abouT Kelly Gray

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      First and foremost, I give all credit for any success I've enjoyed by the grace of God to my Lord and savior Christ Jesus. On this unique journey, I have been blessed beyond measure to care for many rescue animals, including my goats Flash, Sunni and Peaches, and pointer Pixie.  

     I've been a professional writer for more than two decades, choosing to cover positive stories that bring people together, heal, or just find moments of joy in everyday life. My clients have included major daily newspapers, magazines, nonprofits and some of the world's best known brands, covering health, culinary travel, entertainment, architecture and design, animals, finance, tech, whole body wellness, and public safety.

     Memberships and writing organizations I support include the North Carolina Writer’s Network, Flatiron Writer's Room, International Thriller Writers, the Great Smokies Writing Program and Mystery Writers of America, among others.

     A traditionally published nonfiction author, I'm humbled to be included in the the Simon and Schuster family of books. 

     My work and my animals are intertwined. Proceeds from my writing contribute to the health and wellbeing of my own rescue animals and countless others. Read about my rescue journey here and learn about my biggest inspiration, Star Dancer.     

       Before becoming a full-time writer, I studied performing arts in New York City where I was a working actor, dancer and vocalist. In addition to performing in numerous theatrical productions, I worked as an extra on 'All My Children', in films 'One True Thing' starring Meryl Streep and 'Went to Coney Island on a Mission from God, be Back by Five' starring John Cryer and performed at multiple events throughout the city. To supplement the cost of life in Manhattan, I modeled for Mattel, cast as 'Barbie with Barbie's Horse Nibbles' during Toy Fair alongside fellow 'Barbies' at the time Busy Phillips and Nancy St. Alban. One of my favorite memories of that time was being included on the cover of Show Biz and Model News with the iconic actor Danny Aiello of 'Moonstruck'. Another favorite memory from those performing arts years included singing in Broadway's The Hudson Theater, home of the original 'Tonight Show', an experience I wrote about years later in a Los Angeles Times travel story on historic Manhattan theaters. Though I long ago traded my tap shoes for books, I still love composing original music and singing at charitable events whenever possible.

     When not writing, I love hanging out in the pasture with the goats, endless snuggles of precious Pixie, and volunteering with equine organizations.      

     Be in touch here. -- Kelly Gray

 

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