We’re blogging this week about having a Life Plan for 2012. A Life Plan is simply a short written document expressing what matters most in your life.  It serves for a compass on the journey of each day. My life plan is 12 pages long and covers the ten areas of my life I deem as priorities. Later in …

Monday Jan. 16 This week I’ll be blogging about having a Life Plan. I’m a firm believer that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.  I also believe that when we write down our dreams, they become achievable goals. Emmit Smith said,  “If it’s in your head, it’s only a dream, but when you write it down, it …

This is chapter 5 from my latest novel,  A Spent Bullet.  I’ll be adding author notes throughout the week. Curt Iles Chapter 5   Melted Ice Cream   WEATHER ADVISORY CAMP POLK, LOUISIANA 13 AUGUST 1941 EXTREME HEAT AND HUMIDITY WILL BE IN EFFECT FOR BLUE ARMY AREAS. ALL PERSONNEL SHOULD MAKE MAXIMUM USE OF SALT TABLETS AND WATER.   …

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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.   …

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?        

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 …

‘Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.’ -Raymond Chandler  

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 …

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 …