Hello Fred,

Like the others, I hope you'll find this site essential to the healthy flowing of your blood (on occasion, in more ways than one!)

As for the internet, consider this: Jim Wayne Miller was born October 21, 1936, in Leicester, North Carolina, and died August 18, 1996. He was born to James Woodrow Miller (deceased) and Edith (Smith) Miller. In 1958, Miller married Mary Ellen Yates. Their three children are James Yates, Fred Smith, and Ruth Ratcliff. Throughout his life, Miller was a poet, novelist, essayist, teacher, editor, and translator of books from German (Contemporary 290).

With the recent passing of Miller, the Appalachian literary world has lost one of the most important figures in its history. In addition to writing many poems, novels, and essays, Miller worked with many writers, both young and established. And Miller not only translated works for such poets as Emil Lerperger, he also edited and introduced books by Appalachian writers Jesse Stuart, Cratis Williams, and James Still (Brosi 51-54). According to eminent Southern-Appalachian writer Fred Chappell, "if it were not for Miller, the Appal lit movement might have foundered before it got started" (Leidig 1).

A proud heritage, indeed.