Donna Woolfolk Cross is a distinguished American writer, known for her novel Pope Joan, which explores the intriguing narrative of a female Catholic Pope reigning from 853 to 855. Born into a family with deep roots in the American literary and comic book industries, she is the progeny of Dorothy Woolfolk, a trailblazer in the American comic book industry, and novelist William Woolfolk. This rich literary heritage has significantly shaped her path in the realm of writing.

Donna pursued her higher education with vigor and distinction, graduating cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, from the University of Pennsylvania in 1969 with a B.A. in English. Her thirst for knowledge and adventure took her across the Atlantic to London, England, where she worked as an editorial assistant for a small publishing house, W.H. Allen and Company, nestled in the historic Fleet Street. This overseas stint was followed by a return to the United States, where Cross engaged in the bustling world of Madison Avenue advertising at Young and Rubicam, before advancing to graduate school at UCLA. There, she earned a master's degree in Literature and Writing in 1972.

In 1973, a new chapter in her life began when she moved with her husband to upstate New York. It was here that Cross found her calling in teaching writing within a college English Department. Eventually, writing became her fulltime career, allowing her to leave an indelible mark on the literary world.

In addition to Pope Joan, Cross has authored two books on language that reflect her deep engagement with the nuances of English: Word Abuse: How the Words We Use Use Us and Meddling in the English Language. Her works not only entertain but also educate, illuminating the complexities and the beauty of the English language.