"Miriam" is a short story written by Truman Capote

Truman Capote

Truman Streckfus Persons , known as Truman Capote , was an American author, many of whose short stories, novels, plays, and nonfiction are recognized literary classics, including the novella Breakfast at Tiffany's and the true crime novel In Cold Blood , which he labeled a "nonfiction novel." At...

. It was originally published in the June 1945 issue of Mademoiselle

Mademoiselle (magazine)

Mademoiselle was an influential women's magazine first published in 1935 by Street and Smith and later acquired by Condé Nast Publications....

. "Miriam" is notable because it is one of Capote's first published short stories; in 1946 it earned an O. Henry Award

O. Henry Award

The O. Henry Award is the only yearly award given to short stories of exceptional merit. The award is named after the American master of the form, O. Henry....

 in the category Best First-Published Story.
Carson McCullers

Carson McCullers

Carson McCullers was an American writer. She wrote novels, short stories, and two plays, as well as essays and some poetry. Her first novel The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter explores the spiritual isolation of misfits and outcasts of the South...

' sister, Rita Smith, who worked as an editor's assistant at Madmoiselle recommended Capote's story "Miriam." She assisted George Davis, who gave Truman his first start in being published.
"Miriam" is about a 61-year-old widow named Mrs.