I am honored to have a fellow author and online friend, Jan Sikes, here today. Hi Jan, so nice to see you and welcome you to Interview an Author on Jemsbooks.com. I love your photo, Jan, and the lovely jacket and blouse!
Feel free to share a little about yourself and your marvelous books with me and my readers.
Please tell us something about yourself.
Thank you so much for inviting me to your blog, Janice. Coincidentally, my name is also Janice. It’s true. My birth name is Janice Kay Smith. Yep. I was one of those Smith girls.
I am seventy-three, live in North Texas, have two daughters, and five amazing grandchildren. I’m a contributing member of the Story Empire blog where twelve writers share their strengths, hopes, and experiences for the benefit of other writers. I retired from the State of Texas in 2010 and take care of my two granddaughters each day after school. I love my morning coffee while playing word games on my phone. I have published twenty books since 2013 and working on number twenty-one.
Jjspina: My nickname is also Jan, and I too retired in 2010. We have a lot in common, my friend. I’m sure your grandkids keep you busy and give you much job. Congratulations on publishing twenty books.
When did you know that you wanted to be an author?
I’ve been an avid reader all my life. I can still remember the excitement of learning to decipher words in the first grade. But I never had a desire to be an author. That was my sister’s dream, not mine. However, I wound up in mid-life with a true story that demanded to be told. I thought someone else would tell it, but I realized one day if they did, I’d have to tell them the entire thing. So, I got busy, took creative writing classes and got to work. It took four books to chronicle my life with my late husband, who was a singer/songwriter, and I thought I’d be done. To bring that story full circle, I published a book of his poetry and art. But by then, the writing bug had bitten me. I couldn’t find a stopping place. So, I started writing short stories as a way of experimenting with different genres. From there, I moved on into novel writing.
Jjspina: Sometimes life can through us a line or open a door for us in wondrous ways. Sounds like you found your knitch. Sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. I’m sure you kept his memory alive publishing his poetry and art.
How do you come up with ideas for your stories?
Story ideas can come from anywhere. Songs have inspired many of my stories, including the first book in my latest, the Bargainer Series. I listen to music a lot, especially when I’m driving. I had the radio on in the car one afternoon when a line in a song caught my attention. The words were, “it’s fool’s gold and a beggar’s bargain…” I pulled over and jotted down ‘beggar’s bargain.’ I knew there was a story in that. And sure enough, it all came together as a historical fiction. Several of my short stories were inspired by songs, but I’ve also dreamed stories, and even got the inspiration for a story from a guided meditation. So, they can come from anywhere when we pay attention.
Jjspina: I agree, Jan, that stories can dome through many channels. It’s amazing how our minds work to bring forth the ideas we have to create our stories. I find your stories quite creative and unique.
What projects are you currently working on?
I am currently finishing up the third novel in The Bargainer Series, which I will release in a couple of months. “A Bold Bargain” is set in 1950 and will most likely conclude that series. I say “likely” because I never know. I had thought “A Beggar’s Bargain” would be a standalone, but I was wrong. This series is my first attempt at writing historical fiction and I am loving it.
Jjspina: This series intrigues me. I will check it out soon. The 50’s were my time growing up. I look forward to seeing what you have created with this era. Best of luck with the latest installment. I know what you mean when you say, you never know if it would be the last book. Your muse may have more ideas to share in the future.
What hobbies do you have when you are not writing?
I can’t say that I have any hobbies per se, such as knitting or painting, but I do love to read and keep a book going all the time. I also love playing word games. Other than that, music is my second passion and I go to hear live music every chance I get. I also participate in several music festivals across Texas each year and that season is kicking off soon. I enjoy taking part in events my grandchildren are in. My two oldest grandsons play in their school bands. My oldest granddaughter loves the theater and my youngest is cheerleading. They are all growing up way too fast.
Jjspina: Music is a wonderful passion to have, Jan. I love music too. It soothes the soul, brings light to the darkness and calms the mind. God bless your busy granddaughters with all their extracurricular activities. What a blessing to enjoy them together. I do that too.
Please share your links and where to purchase your books.
The simplest and best way to find ALL of my books is via my Amazon Author Page. https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jan-Sikes/author/B00CS9K8DK
Or my website: https://www.jansikes.com
What advice would you give prospective authors?
The best advice I can give to prospective authors is: Take time to learn the craft. Enroll in creative writing classes, or study online. There is so much information available for beginning writers these days. Take advantage of that and learn as much as you can, then WRITE!!
The second piece of advice I’ll give is this: It’s super important to have a professional editor work with you before you hit that publish button. There is nothing that will stop a reader quicker than a poorly written story full of errors. Be patient. Don’t rush into publishing if you aren’t ready.
Jjspina: This is wonderful advice, Jan. The more we write the more we grow in our craft. The more eyes that view our work the better it will become.
JAN’S SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJanSikesBooks
https://bsky.app/profile/jksikes-author.bsky.social
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jan-sikes
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00CS9K8DK (Author Page)
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7095856.Jan_Sikes
Here are Jan Sikes’ books.
It was a sincere pleasure to have you on my blog, Jan. I have read a few of your books and thoroughly enjoyed them. I look forward to reading more. I wish you much success in all your future endeavors and many sales with your books. Please feel free to come back again to share any new projects with me and my readers.
I purchased two of Jan’s books a short time ago, A Beggar’s Bargain and Edge Too Late. I look forward to reading them and added them to my TBR list.
Here is my review of Ghostly Interference:
5.0 out of 5 stars A Passionate Story of Heartbreak and Healing!
Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2021
I won a copy of this book from the author.
Ghostly Interference is more than a love story. It is a story full of passion, romance, heartbreaking loss, child abuse, paranormal activity, and how love can heal a broken spirit.
The two main characters, Jag Peters and Rena Jett, are from two different worlds. Jag has always lived a comfortable life with two parents while
Rena was thrown into the state system without a mother and father. She was at the mercy of foster homes where she was abused and treated like less than human. Her only savior at that time was an older brother, Sam, who tried to keep her safe. This horrendous childhood broke her spirit and forced her to distrust anyone who tried to come close to her. When her brother died in the service in Afghanistan she felt as if she had died with him.
Jag meets Rena by nearly hitting her while she is driving her motorcycle. This incident begins their story. It is a passionate tale between them that heats up many times throughout the story.
The author created two characters with their own heartaches that touch your heart as they struggle to find love. The added paranormal touch of Rena’s brother’s spirit appearing brings the story full circle emphasizing that love transcends death.
I highly recommend this lovely story that will have you believing love heals all.
Thank you, readers, for stopping by to read about this talented and creative author. Please check out all her books on the links above for some enjoyable reading. Readers, please review hard-working authors’ books to help spread word about their work and keep them relevant in the eyes of Amazon. Thank you!
Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!
READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!
Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina
Award-Winning Author
Jemsbooks for All Ages!
Jemsbooks.com
Jemsbooks.blog
Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net
AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)
AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE
JEMSBOOKS 
Thank you SO much for sharing my Q&A, Janice! I appreciate the support!
My pleasure, Jan. I enjoyed learning more about you and your books. 🥰
Fantastic interview, ladies. I’m also a huge music fan. I find it easier to write with my headphones on, helps block out the world. And how funny you’re both named Janice!
Quite the coincidence, huh, Sue. Thank you for stopping by. I cannot listen to music when I am writing or else I go off following the lyrics instead of doing what I need to. But any other time, you’ll find music going somewhere around me.
I agree on that, Jan. I would be singing along and get distracted. 😂
Thanks for stopping by, Sue. Great name, huh? 😆 I guess we were meant to connect like this.
Wonderful of you to post this great review of talented Jan Sikes! It’s good to know more about her.
Thank you, TW, for your kind words and for coming by. 😀
My pleasure, Janice. 😊
Thanks so much, Tim! I am thrilled that you stopped by!
My pleasure, Jan. 😊
Fantastic Janice interview:) Music is such an important part of life and can lightening the soul. Nothing like spending time with the grands. Great advice to writers too!
Thanks, DL, for stopping by. Yes, music soothes the soul. 🥰
Thank you for stopping by, Denise. I appreciate you taking the time to read and share!!
Me, too–about the music, though I’m more classical. But, my listening music of choice is country. Nice to see Jan here!
Thanks for stopping by, Jacqui! I like country too but listen to a variety of music. I find it calming. 🥰
Thanks for adding to the conversation, Jacqui. Classical is great for soothing background music. I appreciate you stopping by!
Thank you, Jacqui for stopping by! 🥰
Hi Janice, it’s wonderful to see Jan Sikes featured here. I’ve read several of her lovely books and have another next on my TBR.
Your comment brightened my day, Robbie! I hope whatever book you read that you enjoy it. I deeply appreciate you taking the time to stop by here and leave a comment! Hugs!
It’s A Nobel Bargain 😍
They are all great reads
I was honored to host her. I too have read her books and have two on my TBR list. 📚
Great interview.
Thank you, Chris, for visiting today!
Thank you, Chris, for swinging by!
A wonderful interview with Jan. I have read a few of her books and enjoyed every one. Her characters are real and you can’t help but cheer for them.
Thank you so much for the kind words, Darlene. I appreciate you.
Thank you, Darlene! I agree. They are enjoyable. 🥰
I love your interview answers, Sister. I really am proud of you. You took the bull by the horns and took up writing at a crucial time in your life. You’ve caught up with me in record time and I’ve been at it for over twenty years. You’re amazing and your stories are so full of “heart”. You keep drawing new readers. Love you so much.
Thank you Linda, for stopping by to support Jan.
Interesting interview, ladies. The one area I always find fascinating is each person’s journey in becoming a writer. Some folks know at a young age, that this is what they want to do, and then there are others who fall in love with writing later in life.
That is true, Pete. For me I fell in love with reading long before I became a writer. Thank you for stopping by. 💕
Thank you, Pete, for stopping by and for your comments. Yes, some do find what they love earlier than others.
It’s nice that Jan found hers since she is so talented.
Thank you for this engaging and informative interview with Jan! I enjoyed reading it. Sharing!
Thank you, Liz! I am thrilled that you came over!!
You’re welcome, Jan!
Thank you, Liz, for visiting today and for your kind words. Your support is appreciated.
You’re welcome, Janice.
So nice to see Jan here Janice. She definitely can write a beautiful story. You have written a wonderful review too. Congratulations to Jan.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, John. Your kind words made my day! I appreciate you stopping by!
🤗
Thank you, John. It’s always nice to see you. Yes, Jan is a talented writer.
😊
A great interview with a favorite author of mine. I have to look into the Bargainer Series now. And an interesting and insightful answer to your question about her inspiration comes from! Nice to see you here, Jan!
Oh, thank you so much, Noelle! I do hope you’ll take a look at the Bargainer Series. I’d be honored. So glad you enjoyed the Q&A!
Thank you, Noelle, for stopping by and for kind comments. I have that book on my TBR list.
What a wonderful interviews, Jan and Jan! I learned a lot about Jan that I didn’t know, even though I’ve been following and reading her books for years. Thanks for the fun!
I think that is what makes these interviews fun, Diana. We learn things we don’t know about each other. I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and leave a comment today!
Thank you, Diana, for your kind words and for coming to visit! 🥰
Nice thorough post, and a fascinating subject! 💯
Thank you, Thesimulux, for your kind words and for stopping by. 😀
Wonderful to see Jan out on the road today. She’s a busy lady.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Craig!
Thank you, Craig for stopping by and for commenting. 😀
A wonderful interview, Jan and Janice. I love that your inspiration is music, Jan. I need to listen more closely to the words. Look forward to your new book! Hope you both have a wonderful weekend!❤️
Thank you, Joy, for stopping by and for your comments. 🥰
Thank you so much for stopping by, Joy. Yes! Listen to the lyrics. You never know what ideas it might spark. 🙂
I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful interview! I just finished reading “A Beggar’s Bargain” and loved it, so I’m definitely reading the second book and look forward to the third coming out soon. I’m also a big music fan; in fact, when I was young, I wanted to sing professionally. I’ve had my spotlight/solo moments and would’ve continued on that path. But I switched lanes, and then, writing took over. But music will always hold a special place in my heart. 🙂 It was great to learn more about Jan. Thanks to both of you! 🎶
Thank you SO much for your comment, Lauren! I am thrilled that you enjoyed “A Beggar’s Bargain!” You’ve just made me smile. I am finding that a lot of us creatives also have a deep passion for music in one way or another. It’s fun to think about how life would be so different if we’d chosen different paths. Still, we are where we are supposed to be. I hope you have a wonderful day and thank you again, for your support!
That is so true, Jan. I guess we could say music moves and inspires us. 🥰🎶
Thank you, Lauren, for stopping by and for your intriguing comments. Email me, I would like to keep in touch. 🥰
You’re welcome, Jan, and sure will! My email is baydreamer25@gmail.com as well. 🤗
Look forward to keeping in touch! 🥰
This is a fantastic interview. I am always interested in what Jan has to say. She’s a talented writer and a wonderful human being. Thanks for sharing this, Janice!
Thank you, Beem, for stopping by and for your kind comments. Yes, Jan certainly is talented and a lovely person.
Great interview! I know those grandkids keep you busy, Jan – in a very good way. I couldn’t agree with you more on your advice for prospective authors.
Thank you, Teri, for stopping by to support Jan. 🥰
Thank you so much for the beautiful feature, Janice!
Thank you, Nicholas. Good to see you here. Thanks for stopping by. 🥰