Charlene Flanagan
Authors’ Background: Author Charlene Flanagan is the former Executive Editor of Mother & Baby, India. Her bylines have appeared in renowned publications such as Femina, Man’s World, and The Free Press Journal, among others. She spends a lot of time reading and prefers thrillers and the macabre, an interest she shares with her sister!
Questionnaire:
Neel Preet: Your book, “Khotachiwadi Chronicles” is set in the charming Catholic neighbourhood of Khotachiwadi. What inspired you to choose this particular setting?
Charlene Flanagan: I grew up in a quintessentially Catholic pocket of South Bombay called Cavel (which is the setting for another novel written by a friend and former neighbour), not too far from Khotachiwadi. As a child, I would visit the neighborhood from time to time, and some of my fondest memories are of carol singing (walking from Cavel to nearby Catholic enclaves, with Khotachiwadi being one of them). There was always something captivating about the place—the charming, authentically Christian homes and old-world architecture gave it an almost storybook quality. It reminded me of Goa, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia. Khotachiwadi, with its rich history and poetic charm, felt like the perfect setting for my novel. And it isn’t just a backdrop, but an essential part of the story itself.
Neel Preet: Perpetual Fernandes is a fascinating character — nosy yet well-meaning. How did you develop her personality, and is she inspired by anyone in real life?
Charlene Flanagan: Aunty Perpetual is, quite literally, a blend of all the incredible women who have shaped my life—from my mother and godmother to neighbors and close family friends. In many ways, she embodies the older generation of the Catholic community, with their quirks, warmth, and sharp instincts. Of course, her mannerisms are exaggerated for dramatic effect, but the idiosyncrasies, the distinct way of carrying herself, and, most importantly, her unmatched skill in getting to the bottom of things (or, in my case, pestering you until you give in and spill the beans) are all very real. She’s a character, yes—but in many ways, she’s also a tribute to the women I grew up around.
Neel Preet: As a former Executive Editor and journalist, how has your background in publishing influenced your approach to storytelling?
Charlene Flanagan: My background in the media has had a profound influence on my approach to storytelling. As a former senior media professional, I learned the importance of clear and concise storytelling—skills that have naturally carried over into fiction writing. Writing and editing teaches you to observe keenly, distil complex stories into compelling narratives, and, most importantly, listen. These instincts have shaped my ability to create layered characters and immersive settings.
Additionally, working in publishing has given me a deep appreciation for pacing and reader engagement. I understand the power of a strong opening, the rhythm of a well-crafted sentence, and the need to balance detail with momentum. In many ways, my professional life has made me a more disciplined writer.
Neel Preet: Your book captures the unique spirit of the Catholics of old Bombay. How much of the story is drawn from your personal experiences or observations?
Charlene Flanagan: A lot of the spirit of Khotachiwadi Chronicles comes from my personal experiences and observations of growing up in a close-knit Catholic community in South Bombay. The traditions, the humour, the way news travels—these are all things I’ve lived and witnessed firsthand. While the story itself is fictional, the essence of the people, their mannerisms, their quirks, and the warmth (sometimes meddlesome, but always well-meaning) are very much real.
Many of the anecdotes and little details in the book—like the way Aunty Perpetual instinctively knows everyone’s business or how Sunday lunches are a sacred ritual—are drawn from my own upbringing. I wanted to capture that old-world charm of Bombay’s Catholic pockets, where life moved at its own pace, and every corner had a story to tell. In a way, the book is as much a tribute as it is a work of fiction.
Neel Preet: The novel blends humour, drama and intrigue. Was it challenging to balance these elements while maintaining the authenticity of the story?
Charlene Flanagan: This is a tough one to put into words, but I’ll try. They say, ‘write what you know,’ and in many ways, that’s exactly what I did. Balancing humour and intrigue didn’t feel difficult because both come naturally from the world I grew up in. I’ve always been drawn to mystery thrillers, so I understand the nuances of building suspense. And as for humour, I’ve been lucky to have a lifetime of ‘bathroom comedians’ around me—family, friends, and neighbours whose unfiltered wit and antics have undoubtedly shaped the humour in this book.
That said, the story also delves into deeper themes—family conflicts, long-buried secrets, and the evolving dynamics of an old neighbourhood—so finding the right emotional balance was crucial. Ultimately, the key was staying true to the essence of the setting and the people. Life in these old Catholic pockets has always been a blend of laughter, tension, and mystery, and I wanted that authenticity to shine through.
Neel Preet: Perpetual’s journey involves both gossip and a genuine sense of justice. Do you see her as a hero, an anti-hero, or something in between?
Charlene Flanagan: Aunty Perpetual is definitely something in between. She’s not a conventional hero, nor is she an anti-hero in the traditional sense. She’s deeply flawed—nosy, opinionated, and often meddlesome—but beneath all that, she has a sharp sense of right and wrong. Her gossiping isn’t just idle chatter; it’s almost a survival skill in a community where information is power. And while she may thrive on knowing everyone’s business, there’s also an underlying sense of justice driving her actions.
She doesn’t set out to be a hero, but in her own way, she becomes one. Whether it’s out of curiosity, stubbornness, or an unshakable moral compass, she finds herself at the centre of something bigger than neighbourhood scandals. And that’s what makes her so compelling—she’s unpredictable, sometimes infuriating, but ultimately, she cares. She embodies the contradictions we all carry, which is why readers will likely see shades of someone they know—or even themselves—in her.
Neel Preet: The Rodrigues family is at the center of the novel’s mystery. How did you craft their downfall, and what themes do you hope the readers would take from their story?
Charlene Flanagan: At its core, the story isn’t just about the ‘downfall’ of the Rodrigues family, is it? It’s about perception, the weight of tradition, and how tightly knit communities can both protect and suffocate their own. Aunty Perpetual, like many well-meaning but over-involved elders, thrives on the drama of it all. The actual scandal? Barely worth a whisper in the grand scheme of things. But in a place like Khotachiwadi, where history, legacy, and reputation hold as much weight as truth itself, even the smallest ripple can feel like a tidal wave.
Through the Rodrigues family, I wanted to explore themes of change—how old ways clash with new realities, how secrets lose their power once exposed, and how sometimes, the biggest dramas exist only in the minds of those who love to stir the pot. At the end of the day, it’s less about their ‘fall’ and more about how the neighbourhood chooses to remember—or misremember—their story.
Neel Preet: What was the most challenging part of writing “Khotachiwadi Chronicles” and were there any moments where you struggled with the narrative?
Charlene Flanagan: One of the biggest challenges was connecting the dots for the actual scandal while keeping the story grounded in the very real, authentic setting of Khotachiwadi. The neighbourhood has such a distinct charm and history, and I wanted to ensure that the intrigue felt organic rather than forced. Gossip in a place like this doesn’t unfold like a high-stakes thriller—it’s a slow burn, fuelled by whispers, exaggerations, and a bit of creative embellishment. Striking that balance—where the mystery remained engaging but still believable in the context of a close-knit Catholic community—was tricky.
There were definitely moments where I struggled with the narrative, especially in making sure the so-called ‘scandal’ felt both consequential and amusing in equal measure. I wanted it to be something that could be blown out of proportion by Aunty Perpetual’s innate ‘auntiness,’ while also revealing deeper truths about the neighbourhood and its people. Ensuring that every thread tied together without losing the humour and heart of the story was both the most frustrating and the most rewarding part of the process.
But of course, having my sister and my editor and best friend be constant readers from the get-go, helped me keep things in check and stay on track.
Neel Preet: What advice would you give to aspiring authors, especially those looking to write about culturally rich and character-driven stories like yours?
Charlene Flanagan: My biggest advice would be to immerse yourself in the world you’re writing about—observe, listen, and absorb the nuances of the people and places that inspire you. Authenticity is key when writing culturally rich and character-driven stories. It’s not just about getting the details right, but about capturing the essence—the rhythm of conversations, the quirks, the unspoken rules that shape a community.
Neel Preet: Now that “Khotachiwadi Chronicles” is out, what’s next for you as an author? Can the readers expect more such incredible works in the future?
Charlene Flanagan: Releasing Khotachiwadi Chronicles has been an incredible journey, and I’m so grateful for the love it’s received. As for what’s next—there are definitely more stories brewing! I’m drawn to rich, character-driven narratives, and there’s no shortage of inspiration in the world around me. Besides, Aunty Perpetual is a vibe, and I wouldn’t want her nosiness to end with just one book.
Buy her Book: Khotachiwadi Chronicles
Publisher: Evincepub Publishing
