Author’s Notes: This is one of my favorite chapters in A Spent Bullet. It reveals the tension in the Reed family between a father who has personally experienced battle and an idealistic young son who yearns for war. You cannot understand the weeks leading up to Pearl Harbor without being aware of the national struggle taking place then between the …
Read More »Yearly Archives: 2011
Words to a young writer
Samuel Marshall asked for advice on becoming a writer. Here are the three main tips I shared: 1. Keep a journal and write in it often. 2. Read, read, read. Good writers are always avid readers! 3. Find a writing group or club in your area or online.
Read More »A Christmas gift to you: “Medic”
I wrote the following story for a Christmas compilation a few years ago. It’s still one of my favorites. I hope you enjoy it. Merry Christmas, Curt MEDIC! By Curt Iles “Medic. Medic.” Nazi sniper Unerfeldewebel Franz Schmidt didn’t know any English, but in the case of the nearby wounded American soldier, he didn’t need to. The man’s anguished …
Read More »Chapter 3: A Spent Bullet
Wed. December 7, 2011 Scroll down to read Chapter Three of A Spent Bullet. It takes place on August 13, 1941. Part of the tension and hook of A Spent Bullet is that it’s set in the months/weeks leading up to Pearl Harbor. Harry, Elizabeth, Jimmy Earl, Peg, Sarge and the others don’t know what we readers know: War in …
Read More »Wed. Nov. Nov. 30: He’p Me!
I’ve been thinking about the famous “He’p Me” speech by former La. governor, John McKeithen. “I wasn’t born to material wealth, nor do I have claim to an aristocratic name. But if I am elected governor, it will prove that any mother’s son can aspire to the highest political office of this state. I’ve come this far because you the …
Read More »Shooting Wax Bullets: Chapter 2
Today we continue tidbits and excerpts about our new novel, A Spent Bullet. This blog is the “director’s cut.” It features insights, photos, and links from the writing of A Spent Bullet. Enjoy! I’ll be updating it through Thanksgiving Day. If you haven’t signed up for our newsletter, visit the Creekbank home page and click on the newsletter button. …
Read More »Common Courtesy
Mon. Nov. 21 I’ve been thinking about this term: common courtesy. It’s a fine term but a dying art. It’s what I love about the rural life and my visits to the Third World. Whatever shortcomings we have, people still show kindness to strangers and the poor. Common courtesy. What does it mean to you?
Read More »From Crooked Bayou Swamp: Fri. Nov. 18
The Art of Thankfulness: “Lord, you’ve given me so much. I ask for one more thing: a grateful heart.” In the Edge of the Swamp at Dark. I’ve come to the Old House, my favorite writing spot at the end of a cool clear Louisiana fall day. The night sounds and night creatures are now taking over in Crooked Bayou …
Read More »From Crooked Bayou Swamp: Nov. 16
‘Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.’ -Raymond Chandler
Read More »Guest blog by my friend, Frank Nihart
Frank Nihart, minister of music at First Baptist DeRidder, is also a talented writer. This devotion is worthy of reading. Thanks Frank for sharing with us. Gold or Crowns? By Frank J. Nihart A few weeks ago I heard a report saying that the price of gold was approaching $2,000 an ounce. That seems impossible. The report also …
Read More »“I never met a man I didn’t like.”
Encouragement It’s a word we all need. This is what the singing cowboy, Gene Autry, wrote about fellow Oklahoman Will Rogers: I admire him, too, because out of a full and busy life, he took the time and trouble to help a struggling newcomer. I honestly believe that if it had not been for Will Rogers I …
Read More »11-11-11
From Crooked Bayou Swamp It’s November 11. Veteran’s Day Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same. -Ronald Reagan
Read More »‘A Spent Bullet’ Discussion Group: Chapter 1
Author’s note: we’re inviting book clubs, Louisiana History classes, homeschool groups, and English/Language Arts groups to join us as we walk through my new novel, A Spent Bullet. Welcome, Curt Iles http://www.creekbank.net Sayings: What does ‘a dollar waiting on a dime’ mean? It’s an old country saying used when you’re waiting on somebody as in “I’m the dollar and I’m …
Read More »From Crooked Bayou Swamp
Thoughts from a Southern Man I write from my hometown of Dry Creek, Louisiana. I write to entertain, educate, and encourage. “It’s easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” -Frederick Douglass All of us are called to invest in young people. Regardless of our age or background, we have something to offer them: experience. Who “adopted” …
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