Just Willa with Helen Sheehy

For Helen Sheehy, women's stories are often overlooked—especially those of ordinary women. Yet, it’s often these women who lead the most extraordinary lives.

Just Willa is a novel inspired by Helen’s own mother. After three years of research and a return to her hometown, Helen pieced together her mother’s story through the memories of the Oklahomans who stayed behind. Spanning seven decades, this powerful novel follows a woman of indomitable spirit who anchors her family with unwavering love, quiet strength, and fearless bravery.

It’s a heartfelt story of resilience that reminds us of the beauty that can be found—even in life’s hardest moments.

Tune in to our conversation now!

About the Author

HELEN SHEEHY grew up on tenant farms in Oklahoma and Kansas. She’s worked as a dramaturg, written a theatre textbook, and authored biographies of three theatre pioneers: Margo: The Life and Theatre of Margo Jones (Southern Methodist University Press, 1989), Eva Le Gallienne: A Biography (Knopf, 1996), and Eleonora Duse: A Biography (Knopf, 2003). The latter two books were named New York Times notable books of the year. Sheehy taught theatre and acting at Southern Connecticut State University for more than two decades. After spending years writing non-fiction, she has turned to her earliest love, telling stories. She lives in Hamden, Connecticut. Just Willa is her first novel.