Catherine Andorka, romance author, rock musician, babysitter

Cambridge Lakes, Pingree Grove

On any given day, Cathy Andorka, 64, can be found changing diapers on her 1-year-old granddaughter, writing a chapter in her latest romance novel, or rocking out to "Proud Mary" with her band, The Vintage People.

I think this activity is part of what makes us not like our grandmothers," she says. It keeps us younger."

She and her husband, Greg, moved to Cambridge Lakes in 2012 from Elgin. This Carillon community is very active and younger," she says. "I'm not atypical here."

Andorka has been a writer since 1979, when she penned a poem about receiving a speeding ticket. Her two novels came later in life. Her most recent is "Fly Me to Paradise," (Five Star, 2011).

She plans on writing more when her two grandchildren, ages 1 and 4, are in school. Right now she cares for them three days a week while her daughter works.

"I adore them," she says. "I can't imagine my life without these kids in it."

In the evenings, the Andorkas can be found practicing in their basement with the band, or performing in the community.

The band got started after a party at the clubhouse when Greg met another guitar player and started to jam. "They were good together, and so we attracted a keyboard player, a drummer and his wife, who is on vocals," she says. Cathy wasn't originally involved, but "I wanted to get into it, they were having so much fun," she says. Now she plays rhythm instruments and sings backup.

"We've become kind of a family," she says. "This is the most awesome community."

  Catherine appeared in the The Courier News as part of an interview on romance writers in the Elgin area.

  Catherine was interviewed by Romance Ever After.

  Catherine was interviewed on writing by Book Designs.

Catherine was interviewed for the "Beneath the Covers" column on MyShelf Writing Emotional Issues With Falwless Style

  Catherine was interviewed by Amazon.com for the initial release of "Once Upon A Secret".