Who are some well - known authors of short contemporary fiction?

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 contemporary fiction author is Haruki Murakami. His works, like 'Norwegian Wood' and 'Kafka on the Shore', are known for their dreamy and surreal elements. Another is Margaret Atwood. Her novels such as 'The Handmaid's Tale' are very popular and often deal with feminist and dystopian themes. J.K. Rowling is also a significant figure, mainly known for the 'Harry Potter' series which has a huge global following.

There are many great authors of contemporary short stories. George Saunders is one of them. His works are often filled with dark humor and satirical takes on modern society. He uses his stories to comment on issues like consumerism and the dehumanizing effects of technology. Lorrie Moore is known for her witty and incisive short stories that often explore themes of love, loss, and the female experience. And then there's Tobias Wolff, whose stories are known for their exploration of moral and psychological landscapes, often set in the context of modern American life.

Jonathan Safran Foer is also prominent. His works, such as 'Everything Is Illuminated', use unique narrative styles to explore his own Jewish identity as well as broader themes related to family, history, and the human condition in the context of the Jewish experience.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nicholas Sparks is a well - known author in contemporary adult fiction. He is famous for his romantic stories that tug at the heartstrings. John Green is also very popular. His novels often deal with the coming - of - age experiences of young adults in a very relatable way. Then there's Danielle Steel. She has written numerous books that typically focus on love, family, and the challenges faced by women in different situations.

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.