Issue #14
“Heartland of Horror”

We are not unfamiliar with the immense weight of the world and how it is pressing down harder than ever for some of us. With the raids and political warfare, each day brings reminders of the horrors that persist around us. These are not new issues. In fact, these issues are what America has been built upon. “Making America Great Again” is really just re-centering America’s violent foundations. And just as there have been many cultural shifts throughout history, we are seeing one now. For many of us, witnessing
these brutal acts is bringing about a radicalizing effect. 

July 2025 marks one full year of Night Terror Magazine. We want to celebrate that, but our team carries a grief that makes celebration feel inappropriate. This has been a wonderful year of growth and opportunities we never thought possible. We have connected with many incredible creators, authors, artists, and visionaries within the horror community, and we’ve dedicated our entire publication to uplifting underrepresented voices within horror. Even in these heavy, daunting times, we want to remind you that we persist too. Here at Night Terror, the creatives, visionaries, and storytellers are still pushing on. We must not forget that in many ways we’re stronger and more united than we realize.
Sometimes, being in a community with like-minded folks, even if it’s for our
love of horror, is a noteworthy power.

It can be hard to justify rest when so much is happening, when it feels as if every second demands your action and your energy. But, as Kelsee always reminds me, rest is radical. Taking time to breathe and step away, to lose yourself in the pages of a gripping horror novel or the glow of a haunting film, are still small acts of rebellion that can keep us going.

So if you find comfort in escaping into stories right now, let yourself have it. Lean into the communities that you have built through creative outlets. Consume that creativity. Empathy, feeling for others and with others, is never a weakness but rather a superpower that is an honor to harness. Empathy is what drives real, radical change. Empathy brings us together, both when fighting for what’s right and when consuming the genres
and passions that give us hope.

May we stay united in this fight and find strength in the things we love, even scary stories.

Thank you for your undying love this past year.
We are so honored to continue with our Night Terror mission
of keeping you waking in the night.

Our hearts are with yours,

Elli