Zoe Ray Interview Published on: 14, Oct 2020
Where do you live? If not here, where would you have wanted to live instead?
I’ve lived in Houston my whole life. If not here, maybe Seattle. I visited Seattle once and the locals said I came at the perfect time, because it was sunny and there was no rain. I saw the best version of Seattle, and I loved it.
Do you remember the first book you ever read? Who is your all-time favorite author?I read so much growing up that I have no idea what my first book was. My all-time favorite author is Omar Tyree. He’s the first author that inspired me to want tell stories.
What was your childhood like? Which is your fondest memory?I was a happy child with loving, dedicated parents who wanted the best for me. My fondest memory is when my parents bought their first house. They had a dream and a goal. They prayed and they worked hard, and their dream for all of us came true. My sister and I ran through the house claiming our rooms. I just had to have the room with the biggest window.
What challenges did you face while writing your book, Mark Of The Dragon?I had only intended on writing werewolf stories, but I had a desire to write about a dragon and I had no idea how I was going to do it. I attempted to create a dragon with abilities that I imagined. Wade was also unlike the heroes that I’d planned on writing about. He’s so complex and yet there’s so much he doesn’t even know about himself.
How did you begin writing Zoe Ray's Reader Fantasy Series?My stories are vivid and the men are so passionate and desirable. Women love a good book boyfriend so I wanted to create something for the readers to place themselves in the story as the heroine and spend a night with their favorite heroes. That’s why none of the love interests have names. They get a nickname from their dream man while in the story.
What is one word to perfectly describe your character, Natasha, from your book "He's Mine Not Hers"?Determined.
What does reading, writing, and literature, in general, mean to you?An escape. It’s an opportunity to lose oneself in entertainment that inspires, creates, and expands our minds.
Who did you model the character of Samantha Davis ("Alpha Boss") after?A combination of women I know who want to believe that there’s a man out there that will love, protect them, and be loyal. When someone like that comes around, it’s almost impossible to believe. Sam is a tribute to women who have experienced being let down too many times by love, and who want to experience that feeling.
How many unfinished or unpublished stories have you written? Do you ever plan on finishing/publishing them?I have two unfinished stories that I absolutely plan on publishing.
What are your plans for the future? Where do you see yourself as an author in 10 years' time?I plan to write like crazy. In 10 years I see myself being successful across multiple genres and a New York Times Best Selling Author. I’d also like to be a mentor for authors.
When you're running low on ideas, what do you do, or who do you talk to for inspiration?I learned that trying to force it doesn’t work for me. I take a break. I put down the laptop and go outside, live a little. I read different genres. I stay quiet and listen. Sometimes all it takes is a word to inspire me, just one word.
What is your take on the importance of a good cover and title? Have you ever designed any book cover?The cover and title are your first impression. It’s important to put your best face forward. Yes, readers love a good description, but the title and cover are what draws them in. A masterpiece can be buried in a sea of countless books because it doesn’t catch the eye. I have designed a book cover or two, but that’s not my strong suit. I think I’ll stick to writing.
Which is your favorite fiction novel that you love to read while curling up next to a warm fire?Memoirs of a Geisha
What are you currently working on?I’m almost done with Alpha Professor, which is hands down the most beautiful and exciting story I’ve ever written. This one gives me goosebumps.
How has been your experience to work with AllAuthor? What are some of the things you like about the site?I absolutely love Allauthor. I think all authors should have an account. The resources they provide are valuable and so easy to use. I’m so glad I found them and became a Pro Member. It’s worth it. I love the Review GIF maker and the Magic Tool. I need those things in my life. It’s so easy to create promos for social media, and it’s quality work. I think I’m obsessed with AllAuthor.
