Shadows don’t only exist in the darker corners of the world. Not all children live in a utopia like Neverland and Pan’s Shadow seeks to show readers that childhood isn’t always a peaceful and innocent time in our lives. The classic character of Peter Pan may be the picture of childhood innocence. However even Peter has a shadow. In our world each child has a shadow, a darker side, just like Peter.
We wish to give voice and attention to those who may have lived or witnessed a childhood that would never be covered in any Disney film. Perhaps we are evil morbid people or perhaps we’re genuinely curious about the lives and experiences of others who have gone through imperfect childhoods. We’re looking for literary fiction and non-fiction works containing elements of horror, fantasy, and trauma. We must emphasize that we are not looking for torture p**n, child or otherwise, and we are not catering to pedophilic fantasies. We must also stress that stories submitted to the magazine not adhere to the typically accepted perceptions of childhood (Barbies, loving parents, hot wheels and Disney princesses). Accepted works would mirror the points of view of children, parents, and nostalgic adults. These works would also reflect the age range of three to twelve years old. As Captain Hook says, “My new obsession is you. Not dear Peter Pan or his whereabouts.”
