November is National Novel Writers Month, commonly known as NaNoWriMo. The goal is for folks like you to write a 50,000 word novel in a month. I’m writing a new novel,  As the Crow Flies, and need to add 50,000 words in the coming month. This is an invitation to join together and write. We’ll be sharing ideas and encouragement …

The fun and joy of writing historical fiction is “going back” to a time in the past. With our new draft novel, the year is 1881 on Louisiana’s frontier, commonly called “No Man’s Land.”             It’s important to look at dates, moon phases, weather (when you can find it) and “live in that era.” That’s …

A Word from Curt   Here is the current draft opening line of my current novel, As the Crow Flies:   My name is JANE DOE, and I was born into a family of thieves. It’s how I ended up in the middle of what came to be known as the Westport Fight. This is my story of what happened …

Tough or Hard   In front of me are three objects: a brick, a piece of leather, and a hammer. These make for a wonderful lesson. However, this story is not about the hardness of a brick, toughness of leather, or the pain of the hammer blow. This is a story about somebody. Objects don’t move us—but people do. Watching …

We’re highlighting stories from our short story collection, Deep Roots. Measure Twice, Cut Once   Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you. -Exodus 31:6   I’ve always loved watching an artist at work. To watch a skilled craftsman shape something with their hands—and heart—is a joy. As the above verse …

Holding the Rope       When I ask you to hold the rope for us,  I’m deadly serious. Many of you were faithful to pray for DeDe and I in Africa. We need your prayer just as much back here in America. Thank you in advance for lifting us up. I’ve been thinking of my life statement,  “I want …

East Beauregard High Stadium. “Fields of Faith” last Wednesday Wow.  Privilege It’s become my favorite word. It is a privilege. It’s a way of looking at the opportunities (and challenges) of our lives. It’s a privilege to serve, learn, grow, and be alive. I had one of the greatest honors of my life this week.  Speaking to hundreds of high …

  It’s true:  every picture does tell a story. It’s also a fact that a picture is worth a thousand words. These are the highlight images from our African sojourn. Enjoy. Dream. Pray. Clicking on an image will take you to the respective story that relates to the photo.    

Everyone needs it. Encouragement! I’m studying the word encouragement this week. It’s a word describing what we all need. If there’s anything I’m learning, it’s that folks need encouragement. Hope. Courage. Inspiration. Come along for the journey this week. A journey of Encouragement.     What is your personal definition of encouragement?

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1. Stay Cuious. 2. Be Amazed. 3. Share Stories. That’s basically what I do. It’s who I am. I have a curious soul and a love of stories. It often gets me in trouble but always results in memorable stories.   The story below is one of my favorite funny stories.  Not quite sure of the spiritual message (Maybe: be …

On today’s blog, I’m sharing what I’m learning. I call it “LLL.” It’s Life Long Learning. What I’m reading:   What are you reading? What’s the best book you’ve read this year?   Best Novel I’ve read this year: All the Things You Cannot See   Best Personal Growth book so far this year: The Art of Work     …

  Let’s have a contest and some fun. I spent yesterday in New Orleans. The rest of Louisiana has a complex love-hate relationship with our most famous city. I’ve written about this in the past. I’m asking readers to fill in the blank with the best word. A Day in New Orleans is better than _____________. You can enter by …

Quote of the Day     If there’s anything DeDe and I  learned from nearly three years in Africa, it is this:  We are able to be happy anywhere. Home is truly where the heart is. Before going to another Continent, I seriously wasn’t sure I could be really happy outside of Dry Creek, Louisiana.  I’m serious. I learned that …