On Being “A Friendly Hermit.” Coming home from very lonely places, all of us go a little mad: whether from great personal success, or just an all-night drive, we are the sole survivors of a world no one else has ever seen. – John le Carre My writing/speaking nickname is “The Friendly Hermit.” It’s because …
Monthly Archives: September 2009
Opening Of "A Spent Bullet"
Opening of A Spent Bullet Below is the prologue and two epigraphs from my current novel in progress, A Spent Bullet. I’m about half through (50,000 words) the first draft. Read over it and give me feedback. I have several questions below the prologue. Thanks, Curt Iles curtiles@aol.com Prologue Folks say the herds of …
Two Weddings – One Day
My former student, Kay Campbell Fox, commented on my recent blog about a newlywed couple running through the lobby at the Denver Marriott. It’s a wonderful story. From Kay: Two weddings – one day – Just shy of 21 years – all to the same man. You see, Nick and I were married at 2 …
The Ripple Effect Continues
The Ripple Effect continues I received three journeyman prayer cards yesterday. They were from Micah, Erica, and Lydia. I’ve never met Micah, but I love him and am proud of him. His mother, Debbie Walley, was one of my closest friends through the Baptist Student Union at La. College. Micah is going to Kenya …
Dolly Is The Horse's Name
Dolly is the horse’s name Below is a draft passage from my current work in progress, A Spent Bullet. The scene: a barn in Bundick, La. September 1941. 18 year old Butch struggles with his decision to join the military as war clouds loom. His father, a “Great War veteran” (what WWI was called then) …
Brand New i-Macs At Rick’s Institute
This is a press release from Ricks Institute in Liberia. This is the school we worked with in July. The iMacs in the Ricks Library. The Liberian flag is shown in the background. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Brand New i-Mac Computers Installed at Ricks September 23, 2009, Ricks Institute, Virginia, Liberia–Fifteen (15) brand new i-Mac …
3 A.M., 40 Miles, 4 Trucks, 2 Cups Of Coffee
3 am, 40 miles, 4 trucks, 2 cups of coffee I left home this morning at 3:00 am, on my way to the Houston airport, then Denver for a writing conference. On my forty mile drive from Dry Creek to DeQuincy, I only meet four vehicles—all trucks. The road is quiet. The woods are dark. …
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After The Conference: What To Do When The Circus Leaves Town
After the Conference Ends: “What to do when the circus leaves town.” “Turn out the lights, the party’s over. They say all things must come to an end.” -Willie Nelson I’ve read many excellent articles about preparing for, and attending, …
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Working Title: The Power Of The Note
Working Title: The Power of the Note Sub title: Living gratefully/Living compassionately By Curt Iles Recently when meeting a former student of mine from my earlier years as a high school teacher, he pulled out his billfold and showed me a dog-eared letter I had written him years ago. The fact that he had …
It’s All About Influence
It’s all about influence. I’m very privileged to write and speak full time. This is a fine royalty check I got last week for $1.04. It’s never been about the money. Of course, it allows me to make a living and hopefully a difference. To me, it’s about influence. Recently, my friend Gary Hahler wrote …
A Horse By Any Other Name…
A horse by any other name… I’m gathering names for a plow horse in my new novel, A Spent Bullet. See nominations below and read the passage that relates to this horse. (Curt) My grandfather had two horses: Dallas and Sam. (Dallas is Joe Moore’s horse in The Wayfaring Stranger and he makes an appearance …
Mr. Tiger’s Song
“Some people go to their graves with their songs in them; let this not be said of me.” Mr. Tiger’s Song I met Mr. Tiger today at the Southeast La. War Veterans Home in Reserve. We had a great time telling stories to the veterans. Best of all was hearing their stories. Nearly all are …
Folklore From Africa And Louisiana
Folklore from Africa and Louisiana One of the best parts of our Liberian trip was being with students at Ricks School. I worked with them on using symbolism in writing. Majoe drew this picture and explained it. Here is what I learned: The Kola tree (from which the cola nut comes that …
A Good Place Is Coming Soon
A Good Place is coming soon. Listed below are the covers on our upcoming novel, A Good Place. November 15 is the projected release date. Click on the covers for a closer look. Look over the covers. If you have any suggestions on wording for the back cover, we still are making minor changes. Give …
