Richard Dillard

Richard Henry Wilde Dillard, born on October 11, 1937, in Roanoke, Virginia, is a prominent American poet, author, critic, and translator. Renowned primarily for his poetry, Dillard has also made significant contributions to fiction and critical essays. Notably, he co-wrote the screenplay for the cult classic film "Frankenstein Meets the Space Monster."

Dillard pursued his education at Roanoke College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree, followed by a Master of Arts in 1959 and a Ph.D. in 1965 from the University of Virginia, where he was honored as both a Woodrow Wilson and a DuPont Fellow. Since 1964, he has been a vital part of Hollins University, teaching courses in creative writing, literature, and film studies. He has served as the editor of the Hollins Critic since 1996 and held the position of vice president of the Film Journal from 1973 to 1980.

His literary achievements have garnered him numerous awards, including the Academy of American Poets Prize, the O. B. Hardison, Jr. Poetry Prize, and the Hanes Award for Poetry. In 2007, he received the George Garrett Award for Service to Contemporary Literature from the Association of Writers & Writing Programs. Dillard's influence extends to many contemporary writers, including his former wives, Annie Dillard and Cathryn Hankla, as well as notable figures like Henry S. Taylor, Lee Smith, and Jill McCorkle, among others.