Conan O'Brien

Conan O’Brien has been a major force in the comedy world for the past 30-plus years, from his time as a writer on The Simpsons to his late-night talk shows to being tapped as the host of the 2025 Academy Awards, but it all nearly ended in abject failure just as it was getting going.In 1994, O'Brien left his job on The Simpsons to take over hosting duties of Late Night on NBC, a dream gig for the comedy writer and performer. Almost immediately, however, things started going south, with O'Brien saying the network made it clear he “probably wouldn't be around for very long.”&nbsp;That changed when David Letterman asked to appear on the show. O'Brien said of the appearance: “When I was a 30-year-old national punch line, Dave …&nbsp;completely rescued me.”For more on O'Brien's long history with Letterman and other tales from the comedian's lengthy career, check out the list below.

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Conan O'Brien's Career Was Almost Over Until This Famous Guest Star Came Along

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10 Things You Didn't Know About Conan O'Brien That Make Him Even More Legendary

Amelia Brooks

Lists about novelists, poets, short story authors, journalists, essayists, and playwrights, from simple rankings to fun facts about the men and women behind the pens.

People Who Write

Unscripted

Throughout literary history, controversial writers have pushed boundaries, challenged societal norms, and sparked debates. Their works are sometimes banned, frequently misunderstood, and invariably discussed for years to come. From crafting novels that make waves to penning thought-provoking essays that question the status quo, these writers have cemented themselves as essential voices. They often act as societal mirrors, reflecting the darker or uncomfortable aspects of human nature. By delving into their works, readers not only experience powerful storytelling but also engage with complex themes that question morality, politics, and human behavior.

Examining the realm of provocative authors reveals a landscape of varied genres, styles, and themes. These writers penned works that marked literature and influenced numerous other artists. A reader can expect anything from philosophical treatises questioning the fabric of society to erotic narratives exploring human desire. These controversial authors wrote during different eras and cultural contexts, touching on universal human experiences, creating fertile ground for deeper understanding.

Consider some examples of these writers. Marquis de Sade, for instance, shocked 18th-century France with his explicit and often brutal descriptions of human desire. His name alone conjures images of scandal and rebellion against societal norms. Moving into the 20th century, Vladimir Nabokov&#39;s Lolita depicted the perverse obsession of an older man with a very young girl, a tale as unsettling as it is beautifully written. Then there&#39;s Karl Marx, whose potent political writings like The Communist Manifesto have ignited revolutions and debates, challenging the capitalist structures of the modern world. The authors of these controversial novels are just a fragment of those who&#39;ve left legacies in the literary world.

These works continue to push the envelope, inspiring new generations to question, critique, and rethink conventional wisdom. Their ability to provoke ensures that their works remain relevant and powerful, provoking endless discussions and deeper reflections. Their significance in literature isn&#39;t just about the stories told, but about the dialogues they ignite across cultures and eras. By engaging with these controversial writers, readers venture into a world where literature becomes a catalyst for transformation and understanding.

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The Most Controversial Writers of All Time

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The 50 Most Controversial Writers of All Time, Ranked

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They pillage and plunder; they rifle and loot. Drink up, ye 'earties. Yo ho!

A Pirate's Life for Me

Language

The seafaring criminals known as pirates have existed for thousands of years. But because of the portrayals found in literature -&nbsp;or seen in films, TV shows, or on stage -&nbsp;much of what the general public thinks about pirates is likely&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/historically-inaccurate-pirate-tropes/genevieve-carlton" target="_blank">historically inaccurate</a>.&nbsp;

Take&nbsp;for instance&nbsp;the pirate accent. Many believe the origin of the stereotypical pirate language&nbsp;is Robert Newton&#39;s portrayal of the fictional pirate Long John Silver in the 1950 film&nbsp;Treasure Island. Since both Robert Louis Stevenson&#39;s character and Newton himself were from the West Country region of England, the actor decided it would make sense to use&nbsp;an exaggerated version of <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/til-accent-dialect-facts/tracey-graham" target="_blank">his natural accent</a> in his portrayal. And in the 70-plus years since then, a variation of Newton&#39;s accent has been used in many portrayals of pirates.

But while there were real-life pirates who came from England&#39;s West Country, there were also ones who came from other parts of the world, including non-English-speaking nations. Not to mention they didn&#39;t all come from the same societal class, nor did they all have the same level of education. So it&#39;s likely real-life pirates&#39; accents and way of speaking was far broader in scope than the portrayals in literature and the performing arts tend to suggest.

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Johnny Cash, the Man in Black, is best known for his hit music, his anti-authoritarian demeanor, and&nbsp;the fact that he’s the one country singer people like, even if they say they hate country. Cash was born in Kingsland, Arkansas, on February 26th, 1932. His parents, Ray and Carrie, owned a cotton farm, and young “J.R.” was soon working the fields along with his seven siblings.However, the simple life could not contain young Johnny, who joined the Air Force before embarking on a musical career that would see him&nbsp;and his baritone voice redefine an entire musical genre.Johnny Cash’s story became widely known with the 2005 biopic Walk the Line, which starred Joaquin Phoenix as Cash and garnered five Academy Award nominations. The film took its title from one of Cash’s most notable songs, but far from his only hit. “Ring of Fire,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and “Boy Named Sue,” are among his many other highlights from a five decade career. Also, Walk the Line left out some pretty insane trivia about the life of Johnny Cash. For a more fascinating biography of the beloved and infamous country singer, read on.&nbsp;

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Lists of fascinating facts and surprising trivia about the rich and complicated lives of some of history's most creative wordsmiths.

The Life of a Writer

Shel Silverstein

Many children grew up reading Shel&nbsp;Silverstein's poetry, but stories about the poet's darker side&nbsp;depict him in a completely different light. Silverstein, beloved by many for his whimsical children's books and quirky poems, wasn't always the friendly-faced literary icon we imagine. In fact, his life is filled with tales that might surprise his younger audience and shed a different light on the author. We're exploring the darkest and most controversial stories about Shel Silverstein, delving into the side of Silverstein that adds complexity to his legendary status.Before Silverstein was weaving fanciful tales for kids, he was gaining attention at an unlikely venue: Playboy. That's right, he got his big break as a cartoonist for the magazine, a gig that showcased his edgy and adult-themed work. And although he became famous for his children's books, Silverstein reportedly 'hated' the genre, feeling constrained by its limitations. Add to that a cartoon he penned during his time in the military, which nearly got him court-martialed, and you've got a portrait of an artist who thrived on pushing boundaries.These stories merely scratch the surface of Silverstein’s fascinating and sometimes shadowy life. Intrigued by this other side of the man behind The Giving Tree? We've uncovered more dark Shel Silverstein stories and controversies that promise to captivate and challenge your perception of this enigmatic literary figure.

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Shel Silverstein Has Pretty Much Lived The Most Kid-Unfriendly Life Imaginable

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Erin McCann

Lists for fans who have already read every book, seen every movie, and then read / watched each of them all several more times.

Going Deep in Harry Potter

J. K. Rowling

It&rsquo;s been decades since the world was introduced to Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, the author who created his magical world. Since the conclusion of the book series, Rowling has had time to ponder that world and offer some new insights about her Harry Potter characters and storylines. What tidbits and cold hard truths has J.K. Rowling revealed since the final book was released? What&#39;s going on over at Pottermore? What should you know about Potter and all his pals that wasn&#39;t in the books?

Rowling has revealed a range of Potter details for fans to devour. On her website, Pottermore, Rowling continues to share Potter trivia, post-series information, and character backstories with a tidal wave of dissection at every single reveal. If you haven&#39;t checked it out, Pottermore is an amazing resource.&nbsp;

And while ending the Harry Potter series was sad, it was also a bit of a relief for Rowling. &quot;It was this amazing cathartic moment... the end of 17 years&#39; work,&quot; Rowling said. But with Pottermore, a 2016 Harry Potter play, and constant, rabid response to the world she created, Rowling will never abandon Harry. &ldquo;He will always be a presence in my life, really.&quot;&nbsp;

Rowling has said she may eventually reveal more details in a Harry Potter encyclopedia, but even then, it will never be enough to satisfy the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/hardcore-hip-hop-bands-and-musicians/reference?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword" target="_blank">most fervent</a>&nbsp;fans. &quot;I&#39;m dealing with a level of obsession in some of my fans that will not rest until they know the middle names of Harry&#39;s great-great-grandparents,&quot; she said.&nbsp;But the author is just fine with the outpouring of devotion for all things Harry Potter. &quot;I love it,&quot; she said. &quot;I&#39;m all for that.&quot;

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Mark Twain

Samuel Langhorne Clemens, who went by the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/facts-about-mark-twain/lisa-a-flowers" target="_blank">pen name Mark Twain</a>,&nbsp;was a renowned American writer and humorist. His&nbsp;literary classics include&nbsp;The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. But Twain had a little-known affection for young women and considered himself a &quot;collector&quot; of preteen and teenage girls.&nbsp;Beginning in 1908, Twain established the Aquarium Club, a members-only organization consisting of himself and 13 girls all below the age&nbsp;of 16. He called them his &quot;angelfish,&quot; and he&nbsp;enjoyed&nbsp;visiting&nbsp;and exchanging&nbsp;letters with them.&nbsp;Twain even dedicated a room in his Connecticut house to the club. Although Twain defended the club's innocence, his love of young girls raised some red flags among his family and community.

Mark Twain Had A Seeming Obsession With Young Girls That Would Land A Modern Figure In Hot Water

Mark Twain Had A Shocking Obsession With Young Girls That Would Land Any Modern Public Figure In Hot Water

Rob Chirico

Literature

These are the best living authors and novelists currently, according to Rankers and bibliophiles. If you’re looking for a book to read for a rainy day, you can’t go wrong by choosing a novel or short story written by someone on this list. After all, the greatest novelists alive consistently get onto bestseller lists and book club recommendation lists. But amongst all these writers currently alive, who are the best?If you love reading, then vote for your favorite living authors and novelists below. They hail for a wide range of genres and literary styles, from playwrights to novelists. You’ll find your favorite <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/greatest-science-fiction-authors-v1?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">science fiction writers</a> as well as great dramatic novelists. Everyone on the list and everyone that you vote for must currently be alive. We all know that there are plenty of great writers that have left us, but this list is about the ones we still get to cherish.Don’t see a great living author listed? Then add him or her so that others may vote and discover some excellent novels. If you’re curious where your favorite novelist currently alive is ranked, use the search box at the top of the list. Otherwise, get your votes on, book worms. Vote for who you think is the best living author (or <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/best-living-writers/ranker-books?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">best living authors</a>) right now!

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There's something profoundly compelling about delving into the firsthand accounts of individuals who've shaped our world. The best autobiographies ever written afford us a unique glimpse into the minds and hearts of those who've lived extraordinary lives. Through their words, we're invited to experience their joys, sorrows, triumphs, and failures, bridging the gap between history and humanity in the most intimate way possible.Among the countless stories that have been shared, The Diary of A Young Girl by Anne Frank and Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela stand out as monumental. Anne Frank's diary offers a heart-wrenching perspective of life during the Holocaust that's both deeply personal and universally resonant. On the other hand, Mandela's autobiography tells a tale of resilience and dedication to justice that inspired a nation and the world. These works not only chronicle significant historical events but also serve as testaments to the indomitable spirit of their authors.Compiling a list of the best autobiographies of all time was a labor of love for a group of book enthusiasts, passionate about bringing remarkable narratives to the forefront. After careful consideration, these selections were then presented to readers, who cast their votes, ensuring that the final list is reflective of stories that resonate deeply and inspire continuously. Cast your votes below to update these rankings.

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Dr. Seuss

Known to the world as <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/dr-seuss-facts/tamar-altebarmakian">Dr. Seuss</a>, Theodor Seuss Geisel was born in Springfield, MA, on March 2, 1904. His first book,&nbsp;And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, made its debut in 1937, and he would continue to publish classics for several decades thereafter.&nbsp;Under their cartoonish and fantastical veneer, Dr. Seuss's stories seem to have a deeper or darker meaning -&nbsp;a quality&nbsp;that&nbsp;also appears to be true of his personal life. While there's no denying the author's enormous contribution to children's literature, some of his private and public actions may leave you disturbed.

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U.S. Presidents

History

Presidential “lasts” are a surprising look at the lives of US presidents and the time during which they served. From significant presidential milestones to personal triumphs and trials, here are some unexpected presidential lasts.&nbsp;Presidents are known for being the “first” at something. The first President of the United States to have a beard was Abraham Lincoln, the first Commander-in-Chief to be impeached was Andrew Johnson, and the first US president to be seen on television was Franklin D. Roosevelt - you get the idea. But rarely do people make note of the last time a president did something.&nbsp;

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Throughout literary history, talented female authors have contributed to the vibrant tapestry of storytelling. These trailblazing women writers have captivated readers worldwide with their amazing tales that resonate with many. They've not only demonstrated their prowess as storytellers but also paved the way for future generations of woman writers.&nbsp;The best way of celebrating these remarkable female authors is to read their works. Each writer offers a unique perspective that enriches the literary world, fostering thought-provoking stories that challenge conventions and reshape our understanding of life around us. From emotional novels to nail-biting mysteries, these famous female writers demonstrate dedication to their craft.For instance, Jane Austen's classic novels, including Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, demonstrate her brilliant wit along with her deep understanding of human nature. Her stories provide insight into society's complex relationships during her time. Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights is heralded as a masterpiece in Gothic fiction that captures raw passion against an eerie backdrop. Agatha Christie was a prolific writer who wove thrilling murder mysteries like Murder on the Orient Express and And Then There Were None, keeping readers guessing till the very end. These phenomenal women represent just a fraction of accomplished female authors who have left lasting impacts on literature throughout history.&nbsp;By supporting diverse voices within literature, we help create a more inclusive environment where brilliant storytellers of any gender can share their narratives with audiences worldwide. The accomplishments of these outstanding female writers inspire others to embrace their creativity, write compelling stories, and contribute to an ever-evolving collection of human experiences.&nbsp;

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The Best Female Authors of All Time

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Over the course of his life, beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss published 60&nbsp;books, many of which hold a special place in the hearts of young and old readers alike – books like Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.&nbsp;While you may already know some interesting facts about Dr. Seuss, such as that&nbsp;his real name is Theodor Seuss Geisel, what you may not know is how he got his pen name. It might surprise you to learn that his decision to publish under the name Dr. Seuss was the result of college drinking. &nbsp;These Dr. Seuss facts will give you an in-depth look at this prolific author and leave you wondering just who is Dr. Seuss. So go forth and read this list because, in the words of the great author, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”

17 Things You Didn't Know About Dr. Seuss

17 Things You Didn't Know About Dr. Suess

Tamar Altebarmakian

Lists about the King of Horror and ranking his greatest works.

The Dark World of Stephen King

Stephen King

You know Stephen King as the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/full-list-of-masters-of-horror-episodes/reference?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">master of horror</a>, a writer whose work is synonymous with fear, and the brain&nbsp;behind chilling books like It, The Shining, and Pet Sematary - but what drives King to create such terrifying tales? Any <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/stephen-king-trivia-facts/coy-jandreau" target="_blank">Stephen King trivia</a> buff will tell you the key to his craft can be found by looking to his childhood. King&nbsp;grew up with his mother and brother -&nbsp;his father split shortly after his&nbsp;birth -&nbsp;and&nbsp;his life didn&rsquo;t get more peachy as he matured.&nbsp;

Aside from the normal hardships many single-parent families endure, King&rsquo;s young life was full of horrific events that informed many of his stories. He witnessed the passing of one of his friends&nbsp;and lived through several other harrowing events. King has said he doesn&rsquo;t believe the grim facts about his upbringing have anything to with his stories, but it&rsquo;s arguable&nbsp;his childhood formed the basis for much of his work.&nbsp;

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Lists of celebrated short fiction by author and region and curated collections you should add to your home library.

The Art of the Short Story

Culture

The literary world is brimming with talent, but when it comes to the best short story writers of all time, certain names stand out as true masters of the craft. Short stories offer readers an opportunity to experience rich narratives and complex characters within a compact format, making them both enjoyable and thought-provoking. Skilled short story writers have learned to condense profound emotions and poignant themes into limited word counts while still maintaining their narrative impact.&nbsp;The greatest short story writers penned extraordinary tales, short stories that have left indelible marks on the landscape of literature. Their brilliant storytelling techniques, distinctive writing styles, and unconventional perspectives makes these short stories truly exceptional. Readers are treated to an assortment of excellent stories that showcase the diverse range of human experiences through carefully crafted prose.&nbsp;Among these elite wordsmiths are Anton Chekhov, Jorge Luis Borges, and Guy de Maupassant. Chekhov's subtle wit and deep understanding of human nature shine through his timeless pieces such as The Lady with the Dog and The Cherry Orchard. Meanwhile, Borges' labyrinthine plots and philosophical musings in works like Ficciones captivate readers with their sheer ingenuity. Furthermore, Maupassant's keen observations in tales such as The Necklace remind us of life's unforgiving ironies. These exceptional authors represent just a fraction of the immense talent found within this list of acclaimed short story writers.&nbsp;These short stories are masterpieces treasured by generations past, present, and future. They have not only earned their place in history but continue to inspire countless others with their imaginative prowess and storytelling mastery. Undoubtedly, their enduring legacies will keep influencing the landscape of literary art for years to come.&nbsp;

Ernest Hemingway

The Best Short Story Writers of All Time

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List of the best playwrights ever that span <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/which-era-would-you-want-to-live-in/jacob-shelton?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">all time periods</a> and issues in the plays that they wrote. Well known playwrights such as William Shakespeare, Tennessee Williams, and Arthur Miller are included on this list along with more modern playwrights that have yet to have the same kind of recognition as these big names and their classic plays.A playwright writes dramatic literature or a drama and can be used as performance pieces or as closet dramas that are not performed and only read as literary works. Recognizable titles are listed with the author’s name, like “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare or “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller. You may even recognize there are some popular <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-movies-based-on-plays/ranker-film" target="_blank">movies based on plays</a> from this list.This list of the best playwrights asks the question, &quot;Who is the best playwright ever?&quot; and can be voted on by readers to change the order of who is on top. Each playwright is listed with a picture of themselves and have some of their most famous works listed next to their name to be identified easier. If you do not see a popular or your favorite playwright on the list, be sure to add them to have others be able to vote on them, as well.

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The 50+ Greatest Playwrights In History, Ranked

The 50+ Greatest Playwrights Of All Time, Ranked

Writer lists at Ranker - the ultimate source for hundreds of writer lists and rankings.

Writer lists at Ranker - the ultimate source for top 10, top 100, best of, funny, factual lists of any kind

Writer lists on Ranker

Writers lists on Ranker

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Ranking the best novels and non-fiction books of every genre.

Bibliophilia

List of the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-writers-of-all-time/ranker-books?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">best authors of all time</a> as voted on by normal, book-loving people. For this list, we will consider writers who are mainly novelists.&nbsp;Many of the people included on this list are famous authors who wrote popular books; others may not be as well-known, but are masters of their craft.&nbsp; The <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-living-writers/ranker-books?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">most popular authors</a> are ones that have somehow enriched our lives. J.D. Salinger gave us Holden Caulfield and the term &quot;phony,&quot; James Joyce introduced us to stream-of-consciousness prose and Carson McCullers immortalized the misfits and outcasts of the U.S. South in the first half of the 20th century.The best writers are ones that changed the literary landscape in some way, introduced an iconic character, experimented with form and style and captured our imagination with their language.While lists of &quot;best novelists&quot; are often attempted by individuals, they can be easily disputed because they often amount to no more than one person's opinion. Since this Ranker list is crowdsourced and open to voting, it benefits from the collective wisdom of many rather than the whims of a few.&nbsp;Feel free to vote on this list of top authors, add some that may have been left off, or ReRank this list entirely.&nbsp;

Miguel de Cervantes

The Best Novelists of All Time

Best Novelists of All Time | List of Top English Language Writers

&nbsp;There are always going be writers (and books) some folks just don't like. Books, and the skills of the people who write them, are definitely at the mercy of a person's subjective opinion. However, there are some writers most of us can pretty much agree are just not very good writers. Sure, the writers on this list have attained popularity and success (somehow), but for a lot of people that fact is one of the mysteries of the universe. This is a list of the people whose qualities as writers are hotly debated... a bad writers list consisted of poor authors, people who need to practice writing, or undeserving famous novelists.A collection of people who wrote books that may have been published and sold in large quantities... but whose talents seem questionable. They are the worst <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-writers-of-all-time/ranker-books?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">writers of all time</a>, at least according to some people. Who are the worst authors of all time? Vote for your most hated and rank them as you see fit. Make sure to add anyone you think deserves to be included on this bad authors list. Many of these writers are among the worst American authors (but this list includes writers from any country) and a few have even written some of the worst <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-books-of-all-time-_fiction_?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">novels of all time</a>.So who are the worst authors? It's up to you to decide which of these horrible writers truly is the absolute worst of all time.&nbsp;

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Ranking the best YA series and coming-of-age novels. 

Literature for Little Adults

Young Adult

Best young adult authors include some very recognizable names like C.S. Lewis and Louisa May Alcott, along with some newer authors who are becoming extremely popular among young readers and teenage bookworms (Amanda Hocking, for example). This list of young adult writers includes paranormal authors, fantasy authors, mystery authors, and more. Be sure to vote for your favorite YA authors here, and add your fave writer here if they aren&#39;t on the list!

Young adult books and teen novels are crazy hot right now. One only has to look at the enormous popularity of Stephenie Meyer&#39;s Twilight&nbsp;series or Rick Riordan&#39;s Percy Jackson&nbsp;novels to realize that YA novels are flying off of bookshelves and being devoured on Kindles, or <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-young-adult-audiobooks/ranker-books" target="_blank">listened to on audiobook</a>, all over the world.

But really, some of the best young adult writers made their mark decades ago. Authors like Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary became household names years before Suzanne Collins even thought about creating Katniss Everdeen and The Hunger Games&nbsp;or J.K. Rowling created the Harry Potter&nbsp;fantasy series. If you&#39;re looking for some classic YA fantasy writers, for example, J.R.R. Tolkien can&#39;t be beat! <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/young-adult-fiction-series/ranker-books?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">Top young adult</a> authors are emerging every day, so keep your eye out for new talent as well!

Some authors primarily wrote adult novels before they crossed over into YA books. Carl Hiaasen, for example, was already an established adult fiction writer before he penned the children&#39;s novel Hoot (and won himself a Newbery Honor Award). Many of the writers on this list are Newbery Medal literary award winners, including Neil Gaiman, Beverly Cleary and Madeleine L&#39;Engle. They are considered some of the famous young adult authors in fiction.

Who are the best young adult authors? This list will give you an idea of who the best authors for adults are. Some good authors who writes for teens include John Green, Veronica Roth, and Cassandra Clare.

Whether you&#39;re looking for the best young adult <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-fantasy-authors?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">fantasy book writers</a>, <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-young-adult-books-2019/ranker-books" target="_blank">current Young Adult releases</a>, or super-hot YA authors, this list represents some of the best talent out there when it comes to young adult writing. Enjoy, and happy reading!