On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, author Thomas Cullen discusses his new book, Charlie-Man, a YA novel captures the universal struggles of youth, love, and loss in the pre-digital 1990s South.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed Thomas Cullen about his life and career, what inspired the story of his YA novel Charlie-Man, and his creative writing process.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
I am a lawyer, now a judge, whose first love is writing—mainly about non-legal topics. Over the years, I have written op-eds and essays for various media outlets, including The New York Times and have been profiled in The Washington Post. These pieces ran the gamut from politics and current events, to fly fishing and the joys of summer camp. Now that I am a judge, I can’t write about politics or current events. So, I decided to write a YA novel, Charlie-Man.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
I wanted to write a novel for a long time. I generally knew the theme and setting (being a teenager in the American South in the early-to-mid 1990s), and I had the first chapter percolating in my mind for a decade or so.
When did you take a step to start writing?
In January 2024, I wrote an essay for Cardinal News (a Virginia-based news site) on fly fishing in the snow with my Golden Retriever. That was a blast to write, and, once it was published, I decided to take a stab at my novel.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
I completed a rough draft of the manuscript in about three months. After it was accepted by my publisher, I spent about nine months rewriting, revising, and polishing with invaluable input from my editor and project manager. The whole process—from day one of writing to publication—took about 18 months.
What made you want to write Charlie-Man?
I wanted to write a book that younger readers could relate to, but also one that would interest “older” readers, particularly those who came of age during the 1990s. Many of the experiences and challenges faced by the young protagonist, Charlie Stewart—the loss of a parent, the burdens of friendship, unrequited love, and anxiety—transcend time or place. But Charlie-Man may be unique in that the main character faces these obstacles in the pre-Internet, iPhone and social-media era, when landline phones, CDs and “mix tapes” were still king.
What were your biggest challenges with writing Charlie-Man?
Having never crafted a novel, I was particularly apprehensive about writing dialogue—mainly for the teenage characters—that sounded authentic. Once I started, I tried to imagine what the mid-1990s version of myself would have said, recalling many of the phrases, quips, and smart-ass remarks that were in my arsenal. Ultimately, I found that writing dialogue was one of the most enjoyable aspects of the project.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?
It is often said that most first novels are at least partially autobiographical. And I think that’s true to a certain extent with the protagonist, Charlie Stewart. That said, he is not a dead ringer for me, or anyone else that I knew at that time. Some of Charlie’s experiences and his general outlook on life are familiar to the author, but Charlie had a tougher time—and handled his challenges with more aplomb—than I did (or could have).
Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?
I’ll leave it to the reader to determine whether there is a true antagonist, within the traditional meaning of that term. Insofar as Charlie’s best friend, Beau Miller, can be considered an antagonist, I will plead the Fifth on who inspired him.
What is the inciting incident of Charlie-Man?
Probably when Charlie plunges off the lowhead dam into the turbulent water of the James River at the end of Chapter One.
What is the main conflict of your book?
There are several conflicts—both internal and external. In terms of internal conflicts, Charlie, throughout his senior year, faces mounting anxiety from his rekindled relationship with Katie Hendricks, his uncertain prospects for admission to a “prestigious” college, and his complicated, and sometimes fraught, relationship with Beau. Some of those internal conflicts eventually manifest into profound external conflicts by the end of the school year.
Did you plot Charlie-Man in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?
Once I had memorialized the first chapter that had been floating around my head for the better part of a decade, I wrote the rest of the book mainly “by the seat of my pants.” I would occasionally jot down notes and short outlines for various chapters or scenes as they came to me, but I didn’t have a rigid formula in front of me when I was writing.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Charlie-Man need?
I was supported by an incredibly talented editor and project manager at Brandylane Publishing. Their insight and comments over various iterations of the manuscript were insightful and strengthened the novel immeasurably. Every writer needs a good editor, and I was very fortunate to work with two standouts.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?
Write the first chapter. Once you’ve accomplished that, try to move the story along every day.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
I thoroughly enjoyed writing Charlie-Man—far more than I ever thought I would. I may write another novel, but I have nothing in the works yet.
And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
It was a wonderful experience and certainly worth the time and effort involved.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
As a federal judge, I can’t be on social media, but information about Charlie-Man can be found…
Apple Books: https://apple.co/4oqZKcS
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4muJXrF
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4mtKD0e
Hardcover: https://amzn.to/3JlNjyJ
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