This fascinating conversation with filmmaker Chris Jones really dives deep into the world of independent filmmaking and creative storytelling. He's currently wrapping up an exciting community-driven project called Twisted50, a horror anthology book that showcases the power of collaborative creativity.

What really stands out is Chris's philosophy about taking action with whatever resources you have - as he puts it, "I'm a great believer in you taking action with the resources that you have, which will never be enough." He offers some brilliant insights into the horror genre, explaining that true horror is "fundamentally suspense with a shock and a story that unsettles," and shares concerns about how our "popcorn culture delivered in 30-second sound bites on TikTok is rewiring our brains."

For anyone looking to break into filmmaking or writing, Chris's advice is refreshingly simple: just start. "You type the first word. Because if you're going to make a movie... it starts with the written word." The discussion also touches on how military experience can translate beautifully into filmmaking, bringing essential qualities like "grit, discipline, focus" that many in the industry lack. It's an inspiring listen for anyone passionate about storytelling and creative pursuits.

Horror writing isn't just about throwing some blood and guts on the page - it's about diving deep into the darkest corners of your mind and seeing what creepy creatures crawl out. That's exactly what the folks on the Twisted 50 Volume 3 podcast showed us when they got together to chat about their spine-chilling anthology.

The podcast brought together quite the crew - you had Chris Jones hosting, Kate Bemis wearing her editor hat, and three authors (James, Paul, and Lewis) who weren't afraid to get their hands dirty in the horror genre. Kate kicked things off by admitting she had to wade through 150 stories, which is enough to make anyone's eyes cross! She joked about needing her glasses, but you could tell she was totally up for the challenge.

Things got really interesting when the authors started spilling the beans about their stories. Paul dove into his tale about a serial killer (because who doesn't love a good murder story, right?), while James took us on a twisted journey through the mind of a psychopath on a date - talk about dinner conversation! Lewis brought something different to the table with his zombie apocalypse story, which actually came from a pretty personal place dealing with depression. It's pretty amazing how writers can take their dark experiences and turn them into something creative.

The whole gang got really deep when they started talking about where they get their inspiration from. It turns out writing horror can be kind of therapeutic - who knew? Lewis really opened up about how feeling out of control in his own life led to his zombie story, saying "I felt I had no control over my own self and the whole outside world is controlling me." That's the kind of raw honesty that makes horror stories hit home.

One of the coolest things about Twisted 50 is how they handle feedback. Instead of the usual "this is great" or "this sucks," they've got this whole community vibe going on where writers help each other out. James mentioned how easy it is to get lost in your own story and how having fresh eyes on your work can be a game-changer. The editing process sounds more like a writing workshop than a scary editorial chopping block.

The conversation took an exciting turn when they started talking about possibly turning some of these stories into movies. I mean, who wouldn't want to see these twisted tales on the big screen? Paul was practically bouncing off the walls with excitement about the film potential, and honestly, a horror anthology film sounds pretty sweet.

The cherry on top was all the advice they dished out for aspiring horror writers. Kate dropped this gem: "The less you care, the better the writing almost always is." It's like she's telling us to stop overthinking and just let our inner Stephen King run wild. They wrapped everything up by inviting writers to submit to Volume 4, basically saying "come on in, the water's bloody... I mean, fine!"

For anyone thinking about dipping their toes into horror writing, this podcast showed that it's not just about scaring people - it's about finding your voice, sharing your darkness, and maybe making some friends who are just as twisted as you are. Whether you're writing about zombies, psychopaths, or things that go bump in the night, there's room for everyone in this creepy little corner of the literary world.

Ever wondered what it's like to get your horror story published? The Twisted50 podcast gives us a fascinating peek behind the curtain, featuring three writers who made it into their third anthology. It's pretty cool to hear how different their stories are - from creepy social media hauntings to mysterious midnight visitors and spooky swimming pool encounters.

The really interesting thing about these writers is that they're just like many of us - people who love writing but maybe haven't taken that big leap into publishing before. Take Ben, for example, who's been writing for years but kept it as his personal hobby. He actually submitted his story at the last minute (talk about cutting it close!) and ended up getting published. That's the kind of success story that makes you think, "Hey, maybe I could do this too!"

What really stands out is how supportive everyone is in this community. It's not like those scary writing competitions where you submit your work into a black hole and never hear back. These writers talk about getting tons of helpful feedback from other writers, and how that actually made their stories better. Susan mentions how everyone genuinely wants to help make each story the best it can be - which is pretty refreshing in what can sometimes be a competitive field.

The whole process sounds way less intimidating than you might think. Dylan (who actually won an award) keeps emphasizing how "brave" you need to be to just put your work out there. But he also points out that your odds of success are way better than in most other writing competitions. Plus, you get something valuable even if you don't make it into the anthology - actual feedback from real readers!

Getting published seems to be a total game-changer for these writers. Ben talks about how amazing it feels when friends and family contact you saying they've bought your book and read your story. That's got to be one of the coolest feelings ever - knowing that people are actually reading something you created. And it's not just about the publication; there's an awards ceremony too, which really makes the writers feel celebrated.

For anyone thinking about giving it a shot, these writers have some pretty encouraging words. They emphasize that you really can't lose - worst case scenario, you get some helpful feedback on your writing. Best case? You end up published in a horror anthology! The whole thing wraps up with a touching dedication to Ben's sister Amy, who helped get the project started, which just shows how personal and meaningful this whole experience can be.

This isn't just about writing horror stories - it's about finding your tribe, pushing your creative boundaries, and maybe even seeing your name in print. As Dylan puts it, "You can really push an idea. You can have fun with it... you can't really lose." That pretty much sums up what makes this whole thing special - it's a chance to do something creative in a supportive environment where everyone wants you to succeed.

Ever wondered what happens when you put horror writers from Norway and Ireland in a virtual room together? Well, the Twisted50 podcast gives us exactly that kind of fascinating peek into the world of horror writing. Host Chris Jones sat down with Leo from Norway and Eimear from Ireland to chat about everything from their first scary stories to how AI might change the writing game.

What's super interesting is how both writers came to horror from completely different angles. Leo jumped right in with a creepy story about a job interview gone horrifically wrong (talk about workplace nightmares!), while Eimear initially thought horror wasn't her thing at all. She actually believed horror was all about violence and gore until she discovered there's so much more to it. It's like finding out your scary neighbor is actually a sweetheart who bakes cookies.

The whole conversation really drives home how important having a supportive writing community is. Think about it - writing can be incredibly lonely, and most of us probably have that nagging voice in our head saying we're not good enough. That's where Twisted50 comes in, creating this amazing space where writers can share their work, get feedback, and actually see their stories in print. It's like having a cheerleading squad for your spooky stories!

One of the coolest parts was hearing how deadlines and community feedback totally transformed Eimear's writing process. She went from occasionally jotting down ideas to pumping out multiple short stories. It's amazing what a little pressure and encouragement can do! And Leo's experience shows how these communities can help writers stick with their craft long-term, developing their voice and style over multiple projects.

The discussion about AI in writing was particularly eye-opening. Instead of seeing it as this scary robot coming to steal their jobs, these writers talked about AI as more of a helpful tool - kind of like having a writing assistant who can help with the heavy lifting. Chris's comparison of AI to a Sherpa on Mount Everest was spot-on. It's there to help you climb, not to climb for you.

Perhaps the most surprising revelation came from Eimear's comments about horror's mental health benefits. Who would've thought that writing scary stories could actually make you feel better? It makes sense though - horror lets us explore our fears in a safe way, kind of like a literary version of a haunted house. You get all the thrills without any real danger.

The whole conversation really hammers home that horror writing isn't just about scaring people - it's about building connections, exploring creativity, and maybe even doing a bit of personal therapy along the way. These writers showed that whether you're a seasoned pro like Leo or a newcomer like Eimear, there's room for everyone in the horror community. And with projects like Twisted50 leading the way, the future of horror writing looks pretty bright (or should I say delightfully dark?).

This podcast reminds us that behind every scary story, there's a writer who's probably pretty normal, maybe even cheerful, and definitely part of a supportive community that helps bring these spine-tingling tales to life. It's not just about the final product - it's about the journey, the connections made, and the personal growth along the way.

Ever wondered what it takes to put together a horror anthology? Well, the recent chat between Chris Jones and Kate, the masterminds behind Twisted50 Volume 3, gives us a fascinating peek behind the curtain. Kate, who edited this latest volume, brought her A-game to the table, wading through a whopping 170 horror stories to find the cream of the crop.

One of the coolest things they discussed was how they tackled the technical side of getting the book onto Amazon. Chris was pretty nervous about the whole thing, which is totally relatable if you've ever dealt with publishing platforms. It's like trying to solve a puzzle while wearing a blindfold - you know what you want to do, but the process can be super tricky.

Kate dropped some serious knowledge bombs about what makes a horror story work. She's big on keeping things tight and snappy - no meandering sentences that leave readers scratching their heads. As she put it, "Something that happens when you have a lot of really long sentences all put together is it gets jumbled and you don't really process anything." That's solid gold advice right there for any writer looking to keep readers hooked.

Here's something interesting - they're not just looking for great stories; they want engaged authors too. The Twisted50 team actually keeps tabs on how involved writers are with the community. So if you're thinking about submitting to future volumes, don't just fire off your story and ghost them. Get in there, mix it up with other writers, and show them you're serious about being part of the Twisted50 family.

When it comes to screenplays (yeah, they take those too!), Kate emphasized how different they are from regular stories. Every word has to earn its place on the page, and dialogue needs to sound natural when read aloud. It's like the difference between writing a letter and having a conversation - they might tell the same story, but they need different approaches.

The whole conversation wrapped up with some killer advice for aspiring Twisted50 contributors. My favorite bit was when they said, "Don't be afraid to get really, really weird." In a world of horror stories, being unique is your secret weapon. The Twisted50 community seems super supportive too, which is pretty rare in the publishing world.

For anyone thinking about diving into horror writing, this podcast basically laid out a roadmap. Keep it tight, stay engaged, don't be afraid to get weird, and remember - you're not just submitting a story, you're potentially joining a community of horror enthusiasts who are all about helping each other succeed. The door's open for Twisted50 Volume 4, and based on what we heard, it sounds like an awesome opportunity for writers ready to embrace their dark side.

Ever thought about writing a horror story but weren't sure where to start? Well, there's this cool project called Twisted50 that's making it super easy for writers to dive into the spooky world of horror fiction. The project's founder, Chris Jones, recently sat down with script editor Lucy Hay to spill all the juicy details about writing horror and getting published.

One of the best things about Twisted50 is how accessible it is. You don't need to be Stephen King to get involved - all you need is a 2000-word horror story and the willingness to give feedback to other writers. It's like a horror writers' support group, but way less scary than it sounds! As Chris puts it, "It's such a low bar to entry because, you know, everybody can write a story under 2000 words."

The conversation between Chris and Lucy got really interesting when they started talking about why horror is such a powerful genre. They both grew up in the 80s, surrounded by classic horror that shaped their love for the genre. They pointed out how zombies have stuck around in horror because they're like a blank canvas - you can make them represent pretty much anything. As Lucy mentioned, zombies started as a metaphor for capitalism and consumer culture, but they've evolved to represent all sorts of social issues.

When it comes to actually writing horror, both experts had some killer advice. They stressed the importance of grabbing readers right from the start and using active language to keep the story moving. Here's a gem of advice they shared: "Write as though nobody's ever going to read it." This isn't because your writing is bad, but because it frees you up to explore those dark corners of your imagination without holding back.

The community aspect of Twisted50 is pretty unique. Writers don't just submit their stories and hope for the best - they become part of a supportive network where everyone helps each other improve. The feedback process is designed to be constructive rather than critical, with both Chris and Lucy suggesting that writers frame their comments as questions rather than judgments. This approach helps writers develop their skills without feeling attacked or discouraged.

For anyone looking to get into horror writing, they had some practical tips that are easy to implement. One cool suggestion was to listen to horror movie soundtracks while writing to help set the mood. They also emphasized that you don't need to be a horror fan to write in the genre - sometimes coming at it from a fresh perspective can lead to the most interesting stories. The main thing is just to start writing and not be afraid to explore those dark ideas lurking in your mind.

The whole conversation really highlighted how horror writing can be both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Whether you're dealing with supernatural monsters or exploring real-world fears, there's something uniquely cathartic about crafting a horror story. And with initiatives like Twisted50 making it easier than ever to get involved in the horror writing community, there's never been a better time to give it a shot. After all, as the experts suggest, everyone's got at least one good horror story in them - it's just a matter of letting it out!

Remember those nights when you couldn’t sleep because a movie scared you senseless? That’s exactly what Chris Jones and Bob Schultz dive into during their fascinating chat about the horror movies that shaped their childhoods. As the founder of Twisted 50 and the London Screenwriters Festival, Chris brings a unique perspective that meshes perfectly with Bob’s experience as a horror movie writer and producer.

The conversation kicks off with those unforgettable first encounters with horror films – you know, the ones that left permanent marks on our psyches. They recall how Jaws and Alien totally changed the game, with that chest-burster scene in Alien being particularly nightmare-inducing. As one of them puts it, it “absolutely shook me to my core.” Who hasn’t felt that way after watching something truly terrifying for the first time?

Then there’s the whole slasher genre – what a wild ride that was! Halloween and Friday the 13th basically wrote the rulebook for how to scare teenagers out of their minds. The hosts share some pretty cool stories about watching these films in tiny theaters, which honestly sounds like the perfect way to experience a horror movie. They talk about how these films mastered the art of making you feel unsafe from the very first minute – like pulling the rug out from under you and never letting you find your footing again.

But let’s talk about the really gnarly stuff – the creature features. The Thing and The Fly pushed the boundaries of what practical effects could do, and boy, did they deliver! There’s this amazing moment when they discuss the maggot birthing scene in The Fly, where one of them proudly stayed in the theater while their friends bailed. That’s true horror dedication right there!

The supernatural hits get their moment in the spotlight too. The Exorcist, Poltergeist, and The Omen – these films didn’t just scare us, they got under our skin and stayed there. The hosts reminisce about that infamous sheet of glass scene in The Omen, and how Poltergeist managed to make even a peaceful lake seem terrifying. They also get into some interesting stuff about British horror TV shows and those weirdly scary public information films that traumatized an entire generation of UK kids.

Wrapping things up, they geek out over werewolves and vampires, particularly in films like An American Werewolf in London and Fright Night. These movies showed us that horror could be funny and scary at the same time – pretty revolutionary stuff! They also give props to the literary giants of horror, Stephen King and James Herbert, who proved that sometimes the scariest stories start on the page. The conversation ends with some solid advice for aspiring horror writers: “The more original and yourself you can be with your writing, the more you’re going to stand out and really sparkle. So don’t be afraid. Just make other people afraid and you’ll do great.”

And honestly, isn’t that what great horror is all about? Making other people afraid while having a blast doing it? This conversation really captures why we love being scared by movies – it’s not just about the jumps and screams, it’s about those moments that stick with us long after the credits roll, making us check under the bed just one more time before we go to sleep.

Ever wondered what happens when you let writers run wild with their darkest imaginations? That's exactly what Chris Jones did when he created the Twisted 50 initiative, a unique project that's part of the London Screenwriters Festival. In a fascinating conversation with Amy, Chris spilled the beans on how this crazy idea came to life and why it's become such a hit with writers worldwide.

It all started with Chris wanting to help writers get their first film credit. Pretty cool, right? He kicked things off with projects like "Four Nights in August" and "50 Kisses," but things really got interesting when he decided to dive into the horror genre. As Chris puts it, it became this "furious, excited ball of energy" that just kept growing. Writers weren't just writing anymore - they were part of something bigger, something electric.

What makes Twisted 50 so special is its low barrier to entry. You only need to write 2,000 words or less, which is perfect for those of us who might be intimidated by the idea of writing a full novel or screenplay. But here's the really cool part: it's not just about submitting your work and crossing your fingers. You're joining this amazing community of writers who read each other's work, offer feedback, and help each other grow. As Chris says, "We all too often work very much in a vacuum," but Twisted 50 breaks down those lonely writer walls.

And let's talk about the horror aspect because this isn't your grandmother's ghost story collection. Chris actively encourages writers to "bite harder" and push boundaries. He's not interested in kitchen sink horror - he wants demons, monsters, and aliens! In his words, "It's horror. It's supposed to unsettle you." He even jokes about using it as an opportunity to "murder all those people that you've been wanting to murder secretly for a long time" (in writing, of course!).

The community aspect of Twisted 50 is what really makes it special. Chris describes it as "the lunatics getting to take over the asylum," and honestly, that's probably the best description possible. Writers from all backgrounds come together, share their work, and create this incredible energy that pushes everyone to be better. It's not just about getting published - it's about finding your tribe and growing as a writer.

Perhaps the most inspiring part of Chris's message is his encouragement to "be audacious" and "write bigger." He wants writers to approach this like it's their last chance to write something meaningful. As he puts it, "Write as though you're going to be executed tomorrow. Like, this is it." It's this kind of bold thinking that's helping to reshape the horror genre and giving new writers a platform to shine.

The beauty of Twisted 50 is that it's not just for horror writers. Chris encourages everyone to give it a shot, even if horror isn't their usual cup of tea. After all, he believes that as professional writers, we should be able to tackle any genre that comes our way. And with the September 15th deadline approaching, there's never been a better time to push yourself out of your comfort zone and join this wild, wonderful community of writers who are daring to be different.

So if you've got a twisted tale lurking in the back of your mind, maybe it's time to let it out. As Chris would say, what's the worst that could happen? (Actually, in horror, that might be exactly what we're looking for!)