2021 Local Authors Expo Spotlight: Hugh Hardy Jr.

Birmingham's Hugh Hardy Jr. is author of the Maysa Brown trilogy. 

Author name: Hugh Hardy Jr.

Title of books: Maysa Brown series (3 books) - Maysa Brown: Rise to Power, Maysa Brown: A World in Turmoil and Maysa Brown: A Season of Change 

What is your favorite quote that you live by? "A thousand words will not leave so deep an impression as one deed." - Henrik Ibsenby

How to buy the books: Hardy's Maysa Brown book series can be purchased online through Amazon books and Barnes & Noble. The books can also be checked out at local libraries throughout Birmingham and Jefferson County Library Cooperative (JCLC) members. 

Birmingham, Ala. - As a longtime employee of the Birmingham Public Library before retiring last year, Hugh Hardy Jr. has always had a fascination  with books. In 2018, Hardy put his thoughts into action and penned  his first novel, Maysa Brown: Rise to Power.    

In the summer of 2019, Hardy released the second book in the series, Maysa Brown: A World in Turmoil.  In August 2020, Hardy closed out the trilogy with the third book, Maysa Brown: A Season of Change.   

A Birmingham native, Hardy graduated from Birmingham-Southern College with a Bachelor's degree in management. He retired from the Birmingham Public Library in 2020. Hardy and his wife, Yolanda, have two children, Candice and Brandon (wife Christian), and one grandson, Mason. 

Hardy  participated in the 2019 BPL Local Authors Expo. In a Q&A with BPL's PR Department, Hardy discussed the Maysa Brown book trilogy and shared advice for budding writers. 

BPL: Tell me about your books

Hardy: The Maysa Brown book series depicts a story of a young woman who graduates from college and goes on to become President of the United States. She is in love with her college professor, Michael who can see her future, but can’t tell her that he has this ability. He just nudges her when she gets off the path she is destined to complete.

Book two picks up after the world has been devastated by President Nasser of Syria. Nasser’s lust for power leads him down a dark path of destruction. While Nasser has the Middle East on lockdown, Maysa has her own domestic turmoil to deal with and her own devilish criminal minds. It is truly a world in turmoil. 

Book Three brings about change for the entire world, including the lives of Maysa and Michael. Just when you think things have settled down, you’re very wrong! Evil sometimes finds its way to your door steps and drastic measures are required. A season of change does just that. Welcome to the world of Maysa and Michael.

BPL: What inspired you to write the Maysa Brown series? 

Hardy: The world is always faced with varied kinds of turmoil which lead to my decision to put my twist through the eyes and heart of Maysa Brown, a very strong and intelligent black woman. 

BPL: Who is your favorite author and why?

Hardy: Terry McMillan. I enjoy her writing style. Her books have a very easy flow to them and you can easily follow the characters and story line. 

BPL: What do you hope readers get out of your books?

Hardy: My goal is for my readers to realize my books have an underlying message of faith, determination, and hope. My aim is for people to believe in themselves and their conviction to pursue their dreams. My main character is a strong, courageous, and true to her beliefs, such as the women in my family. 

I hope they realize my books have an underlying message of hope. I believe in people believing in themselves. My words throughout my books are to stay stronger, especially the women. I grew up in a strong family and the women in particular are very strong as all women should be. 

BPL: Advice for new authors or those desiring to become an author? 

Hardy: Find a rhythm to your writing and be dedicated to putting in the time to master your craft. Let your topic be something you can lose yourself in and be able to feel the characters making them come to life. Two years ago I had finished book two of my series and my followers wanted more. Hopefully, book three fulfilled their request.