Connie Briscoe Presents–
Author Francis Ray

Francis Ray has written 20 novels and contributed to a dozen anthologies. And she’s still going strong with another novel, Not Even If You Begged, breaking loose this week .

Connie Briscoe: When was your first novel published?

Francis Ray: My first novel published was Fallen Angel in 1992. The book was reissued as Someone to Love Me by St. Martin’s Press in December 2003.

CB: How many novels have you written and why do you think you’re so prolific?

Francis Ray: I have written 20 novels and contributed to 12 anthologies. Two more novels are scheduled. I started out writing romance novels. Writing more than one book a year was expected of the author in that genre so it became a goal that I have always set for myself. Even before a book is finished I’m thinking about the next novel.

CB: Why do you think romance and relationship novels are so popular?

Francis Ray: I think they’re popular because they reaffirm our hopes, desires and dreams that true love is possible. We want that one special person in our life who will be committed to love, honor and cherish us always.

CB: How much do you draw from your real life for your novels?

Francis Ray: My mainstream novels all have been based on real life situations. In The Turning Point (Trouble Don’t Last Always) it was my own brush with blindness and an article I read about Dr. Ben Carson almost being carjacked. Like the First Time came from the downturn in the economy with lay-offs and my daughter’s inability to get a job in her field. A tense situation at work developed into I Know Who Holds Tomorrow. My latest novel, Not Even If You Begged, is a result of the increased number of widows in my neighborhood.

CB: How many times do you rewrite your novels?

Francis Ray: I rewrite as I go. Before I start to write, I reread the last 4-5 pages. I correct scene, sequel, plot errors, get back into the characters. Although the goal is 5-7 pages on weeknights because I work, I might only write a couple of pages because I’m correcting pages already written. When I type “The End” I’m finished.

CB: Going back to reread the pages from the previous writing session sounds familiar. I do something similar.

Do you feel pressure to write more frequent or more detailed sex scenes in your novels these days?

Francis Ray: My editor has never asked me to write more frequent or detailed sex scenes in my novels. However, I think I pressure myself to write a more sensuous novel to show the strong attraction between the characters. Intimacy is an expression of the deep bond they’ve forged. I would never add a sex scene for the sake of a sex scene or make one more detailed. Hopefully, every scene, every action fits and moves the story forward or throws a roadblock in the main character’s path.

CB: If you had to come up with a general theme for all or most of your novels what would it be?

Francis Ray: I think my theme would be the strong bond of family and friends. I firmly believe we are shaped, good or bad, by our childhood. This is evident in my characters. Traci Evans, the main character in Not Even If You Begged, has issues because of her childhood, but it is her closeness to the women of the Invincible Sisterhood who will help her forgive and move on. Good friends, just like a strong supportive family, are priceless.

CB: Tell us something personal about yourself that most of your readers don’t know.

Francis Ray: I was captain of my high school tennis team. We were district champions our first year.

CB: Impressive. Anything else you want to share here?

Francis Ray: For me writing has always been difficult. I labor over each book, and it’s not becoming any easier. My writing friends call it my “process.” I call it aggravating. If I can’t see it, I can’t write it. You can tell me a plot, describe the characters, but unless I can see it, the story is not going anyplace.

I would like to encourage all the writers waiting to publish not to compare yourselves with anyone. Your process is your process. Just as your writing gift is yours alone. Study the craft of writing, write each day, read wildly. Good luck.

More information about Francis Ray and her books, including her tour schedule, can be found on her website.