Helen Hoover Santmyer was a literary fiction author, born in 1895 in Xenia, Ohio. She is best known for her debut novel, "...And Ladies of the Club." Raised by a father who initially pursued medical studies before turning to business, Santmyer's dream of becoming an author took shape when she was just a ten-year-old child, keeping a diary to jot down her thoughts and musings. Her passion for writing was inspired by her grandfathers, both of whom served on the Union side during the Civil War.
During her teenage years, Santmyer attended Wellesley College, where she began publishing her poetry. Her writing was influenced by "A Book of Princeton Verse," a collection of poems written by Princeton students over the years. By 1917, Santmyer's work appeared in "The Wellesley College Magazine." After her graduation, she embarked on a career that included working as an English professor, a dean of women, and a librarian.
At the age of 87, Santmyer's novel "And Ladies of the Club" was published as a Book of the Month, which brought her much-deserved recognition and success. She continued her literary pursuits until her passing in February 1986, at the age of 90. In 1996, Santmyer was posthumously inducted into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame, honoring her significant contributions to literature and her impact on society. Her life and work continue to inspire aspiring authors and serve as a testament to the power of perseverance and the timeless beauty of storytelling.