Nancy Mars Freedman was born on July 4, 1920, in Evanston, Illinois, and passed away on August 10, 2010, in Greenbrae, California. A prominent figure in feminist literature, Nancy was best known as the co-author of Mrs. Mike, a collaboration that showcased her innovative approach to writing alongside her husband, Benedict Freedman.

Her journey into the literary world was as unique as her contributions. Originally from Chicago, Nancy was a professional dancer by the tender age of seven before venturing into acting. However, her aspirations were altered by a heart condition, leading her to a different path. In 1941, just before turning twenty-one, she married Benedict Freedman. Their partnership extended beyond their personal lives into their professional realm, resulting in the creation of Mrs. Mike while they were still in their twenties. This collaborative effort involved writing sections independently and critiquing each other's work, a method reminiscent of the mother and daughter team behind P.J. Tracy.

Although Mrs. Mike remained their most celebrated work, it wasn't until 2002 and 2004 that Nancy and Benedict penned the sequels, The Search for Joyful and Kathy Little Bird. In the years between, Nancy authored several other books, further establishing her legacy within the literary community.