Louisiana Stories

A Quick Word: Final round of voting on ‘Crow’ cover!

Scroll down:  We need your help to publish As the Crow Flies. Scroll down to learn how you can support our Kickstarter campaign that begins Monday.   Are you receiving updates on our books, stories, and free giveaways? If not, subscribe here.  ________________________________________________________ One of the best parts of being part of the Creekbank Tribe is having fun being a …

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Growing up in a Small Community: The Rich Life of Eva Cole

Growing up in a Small Community: The Rich Life of Mrs. Eva Cole “Oh, those small communities . . . “ -John Mellencamp   I grew up in Dry Creek, Louisiana. It would be an exaggeration to call it a town. It would be pretentious to call it a village. Reeves is a village. Dry Creek is a community. I like …

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How it all began: Chapter 1 of A Spent Bullet

We’ve had fun in February sharing stories from our novel, A Spent Bullet.   As America observes the 75th anniversary of what we know as World War II, it is important to remember the men and women who rose to the great challenge. I also believe it’s imperative to remember the integral part Louisiana played in getting our nation and …

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Your Chance to be part of an unforgettable “Dry Creek Weekend.”

  A word from Curt Many of you took part in our Kickstarter campaign in May. By pre-ordering copies of As the Crow Flies, you received discounted copies and helped fund the book. I’ll be forever grateful for the sixty people who backed us for $4800.00. (Our goal was $4000). One of our reward packages was a special weekend in my …

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The Clearcut

  A word to the Creek Tribe: In the coming weeks, we’re going to have fun with several creative book sales.  As I’ve inventoried our backlist of twelve books, I’ve thought,  “We have too many good books in this closet needing to be in the hands of our Tribe readers.  So get ready for some treats. Follow this blog for …

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Life Lessons from Hog Dogs

It’s a new year. Always a good time to think about the speed of life and balance. This story from my childhood sums up what I’m still searching for: the balanced life.   “Come apart or you will come apart.”  – Vance Havener I come from a long line of men and women who lived in the woods and loved …

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The Tribe: The Most Important Man in Alex

  Welcome to Friday’s The Tribe* Story Letter   The Most Important Man in Alexandria   Always be kinder than necessary. -J.M. Barrie   I didn’t get his name or badge number, but I firmly believe that today—Friday, January 6—he provided the greatest job in the town of Alexandria, Louisiana. The freezing rain began just as his city bus pulled …

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Kat King

Current wanted poster in our Alexandria Zip 71307 Post Office. Viewing it brought the following story to mind. A Lady Named Kat To my knowledge Kat King was never featured on a wanted poster, but I still think of here when a see a F.B.I. wanted poster in the post office. It’s amazing how you remember people who are kind …

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A Story for the Flag: “The Tale of Two Caps”

“A Tale of Two Caps” is from our third short story collection,  Wind in the Pines. With our current American conversation over a divided nation, I was reminded of this story.  It’s a timely reminder about the strengths of our country and the challenges we have.   I grew up in a home where my parents never judged people by …

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Trespassing

Trespassing   He sees me about the same time I see him. And I’m trespassing. Trespassing on his land. The way he looks at me, I know he knows it. And so do I.   The trouble is I can’t go back: Behind me is a creek I can’t cross And I can’t go back. So I watch him carefully. …

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Best Seat in the House

     It’s World Series time.  One of my favorite times of the year.  I always recall how my Daddy took this week off to imbibe in two of his loves:  squirrel hunting and the World Series. In those days,  the World Series began early in October  (there weren’t divisions) and coincided with the first week of squirrel season. I …

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“A $1000 Saddle on a $100 Horse”

                  A word from Curt After all of these years, it’s still one of my favorite stories. A humorous story with a good lesson. Enjoy! “A $1000 Saddle on a $100 Horse” This story was told to me by my friend Diann Cain Brown several years ago and it is still among …

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A Father’s Love

Listen to the podcast of  “A Father’s Love.”  “A Father’s Love” From the Curt Iles book, Wind in the Pines. The story below always gets two strong reactions when I tell it. First, laughter. That is a good thing. Secondly, many times this story brings tears. Last year, I told it at Delta Downs (in Vinton) to a group of …

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D.W.W. Driving While White

  DWW     Driving While White Like all Americans, I’ve been stunned and confused by events of the past few months. Our country is hurting and is extremely divided. It’s easy to deny and ignore it, but that doesn’t make it not so. As part of a national discussion, we need to sit down and listen to each other. It is …

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