Sara Paretsky is a well - known name. Her V. I. Warshawski series features a tough and intelligent female detective who navigates the mean streets while also dealing with gender - based discrimination and power imbalances.
Marcia Muller is another important author. Her Sharon McCone series was among the first to feature a female private investigator. Her works often explore the female experience within the framework of detective stories, including how women deal with professional and personal challenges in a male - dominated field.
There's Joanna Russ. Her work was very influential in the development of modern feminist science fiction. Her book 'The Female Man' is a classic in this genre, exploring different versions of femininity and the female experience. Another notable author is James Tiptree Jr., who was later revealed to be a woman named Alice Sheldon. Her stories often had a unique perspective on gender and science fiction concepts. Also, Mary Shelley can be considered a precursor to modern feminist science fiction. Although she wrote 'Frankenstein' long ago, her exploration of creation, monstrosity, and the role of the creator (which can be related to the male - dominated scientific and creative fields) has influenced later feminist science fiction writers.
Octavia Butler. Her works often deal with race, gender, and power. For instance, in 'Kindred', she uses time - travel to explore the experiences of a black woman in different historical periods, touching on themes of slavery and gender roles within that context.
Octavia Butler is a very well - known author in this genre. Her works like 'Kindred' and 'Parable of the Sower' are important contributions. Another is N. K. Jemisin. While she may not be strictly a black feminist science - fiction author only, her works often incorporate elements of it. Then there is Nnedi Okorafor. Her books, such as 'Who Fears Death', are great examples of black feminist science fiction with their strong female characters and exploration of African - based cultures in a science - fictional context.
A famous one is Charlotte Perkins Gilman. Her short story 'The Yellow Wallpaper' is a classic. It shows how a woman's mental state deteriorates under the constraints of a patriarchal society. It's a powerful piece about the oppression of women's minds.
Mary Wollstonecraft is a very well - known author. Her work 'A Vindication of the Rights of Woman' was quite influential in advocating for women's rights in the 18th century.
Agatha Christie is one of the most famous. Her works like 'Murder on the Orient Express' and 'And Then There Were None' are classics from that era.
Angie Thomas is a notable author of 2017 fiction with her book 'The Hate U Give'. John Green also released 'Turtles All the Way Down' in 2017. Celeste Ng with 'Little Fires Everywhere' is another one. All of them are well - known for their unique storytelling styles and ability to engage readers with complex characters and themes.
Margaret Atwood is well - known for her feminist fiction, especially 'The Handmaid's Tale'. Her work often explores themes of female oppression and resistance. Another is Toni Morrison. Her books like 'Beloved' and 'Sula' are masterpieces that deal with the experiences of women, especially African - American women. Charlotte Bronte is also on the list with 'Jane Eyre' which has a strong female protagonist.
Some well-known historical fiction authors include Hilary Mantel and Ken Follett. Their works are highly regarded in the genre.
Notable science fiction authors include H.G. Wells, Robert A. Heinlein, and Neal Stephenson. Their books have explored various concepts and futures, inspiring both readers and other writers in the field.