Justin Alcala at Days of the Dead Chicago 2014

Days of the Dead returns to Indianapolis, IN July 5-7. I will be "On the Beat" as always, but for now, I am recalling some fun moments over my many years there.

One of the cool parts of DotD is the newcomers who are there. I have met many authors and other creators who were just starting their careers. Justin Alcala is one such author.

While I would have come across Justin in my coverage of DotD, I was first alerted to him by my cousin Ernie, who is a cousin of Justin. Ernie mentioned that Justin would be at DotD and asked if I would be interested in interviewing him I absolutely wanted to interview him! I am always looking to discover and promote fresh creators. We talked about his writing, his influences, his start and much more in our interview at On the Beat With Justin Alcala at Days of the Dead. 

Justin describes himself as a novelist and nerdologist. He is the author of the novels Consumed, The Devil in the Wide City and Dim Fairytales. He also has written several short stories, appearing in magazines and elsewhere. Justin created The Plenty Dreadful universe, a deranged supernatural version of the modern world.

Justin is a talented young author. I appreciate Ernie thinking of me in pointing me towards Justin. I am sure Justin will have a long and successful career in creating fascinating stories and characters.

There are so many talented folks I have met at DotD. Justin joins the ranks of author Michael West, artist Kurt Dinse and so many more. I look forward to meeting new creators this year.

Go to DaysoftheDead.com for more info and scheduling. Also, check out Justin at JustinAlcala.com.

Justin Alcala and me in Schaumburg, IL-November 2014.

On the Beat with Justin Alcala at Days of the Dead 2014

Days of the Dead is always presenting me with new opportunities.  At the recent Days in Chicago, I met a native Chicagoan author, who just happens to be a distant relative.

Early Saturday morning, my cousin Ernie Sanchez messaged me that his cousin was appearing at Days.  I never pass on a new author, especially one with familial ties!

Justin Alcala is a freelance writer and a published author.  Like me, he was born and raised on the southside of Chicago.  Justin did a lot of writing to hone his skills and get noticed.

Alcala was at Days to promote his first supernatural thriller, “Consumed.”  I will let him tell you about "Consumed" in our interview below.  We also talked about his current projects and some other fun.

After you watch the interview below, check out JustinAlcala.com for more info on him.  I am sure you will find him as interesting and engaging as I did.  I look forward to seeing him again and to following his career.