Diane Helentjaris writes about unsung lives, an interest she developed in her years as a medical doctor. She thinks of it as treasure hunting. Her Life and Adventures of Ivy O’Neill novel series begins with The Indenture of Ivy O’Neill. Inspired by a real-life Irish woman, the book won the history and romance category of the 2024 Maryland Writers’ Association Novel Competition. Her latest book, Ivy in America, carries the series forward. A few years ago, Helentjaris learned a one-time rodeo star had been buried in an unmarked grave in her tiny Ohio hometown’s cemetery. She had to know more. The result is her biography of the flamboyant 20th-century star performer Lulu Bell Parr titled I Ain’t Afraid — The World of Lulu Bell Parr, Wild West Cowgirl.
In 2025, the Thomas Balch Library presented Helentjaris with the Loudoun History Award in recognition of her research, writing, and public history work. Her education includes a BA cum laude in Interdisciplinary Humanities and an MD from Michigan State University as well as a Master’s in Public Health degree from the University of Michigan. She lives with her family in charming, history-drenched Leesburg, Virginia.
Links:
Website: www.dianehelentjaris.com
Facebook: facebook.com/DianeHelentjaris/
Instagram: Instagram.com/dianehelentjaris