Top Ten Tuesday: Authors You Wish Were Still Writing Today

By Zara R.

When it comes to authors I wish were still writing today, in my opinion, it is a bit of a somber topic. Many authors on this list have sadly passed away, leaving behind an irreplaceable impact with their works. While it is sad to discuss, I believe it’s important to honor their contributions and reflect on their impact that has inspired writers and readers alike. Their stories continue to inspire and shape some of our favorite genres as we know it, showing us that their voices are still relevant today and in the future.

1.JRR Tolkien- 

The Lord of the Rings trilogy is considered one of the most important works of literature. It didn’t just tell a wonderful story, It helped create the modern genre of fantasy as we know it. It’s hard to find any fantasy book since the 1950s that has not shown a hint of inspiration from JRR Tolkien's work. Tolkien's fantasy world has captured millions of readers' interest, myself included. Whenever I'm getting burned out of the fantasy genre, I read a little snippet of The Hobbit and it reignites my joy for the genre once again! That’s why I believe Tolkien belongs on this list, his stories are timeless and leave you wishing there were more stories of Middle Earth to discover.

2.Agatha Christie -

When I think of the genre of crime thriller, one author instantly comes to my mind: Agatha Christie. Her stories always have me on the edge of my seat waiting for more, and I always find myself shocked by the plot twist. Christie defined the “Golden Age” of detective fiction in the 1920s. She is a best-selling author of all time with her books, behind only the Bible and Shakespeare. Her novels are fast-paced, use brilliant misdirection, and are iconic. Christie's novels will always hold a place in my heart.

3.George Orwell- “Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past"- George Orwell. When it comes to authors I wish were still writing, Orwell instantly comes to my mind. Through works such as 1984 and Animal Farm, Orwell was able to create unique dystopian worlds that go far beyond fiction. They force the reader to think more deeply and consider perspectives they may have never seen. His ability to turn complex political ideas into deeply engaging and unsettling stories make his works feel deeply relevant to today. Orwell did not just write stories, he started conversations for future generations, which makes me wonder what he would say in his writing about the world today.

4. Frank Herbert- I recently discovered my love for science fiction through books such as Scythe by Neal Shusterman and The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer, which eventually led me to discover Frank Herbert's works. Best known today for his novel Dune, Herbert created the modern day foundation for science fiction. Herbert's novels focus on complex ecological, political, and philosophical themes over technology, which created the modern boundaries for the genre of science fiction today, similar to JRR Tolkien with fantasy. Herbert’s expansive universe filled with intricate societies and interstellar conflicts, has had a lasting effect on readers, even inspiring works like Star Wars. With the new Dune: Messiah movie coming out this year, Herbert's legacy continues to shape and inspire the genre of sci-fi.

5. Stephen Chbosky- When it comes to authors who understand the struggles of teenage life, Stephen Chbosky stands out for his relatable and honest storytelling. His most well known work is The Perks of Being a Wallflower, which is a coming of age story that explores the challenges of navigating through high school. Today Chbosky is most recognized for his work as a screenwriter and director, but his impact as a writer still resonates with many readers.

6. S.E. Hinton- If you have graduated from your career as a middle school student, you have likely heard the phrase “Stay gold, Ponyboy”. The Outsiders is a classic coming-of-age novel that explores themes of brotherhood, loyalty, loss, and social injustice. For many 7th and 8th graders, it’s one of the first books that proves reading could be more than a boring school assignment. It can be engaging, emotional, and can make readers understand the world in a new light. Her ability to capture the struggles of being young in such a relatable way has left a lasting impact on hundreds of readers. Today, S.E. Hinton has moved away from the genre of young adult novels, and used her talents in screen writing and children's picture books. Still, I will admit that I am disappointed that I will never hear such a great coming of age story like The Outsiders from S.E. Hinton again.

7.Jerome David Salinger- J.D. Salinger's works helped revolutionize post-WWII literature by bringing attention to the youth angst and the challenges of growing up. In The Catcher and the Rye, the protagonist becomes a lasting voice of teenage rebellion and the difficult transition to adulthood. Beyond his most famous novels, Salinger also published several short stories in The New Yorker, many of which focused on psychological realism and personal struggles that changed American fiction forever. His writing showed the struggle to remain true to oneself in a world that often feels superficial, a theme that continues to stay prevalent throughout generations.

8. Roald Dahl- I remember watching what felt like the most traumatizing movie known to mankind, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), which shaped my opinion of this story for nearly a decade. When I finally read this novel in 4th grade I was shocked to find that it wasn't that bad at all, it was fun! Roald Dahl is one of the most famous children's authors of all time, known for his beloved works such as Matilda, The BGF, and Fantastic Mr. Fox. His stories often focus on empowering children and highlighting their ability to overcome hardships and unjust adult authority while staying true to themselves. Although Dahl’s novels have received criticism for their darker themes and rebellious nature, that's what makes them so important in my opinion. His books remind young readers that they are capable, creative, and strong - qualities that resonate with you far past childhood.

9.Judy Blume- Judy Blume’s radical honesty helped change children's and young adult literature forever. She has written stories that are relatable and show real and difficult experiences of childhood. Her novel Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret, is especially groundbreaking for normalizing the anxieties, questions, and changes that come with adolescence. While she is now enjoying her life in retirement, her stories continue to normalize difficult childhood struggles and remind readers that they are not alone in their experiences.

10.Lewis Carroll- Wonderland is a world of nonsensical magic, mystery, and madness. Lewis Carroll's works depict what it is like to be a child; it embodies the wonderful nature and creativity of being young. His novel of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland has remained prevalent even with over one hundred years since the original date of publication, with over fifty film and television adaptations and more to come, Carrol’s work has inspired many generations to embrace their childlike behavior and creativity.