Ottawa Author: Kristi McManus

We are so excited to have you here with us at Pages and Pleasures Ottawa 2026!

Tell us why you chose Romance and tell us a little bit about one of the books you will have at the event.

In most of my books, romance isn’t necessarily the main theme. My debut was a villain origin, my second was about friendship. But love and romance weaves so effortlessly into every story, I find it natural for my books to end up romance, or with romantic elements. 

For example, my debut, Our Vengeful Souls, is a villain origin story of the sea witch from the Little Mermaid. The main theme of the story is self discovery, revenge, rivalry. But it is the love story that moves much of the plot, and becomes one of the main characters strongest motivations. 

Kristi McManus is a Registered Nurse by trade, but avid reader and enthusiastic book lover all her life. When she isn't writing, she enjoys photography, art, and considers napping to be a form of cardio. She lives in Toronto with her husband.

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What inspired you to start writing romance?

Romance is woven into every part of our lives, even if we don’t realize it. For each of my stories, it isn’t the main theme or motivator, but still drives the characters and develops deeper connections with readers.

How did your journey as an author begin—and what kept you going?

I’ve been writing as along as I can remember. Since the age of 10, I believe. I came back into it when I discovered Wattpad in 2014, and so many stories poured out of me. I learned craft, developed friendships, and discovered what I wanted my work to mean. I’ve transitioned into traditional publishing, but will always be grateful to the Wattpad community for reigniting my passion.

What does a typical writing day look like for you (if such a thing exists)?

I typically have writing hour…from 6-7pm, where I lock myself away in my bedroom, and write a chapter. I always stay until I’ve completed that chapter, as I immerse myself into that part of the story so deeply, I find I never get quite back on the same roll if I take a break. I need silence, leave my phone in the other room so I don’t get distracted, and just type. 

If you didn’t write Romance, what other genre would you write? 

I write fantasy, friendship, and have recently written a historical. But every story has a romantic backstory and love woven deeply into them.

What’s the hardest part of being an author that readers might not realize?

The rejection is something everyone talks about. Especially in traditional publishing. But other things can include the isolation of writing, imposter syndrome as your peers reach milestones, and even exhaustion when you reach a point where the words just don’t come anymore. I haven’t written anything new in over a year, and am just waiting for the next one that I feel so deeply that it demands to be told. 

How do you handle writer’s block or creative slumps?

Don’t force it. I walk away, and consume other media. Music, movies, reading. I keep the story in the back of my mind, and wait for the knots to untie themselves naturally, even if it takes a long time.

Tell us about your books. What subgenre of romance do you write and why do you love it? (e.g., contemporary, historical, paranormal, spicy)?

Fantasy, contemporary, historical. I love it all, because romance can be integrated into any type of story even if it isn’t at the forefront. I’d like to try more historical, but love doing retellings, and have a few in the back of my mind I might try one day.

Do you have one moment that you can remember where you interacted with a reader and realized “Oh my gosh, I am an actual author!”? If so what was it.

At my first author event, Columbus Book Festival in 2023, several readers came up with special editions of my novel that had been in Once Upon A BookClub’s book box. I hadn’t even received my own box yet, so to see them out in the wild was great. 

What themes or tropes do you love exploring in your stories?

Friendship has made its way into the last 4 books I’ve written, and tends to drive much of the characters movement even more than the romance itself. Our relationships can be just as impactful as our romantic connections, and I love the variety and drama that comes with that.

How do you approach writing romantic tension and chemistry between characters?

It depends on the story and what feels natural. Tension can be as simple as inner monologues of longing, to keeping them apart for chapters on end, building the anticipation of their reunion. Personally, I love banter. Good banter scenes can up the tension and connection more than a kiss or look. 

Tell us about a favourite author and reader interaction you have ever had. 

At the Columbus Book Festival in 2023, I was doing a post panel signing, when I reader came up saying how much she wanted to read my book, but could only afford 2 books for the event since she had rent to pay. It pulled at me that someone who loved reading and stories so much had to choose between books and rent, so I handed over my own copy of my debut. The gratitude and excitement on her face was the best moment. 

Which of your characters do you relate to the most—and why?

I think there is a small part of myself in all my characters. Either as I am, or how I want to be. In the end, I feel I am most like Hannah, from How to Get Over Your (Best Friend’s) Ex, as she is quiet, reserved, and tends to put others first. I am a painful introvert, and definitely follow others lead. 

Do you have a favorite fictional couple you've written? What makes them stand out?

Probably Kasia and Cinder from Even Stars Burn (coming 2027). They are mortal enemies, even though they don’t know it, each of them with life or death stakes motivating their actions in pandem with their developing romance…until everything is revealed and they have to decide if love really can conquer all. 

Thank you again for sharing your time, talent, and stories with us. We’re honored to have you as part of Pages and PleasuresOttawa. Your words bring joy, escape, and connection to readers—and we can’t wait to celebrate you!