[citation needed] Ecology of a Cracker Childhood (1999) recounts Ray's experiences growing up in a junkyard, the daughter of a poor, white, fundamentalist Christian family.
[citation needed] In the book she surveys the ecological web she experienced as a child; including plant species (Longleaf Pine, Cypress Swamp, Wiregrass, Meadow Beauty, Liatris, Greeneyes) and animal species (Flatwood Salamander, Bachman's sparrow, Pine Warbler, Carolina Wren, Red-Cockaded Woodpecker, Eastern Bluebird, Brown-Headed Nuthatch, Yellow Breasted Chat, Red-headed woodpecker, Eastern Kingbird, Common ground dove, Quail, Gopher Tortoises) along with how she fits into this world as part of the human species.
[citation needed] In Wild Card Quilt (2003) she relates her experiences moving back home to Georgia with her son after attending graduate school in Montana.
[citation needed] Ray published a book of poetry, A House of Branches (2010) and has been a contributor to Audubon, Orion and other magazines, as well as a commentator for NPR's Living on Earth.
[citation needed] She previously taught in the Chatham University Low-Residency Master of Fine Arts Program in Creative Writing.