Written readers nominated their selection for best book of 2010. Out of the many nominees, and the many
votes, a winner emerges…

Congratulations to Francis Ray for winning the 2010 Written Reader’s Choice Award for book of the year, If You Were My Man.

WRITTEN: What was the inspiration behind the story?

Francis Ray: If You Were My Man is Book # 6 in the “Invincible Women” Series. These books are about
women empowerment; women who despite the odds, triumph. The story's
inspiration was to write about how we [women] are shaped from our
childhood into the adults we becomes, and how those
emotions effect our relationships.  When it was time to write this
book I already knew who my male protagonist would be, Rafael Dunlap, a police
negotiator who was fallen angel handsome, loved women and women loved him
right back.  For Rafael, I wanted a woman who was self-assured and
wouldn't fall for his pretty face as other women had. I wanted a
woman who was deeper than that.   Enter Nathalya Fontaine, a
restaurateur with a dark past. Rafael and Nathalyia have to go through
some things before they figure out how to let go of the past and build
their future.

WRITTEN: What has your career as a writer been like?

Franics Ray: My career has been a roller coaster - ups and downs, but through it all
it's the wonderful and supportive readers who make the difference.  I'm
with my 4th agent, but the same publishing house, St. Martin's Press, for the
past eleven years.  Making the New York Times and USA Today
bestselling list was just fantastic.  However, I know, it's the next book
and the next that counts.

WRITTEN: What does it mean to receive the honor of of 2010 book of the year by the Written readers?

Francis Ray: First, it is such an honor even to have If You Were
My Man on the ballot.  Winning means the book touched readers in a
tangible way.  Writing is solitary.  You never know how readers will
respond to your work.  It's gratifying and humbling when they 'get' what
you put on the page.  I'm thankful to you, Written Magazine,
and  your readers for this incredible honor.