Charlie’s Boys was 50 Years in the Making

I am often asked how long it took me to write Charlie’s Boys. 50 years is my immediate reply.

Why that long? The book was published 50 years after I was admitted to kindergarten in St. Columba’s School. I stayed there for 13 years. Life took me places after that – further education, different occupations, creative pursuits, and exposure to people and ideas.

I initiated a book on my days in school in 2010 – but could not get going. I tried a few more times, but the narrative just would not flow. And then something clicked late 2024. And I was ready with the first draft in a few months.

I had to go through a certain evolution – in my skills and thinking - to be able to write what I did. I would not have been satisfied with the product and its quality anytime earlier than this. And that is why I say: Charlie’s Boys was 50 years in the making.