Debut Author Shailee Thompson Releases "How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates"

Shailee Thompson, a debut author, has officially released her novel, "How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates." The book stands out for its unique blend of slasher film elements and romantic comedy tropes.

A Unique Blend of Slasher and Rom-Com

The novel introduces Jamie Prescott, a cinephile protagonist who leverages her extensive knowledge of slasher film tropes to navigate a speed-dating event that unexpectedly turns violent. Thompson crafted the narrative to incorporate beloved aspects from both the slasher and romantic comedy genres. The book's title itself is a playful nod to the popular film, "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days."

Thompson described the book as incorporating beloved aspects of both slasher and romantic comedy genres.

Inspiration and Author's Vision

Thompson's inspiration for the concept stemmed from a social media post that highlighted a desire for more Halloween-themed romantic comedies. As a former English, literature, and drama teacher, Thompson aimed to challenge traditional genre boundaries, deliberately blending horror and romance to create something fresh and engaging.

Influences and Crafting the Story

Thompson's personal interest in film, cultivated through '90s romantic comedies and later horror films, significantly influenced her writing style and approach. For the novel, she conducted extensive research on various films, noting that her protagonist's level of cinephilia even surpasses her own. A distinctive feature of the book is that each chapter begins with quotes from romantic movies, which Thompson skillfully recontextualizes to create a subtly sinister tone.

Themes and Genre Identity

Beyond its genre fusion, "How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates" explores significant themes such as toxic masculinity and the strength of female friendships. Thompson identifies the novel primarily as a romance, aligning with a "hopeful romantic" perspective. She also references the growing popularity of "romantasy" and other evolving romance subgenres, positioning her work within this broader landscape.

Availability

"How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates" is currently available for readers.