Ask the Author: Charles Ray
Answered Questions (12)
Charles Ray
I woke up in a darkened room. Suddenly, I felt a cold, hard hand over my mouth.
Charles Ray
That's a good one, and a hard one to answer. I had to think about it for a while, because, being an avid reader, there are many fictional worlds that have fascinated me. I suppose, though, if I had to choose only one, it would be the Star Trek universe, and serve as an observer aboard the Enterprise - and maybe even be a Time Traveler, so I could move back and forth between the various Star Trek timelines.
Charles Ray
Because I review book on my blog 'Ray's Ramblings,' I try to read at least one book a day. It would, therefore, be impossible for me to list them all - partly because I only have a list for two to three weeks ahead. What I am doing this summer, though, is concentrating on mystery and thrillers, and reading fewer romance novels or fantasy.
Charles Ray
Nick and Nora Charles. They are from the age of noir fiction, my all-time favorite genre. In addition, I liked the light-hearted banter they engaged in.
Charles Ray
How do I get 'Second Chance," or do I already have it in my queue. I've a long queue of books to review and if I've received this one and it's somewhere, I'll look for it. If not, please tell me how to get it.
Charles Ray
I think historical fiction -- any fiction for that matter -- is a very effective way to highlight current problems and even offer solutions. This depends, however, on readers being able to see the current problem within the fiction. I fear that some of our political leaders are tone deaf to the suffering of their constituents, blinded as they are by the obsession with getting reelected--but, that's just my view. I try to highlight current issues in my fiction, without being too blatant with it. I take a light hand in offering solutions, though. I think the best is to make people aware of the problem first, and hope they'll be intelligent enough to come up with solutions. Thanks for a great question.
Charles Ray
While you shouldn't get a big head - always strive to get better - you should never let others make you doubt your ability to write. Muhammed Ali wasn't born a great boxer, and Tiger Woods wasn't born a great golfer. They became great through practice and faith in themselves. Most important thing, though, keep writing.
Charles Ray
For me, the best thing about being a writer is the ability to influence other people with what I write. A reader once told me that my book on leadership changed her son's life - that's what it's all about.
Charles Ray
I write something every day, even if it's nothing but a journal entry. Sometimes, I work on different titles - I keep lists - which often give me ideas for stories, or I'll jot down blog or article ideas. To me writing is like any endeavor, the more you practice, the less difficult it becomes.
Charles Ray
In addition to a new Buffalo Soldier novel, I'm doing a short story about crime in a rural area (The Body in the Barn) and the third in the series about Winston Nesbit and his spirited, dearly departed Grandmother who is an impish spirit. The working title is 'The Devil Made Me Do It.'
Charles Ray
Almost anything, from an overheard conversation or a newspaper article can inspire me to write.
Charles Ray
I'm doing another in my Buffalo Soldier series about the battles between cattlemen and sheep ranchers in New Mexico Territory in the post-Civil War period, and the role the cavalry played in helping to maintain law and order.
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