Francis Ray Explained

Francis Ray
Birth Date:20 July 1944
Birth Place:Richland, Texas, U.S.
Occupation:Novelist
Alma Mater:Texas Woman's University

Francis Ray (July 20, 1944 – July 3, 2013) was a New York Times and USA Today bestselling[1] African-American writer of romance novels. Her literary fiction series – Taggart and Falcon, the Invincible Women, Grayson Family of New Mexico, and Grayson Friends – consistently made bestsellers' lists. She lived in Dallas, Texas.[2]

Biography

She was born in Richland, Texas, and studied nursing, receiving a bachelor's degree from Texas Woman's University in 1967.[3] She began writing in 1987, while continuing to work as a nurse, and had her first book published in 1992. Ray was inspired to write after reading one of Kathleen Woodiwiss's books.[4] She was also inspired by J. California Cooper's writings.[5]

In 1995, she co-founded the Romance Slam Jam, which was an author-reader conference and first launched in Texas.[6]

Work

Ray's stories are character-driven and Ray spent time fleshing out full stories for the characters in her books, including their childhoods. She feels that writing romance is often more emotionally difficult than for other genres because while the characters must have conflict, the resolution needs to be solved in a way that readers know "that the couple will stay together no matter what".[7] It was also important to her to include "accurate realistic portrayals of African Americans" rather than stereotypes.

In 1999, Ray's novel, Incognito, was adapted by Black Entertainment Television (BET) for broadcast.

She helped make the Arabesque imprint, which was owned by BET and dedicated to African-American romance, a success. In 2004, she and other authors were celebrated for their contributions to Arabesque which is now owned by Kimani.[8]

Fiction

Series/Related Titles Grayson Friends Series

Invincible Women Series

Taggart/Falcon Series

The Graysons of New Mexico Series

Against the Odds Series

Family Affair/Hidden Legacy Series

Awards

Screen adaptations

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: HEA and Michelle Monkou Pay Tribute to Francis Ray, Gone Too Soon. Monkou. Michelle. 8 July 2013. Happy Ever After. 18 December 2015. USA Today.
  2. Web site: Nationally Bestselling Author Francis Ray is a Native Texas Who Lives in Dallas With Her Family. 2000. 18 December 2015. Baker & Taylor Author Biographies. Literary Reference Center. subscription .
  3. News: Francis Ray, Dallas school nurse who became prolific romance novel writer, dies at 68. Simnacher. Joe. 10 July 2013. The Dallas Morning News. 18 December 2015.
  4. Web site: Francis Ray. 1 January 2007. 18 December 2015. Guide to Literary Masters & Their Works. Literary Reference Center. Webb. Shawncey. subscription .
  5. Web site: Francis Ray - Q&A . Macmillan . January 18, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090426084247/http://us.macmillan.com:80/AuthorExtras.aspx?AuthorKey=550485&m_type=4&m_contentid=4111. April 26, 2009.
  6. Tribute to Francis Ray's Life and Work at Next Romance Slam Jam. McBride. Marybel. 28 August 2013. Nursing Standard. 10.7748/ns2013.08.27.52.31.s44. 27. 52. 31.
  7. Web site: PopTop Stage Hosts a Day of Romance. 22 January 2012. 18 December 2015. American Libraries. American Library Association. Landgraf. Greg. https://web.archive.org/web/20130107024747/http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/inside-scoop/pop-top-stage-hosts-day-romance. January 7, 2013 .
  8. Arabesque Sets Events to Mark 10th Anniversary. Rosen. Judith. 24 May 2004. Publishers Weekly. 18 December 2015. 251. 21. https://web.archive.org/web/20121001065715/http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/print/20040524/40171-arabesque-sets-events-to-mark-10th-anniversary-.html. October 1, 2012 .