We chat with author Kristi McManus about her latest novel How to Get Over Your (Best Friend’s) Ex, along with writing, book recommendations, and more!
Hi, Kristi! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I’m a registered nurse, but have been an avid reader all my life. I enjoy all forms of creativity such as photography, drawing, painting and of course, writing. I live outside Toronto with my husband.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
When I was 10 and in 5th grade, we were tasked to rewrite a fairy tale. I chose Little Red Riding Hood, and decided to tell the story from the perspective of the wolf as a misunderstood victim of mistaken identity. I typed it on my mother’s old typewriter, completely illustrated it, and loved every moment. The teachers seemed to enjoy it as well as they had a copy printed for the school library and read it during assemblies.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: Nancy Drew with my mom
- The one that made you want to become an author: The constant desire to write, like an invisible force, even if no one read them
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: New story ideas!
Your latest novel, How to Get Over Your (Best Friend’s) Ex, is out June 11th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Friendship, self-discovery, drama, love, fun
What can readers expect?
Shy girl Hannah is best friends with the most popular girl in school, Brae. She has lived as the sidekick most of their friendship, which has never bothered her and her quiet nature. Until she meets Seth, and that quiet nature stops her from following her heart before Brae can swoop in. For months, she is forced to watch the first boy she ever truly liked date her best friend. Until Seth breaks up with Brae, and Hannah decides they both need to get over him (herself secretly) and enact the six easy steps for getting over a breakup. But when Hannah learns she is the reason for the breakup, she must decide whether to follow her heart or stand by her oldest friend.
Where did the inspiration for How to Get Over Your (Best Friend’s) Ex come from?
The title came to me first, and over time I built the story around it. It is something that I think young adults can related to, liking someone you shouldn’t, and I wanted to portray that experience in a relatable way.
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Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I think I enjoyed writing Hannah’s (slow) growth into self confidence the best. I am reserved by nature and much of her character is mirrored in myself. Her development is slow and natural based on the challenges she encounters, and while in the end she does find her voice, it isn’t a stark change from her true self.
What’s next for you?
I recently finished revisions on another young adult romance that I’m excited about. It features a neurodivergent MC, friends to enemies to lovers, forced proximity and more. I’ve also gone back to rewriting fairy tales, and recently wrote a gender swapped Robin Hood with Maid Marian leading a band of merry women to overthrow a corrupt crown.
Lastly, what books have you enjoyed so far this year and are there any that you can’t wait to get your hands on?
I’ve been slowly reading through the Throne of Glass series, which I’m loving. I can’t wait to read Under the Surface by Diana Urban and Such Charming Liars by Karen McManus.
