Writer's Journey: Francis Ray USA Today Bestseller (1960 hits)
Literary legend Francis Ray is a native Texan and lives in Dallas. A graduate of Texas Woman's University, she is a School Nurse Practitioner with the Dallas Independent School District. In 1999 and 2000 she was nominated for Texas Woman's University Distinguished Alumni Award. Ms. Ray's titles consistently make bestseller's lists such as the New York Times, USA Today, Blackboard and Essence Magazine.
Author Francis Ray shares her journey with Ella Curry
--- When you first started writing, did you think you would ever write as many books as you have and have such a loyal following? Francis: I had no idea I would write this many book or have such a loyal following when I started writing. I simply keep trying to write the best book possible, and was blessed to find an editor who kept buying my books.
--- What has been the best and the worst experience you've had on your literary journey? Francis: The best is after I sold my first book, I've never had a book that was rejected. The worst was walking away from one publisher and unsure if I'd find another publishing house that wanted my books. Scary. Scary.
--- Have you always wanted to be a writer? Francis: No, the writing bug didn't hit me until I read SHANNA by Katherine Woodewiss. By her third book I knew I wanted to write similar books. The difference was I wanted people of color to take center stage.
--- How did you get started writing? Francis: I joined my local chapter of Romance Writers of America, North Texas Romance Writers of America. I'm proud to say I won the first service award, The Yellow Rose. The friendships and mentors were invaluable. I can honestly say that without them I would not be published now.
--- Do you remember the very first story you ever wrote? What age were you when you wrote it? Was it romance even then? Francis: I had no idea I wanted to write until Woodewiss' third book. The first story I wrote was Wife For Hire for Black Romance. I was an adult.
--- Since romance novels have a pretty set formula that they follow, how difficult do you find it to continue to write stories that will make loyal romance readers overlook that aspect of the book? Francis: The only set formula I can see is that hero and heroine are at odds, but by the end of the story they're in love and the writer has tested that love so the reader knows that whatever happens in their lives their love is strong enough to endure. I'd say the possibilities are endless. My plotting skills, not the parameters, is the challenge I face.
--- What is your favorite part of the writing process? Francis: The actual writing is probably my favorite part. Starting a new book is always scary. I plot slow. And despite my best intention, I always have loads of research on my character's profession, the setting, even the cars they drive..
--- What challenges have you faced in your literary journey? How did you overcome them? Francis: Probably the biggest challenge in my literary journey was finding a publisher who wanted to publish African-American romances. Then, when I did find a publisher, distribution was spotty at best. If the book did make it to an outlet, the challenge was getting readers not to think the book was badly written because it was written by an African-American. I overcame the challenge by continuing to write and believing that I had a story to tell that people wanted to read.
--- What is the one thing that has surprised you the most during your writing career? Francis: That people think all published authors are wealthy.
--- What are you currently working on? Francis: Promoting my new book ONE NIGHT WITH YOU. I'm working on BECAUSE OF YOU, Book # 6 in the Grayson Friends series.
New release: One Night With You Website: www.francisray.com ISBN-13: 9780312365066
