Featured Interview With Dana K. Ray
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’m an avid college football fan and love dogs! We have four and breed labs so there is usually puppies around. I’m a full time Children’s Minister and live in the Midwest along with my somewhat neglected husband and four kids due to my writing. She loves to connect with her readers! email her at danakray@yahoo.com or https://www.facebook.com/danakray/
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve always wanted to write. Stories have played like movies in my head since as far back as I can remember. I won my first poetry contest in fifth grade. A simple poem I wrote in 1976, the theme: The Bicentennial.
One of our famous presidents was Lincoln,
He did us lots of good thinkin’
All though he was tall,
He was loved by all and
He kept the southern states from leavin’!
Wow, and I won first place. Amazing, huh? My prize…a book about boys track. Yes, the ultimate punishment, they thought Dana was a boy. Ugh. Not the first time someone thought I was a boy, but I graciously accepted my book, taped my poem in it and have cherished it since. Occasionally I pull it from the shelf, look at it and am reminded of my call to write.
When I watch the movies in my head, they are real, vivid and colorful. I love being able to change them around and then when I have the scene how I want it, I start writing. I started writing in the 1990’s but didn’t have my first book published until 2016. I did a lot of writing and raising four kids during that time.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Janet Evanovich, Francene Rivers, Danielle Steele and Stephen King. I usually read inspirational romance or mystery. I get a lot of inspiration from listening to loud music, spending time outside, especially at the beach.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
Grace (The Luciano Series, It Begins) is my newest installment in the family saga about the journey of two brothers. It is FREE on Kindle from Nov. 26 – Nov. 30. Absolution is book 1 and was published by traditional publisher. Mercy, book 2, and Everlasting, book 3 are also released and self-published. I had so many people love the series but wanted to know how it all began, so Grace begins with the brothers as teenagers then one bullet changes theirs lives forever. We find them ten years later.
My favorite character is Antony. He appears tough but has a heart, just doesn’t show it to many people. Sonny, his brother, is another great character. He is more loving but don’t be fooled, he can be just as tough as Antony.
Zoë is our favorite cop who brings humor into the book along with her sister, Victoria, who holds the hearts of both brothers.
The Luciano Series were my first books to write. Funny, my second book that I wrote, A Second Chance, a romance novel, was actually my first published book. Absolution was my second published book.
Books by Dana K. Ray:
Grace (The Luciano Series, It Begins)
Absolution (The Luciano Series, book 1)
Mercy (The Luciano Series, book 2)
Everlasting (The Luciano Series, book 3)
Redemption (The Luciano Series, Book 4) Soon to be released
A Second Chance
There’s No Reasoning with Love
A Word: Ordinary Days with an Extraordinary God
Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles
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