Neil Blake Online - Guest Teddy Hayes

Best known as the author of the Harlem-based Devil Barnett series of detective novels, Teddy Hayes is a talented force in a number of creative fields. His experiences range from working as a scriptwriter and directing films and music videos to writing and producing plays and musical shows. "I had decided I couldn't be a singer because I couldn't read music well, so I decided to be a writer." Teddy began writing short plays while still an undergraduate. During his last year at college, he worked part-time as a film processor and editor at a local television station in Cleveland. After graduating in 1974, he worked on a community based project in Los Angeles with legendary music and film producer Quincy Jones. This brought him to the attention of filmmaker, theatre director and producer Melvin Van Peebles who invited Teddy to work with him in New York. Teddy's latest book from Gypsy Shadow Publishing is titled: Her Name Was Amy Tillman