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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 by Shailee Thompson — Slasher Rom-Com | Horror Comedy

Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver — Dark Romantic Comedy | Serial Killer Romance | KU ✅ | Audio ✅

The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix — Horror | Slasher Film Tribute | Thriller | Audio ✅

Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan — Fantasy | Villain Story | Meta Fantasy | Audio ✅

Your Favorite Scary Movie by Ashley Cullins — Nonfiction | Horror Film Analysis | Pop Culture

Persuasion by Jane Austen — 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

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