have to be perfect the first round.

8. What advice do you have for aspiring authors who are working on their first book?

Just write. Like I said above, it doesn’t have to be good in the first draft. Or the second, even. Just get words on the page, get the idea out, then polish it during revision. You can revise a bad draft, you can’t do anything with a blank page.

9. Can you share any upcoming projects or future plans in the world of writing and literature?

I am currently writing the first draft for a new YA historical retelling. I’ve had the idea for years, and just decided it was time to write it. I also have a revision for my editor for a possible third book which is a gender swapped Cinderella retelling, but it’s far from complete. I have another YA romance currently under consideration with my publisher, but don’t know yet if it will find its way to the shelves yet.

9. Is there a particular moment or review from a reader that stands out to you and made your journey as an author more meaningful?

While at a book conference last summer, I met a young reader. She was enthusiastic and it was clear she loved reading. While chatting, she told me that she really wanted to read my book, but only had enough money for 1 which she had already bought. She said she had to choose between reading/books and paying rent that month. It killed me that someone would have to sacrifice their love of reading, so I gave her my own copy of Our Vengeful Souls that I had brought with me. Her gratitude and excitement is still my favorite author moment so far.

10. Finally, if there's one thing you'd like your readers to remember about you and your work, what would it be?

That whether it’s a fantasy or a romance, I hope to inspire hope and create relatable characters that readers can root for and love.