Who are some well - known authors of great contemparary fiction?

J.R.R. Tolkien is one. His 'The Lord of the Rings' series is a classic of speculative fiction with its richly imagined Middle - earth. Another is Isaac Asimov, known for his Foundation series which explores the future of humanity on a galactic scale. And H.G. Wells, who wrote 'The War of the Worlds' which was ahead of its time in terms of imagining an alien invasion.

Arthur Conan Doyle is another famous name. His Sherlock Holmes stories are classic crime fictions. The deductive reasoning of Holmes and the complex cases he solves are what make these stories so great.

Toni Morrison is one. Her works often touch on the African - American experience of migration and the struggles associated with it. Another is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. She writes about the Nigerian experience of migration in some of her works.

Dan Brown is a well - known author of thriller fiction. His 'Da Vinci Code' was extremely popular. It combines historical facts with a fast - paced thriller plot that involves mystery and conspiracy, taking readers on a wild ride through different locations and historical secrets.

China Miéville is a well - known author in steampunk fiction. His works often blend steampunk elements with unique and sometimes grotesque world - building. Another is William Gibson, who co - wrote 'The Difference Engine' which is a significant steampunk work. Scott Westerfeld also stands out with his 'Leviathan' series.

Stephen King is a very well - known author of great horror fiction. He has written numerous best - selling horror novels like 'Carrie', 'Misery', and 'Salem's Lot'. Another is Bram Stoker, who gave us 'Dracula'. His work has influenced countless horror stories and movies. And Mary Shelley, the author of 'Frankenstein', is also a pioneer in horror fiction. Her exploration of scientific hubris and the horror of the created monster was revolutionary.

James Joyce is one of them. His work 'Ulysses' is a masterpiece of modern literary fiction. It is complex and full of allusions. Another is Virginia Woolf. Her novels like 'Mrs. Dalloway' are known for their stream - of - consciousness writing and deep exploration of the female psyche. Ernest Hemingway is also well - known. His spare writing style in works such as 'The Old Man and the Sea' makes his stories powerful and impactful.

Nathaniel Hawthorne. His short stories in American literature are remarkable. He delved into themes of sin, guilt, and redemption. His use of symbolism, like the scarlet letter in the story of the same name, is very effective in conveying deeper meanings.

John Steinbeck is a prominent figure. His works like 'Of Mice and Men' also captured the essence of the Great Depression. Richard Wright is another important author. His books dealt with the experiences of African - Americans during this era, highlighting the racial and economic struggles they faced. Also, James T. Farrell wrote about urban life during the Depression, showing the hardships in the cities.

Margaret Atwood is quite well - known. Her works like 'The Handmaid's Tale' have science - fictional elements that are relevant to modern society. Neal Stephenson is another. He has written books like 'Snow Crash' which are very influential in modern science fiction. And of course, Isaac Asimov's works, though he started earlier, still have a huge impact on modern science fiction concepts.