Sunday, February 9

Today begins the public revealing of my progress on my upcoming book, Field Notes: Journals From My Journey.

It’s set for public release on April 15. (I set that date for a reason. Details to come.

I need your help on writing and shaping this book. At every stage of writing a book (outlining, draft copies, editing, front cover design, back cover, writing, editing, editing, and re-editing, uploading manuscript, editing the PDF (Photo copies of each page, and finally publishing.

This is my fifthteenth book and at some stage, I’ve gotten hung up on a stump.

Or in a rut.

I’m there now.

That’s why I need your help.

I’m inviting you to join us for  each upcoming stage.

You’ll get to see the “guts of putting a book together.

I need your help, feedback, and encouragement.

Rather than tell you about Field Notes, I’ve published the back cover copy.

 

BACK COVER FEB 9

DRAFT 4.0 CURRENT AS OF  SUNDAY, 9 February   0955    word count: 666 (Too long!)

 

 FIELD NOTES

“The process of observing and taking note of things and recording these insights in a book.”

 

 “My father was a land surveyor and carried a small notebook in his pocket. He’d peer through his transit, take a stubby pencil from above his ear, and sketch drawings, measurements, and figures.  Daddy’s field notes recorded details of his observations and surroundings.

I’ve kept my own field notes since I started my first journal at age seventeen. Since then, I’ve filled hundreds of journals with the stories of my own life-journey.  

I began Field Notes: Journals from the Journey for my teenage grandchildren, but soon realized I had stories and lessons that I wished to share with other readers regardless of age, gender, background, or culture.  

This book is my attempt to pass on what I call the ‘Gospel According to the Louisiana Pineywoods.’ It is a book to be enjoyed by all and passed on to generations.”

 

Everything rises and falls on relationships.

 

Field Notes reminds us that life is always about relationships. Everything rises and falls on relationships. It is simply a reminder, even a checklist, of items any young person needs to know as they step out into life. It’s also a valuable guide for those of us in further seasons of our lives.

 

 The stories and values in Field Notes are simply lessons promoting civility, common sense, and the subtle art of Southern Politeness. Readers will enjoy chapters such as,

“10-4-2”  The rules of eye contact

How to generously give a gift and how to accept one graciously. 

Be kinder than necessary.

Stay curious and be amazed.

Expect the best from yourself and others.

Sled dogs and the joy of work

Go to the funeral.

Live the Gratitude-Filled Life.

Shake hands like a man.

The power of a hand-written note.

The joys of the generous life.  

Graciousness in accepting gifts.

Don’t let anyone steal your joy or dream.

Shut that gate behind you.

The secret of the “Burned-but-Blessed life

If you borrow it, bring it back.-Hand-lettered sign in a Ugandan refugee camp

 

When are you gonna write your book?

Don’t forget where you came from.

Finish strong, but leave behind some unfinished work.

Moving stories like these are in the fifty chapters of Field Notes.

 

“The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is today.”

 

“It’s never too early (or late) to learn these lessons of civility, kindness, character, and common sense. Each of us can learn them (or relearn them) before passing them on.”

 

“If you like people, people will like you.”

-Hand-lettered sign in a Ugandan Refugee Camp

 

In his fifteenth book, Curt Iles writes about memorable people, relationships, and timeless, cherished values that should be passed on. 

 

Field Notes is a written reminder that Southern Grace never goes out of style. It is a checklist of items any young person needs to know as they step out into life.  It’s also a valuable guide for those of us in further seasons of our lives. Written in the warm, engaging style loved by his loyal readers, Iles takes readers on a journey through the people, culture, and wisdom of his beloved Pineywoods.

 

AUTHOR PHOTO

 

BIO

 

Curt Iles is the author of fifteen books and writes from his hometown of Dry Creek, Louisiana. He and his wife, DeDe, live in Alexandria, Louisiana, near their three sons and nine grandchildren.

Curt is an eighth-generation descendant of Louisana pioneer families who settled in western Louisiana’s “No Man’s Land” during the early 19th Century. Many of his stories and values come from this culture that he calls “My People.”

In addition to writing daily from his coffee shop office, Curt is a skygazer, birdwatcher, avid reader, friend-collector, grandchild-chaser, and life-encourager. He can be reached at creekbank.stories@gmail.com.

 

Learn more at www.creekbank.net.