Louisiana Stories

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 …

This scene from my upcoming seventh book, A Good Place, is set in Piney Woods in western Louisiana in 1863. The characters in the story, 13-year-old Mayo and his PaPaw (Willard Clark) are discussing Mayo’s father’s (Joe Moore) decision to join the Southern army in the Civil War encroaches on their part of the state. -Curt Iles http://www.creekbank.net It is …

It is a privilege… When we count our blessings, we’ll realize how many we have. With that on my mind, I’ve been stuck on this wonderful phrase, “It is a privilege.” I find myself applying those words to every opportunity, challenge, problem, and joy I encounter on this rocky yet wonderful road of life. It’s a privilege to ___________. “IAP” …

Sitting in the Big Chair Our grandson, Jack Iles, is shown with his new friend, Addie Soileau today at Dry Creek Baptist Camp. Today was catfish lunch at the Camp and we had a good time eating and visiting. I’d like to share the story about this large rocker that sits on the Tabernacle porch. When I was manager at …

A small baygall in a growing pine plantation near Dry Creek.   What is a ‘Baygall’? Most people today have no idea what a “baygall” is.When I speak to students and read a passage from The Wayfaring Stranger describing a bay gall, they stare as if I’m talking about something on the moon. The No Man’s Land of westernLouisianais mainly …

Joe Moore camps out at a bay gall. The following passage is from The Wayfaring Stranger. The Irishman Joe Moore, is wandering among the piney woods after crossing the Calcasieu River near Hineston, Louisiana. He had now entered the “No Man’s Land” of Louisiana which in 1849 was wild and unsettled. Joe sets up camp in a swampy area by …