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.

• Podcast hosted by Chris Jones discussing Talent Campus from the London Screenwriters Festival.
• Guest Delanne shares her success stories after attending Talent Campus 7 in 2019.
• Delanne highlights her experience at Talent Campus as a whirlwind of activities and networking.
• Discusses her movie "Father Christmas is Back," which she wrote while recovering from flu, leading to her first paid writing job.
• Emphasizes the importance of being prepared for opportunities, even in unexpected situations.
• Talks about her book "The Box of Silver Stars," originally pitched at Talent Campus, which she self-published after challenges with traditional publishing.
• Plans to rally the community to support her book's launch for a potential bestseller status.
• Delanne's future projects include writing short films and features, focusing on storytelling rather than mainstream success.
• Encouraged by her daughter to attend Talent Campus, which she credits for her growth as a writer.
• ScreenSkills funded a project, which was welcomed news.
• Balancing a creative career with adult responsibilities (bills, children) is challenging.
• Persistence is key; keep pursuing creative dreams despite setbacks.
• Teaching can help focus on writing.
• Writing is essential for personal happiness and creativity.
• Ideas often come unexpectedly and need time to develop.
• It's important to finish projects to avoid psychological discomfort from open loops.
• Completing projects allows for closure and the opportunity to revisit them later.
• The conversation ended with a hopeful note about future connections and success.

In this episode, Chris Jones, founder of the London Screenwriters Festival and Talent Campus Guerrilla Filmmakers Handbook, interviews Mark Renshaw, a past Talent Campus attendee. Mark shares his experiences at Talent Campus and the incredible adventures he has had since then. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Mark has found success as a writer and filmmaker. He discusses winning the Austin screenwriting competition, being invited to work on a prestigious anthology series, and publishing his short stories in various books. Mark also talks about the importance of taking risks, staying persistent, and embracing opportunities that come your way. He credits Talent Campus for giving him the confidence and support to pursue his creative dreams. If you're looking for inspiration and practical advice on navigating the industry, this episode is a must-listen.Untitled

In this episode, host Chris Jones sits down with Vera, a filmmaker and participant in Talent Campus, to discuss her journey from the program to her success stories in the world of film and theater.

Vera shares her experiences of Talent Campus and how it opened doors for her in the industry. She talks about the importance of networking and the connections she made through the program, which led to opportunities in writing short films and co-developing a feature project.

Vera also discusses her passion for environmentalism and how it influences her storytelling. She shares her experiences directing a theater production and the sense of creative fulfillment she found in the immediacy and control of live performances.

Throughout the episode, Vera offers insights and advice for aspiring creatives, emphasizing the importance of finding your people and working with them to achieve creative fulfillment and success.

Join Chris and Vera in this inspiring conversation about talent development, creative journeys, and the power of storytelling in different mediums.

Unleashing Your Creative Potential: Lessons from the Talent Campus Experience

In the ever-evolving landscape of filmmaking and screenwriting, finding both your voice and success can be a daunting challenge. However, as we learn from the inspiring journey of James, an alumni of the Talent Campus program, there are ways to accelerate your creative growth while maintaining what makes you you.

The Talent Campus, described as a “total immersion” experience for storytellers, offers a transformative approach to honing one’s craft. At its core, the program emphasizes the importance of building a supportive creative community. James vividly recalls how the Talent Campus cohort became his “tribe,” a close-knit group that continues to provide unwavering support and honest feedback years after the program’s conclusion. This sense of belonging and shared purpose is a game-changer for anyone looking to find success in the screenwriting industry.

One of the most compelling aspects of James’ journey is his evolution from a struggling screenwriter to a confident filmmaker. He’s learned to bring his own scripts to life, oftentimes leading more than just the script. James’ success with his short films, particularly his 52-second silent comedy with international acclaim, demonstrates the influence that Talent Campus had on both him and his career.

The Talent Campus experience goes beyond mere skill-building; it facilitates a profound personal transformation. James recounts how the program helped him become more outgoing, authentic, and comfortable with expressing his emotions. This newfound authenticity has not only enhanced his creative work but has also positively impacted his personal life. By encouraging participants to embrace vulnerability, the Talent Campus fosters a more integrated and confident sense of self – an invaluable asset for any creative professional.

Perhaps one of the most crucial takeaways from James’ story is the importance of becoming the “author of your own destiny.” In a field as competitive and challenging as filmmaking, waiting for opportunities to come your way is not always an option. Instead, James advises aspiring creatives to take on a leadership role, to become the “leader of the pack” who can rally others around their vision. He states that you must be “quite unreasonable” in pursuit of your goals, as your own belief is what determines your success.

Ultimately, James’ journey through and beyond the Talent Campus serves as a powerful testament to the Talent Campus. For those looking to accelerate their creative careers, the lessons are clear: embrace vulnerability, seek out supportive environments that challenge you to grow, be willing to take charge of your projects, and never lose sight of your unique artistic voice. By following in James’ footsteps and embodying these principles, you too can unlock your creative potential and embark on a fulfilling journey in the world of filmmaking and storytelling.

On this episode, Chris Jones sits down with Paniota, a talented individual who has made her mark in the creative industry. Paniota shares her experience at Talent Campus and how it gave her the confidence and inspiration to pursue her dreams. She talks about the importance of taking control of your own destiny and not waiting for others to give you permission. Paniota also discusses her journey in putting on a successful play and producing her short film, Loose Strands. She emphasizes the value of hard work, being proactive, and building a supportive community. Tune in for this empowering conversation and get inspired to write a page a day towards your own creative goals.

Matt White's journey from Talent Campus participant to successful filmmaker is a testament to the power of perseverance and networking. He describes the Talent Campus as "the most awesome cult I've ever joined in my life," highlighting the invaluable peer network he developed through the program. This network proved crucial in his subsequent projects, including the feature film "Paul Dude's Deadly Lunch Break."

The making of "Paul Dood's Deadly Lunch Break" showcases the collaborative nature of filmmaking. Matt and his director friend, Nick Gillespie, transformed a dark thriller into a black comedy, involving talented actors and navigating the festival circuit. The film premiered at South by Southwest and later found its way to streaming platforms. Matt emphasizes the importance of being "beautifully ruthless" in pursuing opportunities and building connections after the film's release.

One of the most significant takeaways from Matt's experience is the value of on-set experience for writers. He encourages aspiring screenwriters to "get on set, be a runner" to better understand the collaborative process of filmmaking. This hands-on experience can provide invaluable insights into how various crew members contribute to and enhance the original vision.

Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of Matt's story is his journey to overcome his fear of public speaking. The Talent Campus experience helped him embrace his natural energy and enthusiasm, leading to success in pitching competitions. His win at the Sundance London pitching competition, where he pitched the feature film version of "The Sin Eater," stands out as a testament to his growth and the skills he developed through the program.

Twisted 50 is a collection of 50 short horror stories, aimed at giving aspiring writers the chance to be published and recognized. The project originated from the London Screenwriters Festival, where Chris Jones and his team identified a significant challenge for new writers: securing their first credit.

• Submissions: Writers are encouraged to submit short horror stories under 2000 words.
• Community Engagement: Each participant must read and review two other stories, fostering a supportive writing community.
• Feedback Loop: After receiving feedback, writers can revise and resubmit their stories, enhancing their craft in the process.

Horror is a genre that resonates deeply with many writers and readers. Chris Jones explains his passion for horror, citing influences from the 1980s, including James Herbert and Hammer House of Horror. Here’s why horror is the chosen genre for Twisted 50:

• Accessibility: Horror stories can be concise yet impactful, making them ideal for short formats.
• Creativity: The genre allows for a wide range of storytelling styles, from psychological thrillers to dark humor.
• Visual Appeal: As a filmmaker, Chris wanted to create a project that not only tells compelling stories but also engages readers visually.

Joining the Twisted 50 community comes with numerous advantages:

• Get Published: Being part of the anthology means you’ll have a published story, adding credibility to your writing portfolio.
• Networking Opportunities: Engage with fellow writers and industry professionals at launch parties and events.
• Amazon Bestselling Status: With 50 writers promoting the book, there’s a strong chance it will hit the horror bestseller list on Amazon.

One of the fascinating aspects of horror is its ability to bring people together. As Chris notes, many who find themselves in challenging situations, such as mental health struggles, often gravitate towards horror. This shared interest creates a unique community where individuals can find solace in the creepy and macabre. Here are some reasons why horror resonates with so many:

• Shared Experience: Horror allows people to confront their fears in a safe environment, fostering a sense of connection.
• Dedicated Fan Base: The horror genre boasts a passionate and loyal following, eager for fresh, creative content.
• Niche Opportunities: By focusing on specific sub-genres, like zombie stories, writers can tap into dedicated audiences that crave more.

If you’re considering submitting to Twisted 50, here are some valuable tips:

1. Craft a Strong Opening: Your first line should grab attention. For instance, “It’s strange how human flesh tastes just like pork” sets a dark tone immediately.
2. Focus on Prose: Ensure your writing is evocative and concise. Avoid passive voice and strive for impactful imagery.
3. Explore Themes: Don’t shy away from exploring complex emotions like loss or melancholy. Horror can be deeply psychological.
4. Embrace Feedback: Use the feedback from peers to refine your story. This process is invaluable for growth as a writer.
5. Be Creative with Tropes: Consider how traditional horror elements, like zombies or vampires, can be reimagined in contemporary settings. Think outside the box!

If you’re ready to take the plunge into horror writing, consider submitting your story to Twisted 50. With a supportive community and the chance to be published, this initiative offers a unique opportunity for aspiring writers.