Here is his post statement about that experience:
"I made The Black Phone because one Sunday morning 18 years ago, I wandered into Skylight Books in Los Angles, perused the New Horror Fiction section, and decided to buy 20th Century Ghosts, a new work by then-unknown writer Joe Hill. The book has since been re-released as The Black Phone Stories. God bless you, Joe. "
This year (2024) marks 20th anniversary since Joe Hill wrote the now-popular short story "The Black Phone". Below this post is Author Joe Hill's reply to Scott Derrickson's X post.
Let's hope the same faith falls upon on another thrilling short story titled House Trap. Perhaps it will happen really soon.
.@scottderrickson Right back at you. I wrote that story in 2004; I was paid $35. Who woulda thought that one day it would be made into such a scary and heartfelt film by one of the best directors to ever fool around in this genre? Thanks, Scott. I owe you more than you know. https://t.co/WYT4zoeLQh
— Joe Hill (@joe_hill) January 26, 2024