Story Impact Magazine Explores Darkness and Light in October Issue
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Story Impact Magazine, a quarterly digital literary publication, has released its October 2026 issue, titled “Shadows.” This issue, which explores the interplay of darkness and light in our stories and ourselves, marks a significant addition to the magazine’s exploration of books, meaning, and purpose.
The issue, edited by Lisa Towles, an award-winning crime novelist, podcast host, and book coach, delves into the complexities of the human psyche and the creative process. Towles, who is the author of 16 books and the recipient of more than 40 literary awards, explains that the October issue continues the conversation initiated by the July “Leisure” issue, focusing on the promise of light and dark and everything in between.
The October 2026 “Shadows” issue is structured around three signature sections that emerge from the shadows. The first, “Why We Love Dark Fiction,” examines our fascination with danger, moral ambiguity, and fictional descent. This section invites readers to explore the allure of dark narratives and their psychological impact.
The second section, “The Hidden Room,” turns inward, exploring the private terrain that writers carry onto the page. Jesse Ratner, Francesca Maria, Joe Clifford, James L’Etoile, and Michael Shea contribute essays that delve into trauma, memory, fear, identity, and resilience. These personal narratives offer a glimpse into the inner lives of writers and the challenges they face.
“The Moriarty Problem,” a nod to Towles’ lifelong addiction to Sherlock Holmes, delves into the territory of villains and moral complexity. Jonathan J. Brown, SJ Rozan, Yves Fey, and Karen E. Osborne consider what makes an antagonist unforgettable and examine the unsettling question of what turned them. This section provides a nuanced exploration of the role of villains in storytelling and their psychological depth.
The third section, “The Dark Mile,” focuses on the writers themselves. Jude Berman, Ana Manwaring, and H. Max Hiller explore rejection, uncertainty, burnout, resilience, and the less visible realities of sustaining a creative life. These essays offer a candid look at the challenges faced by writers and the strategies they use to persevere.
In addition to these sections, the issue also includes practical insights on how stories find their way into the world. “Industry Insights” brings together perspectives from Barri Evins, Nikki Davenport, and Ed DeJesus on positioning books for film and television, building reader trust, and organizing book tours. This section provides valuable guidance for both aspiring and established authors.
The October 2026 “Shadows” issue also features interviews with Vivien Kyle and Ron Schultz, as well as original poetry from Vivien Kyle, Rebecca Elegant, and Lee Towles. These contributions add depth and richness to the magazine’s content, offering a multifaceted exploration of the creative process.
A new recurring column, “Between the Stacks,” showcases librarians and the critical role they play in literacy and community building. The inaugural feature is a conversation with Rosemary Van Lare of Alameda Free Library, bringing a librarian’s perspective on how books find their readers. This column highlights the importance of libraries in fostering a love of reading and supporting the broader literary community.
Story Impact Magazine is part of the broader Story Impact multimedia platform, encompassing an author interview podcast, professional book coaching, and workshops. The October 2026 “Shadows” issue is free to read online at storyimpactconsulting.com/magazine.
Through essays, interviews, poetry, publishing insight, book discovery, and voices from across the literary community, Story Impact Magazine continues to explore not only the stories we tell but why they matter.