Creekbank Stories Curt Iles, Storyteller

                              After the Conference Ends: “What to do when the circus leaves town.” “Turn out the lights, the party’s over. They say all things must come to an end.” -Willie Nelson I’ve read many excellent articles about preparing for, and attending, writing conferences. However, I’m not …

Working Title: The Power of the Note Sub title: Living gratefully/Living compassionately  By Curt Iles    Recently when meeting a former student of mine from my earlier years as a high school teacher, he pulled out his billfold and showed me a dog-eared letter I had written him years ago. The fact that he had kept this short hand-written note …

It’s all about influence. I’m very privileged to write and speak full time. This is a fine royalty check I got last week for $1.04. It’s never been about the money. Of course, it allows me to make a living and hopefully a difference. To me, it’s about influence. Recently, my friend Gary Hahler wrote of success, “Success is the …

A horse by any other name… I’m gathering names for a plow horse in my new novel, A Spent Bullet. See nominations below and read the passage that relates to this horse. (Curt) My grandfather had two horses: Dallas and Sam. (Dallas is Joe Moore’s horse in The Wayfaring Stranger and he makes an appearance in A Good Place. My …

“Some people go to their graves with their songs in them; let this not be said of me.” Mr. Tiger’s Song I met Mr. Tiger today at the Southeast La. War Veterans Home in Reserve. We had a great time telling stories to the veterans. Best of all was hearing their stories. Nearly all are WWII and Korean vets and …

Folklore from Africa and Louisiana   One of the best parts of our Liberian trip was being with students at Ricks School.     I worked with them on using symbolism in writing. Majoe drew this picture and explained it. Here is what I learned: The Kola tree (from which the cola nut comes that is used in our sodas) …

A Good Place is coming soon. Listed below are the covers on our upcoming novel, A Good Place. November 15 is the projected release date. Click on the covers for a closer look. Look over the covers. If you have any suggestions on wording for the back cover, we still are making minor changes. Give us your feedback. Writing for …

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 …

More thoughts on Work: “Work is not a four-letter word. “L.T.W.B.T.Y.F.I”* *Leave this world better than you found it.” Our work results in a world that is better than when we found it. Whether it’s a weed-filled garden, the open mind of a child, or a Bible shared with a grieving friend, it’s our work and calling. From my friend …

Earlier this year I blogged a story about how the bookmobile affected my life as a boy in rural Louisiana. My friend Alda Clark, who writes for our local papers, penned her story. Here it is for your enjoyment. Recently I was reading Brother Curt Iles’ Blog when I came across a story about the Bookmobile Beauregard Parish had back …

I have the privilege of speaking at so many events. It is a joy to share stories, encourage others, and always put in a “good work on the greatness of our God.” The clip below is from Camp Pearl’s newsletter. Visit their website at www.camppearl. com to find out more about this wonderful camp near Reeves, LA SENIOR CITIZEN’S DAY…. …

2 Stories on Ted Kennedy I’ve never been a Ted Kennedy fan. Most of his politics are 180 degrees to the left of my beliefs. However, two stories I read many years ago built a grudging respect for him. One is humorous. The other is poignant. Once during a visit to a coal mine, Ted Kennedy was approached by a …

The Best Part of Writing and Living: Relationships Shown above is my nephew Adam Terry. He’s showing off a copy of “God’s Timing” a poem I wrote. (See end of blog for reprint of poem)     Adam is congressional aide for Rep. U.S Congressman Rodney Alexander.   He and and his wife Jenny live in the Washington D.C. area …

From the cover of my lost (and found) journal: PASSION: Dream it. Dare it. Define it. Do it. Get into it!     I once was lost, but now I’m found. The adventures of journal #47.     Pictured is Books a Million associate Anna with my journal. Bonehead Iles left it at the Lake Charles store last week. Anna …