I read that you're a nurse by profession. Were you a writer who later became a nurse, or a nurse you became an author? What made you decide to write and when were you bitten by the pen?
I was a nurse before I became a writer. I graduated from Texas Woman's University with a BS in Nursing with a minor in Sociology/Psychology. However, being a nurse lead me to writing. While working as a public health nurse in 1986 I heard my colleagues discussing a historical romance novel. The hero had to climb through a window at night to be with his wife. My curiosity was piqued. I borrowed the book, SHANNA by Katherine Woodiwiss, and fell in love with the characters and the romance genre. After finishing the third romance book in three days by Ms. Woodiwiss I knew I wanted to write similar books about couples facing and overcoming problems in their relationship/marriage while remaining faithful to each other. Only my characters would be African-American.
How many titles have you written to date and what was your first novel?
My current release, DREAMING OF YOU - Book #3 in the Graysons of New Mexico Series, is my 32nd book. FALLEN ANGEL was my first novel. The telephone call from the editor at Odyssey Books came on Christmas Eve in 1991. FALLEN ANGEL was lengthened and reissued in 2003 as SOMEONE TO LOVE ME by St. Martin's Press, my current publisher.
Most people were introduced to your work through your romance novels. What other genres do you write under? What is your favorite genre?
I'm fortunate to be able to write mainstreams novels for St. Martin's Press as well as romance novels. My editor, Monique Patterson, is wonderful. I have also fulfilled a dream of writing in the Christian/Inspiration genre for Harlequin/Steeple Hill. HOW SWEET THE SOUND, an anthology with Jacquelin Thomas and Felicia Mason, was released in 2005.
I love writing in the mainstream, romance and Christian/Inspiration genre. I don't have a favorite. Each one has their own unique guidelines - in romance the focus of the book is on the romance; in mainstream the focus is on a seemingly impossible dilemma faced by the hero/heroine and romance takes a back seat; and in Christian/Inspiration there is romance and a problem to be solved, but the answer, the key to happiness and peace is always God. All three are challenging, at least for me, to write.
The novel, 'Any Rich Man Will Do' has an interesting title. How did you come up with this title and what message do you want your readers to take from this book?
I came up with the title ANY RICH MAN WILL DO because that was exactly how the main protagonist, Jana, felt about men. Her single-minded goal was to snag the richest man around and keep him until a richer victim, er man, came along.
The message that I wanted to send with this book was that no one, no matter how sinful is past redemption. Jana was as sinful as they came and didn't care about anyone...until she discovered no one cared about her. But how do you forgive yourself for living such a selfish, hurtful life? How do others forgive you? Just as she had inflicted pain on others, Jana had to endure pain as she fought to turn her life around.
Can you share with us the best thing to happen to you as a direct result of your writing?
The best thing that has happened to be is the ability to touch so many lives through my writing. Readers don't realize just how special they are to authors. Without them taking our words into their hearts, what we've written remain just words with no power or substance. Receiving letters that my books have brightened a reader's day or gotten her/him though a rough period in their lives is humbling and priceless.
I've also been blessed to help others. After writing THE TURNING POINT/TROUBLE DON'T LAST ALWAYS I established the Turning Point Legal Defense Fund to help victims of domestic violence. I wanted to give women hope as they restructure their lives.
What inspired you to write 'Chocolate Kisses'? Can you give us a brief synopsis?
I was asked by the editor at Signet to be one of the authors for the CHOCOLATE KISSES anthology. Since I love chocolate and romance I jumped at the opportunity to create a story connecting the two. In my story, 'A Chocolate Affair' Lucian Faulkner has a second chance to woo and tempt Miranda Collins, his college sweetheart. He does so with decadent chocolates and of course, himself. The two other authors are Renee Luke and Maryann Reid.
Have you received awards or nominations for your writing?
I've received The Golden Pen Award, The Atlantic Choice Award, The Emma Award, Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, and numerous awards from book clubs and sororities.
What writers would you identify as your literary ancestors?
Although these writers are still, thankfully, blessing us with their amazing talents I would have to say Terry McMillan, Toni Morrison, and Alice Walker. Without the commercial and literary success of these three amazing African-American women who hit the New York Times' bestseller list with a 1-2-3 punch, I don't think publishers would have noticed that African-Americans read and buy books. These three phenomenal women opened the door for others, and thankfully that door remains open.
The novel, 'DREAMING OF YOU - Graysons of New Mexico' has just recently been released. Can you tell us more about this new release?
DREAMING OF YOU tells the story of Brandon, the 3rd Grayson male that their loving mother plans to marry. She has already married off the older two brothers, Luke (UNTIL THERE WAS YOU) and Morgan (YOU AND NO OTHER). Brandon thinks he has the perfect plan to outwit his mother: no dating. He hadn't counted on the enticing allure of Faith McBride, the little sister of his best friend. Faith has loved Brandon all her life and isn't going to let a few extra pounds or the plans of Brandon's mother stand in the way of her winning Brandon's heart.
Do you have any final thoughts you would like to leave with our readers?
I just want to thank each and everyone of them. Their letters, smiles, and hugs mean so very much to me. I couldn't have come this far without them. I certainly wouldn't be writing book number 36.
How can our readers get in contact with you?
Readers can visit my web site at www.francisray.com or email: francisray@aol.com or join my Yahoo Group at readersoffrancisray@yahoogroups.com. I'd love to hear from them.
