Author Diane Helentjaris Wins PenCraft Award for Historical Fiction

Author Diane Helentjaris has received the 2026 PenCraft Summer Seasonal Competition award in the category of historical fiction. The recognition honors her novel, The Indenture of Ivy O’Neill, which explores the challenges of life in colonial America. This win marks the second major literary distinction for the book following its success in the 2024 Maryland Writers’ Association Novel Competition. The announcement was made public on August 10, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. Helentjaris expressed her gratitude to her editorial team and the Hellenic Writers’ Group of Washington, DC, for their ongoing support. She also noted the importance of book clubs that have helped share the story with a wider audience. The novel is published by Alkira Publishing, formerly known as AIA Publishing. The narrative follows the life of Ivy O’Neill as she navigates the complexities of the colonial era. Readers have responded positively to the historical detail and character development presented in the work. The author is now preparing for the next phase of her literary project. On August 28, 2026, Alkira Publishing will release the second installment of the series, titled Ivy in America. This sequel continues the story of Ivy as she raises a family in colonial Maryland. The new book introduces further obstacles for the protagonist, including pirate raids and religious tensions. These external pressures threaten the stability of the life she has worked to build. The series aims to provide a grounded look at the hardships faced by individuals during this period of history. As the release date approaches, interest in the series continues to grow among historical fiction enthusiasts.