The Writer’s Lab: Dick Hardy’s Creative Journey
Dick Hardy's life, much like the characters in his stories, was shaped by a series of transitions—each of them motivated by curiosity, a desire to learn, and a drive to create something meaningful. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he spent his childhood in the city before his family moved to the western suburb of Villa Park when he was eleven. It was during these early years that Dick first developed his fascination with science, a passion that would guide his academic and professional choices.
He earned his BS in chemistry from Northern Illinois University, followed by an MS from Roosevelt University. After graduation, Dick worked at Sherwin Williams Paint Company in research, where he used his chemistry skills to push the boundaries of paint and coating technology. But, as with many things in his life, his path took an unexpected turn. A shift into sales and marketing soon followed, and Dick climbed the corporate ladder to become a Vice President. For a decade, he thrived in the corporate world, but his entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him to start his own business—manufacturing and marketing specialty paints, primers and coatings.
The next 25 years saw Dick build his company into a respected name in the industry, eventually selling it to Rustoleum and retiring. It was during these later years of retirement that Dick's story took an entirely new turn—a shift from the world of science and business to the world of words and imagination.
The seeds of his writing career were planted in the solitude of a global pandemic. As COVID-19 swept through the world, Dick, like so many others, found himself at home, searching for ways to fill the newfound quiet spaces in his life. He turned to his dog, Petey, for comfort and companionship, and began to write stories about their adventures together. These early writings, short and sweet, were a reflection of Dick's joy in storytelling rather than a desire to be published.
But something clicked. The stories kept coming, and Dick realized that he had more tales to tell. Encouraged by the members of the SaddleBrooke Writers’ Club, Dick ventured into more ambitious projects. What started as brief narratives about his beloved dog soon expanded into longer works of historical fiction and science fiction. Dick, who had always seen himself as a "storyteller" rather than a "writer," began to explore new worlds in his stories, blending his deep knowledge of science with his love of history and faith.
Dick’s writing process was methodical, much like his years as a chemist. He would start with a clear idea, building characters from his own experiences, and then work on fleshing out their stories. Whether he was writing about a lost Apache silver amulet in “The Lost Amulet” or time traveling back to 1864 to meet Abraham Lincoln in” Interrupted Time”, he carefully researched every element of his stories. His characters, often drawn from real people he had known or studied, came to life with depth and authenticity.
At first, Dick’s writing was a way to express his creativity, but soon it became something more. His stories, woven with subtle messages of love and faith, began to resonate with readers. In “Island of Stability”, for example, a retired chemist works to create a new element, blending Dick’s background in science with his love for thrilling narratives. Through his work, Dick didn’t just want to entertain—he wanted to inspire. He wanted his readers to feel the same excitement he had when creating these worlds. And, if possible, he hoped they might take away a message of hope and faith along the way.
Despite his success, Dick remained humble and open to feedback. The members of the SaddleBrooke Writers' Club were crucial in his development as a writer, providing valuable critique and encouragement. They helped him refine his craft, offering advice on everything from narrative flow to character development. For Dick, criticism was not a setback but an opportunity for growth. He learned to approach his writing as a process of continuous improvement, just as he had done in his previous careers.
One of the elements Dick loved most about writing was the storytelling itself. He reveled in crafting characters with complex emotions, fears and desires. He was fascinated by how stories could weave together multiple plotlines and how, through careful attention, disparate threads could be pulled together into something cohesive and meaningful. His approach to writing was flexible—if one part of a story didn’t come easily, he would move on to another and revisit the troublesome section later. For Dick, the story was always the most important thing, and he would go to great lengths to make sure it was told well.
As his catalog of stories grew—"Canine Reflections”, “The Lost Amulet”, “Interrupted Time”, “Time Will Tell” and “Island of Stability”—Dick realized that his work had taken on a life of its own. It was no longer just about creating; it was about sharing, connecting, and impacting others. He wrote not only for himself but for readers who longed for adventure, mystery and deeper meanings. His audience, from animal lovers to science fiction enthusiasts, found something to cherish in his stories.
Dick’s writing was never about grandeur. He didn’t aim for literary fame or recognition. Instead, he wrote because he had stories to tell—stories that were born out of a life rich with experience, filled with faith, science, history and love. On every page, he sought to remind his readers of something essential: that, just like him, they, too, had stories to tell.
As he continues to write, with a sequel to “Island of Stability” in the works, Dick Hardy remains a storyteller at heart. His journey from chemist to entrepreneur to author is a testament to the enduring power of curiosity, creativity and the quiet, transformative art of writing. For him, it’s never been about how many books he publishes or how widely they’re read. It’s about the joy of sharing stories, the thrill of crafting new worlds, and the hope that, in some small way, his words might make the world just a little bit brighter.
Dick Hardy’s work can be found on Amazon: just key in the name on the book and ‘by Richard Hardy,’ and it will come up. They are also available in the SaddleBrooke HOA-1 library in hard copy booklet form in the section they have reserved for SaddleBrooke's authors:
- “Canine Reflections” – Stories about my wonderful dog, Petey.
- “The Lost Amulet” – A story about the Sonoran Desert and a lost Apache silver amulet.
- “Interrupted Time” – A story about time travel back to 1864 and meeting Lincoln.
- “Time will Tell” – A story about time travel to solve old crime cold cases in the Tucson area.
- “Island of Stability” – A story about a retired chemist’s effort to create Element 122 and the following intrigue.
You can also read two poems written by Dick, “The Study” and “My Old Friend: The Bible,” included with this article.
For SaddleBrooke residents interested in joining the Writers Group, call Mary Richling at (520) 437-8329 or email jmrichling@yahoo.com. We meet on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Catalina Room at 38735 S. Mountain View Boulevard.
The Study
By Dick Hardy
2024
I love this room,
so crowded with books and memories
mementos, photos, and old pictures telling stories
The other rooms are nice.
However, this room is alive
and it is where I come alive.
This room is worn.
This room is stacked with old stuff
but this room welcomes me in
Hello, my old friend
Have you missed me?
We have certainly missed you!
Your computer and printer are ready,
So is the old mantle clock; you don’t wind
and your old comfortable chair awaits.
Can I take a moment to reminisce?
Take all the time that you want,
we’re here, just waiting for you…
You know, this carpet is worn
These stacks of papers aren’t filed
And these books need reshelving…
As I said, we’ve missed you!
Bring in your coffee and don’t mind the mess,
we have been your cohorts for years:
We dream here together,
we tell stories and laugh,
we help your soul create.
Oh, you’re taking credit, are you now?
Of course, would you work anyplace else?
No, I thought, I wouldn’t think of it.
My Old Friend: The Bible
By Dick Hardy
2024
When I first met you, I was so excited—
your friends all spoke highly of you,
but I soon felt somewhat misguided
I just didn’t understand, and I withdrew.
I wanted to be with you and learn more,
to know what you wanted to do and say,
to absorb your teaching and be ashamed no more
although I tried, I stumbled, to my dismay.
Slowly, ever so slowly, I learned to listen
with others’ help, I paid close attention
I changed my thinking and predisposition
I embraced you again with the warmest affection
Your wonderful stories amaze and intrigue me.
I can no longer ignore the sincerity of your truth:
you tell me that all you offer has always been free,
your ways are now easier to understand but so hard to do
I now spend much more time with you.
But this evening, I grow tired reading by the fire,
I mark my place and close your tattered cover,
my old friend, my Bible