H.O. Ward

H. O. WARD, who has been captivated by murder mysteries and cryptic crossword puzzles for many years, also enjoys domestic and foreign travel, good food, painting, photography, and long walks. Beyond that, H. O. has a split personality. . . the name is, in fact, the pseudonym of two sisters-in-law with similar interests, both of whom have Master's degrees in English and enjoy writing.

VIRGINIA HOWARD, a resident of Metairie, LA, was born a Michigander in a family of Texans, but grew up in West Texas and Cullman, Alabama. She earned her degrees from the University of Alabama. Virginia works for the LSU Medical Alumni Association in New Orleans, where she edits the alumni magazine and does artwork and computer graphics. She is founder and editor of THEMA literary journal and a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. She has illustrated one picture book, Timothy Hubble and the King Cake Party, by Anita Prieto. Her brother Fred Howard is married to Gail Howard.

GAIL grew up in Atlanta and now lives in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with her husband, Fred, a mathematician. She attended Oglethorpe and Duke Universities and has taught courses in composition and literature. For several years she was employed by the N. C. Department of Public Instruction. More recently she renewed a longstanding interest in piano studies and started her own studio. She has been involved with THEMA since its earliest days and is currently poetry editor.