Cathie Linz

Cathie Linz Baumgardner, born in Chicago on November 29, 1954, was an American author and librarian who penned over 50 romance novels under the names Cathie Linz and Cat Devon. Her extensive body of work, published in nearly 20 languages worldwide, was recognized with numerous awards, including a lifetime honorary membership in the Romance Writers of America. Linz's writing was characterized by its humor and sharp dialogue. Prior to her writing career, she worked as the Head of Acquisitions at the Northern Illinois University Law Library. She passed away in Chicago on March 7, 2015.

Linz also contributed to "Dangerous Men and Adventurous Women: Romance Writers on the Appeal of the Romance," a book that received the Susan Koppleman Award. She lived in the Chicago area with her family and her cat, Whiskers, who was featured on the cover of Romantic Times magazine. An avid traveler, Linz explored destinations such as the Swiss Mountains, Alaska, and the Grand Canyon. Her literary output included various series and standalone novels, demonstrating a prolific career in the romance genre.

Cathie Linz established herself as a prolific author of romance novels, publishing more than 50 books under her primary pen name, Cathie Linz, and also writing as Cat Devon. Her novels were distributed globally and translated into approximately 20 languages, indicating a broad international readership. Linz's writing was frequently noted for its engaging humor and clever dialogue, which contributed to the appeal of her stories. Her career in writing began in 1982, and she continued to produce novels throughout her life. She was honored with a lifetime honorary membership in the Romance Writers of America, a testament to her significant contributions to the genre.

Before dedicating herself to writing, Cathie Linz had a career in librarianship. She held the position of Head of Acquisitions at the Northern Illinois University Law Library, showcasing her professional background in academic and specialized libraries. Her literary achievements were further recognized through various accolades. Linz received awards such as the Romantic Times Career Achievement Storyteller of the Year, the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, the eHarlequin Readers' Choice Award, and the Write Touch Award for Best Contemporary Category Romance. Her involvement in the anthology "Dangerous Men and Adventurous Women" also brought recognition, as the book won the Susan Koppleman Award.

Cathie Linz was a resident of the Chicago area for much of her life. Her personal life included her family and a beloved cat named Whiskers, who gained notable recognition by appearing on the cover of the December 2006 issue of Romantic Times magazine. Linz was also an enthusiastic traveler, with experiences that included visits to diverse locations such as the Swiss Mountains, Alaska, and the Grand Canyon. These travels may have informed the settings or themes within her extensive collection of romance novels. She passed away in Chicago on March 7, 2015.