Curt Iles

I write to have influence and impact through well-told stories of my Louisiana Pineywoods life.

Opening lines of As the Crow Flies.’

I’m working on As the Crow Flies the follow up historical novel after A Good Place.   Here are two openings I’m tinkering with.  Your honest input is appreciated.  No one writes a book alone.  I need your prayer, suggestions, even criticism.  Everything can be improved.  Opening A: Ft. Worth, Texas Christmas Eve 1955 As the crow flies it was …

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The Beginning of a Novel

  November is National Novel Writing Month. It’s an opportunity to write that novel (or family story) that’s been bubbling inside you for years.   You can keep your project quiet if you wish. I simply encourage you to begin. As they say, the journey of a thousand miles begins with one single step … or computer keystroke. The goal …

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Holding the Rope: How you can help

I’m grateful for friends and followers who pray for us. Today (November 1) I’m speaking at Freedom Baptist Church in Ten Mile, Louisiana. This is the message from Mark 2:   Please pray that my words will lift up Jesus and please the Father. This week I’ll be working on our upcoming novel,  As the Crow Flies. Stay tuned to …

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Write that Novel in your Heart!

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 …

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As the Crow Flies: Let’s back to 1881

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 …

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Naming that Girl: Your Chance

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 …

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Tough or Hard: The Choice is Yours

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 …

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Measure Twice/Cut Once

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 …

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You can hold the rope

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 …

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It is a great privilege

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 …

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Every Picture Tells a Story: African Sojourn

  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.    

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A Week of Encouragement

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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Branded! Laugh and Enjoy

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 …

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