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MAKING YOU FALL IN LOVE with Francis Ray by Wayne Jordan
I read my first Francis Ray book many years ago and instantly fell in love. In the years that followed, I've watched her grow as an author, creating story that not only entertain, but raise issue that affect us as individuals. Today, she has taken her rightful place among the most popular African-American romance authors. NOBODY BUT YOU goes on sale this month.
1) In 2001, when we first interviewed you, you were a Nurse Practitioner. Are you still working or are you now writing full time?
Yes, I'm still working as a School Nurse Practitioner. People are often amazed that I still work, but as long as I enjoy it, I plan to continue.
2) When you’re not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?
Since Spring is almost here, I'll spend a great deal of my spare time working in the yard. In fact, I just left the nursery looking at all the flowers. Since it is supposed to freeze tomorrow night, I'm putting off planting the hydrangea.
3) What would you say is responsible for your critical success and your popularity with readers?
Thank you for the compliment, but I have a long ways to go. I deeply appreciate the unwavering support of my readers. The letters I receive seem to point to the strong characters and sense of place they find in my books. Of course, readers also enjoy my series such as the Graysons of New Mexico.
4) What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment (as a writer) to date?
Just continuing to be published, I feel, is an accomplishment in itself. I owe it all to my loyal readers. Many of the writers I started out with can't find a publisher.
5) If you were introducing a new reader to your work, which one would you choose and why?
Difficult question, but I think it would be a toss up between FOREVER YOURS and THE TURNING POINT/TROUBLE DON'T LAST ALWAYS. FOREVER YOURS because it shows the enduring power of love. THE TURNING POINT/TROUBLE DON'T LAST ALWAYS because, to me, the book has such wonderful character growth and shows the resiliency of the human spirit.
6) Tell us a bit about NOTHING BUT YOU. Is it connected in any way to your previous books?
NOBODY BUT YOU is Book #2 in my new Grayson Friends Series. When I finished ONLY YOU, Book #5 of the Graysons of New Mexico, there were so many friends of the Graysons who deserved their own story that I decided to write them. Thank goodness, my wonderful editor, Monique Patterson, at St. Martin's Press agreed.
NOBODY BUT YOU is my first NASCAR book. It's the story of Cameron McBride, NASCAR champion, who bumps into the woman who left him at the alter and learns he has a four-year old son he knew nothing about. I had a fantastic time doing the research. The book trailer is fantastic and can be seen on my web site or Amazon.
7) What has been the most difficult thing about being a published author who writes African-America Romance?
The most difficult thing would probably be dealing with some individuals who judge the book by the cover and not by the content.
8) Since writing your first book, the romance industry has changed significantly. What would you consider to be the most significant change and how has that change impacted on you?
Probably the most challenging change is the decrease in the number of wholesalers and bookstore. If the reader can't find the book it is a problem for all concerned.
9) What are you working on right now?
I'm working on IF I WERE YOUR MAN, Book # 5 of my Invincible Women Series. It might be the last book in the series so it makes me a bit sad. I have really enjoyed writing about women who overcome life's challenges and succeed.
10) How have you grown as a writer since the release of your first book, FALLEN ANGEL in 1994?
I'd like to think I've grown to be a better writer with more in-depth characters.
11) How can readers contact you?
Readers can visit my web site at www.francisray.com or contact me by email: francisray@aol.com |
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ROMANCE IN COLOR would like to thank Ms. Ray for taking time out of her busy schedule to share with us. |
