Picture a Chicago-born storyteller weaving spine-chilling tales that blend Native American folklore with real-world horrors—meet Nick Medina! A member of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, Medina burst onto the horror fiction scene with his 2023 debut, Sisters of the Lost Nation. His unique voice, rooted in his heritage and passion for the eerie, has readers hooked on his thrilling narratives that tackle social issues with a supernatural twist.
From haunted cemeteries to the swamps of Louisiana, Medina’s stories draw you into a world where myths come alive, and the past refuses to stay buried. Ready to dive into his chilling universe? Let’s explore the life, works, and impact of this rising horror star.
The Making of Nick Medina
Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Nick Medina grew up surrounded by the city’s snowy winters, blues music, and local ghost stories. As a proud member of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe, he spent time visiting the reservation in Louisiana, where his grandmother, a tribal elder, shared ancient folklore that sparked his imagination. These tales, combined with his love for spooky adventures—think exploring haunted cemeteries—ignited a lifelong passion for storytelling. Medina honed his craft with degrees in organizational and multicultural communication, later teaching public speaking and multicultural communication as a college professor.
His writing journey began with short stories published in outlets like Midwest Literary Magazine and Underground Voices since 2009. But it was a 2017 Chicago Tribune article about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) epidemic that inspired his leap into novels, leading to his breakout debut.
Nick Medina’s Unforgettable Stories
Medina’s debut, Sisters of the Lost Nation (2023), is a gripping blend of mythological horror and thriller set on the fictional Takoda reservation in Louisiana. The story follows Anna Horn, a young Native girl searching for answers about missing women, including her sister, amid eerie tribal myths and modern dangers. Inspired by the MMIWG crisis and Native folklore, the novel weaves alligators, frogs, and ancient spirits into a haunting narrative that’s both heart-wrenching and terrifying.
His 2024 follow-up, Indian Burial Ground, dives deeper into generational trauma and supernatural dread. Set on a reservation, it explores buried secrets and mythical fears through dual perspectives decades apart. Critics praise its creepy atmosphere and emotional depth, calling it a story that “slithers under your skin.” Medina also contributed to the 2023 anthology Never Whistle at Night, showcasing his knack for short-form horror rooted in Indigenous experiences.
Medina’s style is visceral and empathetic, using horror to confront real-world issues like systemic violence and cultural erasure. His characters, often everyday Native people, defy stereotypes, blending resilience with vulnerability. Whether it’s a disembodied entity or a societal demon, Medina’s stories remind us that horror is about surviving—and growing stronger.
Why Nick Medina Matters
Nick Medina’s work shines a spotlight on the MMIWG epidemic, bringing a critical issue to a wider audience through gripping storytelling. By rooting his horror in Native American culture, he challenges stereotypes and celebrates Indigenous resilience, earning praise from authors like Paul Tremblay and Alma Katsu. His debut won a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection Award, signaling his growing influence in the horror genre.
Beyond awards, Medina’s impact lies in his ability to make readers feel—fear, empathy, and hope. His stories resonate with those who see themselves in Anna Horn’s courage or the Takoda tribe’s struggles, while inviting others to learn about Native experiences. As a fresh voice in horror, Medina is paving the way for more diverse narratives in the genre.
- Born: Chicago, Illinois
- Key Works: Sisters of the Lost Nation (2023), Indian Burial Ground (2024), Never Whistle at Night (contributor, 2023)
- Award: Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection for Sisters of the Lost Nation
- Fun Fact: He loves playing guitar and classic rock!
Grab Sisters of the Lost Nation and dive into Nick Medina’s haunting blend of horror and heart—your next sleepless night awaits!