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Author Jan Sikes celebrates a #NewRelease!

2/6/2022

76 Comments

 
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Hello blog friends! I hope you are staying warm during this chilly season. I love bundling up in front of a fireplace with a good book. If you enjoy the same, I've a great story for you. 

Jan Sikes is a proud Texas writer and she's added a new book to her list of award-winning stories. I've known Jan for several years and delighted in her achievements and in her friendship. Today she is going to tell us about this latest release. 

It's all yours, Jan...
​
​                                                                      ***

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Thank you, Gwen, for inviting me to your blog site today to talk about my new book, JAGGED
FEATHERS
! I appreciate your generosity.

In Jagged Feathers, Vann and Nakina, share a love for and immerse themselves in different art mediums. Vann gathers pieces of driftwood he finds along the creekbank and fashions scenes out of them, then peddles them at a local flower shop in Cedar Springs.

​
The idea for Vann to find comfort through creating art with his hands from nature's leavings came from my late husband. His mom had a mimosa tree in her front yard that died. She asked him to cut it down for her. As he removed the tree, he envisioned prickly pear cactus leaves in wood pieces. He must have made a dozen or more pieces and sold them through a local flower shop where we lived. I still have one piece left that I treasure.
​


EXCERPT:
Creating art with pieces of wood he picked up along the creek bank brought him peace. The
simple action of carving scenes and shapes into nature’s leavings temporarily replaced the
incessant noise in his head.

Many of the scenes he carved told stories. Memories from his boyhood, fishing along the
banks of the James River without a care in the world, exploring the foothills of the Blue Ridge
Mountains, and observing the birds and wildlife that inhabited that area of Virginia came to life
beneath his fingers and tools.
​
This cabin on Wolf Creek came close to recreating the tranquility he loved that could only
be found in nature.

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Have you ever known anyone who carved scenes into pieces of wood?
Or do you do it yourself? 
Please share!

BLURB:
Vann Noble did his duty. He served his country and returned a shell of a man, wounded inside
and out. With a missing limb and battling PTSD, he seeks healing in an isolated cabin outside a
small Texas town with a stray dog that sees beyond his master's scars. If only the white rune's magic can bring a happily ever after to a man as broken as Vann.

On the run from hired killers and struggling to make sense of her unexplained deadly mission,
Nakina Bird seeks refuge in Vann's cabin. She has secrets. Secrets that can get them all killed.

A ticking clock and long odds of living or dying, create jarring risks.
Will these two not only survive, but find an unexpected love along the way? Or, will evil forces
win and destroy them both?
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​SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
  • WEBSITE 
  • BLOG 
  • TWITTER
  • FACEBOOK
  • PINTEREST
  • GOODREADS
  • BOOKBUB
  • LINKEDIN
  • ​STORY EMPIRE
  • ​AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE
  • ​UNIVERSAL PURCHASE LINK
  • BOOK TRAILER​
​

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76 Comments
Jan Sikes
2/6/2022 22:23:30

I am so honored to be a guest on your blog today, Gwen. Thank you so much for sharing my new release and giving me a platform to talk about it! Hugs!

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Gwen Plano
2/7/2022 05:17:25

It's my pleasure, Jan. I'm so happy for you. Congratulations!

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Pete Springer link
2/6/2022 23:07:51

It's great to see Jan zipping around some of the blogs I follow, and I wish her the best with the tour. Jagged Feathers is already on my Kindle along with 150+ others. (Sigh—I can so identify with Diana Peach's recent post.) If that's my biggest problem, then life is pretty great.

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Gwen Plano
2/7/2022 05:20:50

Thank you, Pete, for stopping by. Like you, my kindle is bulging. But someday soon, I'll be reading Jan's latest. I'm so excited for her. All the best!

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Jan Sikes
2/7/2022 06:51:31

Aman, Pete. I'm right there with you on that problem. I have around 250 waiting for me. I won't live long enough. :) But as you say, if that's the biggest problem in life, I have none!!

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Yvette M Calleiro link
2/7/2022 03:42:43

I don't know anyone who creates scenes in discarded wood personally, but I am always fascinated by how talented they are. And I love that nature is being reused instead of discarded. Great post, Jan! Thanks for hosting, Gwen! :-)

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Gwen Plano
2/7/2022 05:23:30

Thank you for visiting, Yvette. It's wonderful to see Jan celebrating across the blog world. 🤗

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Jan Sikes
2/7/2022 06:52:52

It's so strange how a great many of my eclectic experiences came through Rick. I used to love to watch him work with any art form, but especially wood. Thanks for stopping by, Yvette! I appreciate your support!

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Harmony Kent link
2/7/2022 04:01:42

Lovely post, Gwen and Jan. Best of luck with your new release, Jan! 💕🙂

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Gwen Plano
2/7/2022 05:24:37

Thank you, Harmony. It is a delight to share in Jan's excitement. 😊

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Jan Sikes
2/7/2022 06:53:10

Thank you, Harmony! I appreciate you riding along!

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Jill Weatherholt link
2/7/2022 04:39:29

Thanks for hosting Jan today, Gwen! I look forward to reading Jagged Feathers.Congratulations to Jan!

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Gwen Plano
2/7/2022 05:25:54

Thank you, Jill. Someday soon, I'll be reading Jagged Feathers as well. 💗

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Jan Sikes
2/7/2022 06:53:43

I sincerely hope you enjoy it, Jill! Thanks for riding along on the tour!

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Patricia Anne Pierce-garcia Schaack link
2/7/2022 04:40:47

Hi Jan, Hi Gwen,
I like how you invoke Vann's personality into the reader's mind. It is like developing a picture of who he really is. Excellent job.

Thank you, Gwen, for hosting Jan.

Wishing both of you a lovely week.

Shalom aleichem

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Gwen Plano
2/7/2022 05:26:33

Thank you, Pat, for joining in the celebration. Shalom.

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Jan Sikes
2/7/2022 06:54:14

Thank you for your lovely comment, Pat. And thanks for riding along on the tour!

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Joan Hall link
2/7/2022 05:07:55

Nice to see this book (and Jan) making the rounds. Thanks for hosting today, Gwen. Wishing Jan much luck!

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Gwen Plano
2/7/2022 05:27:28

Thank you, Joan, for visiting and cheering Jan forward. 😊

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Jan Sikes
2/7/2022 06:54:49

The Willie Nelson song comes to mind, Joan. "On the Road Again!" :) Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment!

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Priscilla Bettis link
2/7/2022 05:12:09

I have seen art from naturally shed twigs and seeds and stuff. People can be so creative! Congratulations, Jan, on the recent release of Jagged Feathers!

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Gwen Plano
2/7/2022 05:29:42

One of the reasons I love going to art fairs is to see works from nature. I miss that experience, but maybe this year the artists will return. Thank you, Priscilla. 😊

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Jan Sikes
2/7/2022 06:55:28

Right, Priscilla. It is fascinating how creative true artists are and I especially love art from nature. Thank you for stopping by!

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Elizabeth Gauffreau link
2/7/2022 05:31:30

All the best to Jan for the successful launch of Jagged Feathers!

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Gwen Plano
2/7/2022 05:56:06

Thank you for joining in the celebration, Liz!

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Jan Sikes
2/7/2022 06:55:48

Thank you, Liz! I appreciate you riding along on the tour!

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Rox Burkey link
2/7/2022 05:44:02

Gwen, what a lovely post for jan today. This story is like a rocket in orbit. The story is filled with danger, action, forgiveness, and fear. Highly recommmend Jagged Feathers.

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Gwen Plano
2/7/2022 05:56:50

Thank you so much, Rox. I'm looking forward to this read. 😊

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Jan Sikes
2/7/2022 06:56:32

Thank you for your comment, and your support, Rox! I truly am thrilled to have your recommendation!

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John Howell link
2/7/2022 06:35:14

Congratulations to Jan. Thank you, Gwen for hosting Jan today.

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Gwen Plano
2/7/2022 06:52:02

A time for celebration for sure! Thank you, John. 😊

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Jan Sikes
2/7/2022 06:56:50

Thank you, John. I'm happy you stopped by!

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Mae Clair link
2/7/2022 07:01:52

I love where the idea of Vann's art medium came from, Jan. And how wonderful that you still have one of the pieces Rick made. It's understandable why you treasure it!

I finished Jagged Feathers over the weekend and loved it, especially the characters of Nakina and Vann. Great job!

Many thanks for hosting Jan today, Gwen!

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Jan Sikes
2/7/2022 07:11:54

Oh, thank you, Mae! I am so glad you enjoyed the book. And, thank you for stopping by to leave a comment today! I appreciate your kind words and support!

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Gwen Plano
2/7/2022 07:58:16

Thank you, Mae, for stopping by to cheer for Jan as she shares her latest book.

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Marcia Meara link
2/7/2022 07:20:20

I'm so glad I'm able to start catching up on my blog visits and comments again, and that I can help share Jan's news and Jagged Feathers. Yay! Just in time for today's visit with you, Gwen!

Jan, great excerpt, and I'm really looking forward to reading this one. My very best wishes for huge success and a kajillion sales!! 😉 Great post, you two! 🤗💖🤗

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Gwen Plano
2/7/2022 07:59:45

Catching up is never an easy task, so you're getting my special 'thank you' for visiting today, Marcia. 💗 I hope you continue to feel better. Sending blessings...

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Marcia Meara link
2/7/2022 09:21:17

Thanks, my friend. I'm on the mend, and happy to be making at least some of the rounds again. Blessings to you as well. Take care of yourself and STAY HEALTHY!! 😊💖

Jan Sikes
2/7/2022 09:41:16

Thank you, Marcia, for taking the time to stop by and comment today. I'm glad you are feeling better. Here's to continued wellness!!

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Linda Broday link
2/7/2022 07:59:05

Jan, I remember that cactus piece Rick made very well. He was just so creative. I always looked forward to going to your house and seeing the new things that sprang from his mind. He was always thinking of new things to create. I loved how he turned your back yard into such a beautiful place. We had a lot of good times there. Enjoy the accolades that come with Jagged Feathers because you've earned them. Your own talent keep growing by leaps and bounds with each new book you put out. Love you, Sister.

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Jan Sikes
2/7/2022 09:42:15

Thank you, sister. Yes, his creative mind never stopped, even after his body no longer wanted to cooperate. :) I appreciate your kind words and thank you for taking the time to stop by! Love you!

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Gwen Plano
2/7/2022 12:59:57

How sweet to read your loving comments to Jan, Linda. Sisters are the best! 💗

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Diana Peach link
2/7/2022 08:46:24

What a lovely thing for your late husband to do, Jan. And I love the way you incorporated that into the story. Another fabulous day along the tour. Thanks for hosting, Gwen. :-)

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Jan Sikes
2/7/2022 09:43:13

He was the heart and soul of a creative, Diana. He never stopped working with his hands or his mind, even after his body no longer wanted to cooperate. I loved incorporating that talent into Vann. Thank you for stopping by!

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Gwen Plano
2/7/2022 12:58:58

Thanks so much, Diana. It's my pleasure to host. 😊

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Staci Troilo link
2/7/2022 09:09:37

I loved the way Vann and Nakina incorporated nature into their art. I would love to see the pieces they made on display somewhere.

Great job with the book and the post, Jan. Best wishes to you. And Gwen, thanks for hosting.

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Jan Sikes
2/7/2022 09:43:57

Ah, a museum for Vann and Nakina's art. Great idea, Staci. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment today!

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Gwen Plano
2/7/2022 12:58:21

My pleasure, Staci. It's always a delight to feature a new release. 😊

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Jacqui Murray link
2/7/2022 09:12:43

How wonderful for Jan! She writes such wonderful books. Thanks for hosting her.

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Jan Sikes
2/7/2022 09:44:14

Thank you for the kind words, Jacqui!

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Gwen Plano
2/7/2022 12:57:24

Thank you, Jacqui, for joining in the celebration. 😊

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Mar link
2/7/2022 09:20:45

Another great stop along your tour, Jan. I love how you're incorporating so much of your own life and the people in it into Jagged Feathers. That's such a lovely touch. Gwen, thank you so much for sharing your site with us today & hosting Jan.

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Jan Sikes
2/7/2022 09:45:04

They say, "write what you know," and in many ways that's what I do. Although, I have to admit I know zero about drug cartels. :) Thank you for stopping by, Mar!

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Gwen Plano
2/7/2022 12:56:45

Thank you, Mar. It' always a pleasure to showcase the work of friends. I'm looking forward to this read! 😊

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D.L. Finn
2/7/2022 10:31:36

I really connected with the wood carving and feather painting in the story. I love the wood carving came from real experiences and the heart, that came through.
Thanks for hosting, Gwen :)

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Jan Sikes
2/7/2022 10:36:24

I'm so glad you related to the art talents of Vann and Nakina. Thank you for leaving a comment, Denise! Much appreciated!

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Gwen Plano
2/7/2022 12:55:47

Thank you so much, Denise. I'm looking forward to reading Jan's latest and learning more about the wood carving and the feather. 😊

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Jacqui Murray link
2/7/2022 10:34:29

Wood carvings are gorgeous. My daughter and I once got lost in a store with some gorgeous ones made by a local artist. It was hard to pick. She came up with paw prints for her new dog-boarding business.

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Jan Sikes
2/7/2022 10:36:57

It is amazing what creative people can do with nature's leavings. Thank you for stopping by, Jacqui! I appreciate your support!

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Gwen Plano
2/7/2022 12:54:30

I love your story, Jacqui. I have a couple wonderful carvings from local artists. They always brighten the day. Thank you for stopping by to help celebrate Jan's new release! 😊

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Jacquie Biggar
2/7/2022 14:39:43

Your husband was a talented man. I can see where creating things from your hands would be satisfying.
We have a driftwood artist here who creates amazing creatures; birds, Sasquatch, dragons, and lots more- some over 8 feet tall!
https://www.ctvnews.ca/lifestyle/spotted-on-a-b-c-trail-sasquatch-sculpted-from-225-kg-of-driftwood-1.4146124

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Gwen Plano
2/7/2022 15:41:49

That's amazing, Jacquie! I just checked out the video. Some folks are so talented! 😊

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Jan Sikes
2/7/2022 19:41:06

I love that, Jacquie. The imagination knows no bounds. Thank you for sharing! That's an amazing sasquatch!

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Teri Polen link
2/7/2022 16:58:58

You're really traveling the country on your blog tour, Jan! I have exactly zero talent for anything like this, but it's always amazed me how some people can look at a piece of wood and transform it into art. How wonderful you still have a piece your husband made. Thanks for hosting, Gwen!

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Jan Sikes
2/7/2022 19:42:33

Yes, Teri, I really am traveling the country on my blog tour. :) I thought about the Willie Nelson song today, "On The Road Again." :) It's been fun so far! I am amazed at that kind of creative talent too, and I loved giving that to my character. Thanks for stopping by!

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Gwen Plano
2/7/2022 20:12:34

My pleasure to host, Teri. Thank you for stopping by to celebrate Jan's latest achievement. 😊

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Karen Ingalls
2/8/2022 04:02:49

A wonderful post, Gwen, about an outstanding book and its author. I loved the book and have great admiration for Jan's talent.

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Jan Sikes
2/8/2022 09:09:18

Oh, thank you, Karen! I am so happy you enjoyed the story and I appreciate your kind words!

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Gwen Plano
2/8/2022 17:34:51

Thank you, Karen. I've yet to read the book, but I'm sure looking forward to doing so. 💗

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Patty Perrin link
2/8/2022 08:24:10

Jan, your books are pieces of art created out of bits of life, turning what's less than perfect (to say the least) into works of beauty and healing. I'm savoring Jagged Feathers and I love how you balance building emotion with wild action scenes. Gwen, thanks for hosting Jan today!

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Jan Sikes
2/8/2022 09:10:01

Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Patty. I am thrilled that you are enjoying the story! That means so much to me.

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Gwen Plano
2/8/2022 17:35:47

Thank you for visiting, Patty, and offering a glimpse of Jan's new book.

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Robbie Cheadle
2/10/2022 11:00:17

A lovely post, Gwen. It super to see Jan here with Jagged Feathers.

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Jan Sikes
2/10/2022 12:51:33

Thank you for visiting, Robbie! Much appreciated!

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mark bierman link
2/12/2022 12:29:50

Congratulations, Jill! All the best with the new release! Thanks for sharing this, Gwen.

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Jan Sikes
2/12/2022 13:31:07

Thank you, Mark. I knew you meant Jan, not Jill. :)

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