Before coming into the MCW program in Fall 2001, John completed his BA at Goucher College and an MA in creative writing at Hollins College. In 2000, when he turned 23, his first story collection, Stop Breaking Down, was published by Picador, and he received a Whiting Award for his fiction. A second collection, Born on a Train, followed in 2003. McManus completed his MFA at the Michener Center in May 2004.

"It was the chance of a lifetime to study with Joy Williams, and the biggest mistake in my life was failing to write down every word she said," he says. "David Bradley's class was the academic equivalent of Parris Island boot camp, but I learned more from him than just about any other writing teacher I've had. The Naomis [Nye and Iizuka] should win the Nobel Teaching Prize ASAP. Michael Adams has the entire history of western civilization memorized, no joke, the whole thing, and it can really come in handy. I'm so glad to have gone to the Michener Center that I'm practically jealous of myself."

John's first novel, Bitter Milk, was published by Picador in May 2005. He currently teaches creative writing in Goddard's low-residency program.