Hegarty is well known for her non-fiction novels that document her personal history as one of the Stolen Generations. Her first book, ''Is That You, Ruthie?'', is based on her experiences in the Cherbourg Aboriginal Mission where she lived until the age of 14. Her second novel, ''Bittersweet Journey'' is the story of her early married life, her dealings with the Native Affairs Department, and her work in community politics and Indigenous organisations.
