A chance question by one of his sons led to a whole new career for Colin Deeny.
The Toryglen man, now living in Ireland, was put on the spot when he was asked about Father Christmas’ origins.
His answer made him consider jotting his ideas down, and from those humble beginnings, Colin has gone on to write four children’s books, with the latest, The City of Ys, released last month.
Colin told the Reformer: “It all started when one of my sons asked what Santa was like when he was a boy.
“I thought about it and wrote a story for my boys at Christmas. I then spoke to my wife Grace and with her encouragement, I decided to write it ‘properly’ with some professional guidance.
“In truth, I am probably a wean at heart and these stories are enjoyable to write.”
Colin’s latest effort is about a princess who is used to getting everything she wants, even her own city.
However, her spoiled ways and desire to have everything leads to some unintended consequences.
Colin added: “It is a traditional tale from Brittany in France. I came across it by chance while on a family holiday there.
“It’s a dark tale and in its traditional telling not for children. However, straight away I could see that it could be retold for children – even if it’s still a bit dark.
“It is not so much Disney but more like a classical tale in the Hans Christian Andersen mould. Although not as good of course!”
The former St Brigid’s Primary and John Bosco Secondary pupil still has relatives in Rutherglen and Toryglen, although he himself moved to Donegal years ago, where his wife is from and where he works as a pharmacist.
Colin’s first three books, Nicholas, When Santa Was A Boy; Nicholas, Santa Uses His Noggin and Nicholas, Santa and the Hullabaloo were all set at Christmas and centred around a young Father Christmas.
However, he has several ideas on the for his next, non-festive fictional foray.
Colin added: I have plenty of half-written, half-noted ideas. Three that I have been juggling recently are about frogs, a donkey and the London Tube.
“I also have a half-written, up-to-date version of Willie Winkie – but half-written says it all. I am thinking of focusing on the donkey one at present as it is a fun one with a bit of kick in it.”
The City of Y’s is available to buy on Amazon, with plans for a wider release later in the year.
