Well, there’s always a silver lining to any adversity, and 2020 was no different. While it’s globally unanimous that 2020 was like skidding down a razor bladed playground slide, there were some benefits. Beyond the zenith of all joys, the birth of my son, Ronan, I could also get a lot of writing projects ready for their 2021 debut. So, strap on your helmet, squeeze into your short shorts, and grease those rollerblades, because we’re skating through 2021 with conviction. Here’s a look at the Justin Alcala schedule for the upcoming year. 

JANUARY 2021

• Final edits for “A Dead End Job” were put together by Parliament House Press and myself
• Production Meetings began for the future graphic novel, “Apollyon” with talented producers/creators James Rock and Alex Gomez
• “Taming of the Cthulhu” 1st proof reaches 30,000 words. 
• “A Dead End Job” cover artist completes project for acceptance 

FEBRUARY 2021

• “A Dead End Job” cover reveal on February 25th 
• “Magic of Motivational Quotes” by Wingless Dreamer publishing is released, featuring a Justin Alcala excerpt 
• Cover reveal for the new anthology, “Citizen Survivors: The Red Book” released by BLK  DOG Publishing. This historical fiction piece about the world had Nazi Germany been victorious features a short story by Justin Alcala titled “The Entrepreneur” 

MARCH 2021

• Proofreading for the Middle Grade book, “The Last Stop” begins. This young reader horror story follows seventh grader, Morrigan, and her little brother, Asher, as they explore the frightful history of their new town, and the connection with their eerie new bus driver. 
• “Taming of the Cthulhu” manuscript should reach the halfway point for creation
• Two new short stories will begin for Halloween distribution
• “Citizen Survivors: The Red Book” hits shelves

APRIL 2021

• “The Last Stop” will sent off to agents and publishers 
• Short Horror Stories “A Horse for Us All” and “Buried in the Rain” hit anthology and literary magazine shelves
• Finishing touches for the first proof of “Taming of the Cthulhu” complete and sent out to editors

MAY 2021

• “The Last Stop” proposed to agents and publishers 
• “Apollyon” finishes proofreads and illustrators begin early sketches

JUNE 2021

• Early reviewers get their “looking-balls” on “A Dead End Job”
• Interviews on podcasts, radio stations and literary journals for the premiere of “A Dead End Job”

JULY 2021

• Early announcement about “The Last Stop” publication
• Short Horror Story Projects Cut Off for Submission 
• We will take part in the “2021 Charity Drive for the Extra Life for Kids” program 

AUGUST 2021

• We will start the countdown for “A Dead End Job” with great giveaways, including e-books, t-shirts and other great 

SEPTEMBER 2021

• “The Last Stop” continued publication announcements
• “Taming of the Cthulhu” hits submission phase
• “A Dead End Job” preorders completed 

OCTOBER 2021

• “A Dead End Job” released (Woo hoo!). Parliament House PRess will release physical copies and ebooks starting October 5th, 2021.
• Podcast interviews to continue in promotion of Parliament House Press in conjunction with “A Dead End Job”
• Halloween Short Stories hit publication 

NOVEMBER 2021

• “The Last Stop” begins editorial phase with new publisher
• “Taming of the Cthulhu” early publication announcements 
• Justin Alcala short story and novel contest results announced

DECEMBER 2021

• Christmas Giveaways for “A Dead End Job” gifted for select readers 
• “Apollyon” publication announcement updates