Who in your opinion are the best novelists, male or female? ( Archived) (11)

To qualify my header, I would like your comments based on published authors over the past century. As an avid reader, I find that often men are more daring in their writing style and subject matter. They are inclined to take on more controversial subjects and use them as excellent tools. Women, although excellent writers tend to be more tame.There are exceptions, I am merely generalising. I read most genres and really enjoy fantasy novels. I think Stephen King is superb (albeit not usually a fantasy writer), his characters are immensely powerful and he always finds your own dark side and uses it most effectively. My list of "best" authors in my fave genre is too long to list, but I will mention a few that spring to mind: Stephen Donaldson, Steven Erikson, Robin Hobb, Ian Irvine, Terry Brooks, Anne Mcaffery and the late Robert Jordan.

I have read JK Rowling (who hasn't) she is great and I enjoyed Stephanie Mayer very much.

David Baldacci, Kenneth Follett, Jilliam Hoffman, Clive Clusser

I think male writers tend to be more logical and precise and mainly stay towards "logical fiction" writing. Although a few that move out of that genre (if it can be called that) are: Robert Heinlein (controversial writer and yet very pro woman), Lawrence Sanders (McNally Seriers), Piers Anthony (Xanth Novels).

Female writers tend to be more emotionally based, I think but some female authors are very "logical."

I prefer sci-fi/fantasy and historical novels and thoroughly detest "romance" novels.

Stephen King is good. I also love reading books by Janet Evanovich (Stephanie Plum series and the otehr series too), Sue Grafton (Kinsey Milhone Mysteries), and Shirley Rousseau Murphy (Joe Grey Series - crime fighting cats that can talk).

.....T.H.lawrence......lady chattely,s lover.....