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.