The professor who read the initial version of Savanna’s Treasureadvised Behrens to continue with it after the class ended. His first stop was in Princeton, N.J. for the NJSCBWI’s annual writing conference. He signed up for a first-page read by three professionals within the publishing industry, an experience he likens to an “American Idol for writers.” Among about 14 participants, Behrens was the second to last to have his page read. While most before him received negative feedback, his work was met with enthusiasm. The professionals praised his setting, character introduction, and the unique animal story he had crafted.
Behrens’ second children’s book about Alexander Hamilton is being published Crossroads Publishing, LLC. with a release date TBD. In 2023, he received an award from Writer’s Digest for a basketball poem. A few of his short stories were praised by Lorian Hemingway. He also coached high school basketball for several years.
In addition to graduating Magna Cum Laude from Dominican College (University) in 2010, Behrens earned a Public Works Management Certificate from Rutgers in 2017. For the past 31 years, he has enjoyed working for the Borough of Woodcliff Lake, N.J. He considers watching his daughters play high school softball the best time of his life. In his spare time, Behrens loves to draw and paint. He invites readers to follow him on social media.
