Some of the best contemporary authors in fiction include Haruki Murakami. His works often blend elements of the surreal with the ordinary, like in 'Norwegian Wood'. Another is Margaret Atwood. Her novels, such as 'The Handmaid's Tale', are not only engaging stories but also important commentaries on society.
Guillermo del Toro is quite notable. His works often blend gothic elements with horror and the fantastical. For instance, his movie 'Crimson Peak' has a strong gothic undercurrent with its spooky mansion and family secrets.
In contemporary fiction, there are some great best - selling authors. Danielle Steel has written numerous novels that have been widely read. James Patterson is a prolific author with many best - sellers. His books often feature fast - paced plots. Also, Suzanne Collins, with her 'The Hunger Games' trilogy, has reached a massive audience.
Jeff VanderMeer is a name in contemporary science fiction. His 'Southern Reach' trilogy is full of strange and otherworldly concepts. Cory Doctorow is also famous. He writes about digital rights and how technology impacts society in works like 'Little Brother'. And of course, there's Octavia Butler, who was a pioneer in exploring themes of race, gender, and power in science fiction with works like 'Kindred' and 'Parable of the Sower'.
Octavia E. Butler is another important figure. Her works, like 'Kindred', often blend science fiction elements with issues of race, gender, and power. She has a unique ability to make readers think about these social issues through the lens of science fiction.
Arundhati Roy is a great one. Her writing in 'The God of Small Things' is not only about a story but also a deep exploration of society. She has a unique way of presenting the complex relationships and cultural aspects of India.
One of the top authors is Ocean Vuong. His work often touches on queer experiences in a very lyrical and moving way. His poetry and prose blend together to create a unique voice in contemporary literature.
Well, authors like Stephen King, with his horror and suspense-filled novels, and Haruki Murakami, known for his unique and magical-realism style, are significant in contemporary fiction. Besides, Zadie Smith has made a mark with her contemporary social commentaries in her writings.
Ken Liu is highly regarded. He has a knack for weaving complex cultural elements into his science fiction short stories. His works often bridge different cultures and time periods, creating a rich tapestry of ideas. His translations of Chinese science fiction also contribute to the diversity of contemporary science fiction short stories.