Featured Author: Francis Ray, Part 3

It's here! The final segment of the Francis Ray interview. My apologies for the delay. I had been sooo worried about disappointing my blog readers, and now I don't have to. I really did present Ms. Ray with an outrageous number of questions (over 30!), and in hindsight, an even more ridiculous schedule. To her credit, Ms. Ray answered every question I posed to her, sending her responses in bits and pieces as her busy schedule allowed, including the last few which she forwarded to me late yesterday.

So, come and enjoy this last installment with me...


You’re one of the founders of the Romance Slam Jam, a national romance conference aimed at both readers and writers. How did that come about?

Emma Rodgers and Ashira Towishe wanted to show their support of the African-American romance writers. We brainstormed. Since a large group of writers were going to be in Dallas for another event, we invited them to Black Images, Emma and Ashira's store. Readers and authors had a wonderful time. Emma named the event "Romance Slam Jam" and we've been going strong ever since.

How has RSJ met or exceeded your expectations?

Each year is bigger and better. RSJ has provided a venue for readers/writers to meet and connect. 62 authors have already registered for RSJ 2008. I'd say it has exceeded my expectations, but it wouldn't have happened without loyal readers, gracious authors, willing sponsors and the tireless work of the host authors and book clubs.

What is your involvement with RSJ at this time?

My being a co-founder takes a back seat to my being an author.

We interrupt this interview for the following public service announcement:

Although she didn't say it, I see from the RSJ conference newsletter that Ms. Ray is planning to attend the 2008 conference in Chicago! Get more conference info here.)

And now, we return to you to our interview, already in progress...

You’ve been the recipient of numerous awards, including The Romantic Times Career Achievement award, the EMMA, the Golden Pen, and the Altantic Choice award, as well as a finalist for the prestigious Holt Medallion Award. Why do you think your books garner such recognition in addition to being reader favorites?

I'm always thankful and surprised when I win an award or meet people, as I did recently while shopping, who ask about characters or the next book. In my opinion, it's the characters that make the book. I do my best to write about intelligent, courageous men that women can fall in love with. He's the kind of man a woman can depend on in any situation. The heroine is just as intelligent and courageous. Together they're invincible.

You’ve written more than 30 books. How would you sum up your success as an author?

While I have achieved a certain amount of success just by continuing to be published, I have a long ways to go in my opinion before I see myself as successful. Success to me means 200,000 print run with subsequent 85-90% sell through, major marketing budget in your contract, placement in all stores, books on automatic buy for bookstores and all libraries, NYT's best-sellers list, and name recognition---just to name a few necessary factors.

What does your writing process look like? Once you have an idea, how do you proceed to finished book?

I start off by trying to get the plot clear in my head. Someone wants something and can't have it. Why? Why do they want it? What's stopping them from achieving their goal? I then write a short synopsis (10-16 pages) which will hopefully keep me on track. With the synopsis as a guide, I write the story.

Writing is difficult for me. I must be able to "see" what is going on and "feel" the characters. If I get stuck, which I do more than I like, I know it is because my characters aren't clear in my head. To get them moving I simply sit at the computer and write about them.

You’ve published over 30 books. How do you manage to be so proliferate? Do you ever run out of ideas? What time management skills particularly help you to achieve this feat?

ONLY YOU was my 35th book including anthologies and the book I did with Donna Hill. Ideas come very slow to me. It's been a bit easier with the Grayson series because I know their personalities and professions. Mainstream presents more problems because the love story takes a back seat to the heroine solving whatever problem life has tossed her way and coming into her own. I just worked though the plot for the next mainstream last week. When I finish the romance I'm working on, I hope to be able to start on the mainstream by the middle of December.

My schedule? I try to be finished with family time, answering email, etc. by 8pm so I can write until about 11pm. I now have a MySpace page (MySpace.com/francisray) which takes up more of my time than anticipated.

How do you spend your time outside of working as a nurse and writing?

I spend my time outside of working and writing working in my flower garden. I love selecting and planting flowers. It's very relaxing. Reading is a given.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

Some of my favorite authors are Bette Ford, Donna Hill, Beverly Jenkins, Eric Jerome Dickey, and Kimberly Lawson Roby.

What have you read most recently that you really enjoyed, that forced you to put down your writer’s cap and immerse yourself completely in the story?

The last book I read was DEADLY SEXY by Beverly Jenkins. Donna Hill's GETTING HERS is next.

What advice would you offer today’s aspiring authors?

The advice I would give the aspiring writer is first, know your craft. Study characterization, which for me, is the most important, plotting, and story development. A great book is TECHNIQUES OF THE SELLING WRITER by Dwight Swain. Second, don't compare yourself to anyone. Be glad when others succeed as if it were you. Third, read heavily in all genres. You'll learn what works and how to keep your writing sharp and fresh. Fourth, when you sell, always treat your readers with respect.

What’s the one thing you learned across the length of your career that you would tell them to ignore?

One thing I've learned to ignore is negative people. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and you can trust. Publishing is a strange and tough business. There are rewards, but there are times when you might become discouraged. Keep positive thoughts on your bulletin board or the computer. Remind yourself daily that this is what you want to do. Set your goal and don't look back.

What’s your vision for your career going forward?

I'm really working on increasing print run, sale through, visibility, readers. I'm thankful that my publishing house, St. Martin's Press, is behind me.

I think you asked about writing the book not being the end of an author's responsibility. After you've written this great book you then have to think who is going to buy it, and what will make them pick up your book over another. Often it may be as simple as the enticing cover or the intriguing back copy. But first you have to get them to pick up your book. "By chance" won't get you many sales. You have to drive them into the store or online. Noted NYT authors like Stephen King and James Patterson advertise and have web sites. Authors now have book trailers. Many do direct mailing or send bookmarks to bookstores. I think the day of just writing the book is over. You have to be savvy about the market as well. I'm learning. Blogs like your help as well. Thank you.

Thank you, Ms. Ray. It has truly been an honor. And no more questions. I promise!

Hope you enjoyed this interview as much as I did. If you missed the prior segments, you can click here to read Part One and Part Two.

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia