Who are some well - known contemporary fiction authors?

Toni Morrison is a very well - known author in contemporary black fiction. Her works like 'Beloved' are highly regarded. Another is Ta - Nehisi Coates, who has written powerful books exploring race and identity.

George Saunders is a popular figure in contemporary short fiction. His stories are known for their unique blend of humor and poignant social commentary. He often uses surreal elements to tell stories about modern - day America.

One well - known author is J.K. Rowling. Her 'Harry Potter' series, while having elements of fantasy, is also set in a contemporary Western - like world and has had a huge impact on modern literature. Another is Stephen King. He is famous for his horror and suspense novels that often deal with contemporary fears and issues in a Western context.

One well - known author is Lee Child. His Jack Reacher series has elements of pulp fiction with its action - packed plots and a tough, lone hero.

John Updike is a well - known one. His works often explore the lives of ordinary Americans, their relationships, and their place in society. Another is Ian McEwan. His novels like 'Atonement' are known for their detailed characterizations and exploration of complex emotions within a real - world setting.

Kazuo Ishiguro is also a significant figure in new contemporary fiction. His novels, like 'Never Let Me Go', blend elements of science fiction with deep - seated human emotions and moral questions. His writing style is often understated yet powerful, drawing readers into his unique fictional worlds.

Tim O'Brien is a well - known author of contemporary war fiction. His work 'The Things They Carried' is highly regarded. It gives a very personal and in - depth look at the experiences of soldiers in the Vietnam War. Another is Sebastian Junger, who has written about modern warfare. His books often focus on the experiences of soldiers in combat zones and the bonds that form between them.

Raymond Carver is quite famous. His short stories are known for their minimalistic style and exploration of ordinary people's lives. Another is Jhumpa Lahiri. Her works often deal with themes of cultural identity and the immigrant experience in a contemporary context.

Anne Rice is a well - known author in this genre. She's famous for her Vampire Chronicles series which blend elements of gothic horror with richly detailed characters and settings. Another one is Stephen King. While he writes in various genres, many of his works, such as 'Salem's Lot, have strong gothic elements, like the spooky small - town setting and the presence of the undead.

Margaret Atwood is a well - known author. Her works like 'The Handmaid's Tale' are very influential in contemporary feminist fiction. It shows a dystopian world where women are severely oppressed, which makes a strong statement about women's rights. Another is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Her books often explore the experiences of women in Nigerian society and also touch on broader feminist issues.