First, let me take you back to where it all started. On July 23, 2005, I hosted two events for Francis Ray. First there was the How Sweet the Sound book discussion and signing of her first Christian fiction release, How Sweet the Sound, and anthology featuring stories not only from Francis, but also Jacquelin Thomas and Felicia Mason.

Here's the official press release:

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:

Renee Williams, CEO

Stuff Happens! Event Planning

936-650-3952

stuffhappensep@yahoo.com

HOW SWEET THE SOUND
July 23, 2005

HOUSTON, TX (May 2005) – In celebration of the publication of her first Inspirational novella, Francis Ray presents HOW SWEET THE SOUND, to be held Saturday, July 23, 2005, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., in Houston, Texas at the Houston Public Library – Central Branch, located at 500 McKinney, Houston, Texas 77002, (832) 393-1313. This event, free and open to the public, is a venue for fans of Francis Ray to meet the national bestselling author, and to hear her speak about her involvement in this anthology.

Scheduled events include stirring solos based on the hymns each story comes from, book sale and signing, refreshments, and contests. For more information, or for parties interested in being a sponsor for this event, contact the event planner at stuffhappensep@yahoo.com.

Francis Ray is a native Texan and lives in Dallas. A graduate of Texas Woman's University, she is a School Nurse Practitioner with the Dallas Independent School District. In 1999 and 2000 she was nominated for Texas Woman's University Distinguished Alumni Award. Ms. Ray's titles consistently make bestseller's lists such as Blackboard and Essence Magazine. INCOGNITO, her sixth title, was the first made-for-TV movie for BET. She has written fourteen single titles and eight anthologies.