~ Author of the Month - Francis Ray ~

1.  Tell me a bit about Francis Ray, the author? What got you started, etc?

I'm married to a great guy, have a fantastic daughter and work as a School
Nurse Practitioner for a large school district.  What started me writing was
a wonderful romance, Shanna, by Kathleen Woodiwiss.  The book left me wanted more.  By the end of the third book by Woodiwiss, I knew I wanted to write similar stories. 

1.2  Why romance?

I write romance because they're wonderful stories with elements of reality
mixed with fantasy, and because they always have a happy ending.  As a School Nurse Practitioner I often face situations that can be disheartening so when I read or write I want something that is uplifting and fun.

2.  Do you have a full-time career outside of your writing?

Yes, I'm a School Nurse Practitioner.

3.  When you're not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?

I love to read of course, travel, and work in my flower garden.

4.   What is something about you that your readers would be surprised you
do?

I worry and struggle with each book.  Writing for me is not easy, but I love
creating a story where love triumphs and couples live happily ever after. 

5.  I know that most of your fans are anxiously awaiting the release date of
THE TURNING POINT.  Tell us, how does Francis Ray feel about THE TURNING
POINT, and how important is it to you and your career as a published writer?

I'm very proud of THE TURNING POINT.  It's a departure for me in that the
hero and heroine's relationship takes a back seat to their character
development.  It's very important to me that the book does well.  THE TURNING POINT is the turning point in my career as a writer.  I want to tackle issues in a more realistic way, but continue to have the happy ending which is a very important for me. The readers will determine if I make the transition. 

6.   Tell us a bit about the book?

THE TURNING POINT is a story of hope and triumph, of self-discovery and
second chances.  When Lilly Crawford finds the courage to leave her abusive
husband, she finds Dr. Adam Wakefield, a man who is as tormented and as
frightened as she.  Once a prominent neurosurgeon, Dr. Wakefield now lives in a world of blindness after being beaten by car thieves.  Step by shaky step,
these two fight to find the faith, and the courage to turn their shattered
lives around.

7.   Which of your books is your favorite?  Did you most enjoy writing?

How can you possible pick your favorite child? Smile.  I think each book is
special in it's own way.  But if you pin me down, I'd have to say it's a
three way tie because these books all represent a milestone in my career. 
FOREVER YOURS because the book helped launch Arabesque in 1994 and was my first book to hit Blackboard, THE BARGAIN because it is my first and only
historical, and THE TURNING POINT because it tackles a tough topic, domestic violence and launches me in a new direction in my career.   

After finishing THE TURNING POINT and having 'lived' with Lilly for almost
two years, I knew her faith was shaky, her dreams gone, I decided I wanted to help other women who were dealing with the same problems.  To that purpose I've set up THE TURNING POINT Legal Fund for women in abusive situations who need legal assistance.  I'm hopeful that corporations will assist with funding.  The fund will be managed by The Family Place, a nonprofit women's shelter in Dallas, Texas.

I probably enjoyed writing FOREVER YOURS most. 

8.   What process do you use in writing your novels?

I have no set process to writing.  Occasionally a character comes first or an
idea, but after that I have to develop the plot, do the character sketch, and
the synopsis which can be anywhere from two to fourteen pages.  I try to
stick to the synopsis. Otherwise I'll go off on a tangent and waster valuable
time.

9.   How long does it take you to complete a manuscript? How long did THE
TURNING POINT take?

Three weeks for an anthology and four months to write a full-length book are
my best times.  Once an anthology took two months and THE BARGAIN three
years.  THE TURNING POINT took two years to complete.

10.  What was your journey to becoming a published writer like?

My journey was very slow, daunting and frustrating.  Beside the letdowns from being rejected, publishers weren't publishing African-American romances.  I wrote FOREVER YOURS on faith.

11.  Is being a published writer what you thought it would be like?

No.  I was fortunate to have well-established writers like Ann Maxwell,
Dorothy Garlock and Sandra Canfield as friends and mentors.  They were well
paid and I thought I would earn the same money.  Wrong.  Just as they had to pay their dues, I have to pay mine.  Then there is the matter of book
distribution, contracts, shelf-space and shelf life of the book and so many
other things a writer has to deal with once the book is sold.  Selling the
book is only the beginning, then you have to make sure readers know it's in
the store, that it's visible in the store, preferably face out, and that it
has proper placement for readers to find. 

12.   What do you feel has been your greatest accomplishment as a writer and why?

I feel my greatest accomplishment had been creating stories that touch people lives and impact them in a positive way.  African-Americans do have love and romance in their lives, and we do live happily ever after.

13. If you had known then what you know now, what would you have done
differently in terms of your romance writing career?

I'd retain an agent for my first book instead of for my last book.  I gave
away rights that I shouldn't have.  These days there is no way a writer
should sign a contract without benefit of an agent or lawyer. 

14. Do you like communicating with your readers?  In what forms.  And how
can a reader contact you?

I love hearing from readers.  They don't mind telling me the truth about my
books.  They motivate me to keep writing.  I just wish I could write as fast
as they want.  They can visit my web site at www.francisray.com or email me
at: francisray@aol.com.  For those without email, please write me at P.O. Box
764423/Dallas, TX 75376.

15.  What are you feelings/impressions on the growing popularity of the
African-American romance?

I think it's wonderful.  I think the market will continue to grow.

16. What's next for Francis Ray?

I have an anthology, GOING TO THE CHAPEL, coming out in June 2001 and a
Christmas anthology, THE PERFECT GIFT, scheduled for December 2002.  Both are from St. Martin's Press.  I just finished INTO THE STORM. my next single title for St. Martin's.  It will probably be out mid 2002.  When I catch my breath, I'll plan to start on SINS OF THE FATHER, a sequel to THE TURNING POINT.

1st April 2001