Award winning romance author stopped by for
a conversation with The Review.
Francis Ray, welcome and thank you for stopping by to share
a little about yourself with our readers here at The Review.
TR: Tell The Review readers a little about Francis Ray.
When and why did you begin writing?
FR: Hi, and thanks for allowing me to stop by and chat.
I'm a mother, daughter, sister, author. I began writing
in the early 1990's after reading a wonderful romance novel,
SHANNA, by Kathleen Woodiwiss. The couple in the book,
despite many problems, despite their love being tested
over and over, remained faithful. I loved the great characters,
the plot that kept me turning pages far into the night.
By the time I finished the 3rd book by Woodiwiss, I knew
I wanted to write romance novels.
TR: What inspired you to write your first book?
FR: I'd written and published 16-17 short stories before
I decided to write a full-length novel. I wanted to write
a book with a more in-depth characters and plot. FALLEN
ANGEL was that first book. My current publisher, St. Martin’s
Press, reissued it as SOMEONE TO LOVE ME.
TR: Do you have a specific writing style?
FR: I don't think I have a specific writing style. I just
try to write the very best book that I can.
TR: Is there a message in your novels that you want readers
to grasp?
FR: In each novel, my characters face seemingly insurmountable
problems they have to overcome. I want readers to realize
that life is seldom easy, that they'll face challenges.
It's how you react to those challenges that will determine
your success in life. No matter how tough the odds, my
characters will always fight in an honorable way to come
out on top.
TR: Are any of your writings based on experiences, someone
you know, or events in your own life?
FR: In IT HAD TO BE YOU (April 27, 2010) I wanted to pay
homage to the ever-changing music industry, but also to
two Dallas radio personalities, Willis Johnson and Alicia
Thomas. In the story, you will meet Laurel Raineau, a concert
violinist. Many years ago, I met Rosalind Story, a violinist
with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. She was attractive,
elegant, and eloquent. I knew one day she'd appear in a
story. The man for her is a music producer.
TR: Are you working on any current projects?
FR: I am currently working on a mainstream sequel to I
KNOW WHO HOLDS TOMORROW. Once that is finished, I have
to begin on the next two romance books - BECAUSE OF YOU
and YOU'RE THE ONE.
TR: Is there anything you find particularly challenging
in your writing?
FR: I find the entire process - from the idea to the characters
to research to writing - challenging. I struggle with each
story, but I have finally accepted that the 'struggle'
is part of my writing process.
TR: Who are your favorite authors and what is it that really
strikes you about their work?
FR: So many wonderful writers to chose from.. I like Mary
Morrison's story telling skill, Victoria Christopher Murray's
ability to take sensitive matters and make then work. Kimberla
Lawson Roby, Bette Ford and Donna Hill create great characters.
TR: What was the hardest part about being an author?
FR: For me it was to keep writing despite the rejections.
TR: What does Francis Ray do when she’s not writing?
What are your hobbies?
FR: When I'm not writing, I can be found in my flower
garden. My camellias' blooms are fading, but my roses and
azaleas are blooming. My gardenias are just waiting to
burst into lush white blossoms. The clerks at the area
stores know me by sight. LOL.
TR: You will have to give me a few
gardening tips. Everything outdoors I seem to kill.
TR: Do you have any advice for aspiring
writers?
FR: Study the business of writing. Write what you love.
Don't compare yourself to anyone no matter how tempting.
TR: Do you have anything that you want to say to your
readers?
FR: Bless and thank-you from the bottom of my heart. With
your support, you have made my dream of becoming a published
writer a cherished reality.
TR: How can your readers reach out to you?
FR: Facebook
, Myspace
and FrancisRay.com
