Author Ian Mitchell-Gill has lived a rich and varied life that made writing almost inevitable. Born overseas and raised in rural Canada, his days were spent playing guitar, engaging in athletic endeavors, and reading every paperback jammed on the shelves. Surrounded by great storytellers in his family and a close-knit group of friends, allowed his imagination to roam.
This path led him down the road to becoming a teacher, and he started writing to create samples for his students to understand how a story is developed and polished. He and his students enjoyed the process so much that he began to write a chapter a week to share with them. His many experiences and interests proved to be valuable background for some of the characters and situations in the book.
Ian lives in Oshawa, Ontario, with his wife and two daughters. He continues to teach.
TBE: Your book, “Medusa’s Son,” blends elements of fantasy, adventure, and suspense in a captivating way. What inspired you to explore the concept of vampires and their relationship with humanity?
Ian Mitchell-Gill: It was actually the furthest thing from my mind for the longest time. I love vampire stories, movies, even graphic novels. So many did it so well that it never occurred to me to give it a try. And then I had the big idea. You know, the one that would change the whole dynamic between humans and the vampire nation. I had to run with it!
TBE: The protagonist, Walt Baranov, possesses extraordinary abilities that make him lethal to vampires. Can you share insights into the process of developing his character and the challenges he faces throughout the story?
Ian Mitchell-Gill: Walt starts off as a blank slate. A young guy who finds himself in Russia and decides to have a little fun by being naughty and leaving the American Embassy on his own. He knows nothing of his past and has all the goals that an eighteen-year-old would desire. Have fun, maybe meet someone. After that chance encounter, his whole ordinary world and even his identity is stripped away from him. His ability makes him dangerous, and valuable to the powers that be. They have their goals and he has his own. The biggest thing he wants to achieve is to help vampires instead of being responsible for wiping them out. The thought of his essence destroying the young woman he has come to know is horrifying for such a simple young man. But he never loses hope, he never gives up, and circumstance helps him find a way.
TBE: One of the book’s strengths lies in its rich and nuanced characterization. How did you approach creating the supporting characters, such as Ivan Kamenev, Doctor Kimiko, and Irina, to make them feel authentic and multidimensional?
Ian Mitchell-Gill: For me, they are not characters in a book. They are people with their own flaws, pain, desires, and strengths. Aren’t we all conflicted in some way? Kamenev is tough, prudent, pragmatic, but absolutely has a soft side. Kimiko is driven, an over-achiever who honors her obligation to the Yakuza, but has her own secrets. Irina has to be the most interesting to develop, as there has never been a person to experience her horrific life. I picture them in my mind; how they would move, talk, and the things they would say. It is most satisfying to let them play off each other. They live in my mind before they come to exist on paper.
TBE: The worldbuilding in “Medusa’s Son” is remarkable, blending reality with fantastical elements. What research or personal experiences did you draw upon to create the vivid settings and environments in the book?
Ian Mitchell-Gill: This definitely did take some time. Russia was not too challenging as that setting was fairly brief in the story. It was easy to find pictures of government buildings and being Canadian helped me understand their weather and the sound shoes make in the snow. I had to lean heavily on a good friend of mine, Rich Brown, who actually lives in the great nation of Japan. He helped me understand the geography and the culture. He told me of the Southern Alps of Japan and I fell in love with the idea. The facility in Japan could not be a tall one that stuck out for all to see. No, secret research must be done in a building that appears to be one-story, but actually has many floors beneath the facility. That just made sense to me.
TBE: The novel explores deeper themes of identity, acceptance, and the power of human connection. What inspired you to delve into these profound themes within the context of a supernatural thriller?
Ian Mitchell-Gill: Well, any eighteen-year-old is trying to find out who they are by trial and error. I’m sure we can all remember those times of uncertainty and angst. I’ve always been drawn to stories of loss, acceptance, and self-discovery. All of my characters bring those things with them. At the end of the day, we are all writing and reading stories that speak to who we are.
TBE: The climactic showdown between the vampires, military forces, and Walt’s extraordinary abilities in the Southern Alps of Japan is intense and gripping. Can you share your approach to crafting action sequences and maintaining a sense of urgency and tension?
Ian Mitchell-Gill: It is tricky. You have to describe the setting and the action in such a way that the reader can easily picture the whole thing going down. You must be careful not to get too bogged down in describing any one thing or action to destroy the momentum. There is nothing wrong with a short chapter to help push the pace of the story.
TBE: Irina’s character arc, from a vampire test subject to a young woman rediscovering her humanity, is particularly poignant. What was the inspiration behind this character’s journey, and what did you hope to convey through her story?
Ian Mitchell-Gill: I’ve been hoping that someone would ask me that very question! Irina, and all the vampires like her, are a metaphor for people going through a terrible addiction. When she has “fed” she can think, remember, respond. When the thirst is upon her, she is out of her mind and all she can do is go after what she needs. I feel a great deal of pity for anyone suffering through an addiction, and the world is struggling to find a way to help these poor souls. There is no easy answer to help those in need. Even after recovery that journey will mark them forever.
TBE: As an author, what were some of the challenges you faced while writing “Medusa’s Son,” and how did you overcome them?
Ian Mitchell-Gill: There was the difficulty understanding the setting, which I have explained was solved with research and discussion with a resident of Japan. The next challenge was to understand the science of virology, how our immune system works, and how DNA is involved in the specific cells that deliver antigens. Yes, that took some learning and plenty of reading. It was absolutely necessary.
TBE: The book touches upon the concept of a “prophecy” surrounding Walt’s existence, known as “Medusa’s Son.” Can you elaborate on the significance of this prophecy and its role in the narrative?
Ian Mitchell-Gill: The “prophecy” is actually the vampire nation using mythology to help them understand their reality. They knew a boy was born who could kill a vampire with a touch. Seeing as how Medusa could kill you with a look, it stood to reason that her offspring might be lethal with a touch. They also knew that if humanity ever found this young man, it would be all they need to destroy the vampire nation. They use Greek mythology again later in the series to label their “Nemesis.”
TBE: Your background as a teacher and your passion for storytelling are evident in the book. How has your teaching experience influenced your writing process and approach to crafting narratives?
Ian Mitchell-Gill: Because I work with students, and often write for them, it always makes the reader my greatest focus. I cannot be too self-indulgent if it confuses the audience, or is just not appealing. It’s also great to explain why I have made certain choices, or what I was trying to show about a character through their actions or words. Explaining these things makes it clearer in my own mind. Definitely what you would call, “reciprocal teaching.”
TBE: Can you share any insights into your writing process and the techniques you employ to create engaging and immersive storytelling?
Ian Mitchell-Gill: I like a chapter to begin well using a few techniques that naturally draw in the reader. Similarly, I like a chapter to end with something that makes anyone reading the book want to turn that page. I love dropping “gold coins” throughout the book. Imagine if you were walking down a trail in the forest and you kept finding gold coins. You would keep on that trail trying to find the next one. The “gold coins” I use in a book are surprises, reveals, or something that shocks, or amuses the reader. These are the things that help the audience want to move down the path I have created.
TBE: What are your thoughts on the current state of the fantasy and supernatural thriller genres, and how do you hope “Medusa’s Son” contributes to or challenges these genres?
Ian Mitchell-Gill: I don’t read as much as I should because I am so busy exercising my own imagination, but I think there are a lot of people doing great things in those genres. I hope that other authors read Medusa’s Son and perhaps get inspired to break away from the norm and do something really different. Yes, I think we need our creatives to break from tradition, change the rules, and do something that has never been done before. We need to keep it fresh.
It would be great if Medusa’s Son became a film and inspired an industry that seems a little stale at the moment. I’d say the movie studios are mired in remakes and sequels. That needs to change.
TBE: Are there any particular authors or books that have inspired or influenced your writing style and approach to storytelling?
Ian Mitchell-Gill: It’s hard to pick just one author as I read so many paperbacks growing up in a rural setting. So much of it was fantasy and sci-fi, and I devoured it all. I got more interested in adventure as I matured and that definitely influenced my choices. Getting to meet and talk with great authors like Ted Staunton and Eric Walters was also a real motivator. Great Canadian writers who really give back to the community in their own way. They make you want to be a better writer and a better person.
TBE: Now that “Medusa’s Son” has been published, what has the experience been like for you as an author? Have you received any notable feedback or reactions from readers?
Ian Mitchell-Gill: Honestly, it’s been great. The reviews have been positive and it feels terrific when someone tells you they read it in one or two sittings. Even people who don’t normally read the genre say that it was exceptional at keeping them motivated to see what would happen next. Probably the best thing is when you read a review where the reader completely understood everything you were trying to do and they enjoyed the experience. No better feeling than that.
TBE: Can you give us a glimpse into your future projects or ideas? Are there any plans for a sequel or exploring other genres or themes in your upcoming works?
Ian Mitchell-Gill: The sequel for “Medusa’s Son” is titled, “The Medusa Division,” and it will be going through editing rounds and be published soon. The third in the series is titled “Medusa’s Ghost,” and I’ve even written the first chapter for a fourth installment.
I was always worried that the ideas would, “dry up.” That has not been the case at all. Aside from writing about the adventures of Walt Baranov, I have a thriller I want to write and a fantasy horror that keeps going around and around in my mind. I just have to find time to write them all. What a wonderful problem to have!
