Medallio is the author of fantasy and all kinds of fiction that bends the mind and makes you feel a myriad of emotions. Medallio spends time attending local writing conferences and contributing to writers’ groups. When Medallio’s not writing and editing in the DMV area as a Technical Writer/Editor, she’s the 1/4 owner of a standard party poodle, but also a singer if you count exclusive gigs in the car and shower. Medallio can be found spending time with her niece at the dog park or taking walks with friends. She’s also been spotted at art galleries daydreaming that she painted the whole realism section. When Medallio isn’t traipsing around the DC area eating vegetarian burgers, she is an adventure seeker that leads her outside of the country as a solo traveler.
1. You had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Answer: Hello, I would describe myself as honest, witty, and ambitious.
2. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and What made you want to start writing? Was there a moment that made you think, “I want to write a book”?
Answer: Two moments happened in my life. First, I was in third grade and my teacher assigned the class to write creative writing short stories about a new amusement park ride. I wrote about a rollercoaster that went through a ring of fire; I thought it was so cool. My teacher loved my story so much that she read it in front of the class. She mentioned that I was a detailed and descriptive writer. My second experience was when I took a creative writing course with NYU as an adult and submitted a battle scene from the then unpublished hybrid series. The professor was impressed and encouraged me to keep writing. She said, “You are a writer.”
3. Your book Young Blood is filled with magic, hybrids, and deep emotions. What inspired you to write this unique story?
Answer: The inspiration actually stemmed from reading (don’t judge me, please) the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. I read Breaking Dawn and fell in love with the idea of a new species of vampire. I started seeing Young Blood unfold in my dreams and daydreams. I saw a need for a new adult book that had minorities and people with brown skin in it, so I wrote it. I also love magical realism especially how it was integrated into The Vampire Diaries books and tv show by Bonnie. I love bending existing lore of paranormal creatures.
4. Ana, the mother in your book, is so protective of her son. Do you see any of your own qualities in her?
Answer: Ana is loosely based on me. I have a young niece and I am fiercely protective of her, so I drew from those feelings and that love. I also used my own mother as an example. She would move heaven and earth for me, so why wouldn’t Ana do this for Liam?
5. You’ve traveled to many places and love adventures. Did any of your travels inspire parts of Young Blood?
Answer: Yes! I have had some great experiences abroad. Mainly, I’ve met some really humble and sweet people. I think that’s where Chrysanthia’s personality comes in. She’s genuine and very humble.
6. Writing about hybrids, magic, and intense emotions must be challenging. How do you balance the dark themes in your book with moments of hope?
Answer: In my real life, I tell myself that the hardships are not forever. They are just for a season and it’s for a reason. That’s how I approached those dark times in the book and the easy transition of hopeful moments for my characters; especially Ana when she was reliving her memories against her will. Remembering those people from her past and then seeing Dorian lit up the darkness coming for her friends and family. Dorian is always the light in her life.
7. You love going for walks with friends. If you could take Ana or another character from your book on a walk, what would you talk about?
Answer: I would go for a walk with Chrysanthia. I would beg and plead for her to tell me my future. LOL. I would also ask her about her past from her point of view since she sees so many different paths at once.
8. Your book talks about family and deep bonds. How important is family in your own life, and how does that influence your writing?
Answer: I am so glad this question was asked. When I wrote Aleko (Ana’s father), I wanted to pull from a positive fatherly example. I chose my dad. Those scenes when Aleko and Ana finally talk out their issues were so beautiful to me because my dad shows his emotions openly. He’ll tell me and show me he loves me, hugs me, and kisses me on the cheek. Ana had that with her adoptive father, but she needed that even more from her biological father. I also wanted to show the positive side of having a present father. I think I captured that in Dorian and Ana’s adoptive father; even in Aleko once Ana heard his story.
9. Do you have other writers in the family and friends?
Answer: My cousin has started writing (I hope I inspired her creativity, LOL). I’ll have to ask around to the others.
10. How would you describe Young Blood in just a few words to make someone want to pick it up and read it right away?
Answer: Once we smell you. We never give up the hunt.
11. What was the most surprising thing you learned while writing this book?
Answer: I learned so much! For instance, I learned how to develop a story and that includes world building, dialogue, and developing relationships between my characters. I learned that I need to be selective and research those that offer services to me before jumping in. LISTEN TO MY GUT; my gut knows best. Lastly, writers in the indie publishing world are amazingly helpful and supportive in this space.
12. Are there any specific authors or books that have influenced your writing style?
Answer: Some authors that have influenced my writing style are JD Robb, James Patterson, Maya Angelou, Meg Cabot, and romance authors.
13. Do you have any upcoming projects or works in progress that you can give us a sneak peek into?
Answer: I have a published short story on my website. It is a dystopian, apocalyptic story. There is a bonus scene from Dorian and Ana on my website as well. An upcoming project is the second book in The Hybrid Series, titled Shadow Creatures. This will be in Malía’s point of view. I am very excited to tell her story! This will be a bit spicier too. Works in progress are the third book in The Hybrid Series. I am also working on dark why choose romance, and romance, crime, thriller outside of the hybrid vampire world.
14. If someone wanted to reach out to you for a project or collaboration, what’s the best way for them to get in touch?
Answer: I am available through: https://linktr.ee/medalliogreen.author and author website at https://medalliogreen.com/. You can also find my books here too.
15. Lastly, what would you say to aspiring authors who want to write stories as creative and emotional as yours?
Answer: I would encourage authors to join writers’ groups, befriend authors, have a beta reading team, and attend writer’s conferences and events. I’m also a reader for authors; I encourage authors to be on ARC reading teams. Don’t be afraid to go deep; dig into that intensity and unpack it. Know that it’s okay to cry as you write. If you feel something, then your readers will too.
Young Blood is available on Amazon
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