Francis Ray facts for kids
Francis Ray (July 20, 1944 – July 3, 2013) was a very popular African-American writer. She wrote many romance novels that became bestsellers. Her books often appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists. She created several popular book series, like Taggart and Falcon, Invincible Women, and the Grayson Family. Francis Ray lived in Dallas, Texas.
Contents
About Francis Ray
Francis Ray was born in Richland, Texas, on July 20, 1944. She studied nursing and earned her degree from Texas Woman's University in 1967. She started writing in 1987 while still working as a nurse. Her first book was published in 1992. Francis Ray was inspired to write after reading books by Kathleen Woodiwiss and J. California Cooper.
In 1995, she helped create the Romance Slam Jam. This was a special event where authors and readers could meet. It first happened in Texas.
Her Books and Writing Style
Francis Ray's stories focused a lot on her characters. She spent time creating detailed backgrounds for them. She believed writing romance was challenging. This is because characters need problems, but the ending must show they will stay together.
It was also important to her to show African Americans realistically. She wanted to avoid stereotypes.
In 1999, her novel Incognito was made into a TV movie. It was shown on Black Entertainment Television (BET).
She also helped make the Arabesque imprint successful. This was a special book series from BET for African-American romance novels. Later, Kimani Press bought Arabesque. Francis Ray and other authors were celebrated in 2004 for their work with Arabesque.
Her Popular Book Series
Francis Ray wrote many books, including several popular series.
Grayson Friends Series
This series includes books like The Way You Love Me (2008) and All of My Love (2013).
Invincible Women Series
Some books in this series are Like the First Time (2004) and If You Were My Man (2010).
Taggart/Falcon Series
This series features books such as Forever Yours (1994) and Heart of the Falcon (2000).
The Graysons of New Mexico Series
Books in this series include Until There Was You (2000) and Only You (2007).
Against the Odds Series
This series includes Trouble Don't Last Always (2004) and Somebody's Knocking at My Door (2003).
Family Affair/Hidden Legacy Series
Books in this series are I Know Who Holds Tomorrow (2002) and After the Dawn (2013).
Awards and Recognition
Francis Ray received several awards for her writing:
- Romantic Times Career Achievement Award
- EMMA Award
- The Golden Pen Award
- The Atlantic Choice Award
- Romantic Times 2008 Reviewers' Choice Award for Not Even If You Begged
- Borders 2008 Bestselling Multicultural Romance Award for Nobody but You
- Written's 2010 Readers Choice Book of the Year for If You Were My Man
Screen Adaptations
- Her novel Incognito was made into a TV movie in 1999.
