A Farewell to Dread Central
Growing up, all I ever wanted to be was a writer. I started my own newspaper in elementary school called “The Information Post”, which I painstakingly designed in Microsoft Word, and would distribute to my family. I wrote an embarrassing amount of fan fiction on Neopets message boards. Later, I helped run my high school newspaper and dreamed of finding recognition as a journalist someday. I also spent a lot of time scrolling through sites like Dread Central, trying to find the weirdest, most disturbing movies available (shout out to all my high school friends that I forced to watch Midnight Meat Train), so I could brag about my movie-watching habits to make boys like me (spoiler alert: it mostly just scared them away).
So, you can imagine the total bewilderment my younger self would experience if I could tell her that we did, in fact, get to live the dream and not only be a journalist, but also run one of the biggest horror publications in the world. She’d freak out.
That’s why, it’s with a heavy heart that I have to share that my time at Dread Central has come to a close. My last day as Editor-in-Chief is Halloween, which only seems fitting for a girl who has loved the holiday since before she could walk.
For the last four years, I’ve had the privilege of helming Dread Central. During my time here, I’ve met some of the most talented people in the industry, made countless friends around the world, and published hundreds of some of the coolest, most unique takes on horror media. We raised hundreds of dollars for the Trevor Project with our ‘Horror is Political’ merch. I’ve done some of my best writing here, whether in writing about the politics of Black Christmas or screaming about queer representation in the genre.
I’ve discovered some utterly life-changing films and championed them, while also realizing the absolute miracle it is to get any movie made. Hell, I even got to produce a few films and even direct my own movie, something I never dreamed would happen because, frankly, I didn’t think I could do it.
To say this decision was a difficult one is an understatement. Just ask my husband and my therapist. Being part of Dread Central’s legacy has been the biggest honor of my life, and I am beyond proud of what this incredible team and network of people have created these last four years. None of this would have been possible without the incredible editorial team here, from my friend and editorial director, Josh Korngut, to the site’s co-founder, Jon Condit, to our talented staff writers and columnists, to every single person who has ever written for the site.
We’ve made Dread Central into a place not just for news, but for unique perspectives, underrepresented voices, and indie horror titles that deserve your money just as much as any blockbuster. This site has really changed in the last few years, and I’m proud to have helped usher in a new era for such a legendary horror publication.
In these four years, I’ve grown and learned so much about this industry and how to navigate it as a queer woman who sometimes struggles to keep her mouth shut. But it’s something I’m proud of, and something I’ve brought to Dread Central to ensure that our community understands that horror is, in fact, deeply political. Horror has always held a mirror up to society, and if there’s anything that I hope sticks with Dread Central after I’ve gone, it’s that strong voice unafraid to speak up for what’s right, even if people want to say, “It’s just horror movies.” I know that I’m leaving Dread Central in more than capable hands with Josh, who will carry that torch after I’m gone.
To all of my horror-loving weirdos who struggle to feel seen or heard in the genre world: there is space for you. There are people who want you here, who need you here. There is a place for your voice, your thoughts, and your ideas. Never forget that.
Thank you, all, for absolutely everything. You’ve reminded me every day why horror is such a beautiful, important genre that allows us to bare our souls and disembowel ourselves on camera, whether to make a broader point about humanity or to craft the nastiest kill you’ve ever seen. I hope I’ve done y’all proud.
Now go watch something scary and upsetting in my honor.
Categorized: News
