Meet Jan Sikes, the author of Ghostly Interference, Published by The Wild Rose Press

Jan Sikes

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.jansikes.com

https://jansikesblog.com/

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

Author: patgarcia

Writer, Blogger, Poet, Singer, Musician

55 thoughts on “Meet Jan Sikes, the author of Ghostly Interference, Published by The Wild Rose Press”

  1. jinlobify – LA – Joy, now retired, was a music teacher, trained in Santa Cecilia, Rome, and obtained her Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Michigan, USA. She has written and published extensively on national and internationalscholarly journals, magazines, and newspapers. Her short story I Come from Utopia was published in African Voices, Spring/Summer, 2007, pg. 18, and her first English novel; Mirror of Our Lives: Voices of Four Igbo Women was published in 2011, and was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Book Contest in 2012. She has also two books published in the Italian language. She is a trained musician, and taught music for 35 years. She writes and records folk songs. Her new book: The Legend of the Walking Dead: Igbo Mythologies is a journey into the mysteries of life and death of the Igbos of Nigeria. She loves reading romances and mystery stories.
    jinlobify says:

    Thank you, Pat, for supporting and promoting Jan’s new book. I cannot wait to get into it.

  2. 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!

    1. 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

    1. Thank you, Joylene. Jan is indeed a wonderful Writer.
      Have a safe crossover.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

    2. Author Jan Sikes – Texas – I am an award-winning author. I love creative writing and I love music. I've published four books that are true stories written in fiction format. They are entertaining like fiction, but everything did actually happen. I've also published a book of poetry and art, nine fiction short stories, and a paranormal romance series (The White Rune Series). I enjoy promoting other authors and Texas music artists!
      Jan Sikes says:

      Thank you, Joylene, for stopping by! I wish you a Happy New Year!

  3. 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. 🙂

    1. 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

    2. Author Jan Sikes – Texas – I am an award-winning author. I love creative writing and I love music. I've published four books that are true stories written in fiction format. They are entertaining like fiction, but everything did actually happen. I've also published a book of poetry and art, nine fiction short stories, and a paranormal romance series (The White Rune Series). I enjoy promoting other authors and Texas music artists!
      Jan Sikes says:

      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!

  4. 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.

    1. 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

      1. Author Jan Sikes – Texas – I am an award-winning author. I love creative writing and I love music. I've published four books that are true stories written in fiction format. They are entertaining like fiction, but everything did actually happen. I've also published a book of poetry and art, nine fiction short stories, and a paranormal romance series (The White Rune Series). I enjoy promoting other authors and Texas music artists!
        Jan Sikes says:

        Hi, Rox. Thank you for the kind words and I am so happy you are enjoying the story!! Happy New Year!

  5. Patty Perrin – Florida – Author of Teen/YA SciFi Adventure and Inspirational Non-Fiction, I'm an avid reader, happily married to the love of my life, a mom and gramma and a light and salty follower of Jesus Christ. I grew up an Army Brat in Europe, had no television, and subsequently read books for entertainment in-between adventures that my parents never knew about. My TETRASPHERE series is one I would have loved reading as a teen, which is why I wrote it. I still enjoy the Teen/YA genre, along with SciFi, Fantasy, Time-Travel, some Romance, Mystery, and a few non-fiction categories. If it has print, I will read it. If I can squeeze it into my Kindle, I will read it. You can find out more at www.ptlperrin.org.
    Patty Perrin says:

    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!

    1. 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

    2. Author Jan Sikes – Texas – I am an award-winning author. I love creative writing and I love music. I've published four books that are true stories written in fiction format. They are entertaining like fiction, but everything did actually happen. I've also published a book of poetry and art, nine fiction short stories, and a paranormal romance series (The White Rune Series). I enjoy promoting other authors and Texas music artists!
      Jan Sikes says:

      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!

  6. Bette A. Stevens – Central Maine, USA – "I'm a writer inspired by nature and human nature!" ~ Bette A. Stevens Bette A. Stevens is a retired teacher, a wife, mother of two and grandmother of five. Stevens lives in Central Maine with her husband on their 37-acre farmstead where she enjoys writing, gardening, walking and reveling in the beauty of nature. She advocates for children and childhood literacy and for monarch butterflies, an endangered species. Stevens’s children’s activity book, THE TANGRAM ZOO and WORD PUZZLES TOO! was first published in 1997 by Windswept House Publishing, Mt. Desert, ME; a second edition was self-published by the author in 2012. AMAZING MATILDA , Stevens's second children's book, self-published in 2012, won a 2013 Purple Dragonfly Book Award (Honorable Mention for Excellence in Children's Literature - Ages 6 and older category) and placed #9 on The 2013 Gittle List TOP 10for Self-published Children’s Picture Books. Stevens has written articles for ECHOES, The Northern Maine Journal of Rural Culture based in Caribou, Maine. In 2013, the author published her first book for the YA/Adult audience: PURE TRASH, a short story of a boy growing up in rural New England in a family whose poverty and alcoholism mark him as a target for bullying by young and old alike. This short story is a prequel to Stevens's debut novel, DOG BONE SOUP, A Boomer’s Journey released in January of 2015.
    Bette A. Stevens says:

    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! !

    1. 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

      1. Bette A. Stevens – Central Maine, USA – "I'm a writer inspired by nature and human nature!" ~ Bette A. Stevens Bette A. Stevens is a retired teacher, a wife, mother of two and grandmother of five. Stevens lives in Central Maine with her husband on their 37-acre farmstead where she enjoys writing, gardening, walking and reveling in the beauty of nature. She advocates for children and childhood literacy and for monarch butterflies, an endangered species. Stevens’s children’s activity book, THE TANGRAM ZOO and WORD PUZZLES TOO! was first published in 1997 by Windswept House Publishing, Mt. Desert, ME; a second edition was self-published by the author in 2012. AMAZING MATILDA , Stevens's second children's book, self-published in 2012, won a 2013 Purple Dragonfly Book Award (Honorable Mention for Excellence in Children's Literature - Ages 6 and older category) and placed #9 on The 2013 Gittle List TOP 10for Self-published Children’s Picture Books. Stevens has written articles for ECHOES, The Northern Maine Journal of Rural Culture based in Caribou, Maine. In 2013, the author published her first book for the YA/Adult audience: PURE TRASH, a short story of a boy growing up in rural New England in a family whose poverty and alcoholism mark him as a target for bullying by young and old alike. This short story is a prequel to Stevens's debut novel, DOG BONE SOUP, A Boomer’s Journey released in January of 2015.
        Bette A. Stevens says:

        I’m with you, Pat. <3 New Year Blessings & Love! xo

    2. Author Jan Sikes – Texas – I am an award-winning author. I love creative writing and I love music. I've published four books that are true stories written in fiction format. They are entertaining like fiction, but everything did actually happen. I've also published a book of poetry and art, nine fiction short stories, and a paranormal romance series (The White Rune Series). I enjoy promoting other authors and Texas music artists!
      Jan Sikes says:

      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!

    1. Author Jan Sikes – Texas – I am an award-winning author. I love creative writing and I love music. I've published four books that are true stories written in fiction format. They are entertaining like fiction, but everything did actually happen. I've also published a book of poetry and art, nine fiction short stories, and a paranormal romance series (The White Rune Series). I enjoy promoting other authors and Texas music artists!
      Jan Sikes says:

      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!

    2. Thank you, Wanda, for dropping b<. Yes indeed. It is a great tribute.
      Have a safe crossover into 2021.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

  7. 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!

    1. Author Jan Sikes – Texas – I am an award-winning author. I love creative writing and I love music. I've published four books that are true stories written in fiction format. They are entertaining like fiction, but everything did actually happen. I've also published a book of poetry and art, nine fiction short stories, and a paranormal romance series (The White Rune Series). I enjoy promoting other authors and Texas music artists!
      Jan Sikes says:

      I did not know that, Wanda. I’ve never known anyone with the last name Jett. Thanks for sharing!

  8. John W. Howell – South Texas Gulf Coast – I have been working in business for over forty years and now have the time to work in special areas of interest. My passion has always been to create compelling stories of fiction. I have authored six novels and am working on my Seventh. The first novel is still in manuscript form and being utilized as a door stop in the laundry room. The second is a contemporary fiction novel of 89,000 words and is complete and I am currently seeking a publisher. I also write poetry but have not had the guts to share any with anyone. The one time I read a piece to a person their only comment was, “it doesn’t rhyme.” I will continue to write and hopefully my blog, Fiction Favorites at www.johnwhowell.com will provide some entertainment and an interesting thought or two. I live in the Austin area with my wife Molly and an assortment of loving pets.
    John W. Howell says:

    Well done, Jan and thanks to Pat for hosting.

    1. Thank you, John, for dropping by. Jan is a great storyteller.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      1. John W. Howell – South Texas Gulf Coast – I have been working in business for over forty years and now have the time to work in special areas of interest. My passion has always been to create compelling stories of fiction. I have authored six novels and am working on my Seventh. The first novel is still in manuscript form and being utilized as a door stop in the laundry room. The second is a contemporary fiction novel of 89,000 words and is complete and I am currently seeking a publisher. I also write poetry but have not had the guts to share any with anyone. The one time I read a piece to a person their only comment was, “it doesn’t rhyme.” I will continue to write and hopefully my blog, Fiction Favorites at www.johnwhowell.com will provide some entertainment and an interesting thought or two. I live in the Austin area with my wife Molly and an assortment of loving pets.
        John W. Howell says:

        She is. 😁

    2. Author Jan Sikes – Texas – I am an award-winning author. I love creative writing and I love music. I've published four books that are true stories written in fiction format. They are entertaining like fiction, but everything did actually happen. I've also published a book of poetry and art, nine fiction short stories, and a paranormal romance series (The White Rune Series). I enjoy promoting other authors and Texas music artists!
      Jan Sikes says:

      Thank you, John! You’ve been an awesome cheerleader on this tour!

      1. John W. Howell – South Texas Gulf Coast – I have been working in business for over forty years and now have the time to work in special areas of interest. My passion has always been to create compelling stories of fiction. I have authored six novels and am working on my Seventh. The first novel is still in manuscript form and being utilized as a door stop in the laundry room. The second is a contemporary fiction novel of 89,000 words and is complete and I am currently seeking a publisher. I also write poetry but have not had the guts to share any with anyone. The one time I read a piece to a person their only comment was, “it doesn’t rhyme.” I will continue to write and hopefully my blog, Fiction Favorites at www.johnwhowell.com will provide some entertainment and an interesting thought or two. I live in the Austin area with my wife Molly and an assortment of loving pets.
        John W. Howell says:

        Yay, Jan 😁

  9. Gwen M. Plano – United States – Over the expanse of many years, I taught and served as an administrator in colleges in Japan, New York, Connecticut, and California. Between travels with my husband and visits with family and friends, I write poetry and novels. I'm currently working on my fifth book. Though writing is an accomplishment of no small measure for me, my greatest treasure and most profound source of joy has been and is my four adult children. It is they who have guided me through life’s mysteries.
    Gwen M. Plano says:

    Another wonderful post, Jan. Congratulations. A special “Thank You” to Pat for featuring you today. Happy New Year to you both!

    1. Thank you, Gwen, for coming by. Yes, I think Ghostly Interference reveals the maturity in Jan’s writing.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat Garcia

    2. Author Jan Sikes – Texas – I am an award-winning author. I love creative writing and I love music. I've published four books that are true stories written in fiction format. They are entertaining like fiction, but everything did actually happen. I've also published a book of poetry and art, nine fiction short stories, and a paranormal romance series (The White Rune Series). I enjoy promoting other authors and Texas music artists!
      Jan Sikes says:

      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!

    1. 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

  10. Jill Weatherholt – JillWeatherholt.com – My name is Jill Weatherholt and I’m a writer. I have a full-time job, but at night and on the weekend, I pursue my passion, writing. I write contemporary stories about love, friendship and forgiveness. I started this blog as a way to share my journey toward publication and to create a community for other new writers and artists. Raised in the Washington, DC area, I’ve lived in Charlotte, North Carolina since 2004. I hold a degree in Psychology from George Mason University and a Certification in Paralegal Studies from Duke University. I write stories filled with love, faith and happy endings for Harlequin Love Inspired. What can I say...I love happy endings. My sixth book Searching for Home will be in stores December 28, 2021, details can be found at JillWeatherholt.com. I've sold seven sweet romance stories to Woman's World Magazine. I was the first place winner in the Dream Quest One Short Story Contest in the Winter 2014-2015 competition. In 2014, I placed second in Southern Writers Magazine Short Story Contest. I was also a top ten finalist in Southern Writers Magazine Short Story Contest in 2012 and 2013. I’m a 2010, 2012 and 2016 winner of the National Novel Writing Month Contest. I love to connect with readers. Visit me at jillweatherholt.com and sign-up for my newsletter. Follow me on Amazon.com and Bookbub.com.
    Jill Weatherholt says:

    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!

    1. 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

    2. Author Jan Sikes – Texas – I am an award-winning author. I love creative writing and I love music. I've published four books that are true stories written in fiction format. They are entertaining like fiction, but everything did actually happen. I've also published a book of poetry and art, nine fiction short stories, and a paranormal romance series (The White Rune Series). I enjoy promoting other authors and Texas music artists!
      Jan Sikes says:

      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!

  11. Author Jan Sikes – Texas – I am an award-winning author. I love creative writing and I love music. I've published four books that are true stories written in fiction format. They are entertaining like fiction, but everything did actually happen. I've also published a book of poetry and art, nine fiction short stories, and a paranormal romance series (The White Rune Series). I enjoy promoting other authors and Texas music artists!
    Jan Sikes says:

    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!

    1. 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

      1. Author Jan Sikes – Texas – I am an award-winning author. I love creative writing and I love music. I've published four books that are true stories written in fiction format. They are entertaining like fiction, but everything did actually happen. I've also published a book of poetry and art, nine fiction short stories, and a paranormal romance series (The White Rune Series). I enjoy promoting other authors and Texas music artists!
        Jan Sikes says:

        I’m happy to be the first of many author blogs to come, Pat! Thank you for your kind words!

  12. A wonderful reason to start writing books, Jan. Thanks for hosting Jan here, Pat.

    1. Author Jan Sikes – Texas – I am an award-winning author. I love creative writing and I love music. I've published four books that are true stories written in fiction format. They are entertaining like fiction, but everything did actually happen. I've also published a book of poetry and art, nine fiction short stories, and a paranormal romance series (The White Rune Series). I enjoy promoting other authors and Texas music artists!
      Jan Sikes says:

      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!

    2. 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

Comments are closed.

Discover more from Pat Garcia

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading

Exit mobile version
%%footer%%