Ten Questions for bestselling One Of Us Is Lying author, Karen M McManus

INSPIRED by Simple Minds’ theme from the movie The Breakfast Club, American Karen’s debut novel, One Of Us Is Lying, has been translated in to 38 languages and is a New York Times bestseller.

She’s in the UK next week for interviews and to address a sell-out teenage event in Newcastle. Her second novel, Two Can Keep A Secret, is out now.

What surprised you about your second novel?

With the first I had no pressure, but now suddenly I had a contract, an agent and a publisher in my ear, deadlines to meet, and I still had a full-time job. I had to push through all my self-doubt.

What has success changed in your life?

I was able to leave my job. I didn’t want to jump too quickly as I live in a country where there is no free universal health care, so it was a very big decision.

This new book’s told by two separate people. Why?

I couldn’t see how to do it otherwise. I drew up playlists of the songs my characters Ellery and Malcolm might like, and I’d listen before writing their different chapters so I could get in to them as people.

What songs would they listen to?

Malcolm is a boy with yearning so he listened to Chris Cornell. Ellery is pluckier, and she would listen to Robin Schulz.

Who did you read when you were young?

The Narnia books, and I loved Agatha Christie. I also read Stephen King before I should have. I was young and they were around the house.

What do people ask at book signings?

Often I get the same questions but my debut was in the UK, and the very first question was “Which of your characters would you like to kill off?” I didn’t know what to say. Eventually I said I’d do rock, paper, scissors.

What do you do when you face writer’s block?

I walk from where I live in Cambridge, Massachusetts, along the river and over the bridge to Boston. I let my mind wander. It’s great for thinking of plots.

Do you enjoy doing school events?

They ask such interesting questions like “where do you get your characters’ names from?” I tell them to be careful. If they’re not nice, a classmate might become a writer and use their name for revenge.

One book you’d like to be marooned with?

I’d probably go for a Dickens novel because I love books with lots of characters.

You have 24 hours left to live. How do you spend it?

Ideally by finishing a novel and saying “I nailed it”. I’d then watch the kids play one last time and I’d go, happy with my choices in life. I wasn’t the most adventurous, but I did the best I could.