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!)