Digging Graves

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Bulldog 2: And Dead Mouths Open

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John-J Anderson

John-J is an author whose work slices deep into the human condition, blending horror, poetry, and raw lived experience. He is the five-star-reviewed mind behind Organ, a visceral journey into biological horror; Digging Graves, a haunting collection of poetry and short stories drawn from his real-life years working as a gravedigger; and Bulldog: Too Many Monsters, a dystopian military horror that blurs the line between the brutal and the surreal.

With over 42 countries stamped into his passport, John-J draws on a global palette of cultures, myths, and human encounters to inform his storytelling. A committed vegan and full-time animal rescuer, he spends his days rehabilitating and rehoming stray and abused dogs—compassion that stands in stark contrast to the darkness he explores in his fiction.

Whether excavating fear or unearthing truth, John-J writes with a voice forged from soil, blood, and hard-earned empathy.

WIPlease stop writing new stories.

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 "Don't start this blog with I" Me

"Shut up" also me,

I have a problem. I am writing Bulldog, its a fun harrowing stomach churning story of gory monsters and human survival. Currently sitting around the 18k words mark and tightly coming together as I dabble away at the keyboard wishing I had sunk my teeth into something more solidifying (side eyes Organ prequel sitting their at a mere two chapters written).

What I have found is that while I sit here writing away and drawing out a horrible labyrinth of a tale for my characters, Frank and Bucket, to escape with their lives in hand. I keep coming up with new stories to write. Work in Progress has lost all meaning. I am writing stories sporadically and dreaming up notions of hundreds of novellas that appear to be easier to tackle at the bendy knees than these mountainous sequels/prequels to Organ. Even Digging Graves deserves a follow up of some kind, it was sold more copies than any other work I have ever written and should likely have a partner in collab. Maybe something about travel. Maybe something about life as a concept. Vague. Stop being vague. Just this week alone I have made notes and vague (stop SAYING vague) outlines for three other stories that could become little horror bitesize novellas for eBook fanatics and lovers of 99 pence tales.

The cats kept me busy, appointment at the vets for a scratch on her neck that she kept opening up with little licks and kicks. She's fine, did great at the appointment and even had a little patch of fur shaved making her seem even more vulnerable than before. I fucking love this cat. Even as I write this blog (avoiding all actual writing tasks) she is laying between my legs on the sofa enjoying her newfound easy life. I fucking love this cat.

Back to the writing waffling. I need a cover for Bulldog and really want to work with some artists, I was considering getting back in touch with my little brother Sam as he did the cover for Organ. But while he has exams going on and Christmas on the horizon it feels dickish to give him a task. Especially considering I can be so impatient and neurotic when it comes to my own work. 

Here's my to-do list for the next few days (assuming my shifts at the rescue don't drain my soul):

- Finish the first draft of Bulldog.

- Get an idea for the cover.

- Put together a team of ghost readers and editors.

- Upload this little saucy number to Kindle.

Oh god, I was just writing all this up and realised its my birthday in 3 days. 32 years old. Well it would be great to have my third book finished before I turn 32 but in reality having some time off will be great. I haven't stopped writing since Organ was released this year and as much as I have come to love this strive to finish books. It has become somewhat of a guilt trip sitting in my mind like some unmoving camp of travellers that refuse to vacate. 

Well, I am going to crack on with the washing up and finally finish this chapter of Bulldog. Might play some PlayStation
or mess about with some Magic the Gathering decks. Enjoy this day off while some hours still exist.

Take care!

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