A Slasher Rom-Com? Inside How to Kill a Guy in 10 Dates by Shailee Thompson

Описание: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.


What happens when a rom-com meets a slasher movie? In this episode, I’m joined by debut author Shaylee Thompson to talk about her wildly fun genre-bending novel How to Kill a Guy in 10 Dates — a slasher rom-com set during a speed-dating event gone horribly wrong.


We chat about how Shaylee blended two formula-driven genres, her journey from English teacher to full-time writer, and why sometimes the book that becomes your debut isn’t the first book you wrote. If you love horror movies, rom-coms, and stories that break the rules, this conversation is packed with behind-the-scenes insights.


Plus, Shaylee shares a few book recommendations for readers who love horror comedy, meta storytelling, and genre-bending fiction.
📚 Books Mentioned


How to Kill a Guy in 10 Dates (https://amzn.to/4aXqywz) by Shailee Thompson (https://amzn.to/4aXqywz) — Slasher Rom-Com | Horror Comedy


Butcher and Blackbird (https://amzn.to/3OW0KZm) by Brynne Weaver (https://amzn.to/3OW0KZm) — Dark Romantic Comedy | Serial Killer Romance | KU ✅ | Audio ✅


The Final Girl Support Group (https://amzn.to/3PnPcOq) by Grady Hendrix (https://amzn.to/3PnPcOq) — Horror | Slasher Film Tribute | Thriller | Audio ✅


Long Live Evil (https://amzn.to/4d8nrDl) by Sarah Rees Brennan (https://amzn.to/4d8nrDl) — Fantasy | Villain Story | Meta Fantasy | Audio ✅


Your Favorite Scary Movie (https://amzn.to/4b8vAoQ) by Ashley Cullins (https://amzn.to/4b8vAoQ) — Nonfiction | Horror Film Analysis | Pop Culture


Persuasion (https://amzn.to/3MQq5mP) by Jane Austen (https://amzn.to/3MQq5mP) — Classic Romance | Literary Fiction | Audio ✅

⏱️ Time Stamps


[00:00] Introduction to Shaylee Thompson and her debut novel


[01:00] The premise of How to Kill a Guy in 10 Dates


[02:00] Combining rom-com and slasher genres


[04:00] Why the book released around Valentine’s Day


[05:00] Shaylee’s writing journey and early books


[07:00] Signing with an agent and finding the right debut


[08:00] Writing discipline and finishing a draft in four months


[09:00] Becoming a full-time writer


[11:00] Shaylee’s reading tastes and favorite genres


[12:00] Book recommendations for horror and rom-com fans


[14:00] Where to find Shaylee online




Join the Conversation


Subscribe to our Substack (https://wtrnblog.substack.com/) for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com (https://wtrnblog.substack.com/) )


Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog (https://www.whattoreadnext.com/) | YouTube: What to Read Next (   / @whattoreadnextblog  )


Subscribe & leave a review!