Jan Sikes

September 2, 2018

Taking a break?

Or is it? Are you like me and feel that you have to work like a Trojan workhorse every day, day in and day out? But what happens when we do? I can only speak from my own personal experience. Creativity all but comes to a screeching halt I find it hard to shut my …

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August 29, 2018

Descriptive Phrases

We all hear so much about Showing vs. Telling, and there are no better or more concise examples than those found in song lyrics. Think about it. You have 3 - 4 minutes to tell an entire story. There is no time for wasted words. Then, top that with the fact that things have to …

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August 26, 2018March 3, 2026

Children

I am late posting my blog for today. But, better late than never, I suppose. This past week, I have taken care of my three-year-old granddaughter every day all day long. Believe me when I say I had forgotten the amount of energy and attention they require. I fell behind on everything and dropped into …

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August 22, 2018March 3, 2026

Trip Around The Sun

Birthdays are such significant days. Not because we get cards and gifts but because it completes another cycle of life for us. And, I look at the day following my birthday as a clean slate to start the next cycle around the sun. This year has been mixed with family, friends, plans that didn't work …

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July 29, 2018March 3, 2026

Golden

It’s uncanny how I can feel him before he walks into the room. My heart lurches and my pulse quickens.Then, I see him. The center of attention, hugging the ladies, shaking hands with and giving slaps on the back to the men. Everyone wants to touch him…to have him turn his golden-brown eyes and flashing …

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July 15, 2018March 3, 2026

Hunger

I originally wrote this as a song, but never got it recorded. Think old Tammy Wynette style when you read it. HUNGER BY JAN SIKES I MET A MAN ON THE STREET JUST THIS MORNING. HE HELD A SIGN THAT SAID, “HELP ME PLEASE." I STOPPED AND DROPPED A COIN IN THE CUP BESIDE HIS …

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July 1, 2018March 3, 2026

Autographs in the Rain

I very recently had the pleasure of interviewing the ever-enigmatic Kinky Friedman for a magazine feature. He has released an album after a forty-year hiatus, CIRCUS OF LIFE. I want to share two stories with you. First, he talked about a phone call he got from Willie Nelson at 3 am. Kinky was in Texas and …

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June 21, 2018

Two Shorts & A Snort

Two Shorts & A Snort Two Shorts & A Snort is the Grand Prize Winner in the 2019 RRBC 90 Day Alpha/Omega Beginning To End Short Story Contest! This book consists of two short stories and one poem from award-winning author, Jan Sikes, in response to a writing challenge from the RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB. …

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June 8, 2018

Cusp of Night – New Release from Mae Clair

Hi, Jan! Many thanks for inviting me to your blog today. I have a new release I’m thoroughly jazzed to share with your readers. Cusp of Night is a mystery/suspense novel that weaves timelines of the present with those of the past. Dual timelines are becoming trendy in fiction today, a pattern I’m more than …

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June 1, 2018March 3, 2026

Indie or Traditional – How does an author pick the right direction?

Don Massenzio makes some valid points about Indie Publishing versus Traditional. See what you think.

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