Tag Archives: A Spent Bullet

“When FDR said,  ‘If a rattlesnake is poised to strike… you don’t wait… you crush its head” I knew we were going to war.”   -Soldier during La. Maneuvers 1941 Pretend you’re a young soldier in 1941. Stuck in Louisiana during weeks of maneuvers in the field.  You’re unsure if war is coming. Or imagine being a teenager during this same …

I’m serious.  I’d rather write a 94,156 word novel than do the back cover and author copy for the same book. The confines of word count increase the tension of saying a lot in a little space.  There’s the knowledge that what’s on the back cover of a book will determine whether someone buys the book or sits it back …

This is the current back cover copy for A Spent Bullet, due for Summer 2011 release.  I’d appreciate your input.  I need to cut some lines and tighten it. Also, I’m open to ideas on the arrangement of the text. Finally, what parts would you put in bold? Back Cover Copy   It’s late summer 1941 in Louisiana. Over a …

This is my last time (thankfully) through A Spent Bullet before it begins its journey to publication.  This is your opportunity to help shape and define the book. For the next three days, I’ll be posting questions, passages, and notes.  \ Let’s have fun working together.  Give me your honest input.  If anyone wants a look at the manuscript itself, …

Notes from the Creek “I don’t know anyone who has got to the top without hard work. It’ll not always get you to the top,but will get you pretty near.” -Margaret Thatcher Today’s Proverb: “He who gives an honest answer gives a kiss on the lips.”  Proverbs 24:26  * Visit our Facebook Note page to read story on this verse. …

A Spent Bullet By Curt Iles ©2011 Creekbank Stories “How unhappy is he who cannot forgive himself.” –Publilus Syrus “I want the mistakes made down in Louisiana, not over in Europe. If it doesn’t work, find out what we need to make it work.” -General George C. Marshall Chief of Staff, U.S. Army Spring 1941 Part I The Battle for …

Hey ladies, I need your help on this romantic (kind of) chapter in the middle of A Spent Bullet. Here’s the elevator speech on the plot: Elizabeth Reed is a young Louisiana schoolteacher who dislikes soldiers. Harry Miller is a Wisconsin soldier who hates Louisiana. It only makes sense that they should meet and fall in love. Although they don’t …

In chapter 11 of my upcoming novel, A Spent Bullet, a Grasshopper scout plane crash lands into the Reed family okra patch.  It’s nose and propeller bury in the ground, and Mr. Reed (Poppa) brings his plow team to pull it loose. This brings on a conversation between the pilot and the old farmer about the values of “horsepower.” This …

A Spent Bullet Readers: This blog contains a three-page synopsis (0verview) of my current work in progress. I’ve looked at it until my eyes are crossing. I’d appreciate any and all reader feedback for improvements before it begins its journey to publishers.A Spent Bullet I’m looking for grammatical as well as plot ideas, weaknesses, or confusion. WARNING: If reading the …

Opening of A Spent Bullet Below is the prologue and two epigraphs from my current novel in progress, A Spent Bullet. I’m about half through (50,000 words) the first draft.   Read over it and give me feedback. I have several questions below the prologue. Thanks, Curt Iles curtiles@aol.com Prologue Folks say the herds of wild horses still running free …