You’re in for a treat. Jan Sikes is sitting in for Linda Broday today and she has a heck of a new book to tell you about. Oh, by the way, she’s also Linda’s talented little sister. Please welcome her to the Junction!
I’m so happy to be here at P&P talking about my first contemporary romance. Thank you for having me. I’ve written four full-length biographical fictions about my life with country/western performer Rick Sikes. But now I’m writing romance and it’s so much fun. My creative juices are flowing in a totally different way.
One of my greatest joys in life is going to hear live music. I loved it as a little girl and even more now as an adult. COVID-19 has put a halt to all live music for the time being, but I miss it and long for it to return.
In Ghostly Interference, Jag Peters plays an electric keyboard. Music is his passion. He loves every aspect of it. He longs to play on the big stages to sold-out crowds. It’s the dream he holds and protects deep in his heart.
In a scene early in the book, he confesses this desire to Rena, then questions himself at his willingness to share that secret.
So, when his mother sets up a benefit concert and brings a man out of retirement to perform that Jag has idolized his entire life, he is on cloud nine. All his life, he’s wanted to meet his idol and now he has the chance. Little does he know this will change everything.
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?
EXCERPT
A local radio DJ personality took to the stage and slipped a microphone off the stand. “Ladies and gentlemen, if you’ll all take your seats, we’re just about ready to get this show started. Are you excited to be here?”
The crowd applauded and some whistled.
“All right! But first, I want to say a word about the charity you’re supporting here tonight. The Exodus Project has helped women escape from abusive situations for over six years here in Cedar Springs. And without your contributions and fundraisers like this one, it wouldn’t have the outreach that it currently does. So, thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.”
Jag grinned and winked at his mother when she slipped into the empty seat next to Rena. Again, he had a strong feeling something was up with her.
The DJ continued. “So, without further ado, I present to you a man who has graced stages around the world, and we’re honored to have him here in Cedar Springs on this stage tonight, Damien Blue!”
Jag held his breath. The band came on first kicking it off with the intro to Damien’s first big hit. The high-energy straight-ahead rock, heavy on the backbeat sound, they were famous for poured out of them.
The crowd cheered.
Thirty seconds later, Damien strolled onto the stage, guitar slung across his back, both hands in the air greeting the audience.
Jag felt Rena shift beside him and glanced at her to see her eyes wide and mouth slack.
Mesmerized, he focused on the man he’d admired for a lifetime. Tall and lean, he had a commanding presence. Dressed in black pinstripe pants, white silk shirt open to mid-chest and matching pinstripe vest, he could have stepped out of a fifties gangster movie. The fedora pulled low over his eyes and sharp-toed shiny black Spats completed the look.
People were on their feet, clapping, whistling and yelling. One woman’s voice rang out. “I love you, Damien!”
He flashed a dazzling grin and stepped up to the microphone. “I love you too, darlin’.”
Even under the fedora, Jag could see streaks of gray in his brown hair. He was close enough to see small lines at the edges of his idol’s blue-gray eyes. Eyes that held intrigue, mystery, and power.
When Damien shifted his vintage Les Paul Gold Top guitar around to the front and delivered a blistering riff, the audience went wild before they finally took their seats. Damien’s soulful whiskey flavored voice filled the auditorium.
Jag knew every word and every chord. He immersed his entire being into the music, unaware of anything else. He never took his eyes off his hero. The electricity he’d felt earlier settled down to a low steady hum under his skin and rang in his ears along with the amplifiers.
***
Tell me about the most amazing concert you ever attended. Did you get to meet the artist? I want to hear about it! I’m giving away one ebook copy of the book to two people who comment.
BOOK PURCHASE LINKS
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I’ve been to so many concerts over the years, big and small, multiple genres, and I don’t know that I have one favorite.
denise
Hi, Denise! I love how you refer to multiple genres of music as that fits me perfectly. I love all kinds of music. Thank you for your comment!
I have been to a few concerts. At the Christian concerts, I have met many of the artists. I saw Kenny Rogers, Dotty West and the Oak Ridge Boys in concert. I was not able to meet any of them. As a child, I saw Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, The Carter Family, The Statler Brothers and Carl Perkins. We were not able to meet anyone at that concert. The most exciting concert that I have ever been was The Alabama concert. I was not able to meet them either. They had so much energy. You could tell they loved the music and the fans.
Hi, Debra. I love all of the artists you named! And I saw Alabama in concert in the eighties. I did get their autograph, but I can’t say that I actually got to meet them. It was a fantastic concert! Thank you for your comment!
I can’t decide which concert was my favorite I love Cher and Kenny Rogers and I have been lucky enough to have seen both in concert many times. Dolly Parton always has wonderful concerts too. I am such a fan I attended their concerts whenever I could and I can say truthfully I love every one I have attended. All of these singers and songwriters make music that speaks to me and I can’t pick a favorite- it is all of them.
I love that music speaks to you abqnancy! It does to me too and I love the artists you listed. Cher is like a goddess and I have loved Kenny Rogers since first hearing him with The First Edition. But Dolly…Well, Dolly is the Queen! Thank you for your comment!
I got to see reba mcentire in 1989 at the iowa state fair she was one of the acts I did not get to meet her but it was great to listen and watch her perform.
How awesome that you got to see Reba at the state fair! She is an amazing artist and I love all of her music AND the TV show! Thank you for your comment!
Welcome Jan- I’ve been to many concerts in my life and anyone who knows me, knows I’m a huge George Strait fan. But my most amazing concert was at Billy Bob’s, I was going to see Gary Stewart another one of my all time favorites, but there had been a schedule change and so Gary ended up opening for another singer. I did get to meet Gary, and get his autograph, (I was one smiling fan), but then the headliner came out. I was setting front center stage, close enough to reach out and touch the stage, only about 5 feet from the headliner. Talk about a show. He played for 3 1/2 hours and it was the best show, I could of ever imagined. I’ll never forget that night and the way Willie Nelson, his sister Bobby, and his band throughly entertained all of us that night. I grew up with Waylon & Willie, but never expected to actually get see him perform, much less to be that close and see him.
I’m excited about your new book and I’ll send you my review when I finish it. Congrats on your 1st contemporary romance. Love you & Merry Christmas.
Hi, Tonya. Thank you for your awesome comment! I am a huge fan of Gary Stewart. He had such a unique voice and he was gone way too soon! I love that you got to meet him. And what a wonderful show that turned into! Back in the early sixties, Willie came to do a tour through Texas and he didn’t have a band yet, so Rick’s band backed him on that tour. They formed a friendship that lasted forever. He is an amazing man! But King George…Well, he’s the KING!! 🙂
Good morning. I have Three favorites one was Santana in Las Vegas what a concert. Another was the late great George Jones i met his wife and had wonderful conversation with her. My last one I saw Scotty McCreey. I just love that young man. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Congratulations on your book.
Hi, Yvonne. Wow! I would imagine a Santana concert would be nothing short of amazing! How awesome that you got to meet George Jones’ wife and talk with her. And I have to agree that Scotty McCreery is an amazing young man. He has such a great respectful demeanor about him. Thank you for your comment!!
Good morning Jan and welcome to P&P I’m so happy you stopped by! I love a good concert but I’ve actually been to very few and I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting any of the artists that I have been to their concerts. My most memorable concert I’ve attended was either Johnny Cash or Elvis as a very young girl. The biggest thing I remember from Elvis’ concert was all the swooning and screaming girls. I was only around 3 at the time and I remember the fans more than Elvis. We used to pass by the gates of Graceland almost every day when we lived in Memphis and those gates always had lots of girls there trying to get a glimpse of Elvis.
I wish you the very best with your new release! I plan to read it soon!
Oh my goodness, Stephanie! How amazing that you can remember something from such a young age. Elvis had a magnetism that drew fans to him like bees to honey. Johnny Cash was an incomparable artist and his writing was some of the best around. He wrote about real life. Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment!
I haven’t been to a lot of concerts, back in the 70’s I got to go see Kansas and it was awesome. I went with a friend and we really had a good time. Also went to a few others but the Kansas one was my favorite. I didn’t get to meet any artist thou.
Wow, quiltlady! That’s awesome that you got to see Kansas in the 70s! That had to be an awesome show. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment!
I did get to see The Who once. It was an amazing trip there and back
What show that must have been, Debra! They were an amazing group. Thank you for commenting!
I went to an Oak Ridge Boys concert at a casino near here several years ago. I love country music. I’ve seen Barry Manilow too. What an entertainer. But, my favorite performers are the Texas Tenors. I’ve seen them in concert in Branson, MO twice. Once here in central Minnesota where I live. Christian artist, Mack Brock, is on my slate next year. So much music to enjoy! Thank you Jan for blogging today. Your new book sounds great! Congratulations! Merry Christmas!
I grew up listening to the Oak Ridge Boys. I love their harmonies. When their voices blend together it’s like musical instruments. Barry Manilow was very smooth! I have not heard of the Texas Tenors, but I will look them up. Thank you for commenting, Kathy! I appreciate it and wish you a Merry Christmas too!
Love the excerpt, Jan. (Hesitant to pick a favorite concert, but I’ll rank the Beach Boys pretty high on my list.)
Oh how awesome, Staci. I loved the Beach Boys when I was a teenager! What a fun concert to pick! Thank you for stopping by!
This extract is fascinating for me as I’ve only seen concerts like this on television. Thanks for hosting Jan, Felicity.
Hi, Robbie! Thank you for riding the tour bus over here to Petticoats & Pistols!! I appreciate your support.
Jan, I’m so excited that readers will finally get a chance to read this story. I loved Jag and Rena and am so happy that you were led to Wild Rose Press. I’m proud of you, sister! You have a wonderful talent for telling stories and you’ve helped me a lot with my own. In fact, my books wouldn’t turn out quite so well if you didn’t read and critique my work. I’m so proud of you and love you so much, sister.
Oh, my dear sister, you give me far too much credit! Your stories are AMAZING! I love that we get to share chapters and give feedback. I think it helps us both. I am excited too, that the world finally gets to read this story. It’s been a long time coming and I am grateful for Wild Rose Press! Thank you again, for giving up your spot today so that I could spread the word! I love you! Merry Christmas!
I love how music inspires you. I often have certain songs that remind me of my characters as well. Good luck with the book.
Thank you for your comment, Jennifer. Yes, I’ve written a couple of short stories inspired by songs and it’s a fun way to expand a story.
I haven’t attended many concerts. One of my favorites was Billy Joel and Elton John together. I absolutely loved it. I was a huge fan of Billy Joel in my teens and 20s. Lol! I’m so happy that your book is finally out! Congratulations! 🙂
Oh, I’ve always been a Billy Joel fan! He is amazing and I can’t even imagine him with Elton John! Wow! That’s fantastic. Thank you for stopping by, Yvette! I appreciate you!
Hi Jan, so good to have you here. Loved your blog and the memories. I read it about 4:00 this morning when I couldn’t sleep. I’m eager to read your new book; really sounds great and you’re such a good author. When Bob and I met our first true date was to the Glenn Campbell concert when they opened the new civic center complex. It was the first event they held. I’ve been to a lot of concerts and love them, but I’m gettin’ way to old to go now days! LOL but true! Take care of yourself and I’m really glad you gave your big sister a day off. Happy Holidays to you and yours. Hugs, Phyliss
Hi, Phyliss. What a great story that you and Bob went on your first real date to see Glenn Campbell. What an amazing talent he was. Believe me, I don’t go as much as I used to and COVID has put a halt to all of it, I miss the energy of live music. Thank you for stopping by! I appreciate you!
Isn’t it something when meeting one’s idol can have such an effect? Wishing you the best with the book.
It is, Barbara. Just three years ago, I got to meet Kris Kristofferson and after he left, I was shaking all over. Wow! That was amazing. I’ve loved him since “A Star Is Born.” 🙂 Thanks for hopping on over here! I appreciate your support!
So, so exciting, Jan. I love Linda’s post and all the attention flowing your way. Heartfelt congratulations! ?
Somehow my “heart” at the end of my message became a question mark. My second try: ?
Hi, Gwen. I so appreciate Linda letting me take her spot here today. It’s been amazing. I appreciate you stopping by and how funny that it won’t let you make a heart. WordPress goes wonky sometimes. 🙂
Congratulations on the your book. The isolation has been good for accomplishing some things. this sounds like an interesting read. I am sure you are looking forward to being able to travel soon.
I have been lucky enough to attend quite a few concerts. My husband and I were volunteer ushers at out city’s venue. The first few years we ushered for many, many country groups. Sawyer Brown, Alan Jackson, Wynonna, Willy Nelson to name a few. We also ushered for Elton John 3 times. It is really too bad they never had any concerts of our favorite, Celtic music. They did have River Dance a couple of times. We have attended Celtic concerts for years and have many favorite bands. We attended a concert by the Celtic Women which was wonderful. My favorite concert of all was the first one I ever attended. When I was in college, Simon and Garfunkle came to the campus. It was a year or so before they became popular (you can tell how long ago that was – early 60’s) and they were great. It was just the two of them, two stools, and their guitars. Just wonderful music. I have found that often simpler is better. Of the Elton John concerts, the first was just his piano and him playing 90 minutes straight. The next time he had an orchestra, and the third an orchestra and visual effects. They detracted form his music. My only complaint for many of the concerts is they have been way too loud. After one concert, even after wearing ear plugs, my hearing was muffled for several days. If you leave a brick and concrete building and can still hear the band when you are across the far side of the parking lot, maybe they are too loud.
HI, Patricia! Thanks for stopping by today and sharing your music memories. Volunteering at music events is a great way to get to hear some great music for free. I too love Celtic music. It stirs something deep inside of me. How wonderful to see Simon and Garfunkle before they became popular. And I agree that simpler is better. I love listening to the writers sing their songs because I can hear and absorb every work! Great comment!
I love music and I’m so looking forward to reading this book. Congratulations, Jan!
Thank you, Joan! I appreciate you visiting me here at P&P!
Loggins and Messina! Later saw: The Beach Boys, Ricky Nelson, Jethro Tull, REO Speedwagon
Hi, Laurie! I was a huge fan of Loggins and Messina! Fun music! Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Jan! So sorry I missed the blog yesterday, but here I am today! : ) Outside of high school and college concerts (I was a music major), I’ve never been to a rock ‘n roll concert. I’ve been to dances, but not to a concert, per se. Interesting, huh? I do love music, though, and all kinds of music in every genre that I know of. Not all of every single genre, but there is always something in each genre that can resonate with me.
Hi, Karen! I’m so glad you stopped by. Wow! Never been to a concert. You may be the only person I know who can say that. If the world ever returns to any kind of normalcy, you should make time to go. 🙂
Hello Jan! I’ve met Rick Pino and Eddie James. I ;love their worship music!
Hi, Caryl! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment today! I’m not familiar with Rick Pino, but love Eddie James.
I didn’t get the chance to attend many concerts but growing up in Detroit with one hit song after another coming out each week, we had what was called The Motown Review held at the Fox Theater in downtown Detroit. All the artists over the previous year were presented. IT WAS FABULOUS!
So I can relate to how you feel about music Jan. I love ballads, popular, rock and roll, opera and some blues and jazz. I was exposed to it all.
Wow, Shirley! How totally awesome. Some of the first music I listened to that wasn’t gospel was Diana Ross & the Supremes and Aretha Franklin. I still love their music. But, what fun to get to attend the Motown Review! Absolutely wonderful! Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment! I appreciate you!
Hi, Jan! The live concerts I saw were mostly in Germany, and ranged from Black Sabbath to Santana (my favorite). I love worship music and have members of my family who write, sing, and play all kinds of instruments. I am the only one whose only musical talent is appreciation.
Hi, Patty. Thanks for stopping by. There always needs to be an appreciative audience! I have not yet had the pleasure of seeing Santana in a live concert, but would love to! Fantastic sharing! Thank you!