Tides Are Turning at Dark Harbor

Introduction

The magazine you first discovered has been quietly building something remarkable. Since launching in October 2024, Dark Harbor Magazine has grown beyond what we imagined when we first opened our digital doors. Seventy stories by sixty-two authors now fill our archives, each one carefully selected for its ability to unsettle, provoke, and linger in readers' minds long after the last line. Our subscriber count has crossed one hundred, a milestone that speaks to the hunger for quality horror fiction that respects the genre's roots while pushing into new territory.

This growth represents a community of readers and writers who understand that horror literature deserves serious attention. However you found us—through a recommendation, a late-night search, or pure chance—you've become part of something that's expanding in ways we're excited to share.

Leadership Changes

Alexis Samuels, MFA, has accepted the role of Managing Editor, bringing her keen editorial eye and passion for the genre to help steer our ship through increasingly ambitious waters. Alexis has been instrumental in shaping our vision, and now she'll be guiding our day-to-day operations with the same careful attention she brings to every manuscript that crosses her desk.

Spotlight: Alexis Samuels, MFA

Alexis brings a unique perspective to Dark Harbor Magazine as both a poet and short story writer whose work centers around grief, loss, and nature - themes that naturally led her to appreciate the depths of horror literature. Her published work includes poetry in CHILL MAG and flash fiction in On Concept's Edge, and she's the author of the self-published poetry collection Turbulence Ahead.

Having recently earned her MFA in Writing from Lindenwood University in late 2024, Alexis understands both the craft of writing and the editorial process from multiple angles. When she's not exploring the intricacies between hard truth poems and stories, she enjoys going on adventures with her dog, Boulder, and her partner, Joe. Her editorial approach focuses on finding the emotional core of each piece while respecting the author's voice - exactly what Dark Harbor Magazine needs as we continue to grow.

Introducing: Nyx, Associate Editor

Nyx joins our editorial team as a longtime friend who brings an avid reader's perspective to our review process. Her love for strong storytelling and keen eye for narrative craft make her an invaluable addition to our growing team. As Associate Editor, Nyx helps ensure that every submission receives thorough consideration and that the stories we publish maintain the high standards our readers expect.

Update: Jimmy Blakemore, Editor-in-Chief

Jimmy has completed his first MFA thesis course and begun the second, with graduation set for December after finishing his final two classes in early November. His thesis instructor has compared his work to atmospheric pieces like Hitchcock's The Birds, Stephen King's The Mist, and Lynch's Blue Velvet, calling his opening chapter a "really masterful, almost cinematic introduction" that is "really very clever, highly visual, and elegant."

His academic journey continues to shape what you'll find in our pages - stories that prioritize atmospheric tension and cinematic storytelling, fiction that doesn't just narrate events but creates immersive experiences that linger with readers long after the final sentence.

Expanding Our Editorial Team

With more hands on deck, we can dive deeper into the submissions that arrive on our digital doorstep, ensuring every story gets the consideration it deserves.

But we're not stopping there. No. New volunteer positions are opening for those who want to join our crew:

• Social Media Coordinator - Help spread word of our stories across digital platforms
• Newsletter Content Writer - Write the monthly updates that keep our community connected
• Copy Editor - Keep our prose sharp and clean
• Beta Readers - Provide early feedback on submissions before they reach final review

Building Our Internship Program

We're developing a structured internship program for emerging voices who want to learn literary editing while contributing to our mission.

More details coming soon…

Platform Changes and New Offerings

Behind the scenes, we're making the move from Ghost to Squarespace for enhanced features and a better reading experience.

Our new content offerings include:

• Author interviews and craft discussions
• Editorial essays on horror literature and culture
• Literary criticism and thematic explorations
• Writer spotlights and publishing journey features
• Horror history and influential works analysis

Looking Ahead

Thank you for walking with us on this journey. Your readership, submissions, and support matter. As we grow, we're developing ways to recognize paid subscribers while keeping all content freely accessible.

The work continues, the stories keep coming, and the community grows stronger. We're building something lasting here - not just a magazine, but a home for readers and writers who understand that good horror makes you think as much as it unsettles you.

Until next time, remember that the old wooden steps creak for a reason.

Yours in fright,

— The Dark Harbor Magazine Editorial Team