Meet national best-selling author Francis Ray who is a native Texan. She is from Corsicana, Texas, home of the Golden Bears and Collins Street Bakery. Yes, the bakery that makes those famous fruit cakes that are sold worldwide.A graduate of Texas Woman's University she was twice nominated for the Distinguished Award. Francis has written over 30 novels. She is the recipient of the Romantic Time Career Achievement award, EMMA, Golden Pen and Atlantic Choice award. Her next scheduled release is UNTIL THERE WAS YOU, Book One in the Grayson of New Mexico series from St. Martin's Press August 26, 2008.
Today we are discussing her new book released, Until There Was You.
Introduction to Until There Was You (The Graysons, Book 1)
Essence bestselling author Francis Ray reminds us—with this captivating novel featuring the life and loves of the Grayson family—that there’s nothing like the first time…
All he was looking for was some peace and quiet. Instead, what ex-FBI agent Luke Grayson finds in the secluded cabin in the woods is a gorgeous, smoky-eyed woman…who just happens to be pointing a gun in his direction.
Dr. Catherine Stewart is relieved that the handsome stranger she encounters is not a dangerous intruder. But how is she supposed to relax in her woodsy hideaway with stubborn, intense, brooding Luke around? A woman could get into a lot of trouble with a man like that—and trouble is exactly what each of these two lost souls came here to avoid.
CAN THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THEM
All he was looking for was some peace and quiet. Instead, what ex-FBI agent Luke Grayson finds in the secluded cabin in the woods is a gorgeous, smoky-eyed woman…who just happens to be pointing a gun in his direction.
BRING THEM CLOSER TOGETHER?
Dr. Catherine Stewart is relieved that the handsome stranger she encounters is not a dangerous intruder. But how is she supposed to relax in her woodsy hideaway with stubborn, intense, brooding Luke around? A woman could get into a lot of trouble with a man like that—and trouble is exactly what each of these two lost souls came here to avoid…
UNTIL THERE WAS YOU
“Tenderness and passion that smolders between the pages.”—Romantic Times BOOKreviews
EDC: Francis, who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?
The two main characters in UNTIL THERE WAS YOU are Luke Grayson and Dr. Catherine Stewart. Luke is what my mother would call a man's man. He is the oldest of five and takes the responsibility seriously. He is tough when he had to be and fiercely protective of those he loves. Catherine is a noted child psychologist who puts the welfare of children above her own. Although she comes from a wealthy family, she's unpretentious and down to earth.
EDC: What makes your book stand out and would make a reader pick it up?
Tough question. I hope my books stand out because the main characters always have strong moral values. Readers tell me they continue to pick up and read my books because they feel connected with the characters, and feel a strong sense of place.
EDC: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
I want readers to walk away with a sense that, although life can knock you down, if you have the courage to stand up and fight, you'll emerge triumphant.
EDC: What is the one most surprising thing you have learned in creating books?
No character is ever minor. I found this out in my second book, FOREVER YOURS, when I casually wrote about Matt Taggart and his distrust of women. Readers demanded his story just as they have with Richard and Naomi, two characters from UNTIL THERE WAS YOU.
EDC: What would you say has been your most significant achievement as a writer?
My most significant achievement as a writer would have to be the establishment of The Turning Point Legal Fund to assist women of domestic violence. While doing research for THE TURNING POINT, I was saddened to learn the high number of women in abusive relationships and was compelled to help.
EDC: What advice would you give a new writer? Would you change anything about your journey?
My advice would be to read widely in all genres, study the market, join a writing organization, write daily, be patient, don't compare yourself to anyone, and before you sign the contract, have a good agent or entertainment lawyer look it over for you.
If I could change one thing it would be that I wouldn't have given up each time I received a rejection letter. I would have taken it as one person's opinion and continued to write. Instead, I wouldn't write for months - until the desire to write would become stronger than my fear of being rejected again.
EDC: Francis, what can we expect from you in the future?
Hopefully, more books. Out now, of course, is UNTIL THERE WAS YOU. Coming in March 2009 is Book #2 of the Grayson Friends series, NOBODY BUT YOU. July will see the release of AND MISTRESS MAKES THREE, and in December, ONE NIGHT WITH YOU, Book #3 of the Grayson Friends series.
Visit with author Francis Ray online:
Website: http://www.francisray.com/
Yahoo Fanclub: readersoffrancisray@yahoogroups.com
MySpace: myspace.com/francisray
Brought to you by Ella Curry of EDC Creations Media Group
http://www.edc-creations.com/
