Formative Horror

Dead Awake is written by middle and high school students on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Short horror stories (our specialty), poems, and featured artists for Volume 3 will be posted on this website, and in Spring of 2023, a paperback volume of the magazine will be available for purchase on Amazon. Volume 2 is currently available for purchase online and at The Bookplate in Chestertown, Maryland.

There are presently no calls for submissions.

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Short Story

A Good Mother

by Madeleine Berard

By Madeleine Berard

It was the Fifties, when women had just about as many rights as a dog. I didn’t go to work, never went to university. My greatest accomplishments at the time were my book club, marrying a psychologist, and of course, Ruth. [Continue reading]

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Short Story

A Man Made of Shadows

by Kylie Wilson

I walked in the door and a putrid smell filled my nose. I scrunched up my face in disgust, and when I opened my eyes again, I was taken aback by the sight in front of me… [Continue reading]

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Poem

Monster House

by A. M. Thomas

For the first time
in fifty years
two teenagers dare venture past
the thorny garden on Dove Street
and into the so-called
“Monster House”

[Continue reading]

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Short Story

The Depths

by Faith Novak

Bianca Louis sinks her toes into the fine white O’ahu sand. The ocean breeze fills her lungs. Behind her, food trucks bustle by as the heavy aromas of acai bowls and fish tacos mask the salty sea. It’s a perfect morning for surfing… [Continue reading]

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Poem

Blinding Hands

by Audrey Weibell




The hands that now grip so painfully

had once seemed soft.

They blocked the things

you’d rather not see

[Continue reading]

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Featured Artist: Jenna Hauser

Interview by J. S. Dewey

I had known Jenna Hauser—or had known of her, I should say—since 2013, when she was a seventh grader at Sudlersville Middle School. She wasn’t on my roster, unfortunately, but her reputation as an artist put her on my radar… [Continue reading]

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Short Story

The Edge of Perfection

by Julia Reburn

My eyes close softly as my hands fold in my lap, and I pray.

Lord Poseidon, Protector of the Sea, Father of Storms, Shaker of the Earth, Guide me as I face the day. Give me strength to protect those close And to do good by Your Name. Be with me as I walk the world... [Continue reading]

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