Cathy Helowicz

Cathy grew up near Annapolis, Maryland and, at age 19, left the area in pursuit of a career abroad. She spent two years in England and six years in Munich, Germany. Her overseas experiences stimulated a lifelong interest in travel. While in Munich, Cathy pursued her college degree ultimately earning a Bachelor of Science in Information and Systems Management from the University of Maryland.

She is a member of the Maryland Writers' Association (MWA), the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the Woman's National Book Association (WNBA), the Publishers Marketing Association (PMA), and the Mid-Atlantic Book Publishers Association (MBPA).

Cathy volunteers with several organizations that work with children, her most rewarding time being spent with the Maryland Therapeutic Riding Center.

She currently splits her time between Annapolis, MD and Jupiter, FL.

On Grandpop's Lap was inspired by Cathy's Dad and her nephew Zachary. My Dad's favorite saying was "You need to occupy your mind". He felt a busy mind made a happy person. Dad, I hope heaven is keeping you busy.
Love, Cathy

Ginger Doyel

Ginger Doyel is a freelance writer and illustrator. She graduated as valedictorian of the University of Richmond Jepson School of Leadership Studies in 2001 and returned to Annapolis, her hometown, in 2002.

She is the author of "Annapolis: From Past to Present", an acclaimed weekly history column in The Capital newspaper.

She has illustrated Annapolis: The Guidebook, My Annapolis Adventure: Passport to Discovery, Gertrude the Albino Frog and Her Friend Rupert the Turtle, and How Charlottesville Got Its Theater Back; and has been commissioned to create original art for clients such as the Historic Annapolis Foundation, the City of Annapolis, and the Maryland Commission for Women.

Ginger Doyel's Website