Joe Young's Newly Released Novel "Diamond Ruff"

Homeless at a young age, Diamond Ruff was determined to succeed. With grit, shrewdness,
and the tenacity to make it, Diamond forges a life alone on the streets of Hartford.

Orphan, con artist, crime boss and millionaire, Diamond Ruff has seen it all. In prison for a murder
he did not commit, he meets the Reverend Trek Woods, who overwhelms him with kindness,
character and faith in God. Falling in love with April, a young woman with a terminal illness,
Ruff is again challenged to grow and change. Will he be redeemed? There are no easy answers.

The Movie

If you think the book is going to be a hit, wait until you see the movie! That’s right, we are going to take you on a journey from the book to the screen and you get to be apart of it. You are going to be involved every step of the way, even down to the casting decisions. We invite you to see how a successful independent film is done by showing you our plans and our progress each week. You can witness good practices that you might want to use for your own independent film, and you can also see practices that didn’t work. In addition you get to comment on the blog section and give your advice on the movie or just plain rave about it. This isn’t just a learning experience, but an adventure for both you and Young! Studios.

Book Sponsorship

SUPPORT THE HARTFORD ANIMATION AND FILM INSTITUTE (HAFI) BY ORDERING THE YOUNG ADULT/teen VERSION for middle and high school students. HAFI train disadvantaged inner-city youth in the business of animation and film. You will be able to pick the school or organization that your books will go to. All sponsorships are tax-deductible. Please download HAFI gift sponsorship letter. You may also download the sponsorship form here.

About The Author

Joseph Young, Jr.

A native of Connecticut, is a cartoonist, filmmaker, producer, and writer. The creator of the Scruples Comic characters, he is currently the president and founder of Young Studios headquartered in Hartford, CT. he is a former Guinness World Record holder for creating the World’s Longest Comic Strip. In 1999 he received the Daily Point of Light Award from the White House. He has appeared in People, Ebony and Jet Magazines, the New York Times, Boston Globe, C-Span, US Weekend and other national media outlets.

For more on Joe, click here.