Our Interview with Francis Ray
Where do you get your ideas? How do you know you have a good tale to tell
worthy of becoming a
novel?
I get my stories from life, the media, acquaintances. Once I have an
idea, I add 'structure and bones' to it by looking at the main characters,
particularly why his or his life has suddenly taken a downward spiral. I
believe a novel should start with change, therefore, the main characters
are thrust into a situation they don't expect and aren't sure how to
handle. For Traci in NOT EVEN IF YOU BEGGED, it is a man she is
wildly attracted to even though she had sworn off men. To make matters
worse, he is the son of her best friend and next door neighbor.
What is a typical writing day
Since I work, a 'typical' writing day begins around 8 or 9 p.m. I try to
write for at least a couple of hours each night. On weekends I try to
lengthen that time, but I look at page count as well. I'm happy if I get
5-9 pages on week days and double that on weekends. Of course I don't
always succeed and sometimes I go over.
Have you written other books? Tell us about
them
Not many people are aware that I
sold a traditional historical, THE BARGAIN, to Kensington
before I sold FOREVER YOURS to Kensington's newly formed
Arabesque line. I mailed both manuscripts to Kensington in the same
envelope. They sold to two different editors. THE BARGAIN was one
of the launch titles for Denise Little Presents Romance. FOREVER YOURS
co-launched Arabesque.
I was blessed to be included in a Christian anthology with Jacqui Thomas
and Felicia Mason, two fabulous Christian writers. One day I hope to
return to Christian romance. In the meantime, I enjoy writing romance and
mainstream fiction.
What are you currently working on and when
can readers expect to see it?
Just finished my NASCAR book,
ALL I NEED IS YOU.
It is Cameron McBride's story and book #2 of Grayson's Friends & Family.
No release date at this time. However,
THE WAY YOU LOVE ME,
Shane Elliott's story and book #1 of Grayson's Friends & Family is
schedules for release 08-26-08. In a few days I plan to start on the next
mainstream and book #5 of the Invincible Women series.
Do you have any appearances planned?
January 25, 2008
Jokae's
3223 Camp Wisdom Rd.
Dallas, TX
6-8 p.m.
January 26, 2008
Barnes and Noble #2833
6385 Winchester Blvd.
Memphis,TN
2:00-3:30 p.m.
January 27, 2008
Borders
570 Meyerland Plaza
Houston, TX
2:00-3:30 p.m.
January 29, 2008
TCU Barnes and Noble Bookstore
2950 West Berry St.
Fort Worth,TX
6:00-7:00 p.m.
What last words of encouragement or advice
would you like to give to other writers or anyone interested in becoming a
writer?
I hope this doesn't sound cruel, but a writer writes. Take it from
someone who wasted countless hours feeling sorry for myself after
receiving a rejection letter, then once I was published, wasting more
hours that should have been spent writing. You can't regain time, so use
it to your benefit. Rejoice in the good fortunes of your peers. Don't
compare yourself in any way to anyone - it's counterproductive. Once
you've sold, remember to always be gracious and humble to the reader
standing on the other side of the table - because of them your story
characters came alive, without them they will live in darkness. Make one
book your best friend -
Techniques of the Selling Writer
by Dwight Swain. Last, if it is your dream to become published, please
don't let anyone destroy your dream. Good luck.
