I met Jan Sikes on my return to Rave Reviews Book Club (RRBC) after a three- and half-year absence that could not be avoided.
I got to know Jan Sikes better during a Zoom event that she sponsored. It clicked between us. She’d gone through many situations, and like mirrors, they reflected problems I’d had in my own life too.
Thus, it is a great pleasure to have her as a guest today at my author’s website. I rejoiced with her. I’ve read some of her stories and can testify that they are, as Tony the tiger on the Frosty Flakes commercial says, GREAT!!!!
Welcome, Jan. It is an honor to have you here. Take it away.
MY WRITING JOURNEY
My writing journey began in 2010 after my husband passed away in 2009. I never had any ambition to be a writer, although I’ve been an avid reader all my life. From the time I could decipher words, I have devoured books. But I never dreamed of being a writer.
During the years I was married to Rick Sikes, I wrote and recorded songs, and before that poetry, but never in my wildest dreams did I think of writing a book.
Let me back up.
The story of my life with Rick was one that could fit the definition of “truth is stranger than fiction.” Over the years, many people who passed through our doors would make the comment, “Someone needs to write your story.”
I agreed that someone should. But I never thought it would be me. I awoke one morning to the thought and realization that if I didn’t write our story, I’d have to tell the entire thing to someone else. So, on that day, I decided it was my job to tell it.
The first writing class I took at a local community college was a screenwriting course. I thought I was going to write a movie script. Within the first fifteen minutes of the class, I realized the story was too big for a movie. It would have to be a book.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed the course and learned that scriptwriting and novel writing rules are the same. You can apply the same three-act play structure to books. You need a beginning, a setup (Act One), a middle (Act Two), and a conclusion (Act Three). The ‘show don’t tell’ rule also applies to both forms of writing. So, the class was definitely not a waste of time or money. I learned a lot.
From there, I wound up taking other creative writing classes both in Texas and Colorado.
I tackled the story, which spans over a forty-year time-period.
While writing a true story doesn’t require world-building or plotting, it requires fitting many puzzle pieces together.
I started writing the story in first-person POV and got stumped right away. Because the story was so personal, I couldn’t write it that way. So, a friend suggested I create fictitious characters to tell the story through. It was a lightbulb moment, and thus the characters, Luke Stone and Darlina Flowers were born.
It then became more comfortable to back out of the story and let the characters live it.
It took four books to tell the story from beginning to end. All four have won awards, and I’m super proud of them.
I often tell people that if Rick Sikes hadn’t left me such a big story to tell, I most likely wouldn’t have embarked on this writing journey that has now consumed my life.
To date, I have published five novels, a book of poetry and art, and ten short stories. You can find them all on my Amazon Author Page.
I see no end in sight. I love telling stories and entertaining people!
Ghostly Interference is my first fiction novel. I would be honored if you’d pick it up, read it, and leave me a review!
Jag Peters has one goal in his quiet comfortable life—to keep his karma slate wiped clean. A near-miss crash with a candy apple red Harley threatens to upend his safe world. He tracks down the rider to apologize properly. Slipping into a seedy biker bar, he discovers the rider isn’t a “he”, it’s a “she,” a dark-haired beauty.
Rena Jett is a troubled soul, who lives in a rough world. She wants no part of Jag’s apology, but even while she pushes him away, she is attracted to him. When he claims to see a ghost—her brother—can she trust him? And could her brother’s final gift, a magical rune stone with the symbol for “happily ever after” have the power to heal her wounds and allow opposites to find common ground—perhaps even love?
BOOK TRAILER LINK: https://youtu.be/NHaLVSe_flI
BOOK PURCHASE LINKS:
AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Ghostly-Interference-White-Rune-Sikes-ebook/dp/B08KW1KFMW/
BARNES & NOBLE: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ghostly-interference-jan-sikes/1137871003?
KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/ghostly-interference
iTUNES: https://books.apple.com/us/book/ghostly-interference/id1535082886
GOOGLE PLAY: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=PCwNEAAAQBAJ
JAN SIKES
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJanSikesBooks
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00CS9K8DK (Author Page)
Thank you, Jan for visiting. I look forward to reading Ghostly Interference this week.
All the best.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat Garcia
Thank you, Pat, for supporting and promoting Jan’s new book. I cannot wait to get into it.
Thank you, Joy for visiting.
Have a great day.
Shalom aleichem
Congratulations to Jan! I too never expected to write but got started around the same time, 2010. Way to keep your husband’s memory alive through your writing, Jan.
Happy New Year, Pat!
Happy New Year to you also Jennifer!
Wishing you a great 2021.
Yes, Jan is an excellent writer and a great person to be around.
All the best for you.
Shalom aleichem
It does sound like a good read. Congratulations, Jan. Feliz Ano Nueve, Pat.
Thank you, Joylene. Jan is indeed a wonderful Writer.
Have a safe crossover.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat
Thank you, Joylene, for stopping by! I wish you a Happy New Year!
I’ve read almost everything you’ve written except your own personal series, Jan. Crazy! I have most of the books on my Kindle. I love the way you tell stories, so I really need to read it already. Lol! Thanks for hosting, Pat. 🙂
Good Morning Yvette,
Thank you for dropping in. I believe this personal series is a winner. It has a heart.
Have a safe crossover into 2021.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat
Hi, Yvette! I hope you get around to reading the biographies at some point. Just keep in mind it is a true story. 🙂 I appreciate your support on this tour and wish you a Happy New Year!
Hi Pat, I love your blog. Jan’s book is in my hands now, with pages turning. It starts off interesting! You are a great host and Jan is a gifted author who I am proud to know. Happy New Year.
Good Morning Rox,
Thank you for your kind compliments. Yes, Jan’s book is a page-turner.. I feel privileged in being given the chance to know her.
Have a safe crossover into 2021 and I look forward to reading your books too.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat
Hi, Rox. Thank you for the kind words and I am so happy you are enjoying the story!! Happy New Year!
Ghostly Interference is an outstanding first foray into fiction, Jan! I love this tribute to Rick and your life with him. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with your fans, both here and in your books. Yes, I’m most definitely a fan! And thank you, Pat, for sharing Jan’s blog journey!
Good Morning Patty,
Thank you for dropping in. Yes, Jan’s first foray into the big ocean of fiction could not have started with Rick and her life with him. He was the point guard that led the way and it is a beautiful tribute to him.
Wishing you all the best and have a safe crossover into 2021.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat
Hi, Patty. Thank you so much for the “Ghostly Interference” recommendation! Thank you for reading it and I’m glad you enjoyed it. I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment today and I wish you a Happy New Year!
Thanks for hosting and for your wonderful introduction, Pat! Jan, thanks for offering us a closer look into Jan Sikes, the outstanding writer we’ve come to know and love. Congrats on the new book! !
Thank you, Bette. Yes, Jan is a wonderful person and willing and ready to help others.
Have a blessed crossover into 2021.
Shalom aleichem my friend.
Pat
I’m with you, Pat. <3 New Year Blessings & Love! xo
Hi, Bette. Thank you for the wonderfully kind words. It is such a blessing to know you! I wish you a very Happy New Year!
Thanks, Pat, for hosting. And Jan, what a great tribute to Rick. I’d love to know more!
Thank you, Wanda. I don’t know if you realized when you read “Flowers and Stone” that you were reading a true story. 🙂 I appreciate you stopping by!
Thank you, Wanda, for dropping b<. Yes indeed. It is a great tribute.
Have a safe crossover into 2021.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat
This is terrific! Thanks so much. Jan, did you know that Jannette Carter, of the famous Carter family. married a man with the last name of Jett? For many years until her death (my father was a family friend), she ran the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia. Her son, Dale, ran the sound. Interesting that you picked the last name of Jett!
I did not know that, Wanda. I’ve never known anyone with the last name Jett. Thanks for sharing!
Wanda, you are amazing!
Shalom aleichem
Pat
Well done, Jan and thanks to Pat for hosting.
Thank you, John, for dropping by. Jan is a great storyteller.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat
She is. 😁
Thank you, John! You’ve been an awesome cheerleader on this tour!
Yay, Jan 😁
Another wonderful post, Jan. Congratulations. A special “Thank You” to Pat for featuring you today. Happy New Year to you both!
Thank you, Gwen, for coming by. Yes, I think Ghostly Interference reveals the maturity in Jan’s writing.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat Garcia
Thank you, dear Gwen, for your amazing support throughout this tour. I appreciate you! I wish you and your family a very Happy New Year!
Sounds like a lovely story! I love the ghostly theme.
Thank you, Sadira. I love the fact that it is cross-genre. A love story with a touch of paranormal.
Jan is also one of your colleagues. She’s new at The Wild Rose Press, and I am sure she’s going to leave her mark. I hope to see you at the next IWSG.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat
What a wonderful tribute to Rick. I can’t think of a better reason to start a writing career. Thanks for sharing, Jan. Happy New Year!
Thank you, Jill, for dropping by. I agree with you. I didn’t know Rick, but I definitely can see he was one of the fires behind her moving into purpose.
All the best and have a safe crossover into 2021.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat Garcia
Thank you, Jill. I really didn’t have much choice in the matter. 🙂 The story begged to be told. I’m happy you stopped by and I wish you a Happy New Year!
Hello, Pat. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for opening your blog space up to me today. You are such an awesome supporter and your introduction made me smile. I wish you the very best New Year in 2021! And I look forward to your book release!! I’m cheering you on!
Thank you, Jan. You are the very first author that I have shared my author blog with. Normally, I do book reviews and they are posted on my book review blog. It is indeed an honor to have you. I just know this book is going to rise and reach many people. I truly wish you the best.
Take care and have a safe crossover into 2021.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat
I’m happy to be the first of many author blogs to come, Pat! Thank you for your kind words!
A wonderful reason to start writing books, Jan. Thanks for hosting Jan here, Pat.
Hi, Robbie. Thanks so much for following along on this tour. I have loved seeing your face at every stop. I wish you and your family a very Happy New Year!
Thank you, Robbie, for dropping by. Yes, knowing why you write brings depth in your writing and also gives you a reason to keep going when the times seem hard.
Have a safe crossover into 2021.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat