Tuesday, February 18, 2025

It’s true

A book needs friends long before it needs readers

This is the blank front cover of our new book, set for Amazon release on April 15.

Scroll down to see the Front Cover Title.  I believe you’ll understand the cover when you read the back cover.

We need your help, encouragement, and input to make “3 T”  the best book it can be.

This is your personal invitation to join the Creekbank Clan and make this book a reality.

I’d be so honored if you helped us.

Let’s start with the back cover text below.

I’ll be updating this Blog, our E-mail account, and Facebook as the week progresses.

I need your help cutting six sentences from the back cover.

Also, which chapter titles catch your eye and curiosity?

I can be reached at curt@creekbank.net

Release Date: Amazon  April 15, 2025

 

 

I can be reached at curt@creekbank.net

I need to cut about six lines off the back cover copy.

 

Front Cover Text 

TITLE: THE THREE TREES

SUBTITLE: Lessons from the Journey

CURT ILES

Author of Where I Come From and The Wayfaring Stranger 

Back Cover

I need your help cutting six sentences from the back cover.

Also, which chapter titles catch your eye and curiosity?

 

THE THREE TREES

There are three trees on the front cover, and each has a story to tell.

 

“The small longleaf pine in the foreground has spent most of its young life in a grassy stage with little visible growth. However, during its short life, it has steadily established a strong and deep tap root.

“At some point, when conditions are right, it will begin its long skyward journey.

“Behind it is a majestic mature longleaf pine. This native Louisiana tree can live for over 150 years. It’s the Father Tree for most of the surrounding younger pines, which have come from the big pine’s cones and seeds. 

“I’d like to think I’m at that tall, mature longleaf stage. I know there’s plenty of sap in me as well as a deep tap root. I plan to be around for a while.

“There’s a third tree on the cover.  It’s the thin skeleton of a dead red oak, ready to be toppled by the next storm.

“But the dead oak also completed its job by passing on acorns that resulted in a stand of red oak saplings peeking above the weeds along the fencerow. 

“This blackened tree reminds me of my Dry Creek forebearers and mentors who passed on their woods wisdom. They’re gone, but I’m here to pass on what they modeled for me.  It’s a deep calling that compels me to speak, write, and share.

 

Three Trees is a written checklist of values any young person needs to know as they step out into life. 

It’s also a valuable guide for leaders of all ages who want to maintain their priorities and follow their inner compass. It contains stories that transcend age, gender, and background.

Written in the warm, engaging style loved by his loyal readers, Iles takes readers on a journey through the memorable people, stories, culture, and values of his beloved Pineywoods, such as,

“10-4-2”:  Eye contact

Be kinder than necessary.

Stay curious and be amazed.

Always expect the best from yourself and others.

Sled dogs and work.

Go to the funeral.

Live the gratitude-filled Life.

Shake hands like a man.

The power of a hand-written note.

The joyful, giving, generous life.  

Accept gifts with graciousness.

Don’t let anyone steal your joy or dream.

Shut that gate behind you.

The burned-but-blessed-Life.

If you borrow it, bring it back.

When are you gonna write your book?

Don’t forget where you came from.

Finish strong, but leave behind some unfinished work.

 

“The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is today.”

 

It’s never too early or too late for the lessons of the Pineywoods. Three Trees is a book you’ll read, re-read, and share with others. 

 

 BIO

Curt Iles is the author of fifteen books, all of which were written in his hometown of Dry Creek, Louisiana. He and his wife, DeDe, live in Alexandria, Louisiana, near their three sons and nine grandchildren.

He is an eighth-generation descendant of pioneer families who settled in western Louisiana’s “No Man’s Land.” Many of Curt’s lessons come from this unique culture, which he still calls home. 

In addition to writing daily from his Alexandria coffee shop office, Curt is a skygazer, birdwatcher, avid reader, friend-collector, grandchild-chaser, and life-encourager. He can be reached at creekbank.stories@gmail.com.

Learn more at www.creekbank.net.

AUTHOR PHOTO

 

I can be reached at curt@creekbank.net