DK: How does it feel to have been involved in the ground breaking venture of introducing minority romances to the public?

FR: It feels wonderful to have been involved in introducing minority romances to the public. Although, there had been minority characters in the past, Kensington through Arabesque, was the first major publisher to print two romances each month with African-American characters consistently. I was ecstatic to learn FOREVER YOURS, my second book, was to be one of the launch titles. Seeing the book cover or write up in major publications across the country was an experience I'll never forget.

DK: You’ve been with Arabesque since the beginning of their AA line, will you continue to write for them?

FR: I no longer write for Arabesque/BET. St. Martin's Press is my new Publisher. My first mainstream title from them, THE TURNING POINT, is due out April 2001. I'll forever be grateful to Glenda Howard, editor at St. Martin's Press at that time, for asking me to write in the ROSIE'S CURL AND WEAVE anthology. The entire experience from contract to cover was an enjoyable one. So when I thought about where I wanted to send THE TURNING POINT, Glenda immediately came to mind. It was a good decision. Although Glenda is no longer there, Monique Patterson, my new editor is a dynamo. I'm enjoying working with her immensely.

DK: Have you encountered any prejudices because you write primarily romances?

FR: Unfortunately, I have encountered prejudices at book signings because I write romances. Unusually it is from people who have not read one romance, but 'think' they're fluff or some other nonsense. I no longer try to change their mind, I just say 'thank you' and go on. These people are far in between the enthusiastic romance readers who we can't write fast enough for. Bless their loyal hearts. They make all of this worthwhile.

DK: I noticed with your April release (THE TURNING POINT) that you tackle not one but two sensitive issues which you handle with style. Was it difficult to write about abuse and a physical disability for your protagonists?

FR: THE TURNING POINT was difficult to write because of the hero's blindness. His psyche was much more intricate than the heroine's, then there was the problem of letting the reader know what his surroundings were without sight. I spent hours at the Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind and the Texas Commission for the Blind asking questions, taking lessons, and learning. The heroine wasn't nearly as involved.

DK: I've read THE TURNING POINT but I've also seen blurbs that suggest this book is an Inspirational Romance. It does have religious overtones and the level of sensuality that's usually in a Francis Ray tale is much lower but I didn't think The Turning Point was an inspirational romance. Is it meant to be?

FR: THE TURNING POINT is not an inspirational romance in the religious sense, but I hope it does inspire readers to take control of their lives, and to always realize that they do have choices. The heroine, Lilly Crawford, called on her faith to help her find the courage she needed to change her life.

DK: Where did the idea for THE TURNING POINT come from?

FR: The idea for THE TURNING POINT came to me after my own brush with losing my vision. I was petrified. My eyesight is fine now, but what if it hadn't been? I started thinking 'what if' and slowly the plot evolved.

DK: Many of your fans, myself included, really enjoyed the Taggert/Falcon stories, will you write more series? I noticed in THE TURNING POINT that some of your secondary characters deserve their own tales.

FR: I receive email almost daily from readers asking when is Morgan Grayson's story coming out. I wish I knew. I sincerely enjoyed writing the Taggart/Falcon/Masters/Grayson series and want to continue, but they're on hold for the time being while I write a more mainstream read. However, I want the readers to know that I do plan to finish the Grayson series so please don't give up.

As for some of the secondary characters in THE TURNING POINT deserving their own story, I agree. The problem was aging them. I opted to wait a couple of years, then write Rafe and Kristen's story.

DK: Are you writing full time?

FR: No, I'm not writing full time. I'm a School Nurse Practitioner for the Dallas School District. But, I'd dearly love to write full time.

DK: I love the anthologies St. Martin’s has been releasing, starting with ROSIE’S CURL AND WEAVE, do you enjoy writing anthologies and will St. Martin continue to publish them? As a bookseller, I have to say that many of my customers can’t wait to get their hands on them. WELCOME TO LEO'S was one of my biggest sellers during the Christmas season.

FR: I'm enjoyed writing the anthologies for St. Martin's Press. The next Anthology is GOING TO THE CHAPEL due out June 2001 with Rochelle Alers, Gwynne Forrester, and Donna Hill. I've also in an untitled one for Christmas 2002.

DK: Francis, thanks so much for taking the time out to answer these questions and to let us know what we can expect from you in the near future.

FR: Thanks, Darlene, for the interview. I'm hopeful and prayerful that THE TURNING POINT will touch lives and find a spot in the hearts of the readers who have been so loyal to me. I wish you and them all the best in love and life.