Louisiana Stories

Curt Iles/Creekbank Stories   http://www.creekbank.net   Represented by Chip MacGregor/MacGregor Literary. Publicist: Sycomm/Lake Charles, LA Speaking: Christian Speakers Services Dallas, TX A Spent Bullet   First book in “Louisiana Skies” series     Historical Fiction       Status:  Finished 95,000 words Key word:  Moving! Premise:  Can two young people—a Milwaukee soldier and Louisiana schoolteacher—find love in the days leading up to World War II?   …

We are excited about our upcoming book event in Alexandria, LA on Feb. 25 Notice, we didn’t say “book signing” although that will be part of the festivities from 2:00-5:00 PM. Hastings Books is an excellent book venue located in MacArthur Village near the junction of Jackson St Extension and MacArthur Drive. Store manager Lucas, Book manager Lauren and their …

      “Children are enjoying the book nearly as much as the adults.” The recent release of our new children’s book, Uncle Sam: A Horse’s Tale,  has been a great experience.  This early reader tells the story of Sam, a US Cavalry horse who journeys to Louisiana in 1941.  Sam and several of his friends are set free and …

Thursday, Feb. 9 I’ve blessed with so many things and people in my life.  Here are a few snapshots from my heart.    

Author’s Notes: In chapter 6, Elizabeth Reed’s grandmother Ma and her younger brother Ben hatched a scheme to get Elizabeth corresponding with a solider.  The plot thickens in chapter 7.  Enjoy. I’m writing discussion questions for book clubs and Accelerated Readers.  I’d appreciate your help on questions. Chapter 7 Words and Letters                                                                                                    Monday, August 18, 1941  Elizabeth was startled …

Chapter 6 In Cahoots     Ben heard the approaching footsteps and shoved the bullet under his pillow and began innocently singing: “Do your ears hang low, do they flop, do they flop?  Can you tie ‘em in a bow, can you tie ‘em in a knot?” He sat on the edge of the bed as the doorknob turned. “Can …

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 …

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 …

Thoughts on Generosity… Matt Farmer’s Barn   It is the first Sunday we’ve had church since Rita.  Much of our community is still scattered over four states but many are returning home to clean up.  Most homes are still without electricity and water pressure is only now beginning to build up for use. Our attendance is small today but there …

Click here to hear podcast of “Burned Yet Blessed” From Deep Roots, the new short story collection by Curt Iles Burned yet Blessed “The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The next best time is today.” Nothing breaks my heart like a field of burned pines. Yet that is exactly what I’m looking at driving toward …

My grandson Jack Iles explores a hollow log. When I told him there might be a coon or possom in the log, he had to go inspect it. This was taken during a day hike he and I took last week on the Wild Azalea Trail. “Don’t you know that the laughing hole ain’t there just for the kids and …

Special thanks to my friend Joe Chaney for inspiring this scene. A Good Place, the upcoming novel from Creekbank Stories Curt’s followup novel to The Wayfaring Stranger should be ready later in 2009. We’ll keep you posted as we know more. Set in 1863, it tells the story of Joe and Eliza Moore through the eyes of their son Mayo. …

Should her name be Gisele or _____________? At the bottom of this blog are dozens of suggested names. Select your favorite three (3) and send them to me via Facebook or the comment section of this blog. I’ll pass the results on later. Author’s note: For nearly a year I’ve been in love with this young Creole girl I’ve named …