I am very pleased to welcome Jan Sikes and Linda Broday to Fiction Favorites. They are launching their exciting books at the same time and are here to tell us about them. So, Jan and Linda the post is yours.
We are deeply grateful to you, John, for allowing us to take over your wonderful blog site today!
When we decided to launch our new books together on the same day, Linda and I wanted to make it something special. It feels like we are making publishing history, and perhaps we are.
For this blog tour, we’ve chosen questions and answers designed to give the readers a deeper look into who we are, our background, and how we ended up where we are today, launching books together.
Question: How is it that both of you sisters became writers? Did your parents encourage writing or is it in the genes?
Jan: It’s interesting that neither of our parents were educated. Our dad only went to the third grade, and Mom the seventh. When they married, Daddy could not read nor write. Mom taught him, and one of his favorite things to do every day was read the newspaper from front to back. He especially liked the funnies. Another quirky thing about him was that he loved to make up limericks. As far as I know, no one ever wrote them down, but they always made us giggle. So, is it in the genes? I have no idea.
Linda: John, our mother was such an avid reader. Once we finished with a library book, she would read it. As Jan said, our parents received very little education, and Daddy was illiterate when he and Mom married. But Daddy would sit and think for a little bit, then out would come this funny limerick. One was, “Trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat.” He had a bunch but that’s all I can remember at the moment. Mom really encouraged us, and she always said that the sky was the limit and to be all we could be. But, she really got upset with us for reading in bed with the flashlight when we were supposed to be asleep. We got a scolding. It was that way on any given night.
Question: Besides reading, what in your growing-up years had the most influence on how you write today?
Jan: As we’ve mentioned before, we grew up without a TV. So, we had to entertain ourselves, and one thing we loved to do and could spend hours getting lost in, was playing with paper dolls. We designed settings, clothing, gave our characters names, and then created drama storylines for them. It was a great exercise in using our imaginations. We like to think that helped us later on with writing.
Linda: We were always making up stories, as Jan said. In addition to paper dolls, we loved to line the kitchen chairs up in the hallway and pretend it was a train. One year I remember one of us getting a toy cash register so we played store a lot, taking turns being the checker. Also, because we had to attend church so much, we sometimes played that, making up sermons and songs. Kids today don’t get a lot of chances to use their imaginations, which is crucial for a writer. Looking back, I can only remember a handful of times when we got crossways. There weren’t many. Jan has always been my best friend.
Question: What other authors are you friends with and how have they helped you become a better writer?
Jan: I have met so many amazing authors through the years, and lots of them helped influence and shape me in the craft of writing. I love attending book festivals to chat with other authors in person. Some who I can honestly say influenced me, encouraged me, and helped me become a better writer are you, John (yes, you, sir), Mae Clair, Parris Afton Bond, D.L. Finn, Staci Troilo, Beem Weeks, Wendy Scott, D. Wallace Peach, and Joy York. That’s just a few. There are so many! Starting this writing journey after my husband’s passing opened up an entirely new world for me.
Linda: I became friends with Jodi Thomas in 1993, and our friendship has deepened over the years. I recently celebrated the release of her Ransom Canyon series on Netflix. We visit back and forth and have attended so many writing conferences together. And there are so many other writers that I share a close relationship. I Zoom most every Friday with author Dee Burks up in Amarillo, and we go over whatever section I send her. I need that kind of sharing of ideas that always sparks creativity.
Question: Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
Jan: I do read my reviews. I learn from them. If a reviewer mentions something in the book that didn’t make sense to them, or could have been better, I take that to heart. When Harmony Kent read my first book and left an honest review, it helped me immensely. She mentioned head-hopping. Until that moment, I’d never heard of it and didn’t know what it was. But that single statement in the review sent me on a learning expedition, and I revised the book because of it. So, I definitely can learn from honest reviews. I ignore bad reviews that hold no merit.
Linda: I read some, but not a whole lot unless I know the person. I once got a horrible review from a reader in Australia who told me the book would’ve been good except for the romance part that ruined it. I just laughed. She knew it was a romance when she bought it. I have no time for craziness like that. One time, I had two readers get into an argument on a book review site. That was uncomfortable. This is such a crazy business.
PURCHASE LINKS:
CADE’S QUEST: https://www.amazon.com/Cades-Quest-Western-Romance-McIntyres-ebook/dp/B0FD7X4H5D/
A BOLD BARGAIN: https://www.amazon.com/Bold-Bargain-Bargainer-Book-ebook/dp/B0FD7VSY68/
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
WEBSITE: https://www.jansikes.com
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/authorjansikesbooks
TWITTER: HTTPS://WWW.TWITTER.COM/JANSIKES3
BLUESKY: https://bsky.app/profile/jksikes-author.bsky.social
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jan-Sikes/author/B00CS9K8DK?ccs_id=8185cb63-9ad0-4d7b-85ad-c2d64ce37812
WEBSITE: https://www.lindabroday.com
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/lindabrodayauthor
BLUESKY: https://bsky.app/profile/lindabroday.bsky.social
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Linda-Broday/author/B001JRXWB2?ccs_id=4a2c44df-2076-43cd-8bf8-f15b530ea92f
Fiction Favorites 
It’s so great to see these two writing sisters here. I love their answers. Their life growing up was similar to mine in many ways, no TV, reading in bed at night with a flashlight, making up stories with paper dolls, and a father who read the funnies. I believe that in many ways, we were the lucky ones. Thanks, John for supporting your fellow writers.
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I agree, Darlene. They certainly have become terrific adults. Thanks for the reflection.
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I love that you grew up in a similar fashion, Darlene. I do believe the ‘restrictions’ fostered creativity and allowed our minds to freely roam. 🙂 Thanks so much for following along on the tour! We appreciate your support!
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Darlene, it’s a pleasure to see you today. I agree that we truly lived in a golden age from the 50s-8os. Times were so much simpler and kids had much more freedom to be kids. Huge thanks for supporting us.
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John, I’m very happy to see Jan & Linda again being honored for their momentous book launch. I wish them all the best. 📚
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Thank you, GP. I join you in that wish. 😊
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Thank you for your kind wishes, GP! Happy to see you here!
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GP, we’re so happy to have you. Thanks for the support that means so much to an author.
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My pleasure.
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[…] Guest Post – Jan Sikes and Linda Broday Book Launch – A Bold Bargain and Cade’s Quest […]
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Thank you for the share, Charles.😊
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Thanks a million for sharing this blog post, Charles!
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Appreciate the share, Charles!
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I enjoy these looks back. My family was much the same. In many ways, I think those were better days.
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This post got me thinking of my own upbringing, and I can definitely say that imagination played a bigger role in my life than it has in my kids’ lives.
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I have to agree with you, Craig. It was a much simpler time, and especially as kids. We knew nothing about what was happening in the world outside our little fish bowl and ignorance was bliss. Thanks for riding along on this tour!
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Craig, without a doubt those were better days. Kids back then had more freedom to be kids and that allowed us to grow and learn. Thanks for the support.
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Great interview, John, and a unique approach for the authors. I love the description of play before TV came around. I was a radio addict on Saturday mornings, listening to Sky King, the Lone Ranger, and Roy Rogers.
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I’m with you. I liked the evening detective shows and Inner Sanctum.
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Dpo you remember The Shadow?
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No one knows what evil lurks in the heart of men. The Shadow knows. Do I ever.
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We used to listen to that show in the car on our way to my grandmother’s house – in the dark. Shivers!
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Sounds fun. I loved all the radio shows as a kid.
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Thank you for stopping by, Noelle. It wasn’t before TV came around for us, but TV was against our parents’ religion. When we’d visit our aunt’s house, Linda and I would hide around the corner and peek at her TV, fascinated. 🙂
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My Dad wasn’t going to waste his money, so he said, because TVs were just to costly. We read A LOT. But he finally broke down and bought one. We could watch on the weekends but eventually we watched during the week too.
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Noelle, I remember being fascinated with a TV and wishing we had one. I remember piling into the car and Daddy driving to the Western Auto place after dark. The store would leave a TV on in the window and we’d park in front of the store and watch it. We had no sound but that didn’t matter to us. It was such a novelty and we couldn’t get enough. Thanks for coming.
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I’d never seen a TV until Dad brought one home!
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It’s wonderful that you hosted Jan and Linda for their books launch, John. Their answers to the questions they were asked are very revealing.
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Thank you so much, Tim. I’m glad you enjoyed the Q&A today!
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They both have some great answers which caused me to think of my own childhood.. Thanks, Tim
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Tim, I’m sure a psychologist would have a field day with us! Glad to have you along.
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Another fun Q&A. Every writer relates to reviews!
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They do, Jacqui. Thanks for the visit and comment.
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Jacqui, great to see you! I’m still grinning from your review. Thank you so very much. Yes, I think every writer likes to see how their writer friends’ past impacts their writing.
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So true, Jacqui! Every writer loves getting good reviews. It’s like getting a bouquet of roses!
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This was an interesting Q&A. I like to read book reviews after I have read a book–no spoilers for me. I am a reader–not a writer!–but some people really need to step back and think how they would feel if they were the author. I agree with Linda–some reviews are laughable and some are just plain ridiculous. I think it is fabulous for both sisters to be successful writers. Congratulations to both of you!
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Thank you so much for your comment, Lois. I love seeing it from the reader perspective and like you, even though I am an author, I like to read other reviews of the books I review. 🙂 We appreciate you visiting!
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Shows you that a childhood filled with imagination can work wonders. Thanks, Lois.
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Lois, after twenty-five years in the business, reviews can have me shaking my head. Some readers have given a 1 & 2 star review on a book if the pages were bent when they received it. As if that’s an author’s fault. Sheesh! But, there’s nothing an author can do to change the rating. Ratings can make so much difference. We’re fighting for every bit to survive. Thank you so much for coming.
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What a great review of Jan and Linda and fun to hear their evolution! Thanks for sharing here, John!
💓
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Thank you, Cindy. I’m happy you stopped by!
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oF COURSE… got your email too! 🙌🏽
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I agree, Cindy. Walking with them back to their childhood was a treat.
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💗💗
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Cindy, I hope you could relate to some of our childhood experiences. Thanks so much for coming by.
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I’m enjoying Linda and Jan’s tour so much. Great to see them on your blog, John.
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Thank you, Esther. I’m thrilled that you are enjoying the blog tour!!
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Thank you, Esther. I’m enjoying their tour as well. 😊
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Esther, I’m glad you enjoy learning a little about us. Our past plays such an important part in our stories. Our mom had a million little sayings and I’ve put some in my books. One I can’t forget–Every tub has to sit on its own bottom. That holds so much truth to it.
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John, a million thanks for hosting us today. Jan and I really appreciate your kindness that means so much.
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My pleasure, Linda. Jan is a treasure, and as her sister, you have that distinction too.
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Another interesting interview! I see that I have something in common with them growing up without a television and engaging in imaginative play with a sibling. Sharing.
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Liz, kids learn so much about life from playing. One year, our parents bought us a tether ball set and we played that nonstop for a while with all the neighborhood kids. Because I was usually the tallest, I won quite often.
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I LOVED tetherball when I was a kid.
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So glad you stopped by, Liz. I think maybe our generation had it the best. 🙂 The best music, the best books!! Thanks for adding to the conversation!
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You’re welcome, Jan. (At the risk of getting an “OK, Boomer,” I agree we had it the best.)
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Wonderful post, John. I’ve been following the launch and have enjoyed each stop. I will be reading both books soon! A big congratulations to Jan and Linda. BRAVO! ❤️
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It’s always a pleasure to see you pop up at the blog stops, Gwen. We deeply appreciate your support and hope you enjoy the stories!
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Thank you, Gwen. I’m sure Jan and Linda love your support.
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Did I fail to thank you, John, for being such an awesome host? Well, shame on me!! THANK YOU! You make all of this so easy, and it’s a pleasure to be here.
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Your letter this morning was enough, but thanks for the thank you.
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I love hearing how you played together and created the amazing imaginations you both have. Thank you, Jan. You are on my list of those who have helped me too. Loved both books! Thanks for hosting, John 🙂
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Thank you for stopping by, Denise! I am honored to be on your list of authors who have helped shape your writing. Can’t wait for your next one!!
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Always a pleasure, Denise.
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Some of the students in my third-grade class used to say that exact limerick that you heard from your father.
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Love that, Pete.
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That’s funny, Pete! I’m sure our dad heard it somewhere, but he loved spouting them out at random times. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by here and sorry I missed your comment.
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I also remember paper dolls, playing store, and being caught reading in bed after bedtime, lol – fun times. Congrats to both of you on the new releases!
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Thanks, Teri.
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Fun time for sure, Teri! Thanks for visiting this stop and sorry I missed your comment.
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Love it. The Writing Sisters. 🙂
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Thank you for stopping by here, Monika!
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My pleasure.
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Another fabulous interview! Thanks for hosting, John!
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
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Thank you, Yvette. Excuse the lateness of this reply, but it was in spam.
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I finished A Bold Bargain (so good!). Cade’s Quest is next!
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Jan will be so happy you liked it, Priscilla. 😀
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Thank you SO much, Priscilla! Sorry I missed this comment on blogging day. I am thrilled you enjoyed “A Bold Bargain!”
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Jan and Linda, your childhood play sounds exactly like what happens in my classroom. Whenever we learn about a new country, we line up the chairs to travel there, and someone is in charge of the cash register to sell tickets. Yes, your imaginative play set you both up to become great writers. Congratulations! John, thank you for this delightful interview.
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It was fun, Jennie, and thanks for your lovely comment.
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My pleasure, John.
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I’m so sorry I missed your comment, Jennie. I love that you incorporate play into your classroom. It certainly helps keep the kiddos interested. Thank you for visiting!
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No worries, Jan! Play is how children learn, and it’s not only their work, it’s their fun. Win-win. That played a big part in how you and your sister became great writers, but I won’t bore you with the research. 😀
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Great to see Jan and her sister Linda making the guest visits. 😊
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