From Shadows to Spotlight: My Twisted 50 Adventure by Rebecca Golby

When I first submitted Murderabilia to the Twisted 50 anthology, I had no idea where it might lead. It felt like a chance to dip my toes into horror—a genre I’ve always admired but carefully avoided (blame that on my hypnagogic hallucinations and a certain eyeball-less man from Event Horizon). What started as a personal challenge quickly turned into something far beyond my expectations: becoming part of an Amazon #1 bestselling anthology.

I couldn’t believe it; Twisted 50 Vol. 3 climbed to the number one spot in not one, not two, but three categories! As someone who once hesitated to even write horror, I now hold a physical copy in my hands—a book with my story inside. (Actually, I own three—the hardback, paperback, and Kindle versions, all of which are gorgeous!) Even more surreal? This spine-chilling collection is being gifted as Christmas presents for those who love the juxtaposition of Christmas cheer and horrific existential dread.

From a Shy Start to Supernatural Success

When I first saw the call for submissions, I paused. I love storytelling and the supernatural, but horror? That felt like uncharted territory. My writing often explores deep, complex emotions through a supernatural lens, but horror asked me to go further—to channel fear, unease, and dread. Could I do it? To start with, I wrote about what scared me, which, it turns out, is a lot. It wasn’t long before I realised I’ve always been drawn to darker narratives and gallows humour—I just hadn’t considered myself a horror writer because I don’t write gore. But of course, horror isn’t all about gore; there are so many different kinds of horror (a fact beautifully represented in this eclectic anthology).

Writing my short story Murderabilia wasn’t just an exploration of horror; it was a plunge into the macabre, the gothic, and the eerie corners of human emotion. I didn’t expect my story to go so far, but I thoroughly enjoyed the process of being involved in the writers’ community. Everyone was so welcoming and freely gave valuable feedback on my story. Things that made perfect sense in my mind didn’t always translate well to paper (or screen), and the Twisted 50 community was incredibly helpful in pointing out ways to strengthen the story, which I took on board. I also enjoyed critiquing other people’s stories—writers who were equally happy to receive constructive feedback.

Facing the Real Horror: Self-Promotion

Let’s be honest—the scariest part of this journey hasn’t been writing horror but navigating the world of self-promotion. I’ve always thought of writing as a solitary craft, but publishing is anything but. Sharing your work, putting yourself out there, and connecting with readers and other authors has been both nerve-wracking and rewarding. Everyone has been incredibly kind and supportive but also constructively critical in ways that have helped me grow as a writer.

Seeing my name in print is thrilling, but the best part has been the sense of community. From the other authors in Twisted 50 Vol. 3 to the readers leaving reviews, it’s been a powerful reminder of how storytelling brings people together—even through something as spine-tingling as a horror anthology.

Lessons from the Shadows

If this experience has taught me anything, it’s to lean into the unfamiliar. Writing horror challenged me in ways I never expected, but it also unlocked new creative avenues. I’m proud to say I’ve embraced the genre, blending my love for gothic storytelling with a touch of dark humour to create something uniquely my own. I started writing for Twisted 50 back in the summer, and I haven’t stopped since, building up a portfolio of short stories I truly love writing.

As for what’s next? Maybe a story about haunted Christmas decorations? (If I wake up to a possessed bauble hovering over my bed, you’ll know where the idea came from.)

To everyone who’s supported Twisted 50 Vol. 3, thank you for making this journey unforgettable. And to those considering their own “shadowy” creative projects—take the plunge. You never know where the next twist might lead.