Q and A on the novel, The Wayfaring Stranger

Q and A on The Wayfaring Stranger by Curt Iles

Q. What is The Wayfaring Stranger (TWFS) about?
The Wayfaring Stranger is a historical fiction novel detailing the intertwining of the lives of two teenagers, Joseph Moore and Eliza Clark. Set in the mid-nineteenth century, the story begins with sixteen-year-old Joseph escaping from Ireland as a stowaway on a ship. At this same time, a pioneer teenager named Eliza Clark lives in the piney woods of western Louisiana in an area called “No Man’s Land.”
Q. What is the significance of the green eyes on the sheet?
A distinguishing fact of both Joseph (blazing green Irish eyes) and Eliza (deep brown Indian eyes) were their eyes. Everyone noticed this on meeting either him or her, and it continues as a theme of the entire novel.

Q. What is historical fiction?
Historical Fiction is the blending of fictional characters within the historical context of a time and place.
Some characters in the book were real people: Father James Mullon had a rich and memorable life as priest of New Orleans’ St. Patrick’s Church. Reverend Joseph Willis, likewise, left a great legacy in the piney woods of Louisiana by starting many churches that still meet today. Hundreds of his descendants continue to live in our area.
Finally, Joseph and Eliza are based on the lives of my great-great-great grandparents, Joseph Moore and Eliza Cavanaugh. Joseph did immigrate to America in the mid-nineteenth century where he met his future wife Eliza in the La. piney woods. Their descendants, literally in the thousands, live throughout this part of my home state of Louisiana.
All other characters are fictional and are composites of people.

Q. What were your goals with this book?
As I started the novel, I set the following goals:
1. The Message: To weave a captivating and entertaining story that reveals God’s guidance and love.
2. The Story: To share the inspiring love story between Joseph Moore and Eliza Clark.
3. The Background: Share the wonders of the woods and nature, and their bond with the inhabitants of No Man’s Land.
4. The Journey: Transport readers on a journey of faith, freedom, growth, and overcoming,
5. The Details: Well-written, well-researched, and historically correct.

Q. Where did the idea for TWFS come from?
As a boy, I heard the story of Joseph Moore’s journey from Ireland from his grandson (my great-grandfather). Additionally, I’ve always been fascinated with the Redbone culture and the stories of so many of my wonderful friends among these great people.

Q. What was Louisiana’s “No Man’s Land”?
It is the historical name given to our part of western Louisiana. During Spanish and French ownership of the adjoining territories, the land between the Sabine and Calcasieu Rivers was designated as a “No Man’s Land” or “Neutral Strip” where no settlers, governments, or armies would occupy. Later the U.S. and Spain continued this treaty. Of course, pioneers of all backgrounds and cultures still filtered in and settled.

Q. Is there really a place called “Ten Mile”?
The Ten Mile community is west of the Calcasieu River between Glenmora and Pitkin, Louisiana. “Ten Mile” is bisected by two main streams, Ten Mile Creek and Cherry Winche Creek.

Q. What is unique about the No Man’s Land culture?
Even though western Louisiana was a true “No Man’s Land” for only a short period during the early 19th century, there is still an attitude prevalent best shown by: self-reliance, distrust of authority, love of the woods, stubborn independence, personal faith, and rural hospitality.