Hi, Everybody! Today, I’d like you to help me welcome our special guest, Jan Sikes. Jan is sharing her latest release, Ghostly Interference, and I know this one is going to appeal to a lot of folks, myself included! (Just look at this great cover!)
So, without further ado, let’s get to it! Take it away, Jan!
~~~
Hi, Marcia! Thank you SO much for allowing me to borrow your blog platform to talk about my new book!
It is not unusual for authors to use some form of Astrology in their stories. In Ghostly Interference, Jag Peters had been raised by a mother who incorporated all sorts of metaphysical knowledge into his upbringing, Astrology being one of those things.
Jag is a Libra. That sun sign fit his character perfectly. Rena Jett is a Taurus.
At one point, Jag is compelled to try to track down any living relatives that Rena might have. She craves family and it has always just been her and her brother, Sam. Now that he is gone, she is completely alone.
But how can Jag get the information he needs from her? At the suggestion of his mother, he decides to use astrology as an ice-breaker and to learn more about Rena.
EXCERPT:
“Let’s play a game. When were you born?”
She shot him a look of panic. “Why do you want to know?”
“It’s how we play the game. I want to know you better.”
“I was born May 1, 1979.”
“I knew it! You’re a Taurus. I woulda’ bet money on it.”
“Is that bad?” Rena sucked on her bottom lip
“Oh goodness no. Taurus people are born under the sign of the bull. Most often they are stubborn, determined, practical and down to earth, but have an eye for beauty. And they are brave.” He kneaded the arch of her foot. “And you are the bravest warrior woman I’ve ever met.”
“Hmmm, I like that phrase. And I love what you are doing to my feet.”
He continued. “I was born right here in Cedar Springs. Where were you born?”
“My birth certificate says I was born in Austin. I don’t remember anything except being in foster homes.”
“What was your mother’s name?”
She narrowed her eyes. “I don’t see as that has anything to do with us getting to know each other.”
“Call it curiosity. My mother’s name is Charlotte Grace Peters.”
“Marjorie Irene Jett is the name on my birth certificate.” She spat out the words like a bitter pill.
Jag rubbed her ankle and moved up her leg. “It’s okay, Rena. I was just curious, that’s all. Any other siblings besides Sam?”
“Not that I know of. It’s always been just me and Sam. I don’t think I like this game. Your turn.”
“Okay. One more question and then I’ll take a turn. What do you want to do with your life? I know your ambition isn’t to work at Meg’s diner forever. What does Rena Jett want?”
She paused a long minute. “I used to talk with Sam about what we’d be when we grew up. He said when he finished his tour in the military, he wanted to go to school and be a child psychologist. I think about it a lot. I never had his ambition, but I would like to do something to help kids stuck in situations like we were.”
“There are all sorts of things you could do. You could be a caseworker, but I can’t see you having the patience to put up with the bureaucracy.”
“That’s for damned sure. I’ve seen too much of the bullshit that goes on to ever play that game. I think I’d like to be a police woman.”
Jag let out a whistle. “That’s perfect for you, Rena. You’d make a great police woman and you could ride one of their Harleys.”
She grinned. “It’s just a thought. Your turn to play this game.”
He grinned. “Okay. I was born October 8, 1975, and that makes me a Libra.”
“And what are Libras like?” She took a sip of her wine.
“Libras are usually kind.”
Rena nodded. “What else?”
“We like peace and harmony and will walk a mile around a fight. We love all things of beauty and have a hard time saying no sometimes.”
“Those all fit you.”
“I’ve lived in Cedar Springs all my life, except when I went away to college. My father’s name was Arthur.” He reached for his wine and took a sip.
***
Using tools like astrology is also a great way for the author to reveal more character depth to the reader without telling or doing a big info dump that the reader finds boring.
I’m a Leo. I was born on August 21st, the cusp of Leo/Virgo, and have some qualities from both signs. How about you? What is your sun sign? Have you ever used astrology in character development or in your storyline?
BOOK BLURB:
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
Buy Ghostly Interference Here:
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?
Jan Sikes is an award-winning Texas author who has been called a wordsmith by her peers. She openly admits that she never set out in life to be an author. But she had a story to tell. Not just any story, but a true story that rivals any fiction creation. You simply can’t make this stuff up. It all happened. She chose to create fictitious characters to tell the story through, and they bring the intricately woven tale to life in an entertaining way. She released a series of music CDs to accompany the four biographical fiction books and then published a book of poetry and art to complete the story circle.
And now that the story is told, this author can’t find a way to put down the pen. She continues to write fiction and has published many short stories with a series of novels waiting in the wings. She is a member of The Author’s Marketing Guild, Writer’s League of Texas, RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB (RRBC), RAVE WRITER’S INT’L SOCIETY OF AUTHOR (RWISA), and sits on the RWISA Executive Council.
JAN SIKES
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
http://www.jansikes.com
https://jansikesblog.com/
https://www.twitter.com/jansikes3
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJanSikesBooks
http://www.pinterest.com/jks0851/
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00CS9K8D (Author Page)
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7095856.Jan_Sik
The Write Stuff 
Congratulations, Jan, on your latest book release. Best of luck with everything. I have this on my TBR now and can’t wait to read it 🙂
Marcia, it’s lovely to see Jan here today 🙂
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Thank you, Harmony! I’m very happy to be part of her release tour, and know this one is going to be a super read! Thanks for stopping by and taking a moment to wish her well. 🙂
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Hi, Harmony! Thank you for hopping around with me. 🙂 I’m just getting started, so keep your running shoes on. 🙂 I appreciate your support!
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Really liking the sound of this book!
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I know, right? It sounds really good to me, too, and I’m looking forward to reading it. Thanks for stopping by today, Jaye, and taking a moment to say hello! 🙂
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You’re welcome, Marcia!
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Hi, Anita! I love that one line comment! I hope it will intrigue you enough to pick it up or put it on your Christmas list. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
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I intend to add it to my reading pile, as I love a ghost story!
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I’m a Pieces. I haven’t thought of using astrological signs while writing characters. Not a bad idea.
Best of luck on the new book, Jan! A big thanks to Marcia for hosting you today.
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It was my pleasure to host Jan today. I think she’s over at Staci’s, too, so I’ll be dropping by there later, as well. As a St. Patrick’s Day baby, I’m a Pisces, too, but I haven’t thought about using the Zodiac in a book, either. Very interesting idea! Thanks for stopping by today, Joan! 🙂
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Hi, Marcia. Interesting that both you and Joan are in the watery sign of Pisces. It is a very creative and intuitive sign. Thank you SO much for allowing me a guest spot on your blog today. I am honored and deeply grateful!
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I’m a Pisces married to a Scorpio. Some interesting times around this house, for sure. 😀 And I’m very happy being a little fishy, looking for creative outlets all my life. 😀
It’s my pleasure to have you here today, Jan, and I wish you HUGE success with this one. It sure looks like an interesting tale to me. Can’t wait to read it, myself! 🙂 Best of luck with the release! 🙂
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Thank you, Marcia!
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Hi, Joan. Oh, that wonderful watery sign of Pisces! It is a great sign for creativity! Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting today! I appreciate you!
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I’ve done some crazy things with Chinese New Year, and even tarot cards. I’ve never used the zodiac signs to design characters before. I love these procedural glimpses into how authors write.
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HI, Craig. Well, maybe I just gave you a new idea. I could easily see Astrology fitting in with some of your characters – even on the Lanternfish. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by!
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It’s possible.
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I never thought of it either, Craig, but I can see how it could be very useful. I like seeing how other writers go about the process, too. Glad you enjoyed the post, and thanks for stopping by today! 🙂
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I’m a Virgo, but it doesn’t describe me at all. When the new sign came out a few years back, I was moved to Leo – which actually made more sense. I haven’t tried zodiac signs with my characters, but I could see myself giving it a try.
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Very interesting, Teri. I definitely have both Leo and Virgo traits. I’m happy you enjoyed the post and that it gave you new ideas for adding astrology to your books! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!
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I’m an Aries. And I guess I have to admit to the fiery temper that goes with it. 🔥 Never thought about the signs for my characters, though. That’s an interesting concept, Jan.
Wishing you all the best with this release.
Thanks for hosting, Marcia.
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Lol, Staci. I have an Aries moon, so I am all fire signs. I do have a temper, but it takes a lot to get me riled up. I think part of your DNA is the Italian part of you too. 🙂 It all plays a part. Thank you for your comment!
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Can’t argue that, either. 🇮🇹
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Congratulations on your new book, Jan!
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Thank you, Bette! I’m glad you stopped by!
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This book sounds so amazing. I ordered myself and my aunt Jean both a copy. I’m so very proud of you Jan. Congrats on your new release. Love you my sweet friend.
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Thank you, Tonya! I do hope Aunt Jean loves the book and thank you for purchasing it for her! I appreciate your support and love SO much!
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Excellent post, Jan. Using the astrological signs is genius. Thanks, Marcia for hosting Jan today.
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Glad you enjoyed it, John, and you’re most welcome. It was a pleasure to have Jan here today as my last #GuestDayTuesday post of the year. Already working on January, though. Stay tuned for more good stuff! 🙂 And thanks for stopping by today. 🙂
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Always a pleasure, Marcia. 😊
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Wow, John! Genius? Well, what the heck. I’ll take it! Thank you for stopping by!
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Calls them like I see them. 😁
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🙂
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Astrology is fun and usually very accurate. I’m a cancer, and it’s very fitting. My daughter has been looking into everyones rising signs and moon signs. I have a lot of water signs. Even my year of the tiger is a water tiger. Great way to incorporate it into your story, Jan.
Thanks for hosting, Marcia:)
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How interesting, Denise. I haven’t ever looked at coordinating the Chinese Zodiac years with the signs, but that sounds like a fun thing to do, and especially with your daughter! Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment!
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It was my pleasure to have Jan here for the last #GuestDayTuesday post of this year. I’m already working on January’s guests, so stay tuned. More to come then, along with a few of my other features that I plan to get going again.
Glad you enjoyed Jan’s post. Pretty interesting, I think! 🙂
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I’m fascinated with astrology, Jan. It adds a third dimension to your characters and the story. I enjoyed the excerpt. Thank you, Marcia, for hosting.
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Thank you, Miriam. I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
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You’re welcome, Jan!
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I was very happy to have Jan here today, Miriam, and I’m glad you enjoyed the post. It really is an interesting idea, isn’t it? Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
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Yes, it is, Marcia. Good to stop by! ☺️
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Great excerpt!
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Thank you, Jennifer!!
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What a beautiful post, Marcia. Congratulations, Jan. It is so exciting to see your smiling face across the internet and on so many blog posts. I am deeply happy for you. ❤
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So glad you like the post, Gwen. Thanks for letting us know. I’m excited too, as I think this is going to be a lot of fun to read. Glad you had a chance to stop by today! 🙂
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Thank you, Gwen. It’s going to be quite a whirlwind of a tour across blogosphere and I’m so excited to share a new aspect of this book at each stop! I will be at your place tomorrow! 🙂 I appreciate your support! Hugs!
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I’m a Pisces. I’m sure you already knew that. 😉 I completed an astrological chart a while back. It’s all so interesting. I’ve never used astrology in my characters, but it’s definitely a great idea. I’m loving your tours, Jan. 🙂
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Hi, Yvette. Pisces is such a creative watery sign. I can see why you live near the ocean. 🙂 I’m so glad you are enjoying the stops on this tour and thank you for riding along! I appreciate you!
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Sorry I’m late! We have a new fur baby. It’s been years since we’ve had little paws in the house, so I’m up at all hours of the night to check on her. Which makes functioning the next day tough. 🙂
I’m a Libra. Double Libra, actually (both sun and moon). Your excerpt nailed it. Fun reading, Jan!
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Late or not, you made it here, and that’s the important (and great) thing! Congrats on the new fur baby! And glad you enjoyed the post, too. Thanks for stopping by to let Jan know, Sue. 🙂
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Hi, Sue. How awesome to have a new fur baby, although they do require a lot of attention for a little while. The good news is that they grow fast. Wow! A double Libra. You are very laid back and creative. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. I appreciate your support!
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Congrats Jan! I have added the book and look forward to getting to it. ❤
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Thank you, Debby! I look forward to visiting at your place next week!
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I look forward to having you 🙂
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Loved the cover and the excerpt is great! Hope you get the recognition you deserve.
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Thank you, Alex! I’m glad you like the cover. This tour is definitely off and running! Thank you for stopping by!
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