Yorke was born and raised in
Chicago, one of two children of Martin and Theresa Ostermeier. Her writing style was noted for its upbeat tone, even as America faced challenges from World War II. In January 1944, she lost a copyright lawsuit against
Franklyn MacCormack, a well known radio personality, and his wife Vi Johnstone. The following year, in her book
My Weapon is Love, Yorke recounted her side of the dispute. She moved to
California, and in 1954 she became president of the Hollywood chapter of the
National League of American Pen Women. Circa 1962, she married
George McLain, a prominent political figure. In 1963, she was nominated to be poet laureate of California. ==Selected works==