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 is used in our sodas) …

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 us your feedback. Writing for …

My grandson Jack Iles explores a hollow log. When I told him there might be a coon or possom in the log, he had to go inspect it. This was taken during a day hike he and I took last week on the Wild Azalea Trail. “Don’t you know that the laughing hole ain’t there just for the kids and …

More thoughts on Work: “Work is not a four-letter word. “L.T.W.B.T.Y.F.I”* *Leave this world better than you found it.” Our work results in a world that is better than when we found it. Whether it’s a weed-filled garden, the open mind of a child, or a Bible shared with a grieving friend, it’s our work and calling. From my friend …

Earlier this year I blogged a story about how the bookmobile affected my life as a boy in rural Louisiana. My friend Alda Clark, who writes for our local papers, penned her story. Here it is for your enjoyment. Recently I was reading Brother Curt Iles’ Blog when I came across a story about the Bookmobile Beauregard Parish had back …

I have the privilege of speaking at so many events. It is a joy to share stories, encourage others, and always put in a “good work on the greatness of our God.” The clip below is from Camp Pearl’s newsletter. Visit their website at www.camppearl. com to find out more about this wonderful camp near Reeves, LA SENIOR CITIZEN’S DAY…. …

2 Stories on Ted Kennedy I’ve never been a Ted Kennedy fan. Most of his politics are 180 degrees to the left of my beliefs. However, two stories I read many years ago built a grudging respect for him. One is humorous. The other is poignant. Once during a visit to a coal mine, Ted Kennedy was approached by a …

The Best Part of Writing and Living: Relationships Shown above is my nephew Adam Terry. He’s showing off a copy of “God’s Timing” a poem I wrote. (See end of blog for reprint of poem)     Adam is congressional aide for Rep. U.S Congressman Rodney Alexander.   He and and his wife Jenny live in the Washington D.C. area …

From the cover of my lost (and found) journal: PASSION: Dream it. Dare it. Define it. Do it. Get into it!     I once was lost, but now I’m found. The adventures of journal #47.     Pictured is Books a Million associate Anna with my journal. Bonehead Iles left it at the Lake Charles store last week. Anna …

Thoughts on being spiritually dry. I’m part of a wonderful writers group called “Ripplers.” Our founder and mentor is Houston-area novelist Diann Mills. Our question for the day came from Diann, “What do you do when you’re spiritually dry?” Here is my short list. I guess because I’ve been spiritually dry plenty of times, I have a good list. -Take …

I’m planning an October Appalachian Trail hike. (I don’t want to hear any jokes about that South Carolina governor. He gave all of us A.T. hikers a bad name!)     I pulled out this poem from Stories from the Creekbank. It’s always been a favorite of mine when I get the wandering fever.           Jesus …

Draft copy of front cover of A Good Place Current draft copy of back cover copy. Your input is always appreciated.       “Deep in the Louisiana piney woods is a good place.”   It’s called “No Man’s Land” and is where Mayo Moore begins his story of growing up during the turbulent years of the Civil War. Through …

Our cover is being designed by Chad Smith of The Touch Studios. The painting is by my uncle, Bill Iles. A Good Place tentative release date November 2009 Below is a draft of our Back Cover Text. It is still “too wordy.” All suggestions and input are appreciated. What would you take out? What would you refuse to remove? Deep …

If I could live my life over, I’d invest it in young people.” -John R. Mott Today I was in Lake Charles at Books a Million studying book cover examples for A Good Place. There I saw one of “The African Queens”: Evan Adams. She and photographer Chad Smith ( The Touch Studios) worked with me on ideas for the …