I have known Jan just about as long as I have been writing and blogging and am pleased to have her visit on the fourth stop on her tour. Her stories are always intriguing and very difficult to put down. Jan is here today to talk about her latest, so I will get out of the way and turn the post over to Jan.

Thank you, John, for allowing me to take over your blog and talk about my new book, Fringes, Heartstrings, and Lyrics.

We all know stories can come from anywhere. There are things that happen in everyday life which can spark the imagination. That being said, some of the stories in this collection are loosely based on actual events. This excerpt is from a story inspired by one of those real moments. I hope it sparks your interest.

TAKING ANOTHER RIDE WITH CLYDE

Taylor Malone rested his tall, lean frame against the kitchen counter and shuffled through the most recent stack of unpaid bills, while his golden-haired wife brewed morning coffee. Maybe by day’s end, things would have a better outlook for them. With a new computer, he could complete the online real estate classes and get started making some real money.

JoAnne Malone shot him a worried look.

“I know, sugar.” He pulled her into an embrace and rested his chin on top of her head. “He’s been up drinking all night. But as soon as we get the new computer bought and set up, he’ll head back to Texas.”

JoAnne nodded. “Maybe you should offer him some breakfast and coffee.”

“Sure, babe.”

Taylor walked to the back door of the mobile home and called out. “Morning, Clyde. JoAnne’s making breakfast, and coffee’s on.”

Clyde Baker turned bleary eyes in his direction. “Thanks. I’ll take a cup of coffee.”

He stumbled when he reached the top step, and Taylor resisted the urge to steady him.

Under his breath, Clyde mumbled. “Damned uneven steps. You oughta’ get ‘em fixed.”

“I’ll add that to my list,” Taylor said.

“Mornin’ Clyde,” JoAnne chimed when they walked into the kitchen.

“Jo.” He planted a kiss on her cheek. “I’m gonna get that damned computer today or die tryin’, sweetheart,” he slurred.

“I’m sure you will. Taylor and I thank you so much for helping us. Can I talk you into some eggs and bacon?”

“Nah.” With coffee in a trembling hand, Clyde headed out the door. “Need a smoke.”

Once the back door slammed, Taylor faced his wife. “Sweetheart, try not to worry. I’ll insist on driving. He’s taking his time and money to help us out, and Lord knows we need it.”

“I know, and I appreciate it. I just wish he could control his drinking. It’s a narrow road into Tulsa.”

“Like I said, I’ll drive.” He kissed JoAnne and patted her bottom. “We’ll be here with a shiny new computer when you get off work.”

JoAnne laughed. “I just want you back here in one piece. That’s more important to me than anything.”

***

BOOK BLURB:

At the edge of the world, and the center of the heart, you’ll find stories that linger.

Fringes explores dystopian futures where survival is uncertain and hope is fragile. In  A Foreign World, The Forgotten, and Yearning for Paradise, humanity is pushed to its limits.

Heartstrings turns toward the warmth of love, resilience, and second chances. Stories such as A Promise Broken – A Promise Kept, She Dances with a Memory, and When Love Isn’t Enough remind us that the human spirit endures.

Lyrics captures life in poetry—moments of longing, faith, and reflection in pieces like Comes the Dawn, Society, and The Blind Man in the Night.

From chilling possibilities to comforting truths, Fringes, Heartstrings & Lyrics is a genre-blending collection of short fiction and poetry that will make you think, feel, and return again and again.

PURCHASE LINK: https://www.amazon.com/Fringes-Heartstrings-Lyrics-Jan-Sikes-ebook/dp/B0GRWQC3SH/

BIO:

Jan Sikes is a multi-award-winning author who writes compelling and creative stories from the heart.

She openly admits that she never set out in life to be an author, although she’s been an avid reader all her life. But she had a story to tell—Not just any story, but a true story to rival any fiction creation. She brought the powerful true story to life through fictitious characters in an intricately woven tale that encompasses four books, accompanying music CDs, and a book of poetry and art.

And now, this author can’t put down the pen. She continues to write fiction in a variety of genres and has published many award-winning short stories and novels. She is an active blogger, a member of the Story Empire group, loves to support indie artists (both literary and musical) and is the grandmother of five beautiful souls. Find out more at http://www.jansikes.com.

JAN’S SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

http://www.jansikes.com

https://www.jansikes.com/blog

https://x.com/JanSikes3

http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJanSikesBooks

https://bsky.app/profile/jksikes-author.bsky.social

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jan-sikes

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00CS9K8DK  (Author Page)

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7095856.Jan_Sikes

All the best on Fringes, Heartstrings, and Lyrics, Jan