The idea for this story came to me from a casual conversation with a family member.
I’m sure most everyone knows my backstory, and that my late husband, Rick Sikes, was sentenced to prison for a crime he didn’t commit. So, in this conversation with a cousin, she said, “You know, I’ve often wondered if Bobby (Rick’s brother) really did the crime and Rick took the fall for him.”
While I know that isn’t a truth, it sparked a story idea and my imagination went into overdrive.
Then I had the story completely written, but wasn’t happy with the title I had chosen. I was riding in the car with my daughter, when we passed a pickup truck with a sticker plastered on the back window that read, Brother’s Keeper.
That was it! I could hardly contain my excitement. I see things like that as signs from the Universe or as nudges.
At that point, the story of Quentin Marks and his deadbeat brother, Rowdy was complete. None of the story is based on truth. It is a work of pure fiction.
My point here is to show how the creative process can work, and how it can take a tiny spark and ignite it into a flame. That spark and flame bring with them such an excitement that must be equal to skydiving or riding a bucking bronc. I don’t know because I haven’t done either of those things (nor do I intend to). But it’s an adrenaline rush and I am passionately in love with it.
If you haven’t read “Brother’s Keeper,” I hope you’ll pick up your free copy today!
Free March 10-14!
https://www.amazon.com/Brothers-Keeper-Beginning-International-Contest-ebook/dp/B08BXFLQ4V/
And, of course, I welcome a review after you’ve read Brother’s Keeper! Thank you and enjoy!
This story about how you decided on a title is great, Jan. Sharing.
Thanks, Robbie!
I’ve got my copy!
Wonderful, Mark! I hope you enjoy it!
I have no doubt that I will. 🙂
So generous of you, Jan. Bravo for the amazing reviews, too!. 🙂 I just downloaded a copy. Thanks so much!
Thank you, Natalie! I sincerely hope you enjoy the story!
Thank you for offering this short story free, Jan. I’ve downloaded it and look forward to reading it.
Wonderful, Linnea! I hope you enjoy it! Thank you!
This was a great story! I shared it. Hope you get a ton of downloads! 🙂
Thank you, Yvette! I appreciate you sharing!
I read (and enjoyed) Brother’s Keeper when it was first released. Don’t you love how inspiration strikes in different ways? Hope you get lots of “sales” from this. 🙂
Thank you, Joan. Yes! I do love it when inspiration strikes from any direction!
It is a pre-condition for a good author to be awake for inspiration and follows its lead, Your example proves this so well!
Lol, Erika. I’ve never thought of it as a pre-condition, but I think you nailed it. Thank you for stopping by!
I totally think so! It needs the open channel.
Always a pleasure to do so, Jan 😊
The title is perfect! I love when a plan comes together, lol. I’ve picked up my copy, thank you 🙂
You said it, Jacquie. I too love it when a plan comes together and that final piece of the puzzle falls in place. Thank you for picking up a copy and I hope you enjoy it!
A great story, one that many families might relate to. See my 5* review on Amazon.
Thank you SO much, John!! I appreciate your candid review and your awesome support!
I love how inspiration shows up. A great share. And I just got my copy, Jan. Thanks for the generous sale and reminder!
Wonderful, Diana! I hope you enjoy the story!
Thank you so much, Jan. This looks like a great story, and it is so nice of you to offer it for free.
Thanks for stopping by, John. I’m happy to offer it for free for a few days and hope to snag some new readers. 🙂
Well you snaged me but I’m not a new reader but am happy to benefit.
It’s amazing how this idea helped you develop it into a story Jan! In fact all stories come from our surroundings and their development depends on how far the imagination takes an author. Thanks for your generosity. Your stories are compelling.
Thank you, Balroop! I appreciate your kind words!
I love how the title came to you, Jan! I loved this story and hope lots will read it with the free offer:)
Thank you, Denise! I’m so glad you enjoyed the story!
I’ve read this one, Jan, and enjoyed the tale. I hope you get a ton of downloads and new fans! Very cool story about how the title came around. Kismet!
Thank you, Mae! New readers is always the goal. I appreciate you stopping by and thanks for your recommendation! Have a great day!
Off to get my copy – thanks, Jan!
Thanks, Teri! I hope you enjoy it!
What a wonderful gift, Jan. I have my copy and will spread the word! All the best! 😊
Thank you, Gwen! I appreciate you!
Jan, so true that any little event in our lives cam spark a story. My story, Stardust, came from seeing an old woman ride her bike through our town every day. And you have such an interesting back story in your own life and have had such unique experiences! I just downloaded my free copy of Brothers Keeper and look forward to reading another of your terrific stories!
Thank you for your comment, Maura Beth. I absolutely loved Stardust! I’ve loved every one of your short stories. And yes, the ideas can come from anywhere. Thank you for picking up a copy of Brothers Keeper!
I snatched up a copy…thanks, Jan!
Thank you, Jill!!
Just grabbed my copy! Thanks, Jan, and best of luck 🙂
Thank you, Harmony!
Free is usually popular. I’ll share this a few extra places.
Awesome! Thank you, Craig!