Gemma Bruce is my secret alter-ego.  Ssssh.  Don't tell anyone, but I also go by Shelley Freydont.  And I'm not only a writer, but a dancer.  What can I say?  I love the arts!

I've toured internationally (as in around the world) as a professional dancer with Louis Falco, Twyla Tharp Dance, and American Ballroom Theater.  I even made it to TV on PBS in Great Performances, Evening at the Pops, and Happy New Year USA.   You think that would be enough, wouldn't you?

But no, I also choreographed and taught for companies throughout the world.  I even spent some time as a dance consultant for As the World Turns (boy, the stories I could tell you!) and for the Broadway productions of States of Shock and Singing in the Rain.  While working as an assistant to the choreographer on the Milos Foreman film, Amadeus, I got to spend six months in Prague (yeah, it's  tough life but someone has to do it!), reconstructing and rehearsing authentic period dances.  My latest job gave me a chance to work on the Mike Newall film, Mona Lisa Smile--the one with Julia Roberts.  You've heard of her, right?

I went to the University of Utah, where I was a member of Ballet West, while I worked toward my BFA and MFA.  Even dancers need education.  I went on to teach at California State University in Fresno.

But now I've been bitten by the writing bug.  Yes, I'm a glutton for punishment.  I started out writing mysteries.  I joined Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime and sold my Lindy Haggerty series to Kensington.  That's where that Shelley Freydont person comes in.  You can check out her books here.  But I had more stories inside me so Gemma Bruce appeared to write romance.  Who's Been Sleeping in My Bed sold to Kensington for their Brava line.  So I joined Romance Writers of America and the New Jersey chapter.  This is fun!

Now I'm writing away at my home in Ridgewood, New Jersey--at least when my two children let me.  In my copious spare time (quit laughing!) I coach professional ballroom dance couples and am active in the arts community.  I also just earned my red belt in Tae Kwon Doh, so don't mess with me.  <g>