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.