Underneath the Juniper Tree

Underneath the Juniper Tree is a literary magazine that publishes horror stories and poems - for children. Not only does every issue showcase talented writers with original styles and fantastic imaginations, but Underneath the Juniper Tree also features original artwork to go with the literary entries.

I recently joined the magazine's staff as an editorial intern and I've loved helping authors get their stories to the final stage before being published and read by children of all ages. It's not easy to find great horror stories for young readers, so Underneath the Juniper Tree fills a niche that the rest of the publishing world hasn't devoured just yet.

Horror has always been a part of my life. I grew up watching Are You Afraid of the Dark? and Goosebumps, and I read everything by R.L. Stine that I could get my hands on. I watched The Shining for the first time when I was four years old (that was probably not my father's best parenting moment). My favourite English course in University was based on literary theory and ghost stories. American Horror Story is my most anticipated show of this upcoming TV season.

I like to be scared. I like the rush of fear and how horror - more than any other genre - inspires the imagination. Underneath the Juniper Tree makes this genre available to children in weird, delightful, artistic, and creepy ways. Although, to be honest, I'm no longer a child (I'll be 25 this month) and I love the stories and the artwork.

You can read past (and future) issues of Underneath the Juniper Tree online for free. If you're a paper person like myself, there are still a few copies left of Underneath the Juniper Tree's first anthology (a compilation of the best literature and artwork from past issues). The all-black juniper tree cover is reason enough to own a copy. The anthology costs $13 (the shipping is free!) and you can order it by emailing tex.junipertree@gmail.com.