There's also Andy Weir. He became famous with 'The Martian', a story about an astronaut stranded on Mars. His work is known for its scientific accuracy. And then there's N. K. Jemisin. She has won multiple Hugo Awards for her novels that often deal with complex social and environmental themes within a sci - fi setting.
Neal Stephenson. He wrote 'Snow Crash' which is a classic in modern sci - fi, exploring a future where the metaverse exists. Another is Margaret Atwood. Her 'MaddAddam' trilogy is very well - known, dealing with genetic engineering and a post - apocalyptic world.
John Scalzi was popular in 2017 with his sci - fi novel 'The Collapsing Empire'. He's known for creating engaging and complex science - fiction universes. Another popular author was Andy Weir. His 'Artemis' attracted a lot of readers with its story set on the moon.
One common theme is artificial intelligence. It often explores how AI can impact society, like in jobs or ethics. Another is space exploration, with stories about colonizing other planets. And cyberpunk themes, such as a high - tech but dystopian future where corporations have too much power.
Cixin Liu has also made a name for himself with his unique take on science fiction in short story form. His ideas are often large - scale and imaginative. Also, N. K. Jemisin has written some excellent short stories that explore different aspects of society in a science - fictional context. These authors are among the leading voices in new sci fi short story writing today.
H.G. Wells is the author of 'The War of the Worlds', which is a very well - known and great sci - fi story. Another is Ray Bradbury who wrote 'Fahrenheit 451'. And Frank Herbert is the mind behind 'Dune'.
Nalini Singh is quite popular. She writes sci - fi romance novels with great world - building and strong, passionate relationships between her characters. Another is Gini Koch. Her books often feature alien heroes and heroines in fun and exciting romances. And Jayne Castle, whose works blend science - fiction settings like a world with unique psychic abilities and steamy romances.
One reason present - tense sci - fi novels are popular is that they can enhance the emotional connection between the reader and the characters. Since the events are described as if they are currently happening, the reader can more easily empathize with the characters' joys, fears, and struggles. For instance, in a story about a character's fight against an alien invasion, the present - tense narration makes the reader feel the same urgency as the character. Additionally, present - tense writing can give a fresh and modern feel to the often complex and far - out concepts in sci - fi, making them more accessible to a wider audience.
J.K. Rowling is famous for the 'Harry Potter' series, which combines elements of magic and fantasy. Isaac Asimov is well - known in the sci - fi world. He wrote many stories, like the 'Foundation' series, which deals with concepts like psychohistory. And then there's Ursula K. Le Guin. Her works such as 'The Left Hand of Darkness' explore different cultures and genders in science - fiction settings.
Ray Bradbury was a very popular author in the 1950s. His works like 'Fahrenheit 451' are well - known. It was a dystopian novel that explored a future where books were banned. Another was Isaac Asimov. He wrote many science fiction stories during this time. His 'Foundation' series was quite influential, dealing with concepts like psychohistory and the rise and fall of galactic empires. And then there was Robert A. Heinlein. His novels, such as 'Stranger in a Strange Land', often pushed the boundaries of social and scientific ideas in the sci - fi genre.
Ann Aguirre is a very popular author in this genre. Her 'Grimspace' series is well - known for its blend of science fiction elements like space travel and different alien species with a romantic relationship between the main characters. Her writing is engaging and she creates vivid worlds.
One popular author is Laura Purcell. Her works often have a gothic feel with a touch of mystery.