Joel Thomas Hynes

Literary Career and Major Works

Joel Thomas Hynes first gained significant literary recognition with his 2005 debut novel, Down to the Dirt. The book won the Percy Janes First Novel Award and was shortlisted for the Atlantic Book Award and the Winterset Award. Its impact was further cemented by a longlisting for the International Dublin Literary Award and a longlisting for the ReLit Award. The novel's gritty portrayal of Newfoundland life proved highly adaptable, leading to a film adaptation in 2008 where Hynes played the lead role of Keith Kavanagh. The book was also adapted for the stage, and an unabridged audiobook edition narrated by Johnny Harris, Hynes, and Sherry White was released by Rattling Books in 2006. Down to the Dirt has been translated into numerous languages, extending its reach beyond Canada. His follow-up novel, Right Away Monday, was published in 2007 by HarperCollins, continuing his exploration of dark, character-driven narratives in a similarly gritty style.

In 2013, Hynes published the gothic novella Say Nothing Saw Wood, which was inspired by a true story of a grisly murder that happened in his hometown in 1971. Hynes's literary breakthrough on the national stage came with his 2017 novel, We'll All Be Burnt in Our Beds Some Night. The book was a critical triumph, winning the Governor General's Award for English-language Fiction and the Winterset Award. It was also longlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize, affirming his place among Canada's leading contemporary writers. The novel was part of the inaugural year of NL Reads, a public vote competition for books from Newfoundland and Labrador. Beyond his novels, Hynes has published other written works including a chapbook titled God Help Thee: A Manifesto in 2011 and a collection of poetic narratives called Straight Razor Days in 2012, which he described as father and son stories about motorcycles, abandoned houses, and family.

His creative process often involves retreating to seclusion to focus intensely on his writing, a method he has used for previous books where he would get up and work without a strict schedule. He is currently working on a new novel titled One of the Good Guys for his publisher HarperCollins. Hynes has also begun work on another book set in Venice Beach, California, a place he has frequented for about fifteen years, focusing on a character surviving on the beach. He approaches writing from a perspective that prioritizes the act of creation over commercial concerns, stating he is willing to go broke for his work and that he does not write for money but because it is who he is. He finds it difficult to write a novel in St. John's due to distractions and obligations, preferring to clear his plate for about six weeks to write elsewhere.

Film and Television Work

His early film roles included parts in Messiah from Montreal (2001), Ashore (2002), and The Bread Maker (2003). His debut novel's adaptation, Down to the Dirt (2008), marked his first major film role where he portrayed the protagonist Keith Kavanagh. He adapted his own novella, Say Nothing Saw Wood, into the screenplay for the 2014 film Cast No Shadow. For this work, he won the Michael Weir Award for best Atlantic Screenwriter at the Atlantic Film Festival and was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. In the film, he acted opposite his real-life son, Percy Hynes White, who won the Rising Star Award at the Edmonton International Film Festival and the Best Actor Award at the Atlantic Film Festival for his portrayal of the young protagonist Jude Traynor. The film Cast No Shadow received numerous accolades on the festival circuit and garnered four Canadian Screen Award nominations.

Hynes's filmography includes roles in numerous other Canadian films such as Crackie (2009), Grown Up Movie Star (2009), The Con Artist (2010), Relative Happiness (2015), and Hunting Pignut (2016). More recent film appearances include Goalie (2019), Body and Bones (2019), Wildhood (2021), and A Small Fortune (2021), with a role in the upcoming film Blueberry Grunt slated for 2025. On television, Hynes has played recurring characters on several notable series including Republic of Doyle, Orphan Black, Mary Kills People, Frontier, and the upcoming series Below in 2026. He was also a writer for the series Hatching, Matching and Dispatching, in which he performed, and had a role in the 2006 series Rabbittown. Other television credits include an episode of ReGenesis (2008), The Book of Negroes (2015), Trickster (2020), and Hudson and Rex (2021), with a role in Sheriff Country coming in 2025.

His most significant television project to date is the CBC comedy series Little Dog, which premiered in 2018. Hynes is the creator, an executive producer, and the star of the show, playing burned-out boxer Tommy "Little Dog" Ross who makes a reluctant return to the ring after a long hiatus. The series was shot in Newfoundland and features a cast including Andy Jones, Ger Ryan, Stephen Oates, and Katherine Isabelle. The series represents a major synthesis of his skills as a writer, producer, and performer. Hynes has stated that juggling multiple creative endeavours like Little Dog, his novel, and his album is challenging but part of his approach to a career in the arts, which he prefers over the solitary life of being only a novelist.

Theatre, Music, and Other Artistic Pursuits

Hynes's artistic expression extends meaningfully into theatre and live performance, with several plays authored or co-authored for the stage. His stage works include Say Nothing Saw Wood from 2009, Broken Accidents from 2010, and Incinerator Road from 2011. In 2011, he also co-wrote the play The Devil You Don't Know with Sherry White. These works often share the thematic darkness and complex character studies found in his novels and films, adapted for the live stage. His foray into music has resulted in two albums that blend narrative storytelling with song. He released JTH Live at the LSPU Hall and, in 2018, the concept album Dead Man's Melody. The latter album, produced by Eamon McGrath in Toronto, loosely follows the story of a doomed relationship that ends in murder and mayhem, with the album's main character barricaded inside a house. All nine tracks on Dead Man's Melody were written by Hynes, and the album is available on iTunes, Spotify, and CDBaby. Hynes has also been an active participant in literary festivals and events, joining the travelling 2018 program of The March Hare, Atlantic Canada's largest poetry festival, following the release of his album.

In September 2026, he is scheduled to join curator Laura Prior for an event titled 'Between Time and Tide: A Conversation with Joel Thomas Hynes' to explore the songs, stories, and legacy of his uncle, Ron Hynes. He has been a guest speaker at events like the Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library's Wine and Words Series held at Palatine Hills Estate Winery. His multidisciplinary activities reflect a philosophy where he moves between writing novels, film scripts, plays, short stories, or music based on his frame of mind, without strict adherence to one medium or the expectation of financial reward from any single project. He has stated that the life of a full-time novelist is very solitary and that he is happy to pursue other careers in the arts, which allows him to juggle different creative endeavours.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Joel Thomas Hynes has been recognized with numerous awards and honours that highlight his contributions to Canadian arts. His major literary awards are a central part of this recognition. In addition to his Governor General's Award and Winterset Award for We'll All Be Burnt in Our Beds Some Night, his debut novel Down to the Dirt earned the Percy Janes First Novel Award. For his work in film, specifically for adapting his own novella, he received the Michael Weir Award for best Atlantic Screenwriter and a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. In 2008, the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council named him Artist of the Year, a significant local honour. He has also received the Lawrence Jackson Writer's Award, the Summerwork's Theatre Festival's Contra Guys Award, and won the Cuffer Prize in 2008. His novel Down to the Dirt was also shortlisted for the Atlantic Book Award and longlisted for the International Dublin Literary Award and the ReLit Award, demonstrating the wide recognition of his early work.

• Governor General's Award for English-language Fiction (2017) for We'll All Be Burnt in Our Beds Some Night
• Winterset Award (2017) for We'll All Be Burnt in Our Beds Some Night
• Percy Janes First Novel Award for Down to the Dirt
• Michael Weir Award for best Atlantic Screenwriter at the Atlantic Film Festival for Cast No Shadow
• Nominated for a Canadian Screen Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for Cast No Shadow
• Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council Artist of the Year (2008)
• Cuffer Prize winner (2008)
• Lawrence Jackson Writer's Award
• Summerwork's Theatre Festival's Contra Guys Award
• Down to the Dirt was shortlisted for the Atlantic Book Award and longlisted for the International Dublin Literary Award and the ReLit Award.

Filmography Highlights

Joel Thomas Hynes has built a substantial and varied body of work in film and television, appearing in and contributing to dozens of projects. His roles range from lead performances in independent films to recurring characters on popular television series. The following table highlights a selection of his notable film and television appearances, demonstrating the breadth and ongoing nature of his screen career. The list includes projects from early in his career to upcoming works confirmed for 2025 and 2026, providing a clear timeline of his sustained activity in the industry.

Personal Life and Artistic Philosophy

Joel Thomas Hynes maintains a life divided between several locations, reflecting his career and personal preferences. He splits his time between Newfoundland, Toronto, and California, with a particular attachment to a place in Trinity South, Newfoundland for the warmer months. He has stated that he feels more productive, less deviant, and has less anxiety when outside major cities, and that he loves St. John's but can imagine becoming more secluded later. Hynes is the nephew of the celebrated Newfoundland singer-songwriter Ron Hynes, and he is the father of actor Percy Hynes White, whose mother is producer Sherry White. He has spoken about the experience of watching his son, who appeared on the Fox series The Gifted, manage a career in the entertainment industry as a teenager, noting the challenges that come with early fame and the interest in being a normal sixteen-year-old. Hynes believes his son has the foundation to rise to the challenge and is doing a good job, though his own unconventional career path may not have provided a clear template.

His artistic philosophy is driven by creation itself rather than commercial reward. Hynes has expressed a willingness to pursue projects without financial security, stating 'I'm wiling to go broke. I don't give a fuck if I've got money in the bank or if anybody likes what I do.' He prioritizes the meditative act of creating across various forms, whether it be a novel, film script, play, or song. He does not see royalty cheques as a primary motivation, noting that for his first novel, advances were only recently paid off. He believes his unconventional approach, running with ideas first without concern for money or awards, has provided a different example for his son. Hynes also stated that he does not work for a living in a traditional sense but makes a living through his varied artistic pursuits, which he engages in because that is who he is. He prepares for novel writing by going on full-on retreats, giving himself pep talks and informing everyone that he is leaving to focus solely on his work.

Published Bibliography and Creative Output

Hynes's written work forms the core of his artistic identity, encompassing novels, a novella, poetry, and dramatic works. His publications are known for their visceral prose and deep connection to the landscapes and psyche of Newfoundland, even as his settings have expanded to include cross-Canada road trips and California. His novels have been translated into multiple languages and have served as the source material for other media. The following list details his key published book-length works and plays, demonstrating his evolution as a writer from his gritty debut to his award-winning fourth novel and his theatrical contributions. This consistent output across genres confirms his status as a prolific and dedicated writer whose work continues to evolve with new projects consistently in development.

• Down to the Dirt (Novel, 2005)
• Right Away Monday (Novel, 2007)
• Say Nothing Saw Wood (Novella, 2013. Play, 2009)
• We'll All Be Burnt in Our Beds Some Night (Novel, 2017)
• God Help Thee: A Manifesto (Chapbook, 2011)
• Straight Razor Days (Poetry/Narrative Collection, 2012)
• The Devil You Don't Know (Play, co-written with Sherry White, 2011)
• Broken Accidents (Play, 2010)
• Incinerator Road (Play, 2011)

Joel Thomas Hynes has a new book of creative non-fiction coming out. He described it as a collection of poetic narratives focused on father and son themes. This book is called Straight Razor Days. He is also midway through a new novel titled One of the Good Guys for his publisher HarperCollins. Hynes has begun work on his next book, which will focus on Venice Beach, California. This pipeline of projects illustrates his ongoing commitment to literary creation alongside his other artistic activities.

Questions about Joel Thomas Hynes

What awards did Joel Thomas Hynes win for his novel 'We'll All Be Burnt in Our Beds Some Night'?

For his 2017 novel We'll All Be Burnt in Our Beds Some Night, Joel Thomas Hynes won two of Canada's most prestigious literary awards: the Governor General's Award for English-language Fiction and the Winterset Award. The novel was also longlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize, further cementing its critical acclaim. These honours recognized the book's powerful narrative and Hynes's significant contribution to contemporary Canadian fiction. The book was also part of the first NL Reads competition in Newfoundland and Labrador.

What television series did Joel Thomas Hynes create and star in?

Joel Thomas Hynes is the creator, an executive producer, and the star of the CBC comedy series Little Dog, which premiered in 2018. In the show, he plays Tommy 'Little Dog' Ross, a burned-out boxer attempting a reluctant comeback after a long, shameful hiatus. The series was filmed in Newfoundland and represents a major project where Hynes combined his talents in writing, production, and performance. The cast included Andy Jones, Ger Ryan, Stephen Oates, and Katherine Isabelle.

How is Joel Thomas Hynes related to singer Ron Hynes?

Joel Thomas Hynes is the nephew of the renowned Newfoundland singer-songwriter Ron Hynes. This familial connection places him within a notable lineage of Newfoundland artists. Hynes has participated in events exploring Ron Hynes's legacy. This includes a conversation with curator Laura Prior scheduled for September 2026 titled Between Time and Tide: A Conversation with Joel Thomas Hynes.

What was Joel Thomas Hynes's debut novel and what recognition did it receive?

Joel Thomas Hynes's debut novel was Down to the Dirt, published in 2005. The book won the Percy Janes First Novel Award and was shortlisted for the Atlantic Book Award and the Winterset Award. It was also longlisted for the International Dublin Literary Award and the ReLit Award. The novel's success led to a film adaptation in 2008, in which Hynes played the lead role, a stage adaptation, and an audiobook released in 2006.

What other creative fields does Joel Thomas Hynes work in besides writing?

Beyond his writing, Joel Thomas Hynes is an accomplished actor, screenwriter, director, and musician. He has performed in numerous films and television series, written and adapted screenplays, and released two music albums: JTH Live at the LSPU Hall and the 2018 concept album Dead Man's Melody. He has also written several plays, including The Devil You Don't Know and Incinerator Road. This multidisciplinary approach defines his career in the arts.

Where does Joel Thomas Hynes currently live?

Joel Thomas Hynes divides his time between several locations. He maintains connections to Newfoundland, particularly a place in Trinity South, and also spends time in Toronto and California. He has noted that Venice Beach, California, has become an adopted home over the past 15 years and is the setting for a novel he is currently writing about a kid surviving on the beach. He stays in St. John's during the school year for his son.

Sources and further reading

• Joel Thomas Hynes (Wikipedia)
• Hynes, Joel Thomas (whistlerwritersfest.com)
• Joel Thomas Hynes: A Manifesto, The Independent (theindependent.ca)
• Joel Thomas Hynes, Stephanie Beaumont (stephaniebeaumont.com)
• From Newfoundland to California, 'outcasts and renegades' ... (cbc.ca)

Checked by the Yadude Books desk. Last updated 2026-10-26.