6/17/2011

Francis Ray


Francis Ray, a native Texan, 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 national bestseller's lists. INCOGNITO, her sixth title, was the first made-for-TV movie for Black Entertainment Television. She has written forty-three books to date. Awards include Romantic Times Career Achievement, EMMA, The Golden Pen, Atlantic Choice. WBI Book Award and Borders 2008 Romance Award for Bestselling Multicultural Romance.



THE TURNING POINT, her first mainstream, was a finalist for the prestigious HOLT Medallion Award. At the release event for THE TURNING POINT in May 2001, Ms. Ray established The Turning Point Legal Fund to assist women of domestic violence to help restructure their lives. The fund is administered by The Family Place. February 2005 heralded a personal triumph with the release of her first Christian fiction anthology, HOW SWEET THE SOUND.



Ms. Ray had five books published or re-released in 2010, four scheduled for 2011, and five for 2012. She enjoys writing fiction, where intelligent women through hard work and perseverance triumph over adversity, just as they do in real life.



UNDENIABLE

Kimani

June 21, 2011




When wealthy Texas heiress Rachel Malone defied her powerful father to elope with Logan Prescott, Logan truly believed that their marriage was forever. But that was before a trumped-up assault charge set the whole town—and the woman he loved—against him. With a heart full of pain, Logan fled Stanton—and the bittersweet memories of the passion he and Rachel had shared. Now, eight years later, he’s back — more arrogant and dangerously seductive than ever. And this time the stakes were higher. For Logan clearly wants revenge and he also wants Rachel.



CAT: How often to you get lost in a story?

FRANCIS: Every time I write I get lost in the story. I have to if I'm to connect with the characters so the story will be real. Then, there are the books I read. Getting lost in the story is a wonderful benefit of reading a good romance novel.



CAT: What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in?

FRANCIS: Although my first romance was a historical, I love contemporary romance novels. I enjoy reading about strong characters dealing with today's problems while falling in love - which always enriches the story.



CAT: What’s the first book you remember reading?

FRANCIS: My first book I remember reading was Grimm's Fairytales. While some of the endings I wasn't pleased with, I enjoyed the magical quality that anything is possible/can happen. The endless possibilities in those stories is one of the reasons I wanted to become a writer.



CAT: Where do you read and how often?

FRANCIS: I read contemporary, paranormal, and historical romances. Unfortunately, because of my writing schedule, I don't read as much as I want to. I try not to read novels when I'm writing. I don't want to inadvertently put anything in my book I might have read in another novel.



CAT: What was the first story you remember writing?

FRANCIS: The first story I remember writing was a lush historical romance, that I never sent to a publisher. My mentor said it wasn't ready, and since she was a well-established

author whom I trusted, I started on another book - a contemporary romance - which did sell. Writing is an emotional journey. You live with the characters so long it's very difficult to accept that you missed the mark, but if readers can't 'feel' the emotions you're trying to convey, immerse themselves in your novel, then you've done the reader and yourself a disservice.



CAT: What’s something you’d like to tell your fans?

FRANCIS: I'd like my fans to know that I really appreciate them and their unfaltering support. Because of them I have written 43 books with 5 scheduled for 2012.



CAT: Do you write while listening to music? If so what kind?

FRANCIS: I write while listen to Country & Western music. There's a lot of stories of pain and joy in the music. The lyrics gives me a lot to think about.



CAT: If you couldn't be a writer anymore, what profession would you take up?

FRANCIS: I'd be a Master Gardener, but I truly hope I can continue writing for a very long time.



CAT: What’s the first thing you do when you finish writing a book?

FRANCIS: After giving thanks, I grab a Pepsi and "think" about cleaning my cluttered office that is filled with research material and papers everywhere.



CAT: What question are you never asked in interviews, but wish you were?

FRANCIS: The question would be who had the greatest influence on you as a writer? The answer wouldn't be a single person. I'd have to start off with my parents who taught me I could be anything I wanted, then my husband and daughter who put up with take-out meals, a not so clean house, and a distracted wife and mother so I could follow my dream. Without their support and belief in me, I wouldn't have published.



CAT: What do you do to unwind and relax?

FRANCIS: I love shopping and sharing new experiences with my daughter, who is also my assistant.



CAT: Which of your characters would you most/least to invite to dinner, and why?

FRANCIS: I'd most like to invite the Taggart brothers, the Grayson clan, and Rio. They're strong, often complex, honest and independent characters who value family and friends.



CAT: What personal dream have you accomplished in writing?

FRANCIS: I hit the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists!!



CAT'S GOTTA ASK:

If you were a t-shirt, what color would you be and why?

FRANCIS' GOTTA ANSWER: Yellow, because it's a happy color and would brighten up people lives.



GOT A QUESTION YOU’D LIKE TO ASK YOUR FANS?

What irritates you most about a hero/heroine?



Francis is giving away a copy of BREAK EVERY RULE to three separate people.

37 comments:

  1. Yellow is a happy color--and I can see you in it! You write beautiful stories, Francis. Keep it up!

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  2. I haven't read a lot of your books yet, Francis, mainly because they've been in storage for more than 10 years. But those I have read have been very enjoyable. Thanks for gifting us with them.

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  3. Mrs. Ray,
    You asked what bothers me in a hero or heroine I hate indecisive people.

    Thank goodness this has never happened in any of your books. I love them.

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  4. Welcome Francis! 43 books? Wow that's quite an accomplishment. My debut just hit the shelves and even ten books seems like a ways away.

    Your comment about your husband and daughter's support really hit home for me. My own daughter has been there every step of the way for me while I worked to get published. She was a huge help around the house and such a wonderful cheerleader when I got frustrated. I feel very blessed.

    Thanks for joining us today!

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  5. Wonderful interview. I so love reading Francis Ray books as her love of writing shows and I too get lost in her stories when I read them.

    I too would love to invite the Taggarts, Graysons & Rio to dinner.

    What bothers me most in a hero/heroine is whining and complaining.

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  6. Francis, I love that you're helping other people ... I haven't yet read any of your books but now you're going on my BUY list.

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  7. Love the interview.. Love your book between my self and my sister we both have read most of your books...

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  8. Congratulations on the release of your book Francis. (Waving from Dallas!) Great interview and the best of luck!

    ~Angi

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  9. thanks for sending me a message on fb about this

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  10. Good Morning Everyone,
    The first book I read by France was Forever Yours (Kane Taggart) and I have been a fan from then on. I am always waiting for the next Francis books just so I seek my teeth into them.

    Francis this is a great interview and glad to know that we have 5 books to look forward to next year, and although we are already at the a half of 2011 boy what a blessing it is going to be when 2012 come.

    Smooches,
    Louise

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  11. Hello Francis;

    One of the first books that I read by you was included in an anthology with two other authors. The book was Spirit of The Season. The story was about Sarah Marshall and Blake Williams. Then I came upon Until There Was You by accident while viewing some video's over youtube. When I saw the video, I did some research and found your books and now I have all of The Grayson's, The Grayson Friends and quite a few others.

    I love the Grayson Family books because of their closeness. As well as the tight friendship with their friends. Blake Naverone is definitely a heart breaker. Rio's the man and I am waiting for his story. But please take what time you need to make him extra juicy.

    Peggy

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  12. You write such wonderful books! Thank you!
    You asked what i hate most in a hero/heroine. I hate it if there cold or unemotional or if there selfcentered or snobby. And a really hate it if there condescending. Thank you for the interview and giveaway.

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  13. Good afternoon. I'm here to answer your comments and questions. Thank you so much for being here.

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  14. Thanks, Evelyn. Since you write wonderful romances for the "Msrvelous Mature Women", your opinion means a lot to me.

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  15. Thanks, Ranurgis, please get a few books out of storage and start reading. LOL. I think you'll be glad you did.

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  16. Thanks, hcabm. I'm indecisive enough in my own life for 10 people so I try very hard not to let that personality trait be in my characters, especially the heroines. I appreciate the vote of confidence.

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  17. Cat, isn't it wonderful and a blessing when your family supports you? When I read your comment about frustration and your daughter cheering you on, I smiled. I know the feeling well.

    Getting one book published is a huge accomplishment. I've met so many people who want to write, but haven't written the first page. You did it!! Good luck.

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  18. Beverly, thanks so much. I do love writing even when I want to pull out my hair because the book is not going as well as I would like.

    Wouldn't it be fantastic to have the Taggarts, the Graysons and Rio to dinner? We would have such a great time. Maybe we'd even get Rio to smile.

    I like strong characters as well, No whining or complaining. Life kicks you in the teeth at times, but you have to kick back!

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  19. Abigail, thank you for adding me to your Buy list. I had no idea domestic abuse was such an issue in my home state of Texas until I began research for TROUBLE DON'T LAST ALWAYS. Some of the women's stories breaks your heart. And the children are caught in the middle. Thanks again for wanting to help those affeced have a better, safer life.

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  20. Donnie M., thanks for the support. June 21st is the release date for TWICE THE TEMPTATION and UNDENIABLE. You and your sister can share once again.

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  21. Hi Angi. Thanks, and waving back at you.

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  22. bibabug, thank you for dropping by.

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  23. Thanks, Louise, for the continued support. I really apppreciate it.

    Three more books out before the end of 2011 - TWICE THE TEMPTATION and UNDENIABLE on June 21st, and then TROUBLE DON'T LAST ALWAYS on November 01. If I can finish the remaining 2 books for the 2012 schedule ahead of time, I might have a surprise in store for my readers!

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  24. Peggy, you had me laughing with the "extra juicy" comment. I know readers are expecting a lot when Rio has his own story. It's scary in a way that he won't "be enough", but I am absolutely thrilled that Rio has touched so many readers. All of you "got lost" in his character and wanted more. A writer can ask for no greater compliment! Thank you.

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  25. Shadow, thank you for comment on what you don't like in hero/heroine. I totally agree on all your dislikes, but the cold or unemotional one really stood out.

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  26. Great interview! Congrats on your new release, sounds really good. What irritates me the most about a hero/heroine? The answer to this would be them being weak. I like them to be strong. I hate a heroine that just can't do anything for herself.

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  27. I have been reading Mrs. Ray's books since 1997, and she never disappoints me. I am a proud owner of all her originals :-)

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  28. Virginia, thanks for dropping by. The days of the weak heroine are long gone, but I also believe a heroine has to be sensible in what she can and can't do. Don't hit me, but there are occassions when the hero "might" be better able to accomplish a task, and realizing this, in my humble opinion, doesn't make heroine weak. Any comments on this?

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  29. Roni, you put another big smile on my face. My readers/fans are just amazing. You give so much to me. I wish I could give all of you a big hug for your support today, and though the years. Bless each and every one of you.

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  30. Mrs Ray, you do just that. Allow me, the reader, to feel the emotions and immerse myself in your novels. I can read them over and over and never get tired of the story. There are not many authors I can say that about. So thanks for doing what you do!!

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  31. Tamike, thank you so very much. I try so hard with every book to write the very best that I can. I'm a bit anxious until I read the first reader email. You give to me just as much joy as I give you.

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  32. Thanks to Cat for having me on Get Lost in a Story. I had a great time and hope everyone did as well.

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  33. Tamika, sorry for the misspelling of your name. One of my dearest friends, still spells it wrong. LOL

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  34. I love all of your books. Your storylines make feel like I have added new adventures to my life. Learning more about the author of these stories brings everything full circle for me.
    Continue your good work, because there are many of us who always look forward to your next book.

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  35. I read your interview and really enjoyed it. I can't say I've read any of your work, but I have added your name to my to read list. Thank you.

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  36. Thanks to everyone for stopping by. Winners will be announced in the morning.

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  37. The 3 winners of a copy each of BREAK EVERY RULE are 1)Everly Palfrey 2) hcamm 3) Beverly. Thanks to everyone for stopping by. Winners will be contacted for their mailing address or you can email it to me at: francisray@aol.com

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