Romance at Heart Magazine Author Interview: Francis Ray

Interview with Francis Ray:

I would like to welcome Francis Ray to the RaH Interview process. I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you, Francis, for coming to Chat at the Romance at Heart Chat room. Welcome to Rose's Corner of the RaH garden, and now, let’s commence with the grilling!!!

- Please tell us about your latest book.

You and No Other is the story of Morgan Grayson, the second son of Ruth Grayson, a matchmaking mother determined to see that all five of her children are happily married. She's married off Luke (Until There Was You), the oldest, and sees no reason why Morgan can't be next. Morgan is determined to resist, but then the mysterious and beautiful Phoenix Bannister comes to Santa Fe.

- What can we expect from you in the future?

I'll have a total of five books this year. You and No Other is the third book. Next is Someone to Love Me from Thorndike in April 2005. Coming in October 2005 is my fifth mainstream, Any Rich Man Will Do, from St. Martin's Press.

- How do we find out about you and your books?

To find out more about me and my books please visit my web site at www.francisray.com or my readers' group at readersoffrancisray@yahoogroups.com. Of course the books are available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.

- How may readers contact you?

Readers can email me at francisray@aol.com.

- Do your fans' comments and letters influence you in any way?

Fans comments and letters definitely influence me. When I wrote the Arabesque co-launch title Forever Yours, I had no idea it would evolve into a family saga. Readers had other ideas. When I received so many letters asking about the hero's wounded brother needing his own story I wrote Only Hers. I thought that was it until a man, Daniel Falcon, caught their attention. His book was Heart of the Falcon. Then there was Dominique, Daniel's sister, who was down on men so I wrote Break Every Rule. I took over from there with the Graysons of New Mexico, five cousins of the Falcons, and all wildly opposed to marriage.

- Why did you decide to write romance novels?

I decided to write romance after reading Shanna by Katherine Woodiwiss. The book was wonderful. I loved that the hero and heroine worked through seemingly insurmountable problems while remaining faithful, and I loved the happy ending. After reading Woodiwiss' third book I knew that's what I wanted to write, books about men and women who face adversity with courage and perseverance that makes their love stronger.

- Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?

It generally takes me from 3-5 months to write (including research and rewrites) a full-length novel (350-400 pages), and from 2-4 weeks to write an anthology (100 pages).

- What is your writing routine?

I try to be at the computer and ready to write by 8:00pm each night when I'm working on a book. My goal is 8 pages a night, but if I get 5 I'm happy. On weekends I strive to make up for the pages I lost in addition to the 10 pages a day count. Of course this varies and thus the extended time.

- What about your family, do they know not to bother you when you are writing - or are there constant interruptions?

Funny you should ask, my husband just peeped his head into my office to tell me something. I don't mind his interruptions. Especially since he's taken over kitchen duty.

- What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?

I love working in the flower garden. I've already brought several new plants and pots and am in the process of deciding which plant to put in what pot and where. Also on the list to help relax or recharge is reading and shopping.

- Would you like to write a different genre than you do now, or sub-genre?

I've been very fortunate that I was able to participate in an inspirational anthology, How Sweet The Sound, from Steeple Hill as well as romances and mainstreams for St. Martin's Press.

- Are you a member of any author groups - RWA, critique groups, etc.?

I belong to Dallas Area Romance Writers.

- How many books have you written, how many have been published?

I've written 10 contemporary romances, 1 historical romance, 13 anthologies, 4 single titles, and 1 collaboration.

Thank you very much, for taking the time with us and answering our questions. I really appreciate this interruption to busy schedule. Good Luck, and we will be looking forward to the next delightful creation, Someone to Love Me from Thorndike in April 2005!

Yours in good reading,
Rose!

Francis Ray Bio Interview Buy Francis Ray Books