TJ Haynes was born in New Haven, Connecticut. TJ is the youngest of five siblings. TJ attended Southern Connecticut State University, where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in English. He later received his Master’s degree in Education from Walden University. He has one child, a daughter, and is currently a high school English Teacher. With an insatiable thirst for knowledge, TJ is currently enrolled at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut pursuing a post Master’s degree in Educational Leadership.
TJ Haynes initially developed his love for writing while in high school. During those years he wrote numerous short stories and poems. “Writing was always so cathartic, especially during the most difficult times of my adolescence,” TJ explains. When he initially began writing, he was rather shy about sharing his work with the public; however once he stepped out of his comfort zone and allowed others to read his work, the love and adoration he received came in abundance. The praise of those he allowed to read his early writings fueled his passion to continue on his path of one day being a published author.
While working on his undergraduate degree, TJ fine-tuned his writing of short fiction, and wrote prolifically. His love for the written word only increased and upon graduation. TJ used his love for writing in the classroom when he became an English Teacher; not only teaching American Literature, but Creative Writing as well. It was while teaching one of his creative writing classes that the conception of his first novel, Broken Gems was conceived. TJ notes, “Broken Gems initially started as short story I wrote and used to complement a lesson on character development. The response I received was overwhelming.” The accolades from his students served as inspiration to turn Broken Gems into a full length novel. Additionally, the untimely passing of his beloved mother served to fuel his desire to bring Broken Gems to fruition, as the novel is dedicated to her memory.
While raising his daughter, teaching, and pursuing his Master’s Degree, TJ Haynes channeled his creativity and wrote Broken Gems. For many years TJ longed for the day that he could call himself a published author, and tell a story that he always knew he had within him. TJ is currently planning to begin writing the sequel to Broken Gems.
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