Well, there's George Orwell. His works such as '1984' and 'Animal Farm' are highly regarded in modern English fiction. They are not only great works of literature but also powerful commentaries on society and politics. J. K. Rowling, although her works are more in the realm of popular fiction, has had a huge impact on modern English fiction with the 'Harry Potter' series, which has attracted readers of all ages around the world.
Virginia Woolf is an important one. Her works, like 'Mrs. Dalloway', are known for their stream - of - consciousness narrative technique. Another is James Joyce, with 'Ulysses' being a landmark in modern English fiction. D. H. Lawrence also made significant contributions, often exploring themes of human relationships and sexuality in his works.