John Ehle (1925–2018) was an influential American novelist and screenwriter, often referred to as "the father of Appalachian literature." Born in Asheville, North Carolina, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II before pursuing studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ehle's works, such as The Land Breakers (1964) and The Winter People (1982), vividly depict life in the Appalachian Mountains, blending historical fiction with rich storytelling.

He authored 17 books, including both fiction and non-fiction, and two of his novels were adapted into films: The Winter People and The Journey of August King. Beyond his literary contributions, Ehle was deeply involved in social and educational initiatives in North Carolina, including the creation of the North Carolina Fund to combat poverty. He was married to British actress Rosemary Harris, and their daughter is actress Jennifer Ehle.