Alexander Watson's interest in writing came at an early age. His grandparents were world travelers, the Mame Dennis and Beauregard Burnside of their day. They sent postcards and letters from around the globe; but for young Alexander to receive, he had to give. Reading of their exploits and reciprocating with his own cultivated Mr. Watson's ability to convey the color of places even as remote as a child's imagination and render fascinating the petty businesses of the people who lived therein.