10 Most Popular Female Writers Who Changed Literature

In the ever-evolving tapestry of modern literature, one trend stands out strikingly: the ascendance of female authors. These literary heroines are not just penning stories; they are carving out realms where their voices resonate with power and poise. The landscape of literature, once dominated by male voices, is witnessing a thrilling shift. Today, the bestseller lists are increasingly graced by women, a testament to their rising influence in the literary world.

The past couple of years have been nothing short of revolutionary. We saw female authors not only dominate but redefine genres. From the complex, character-driven narratives of literary fiction to the heart-pounding twists of thriller novels, women writers have been at the helm, steering the literary conversation. This period marked a resurgence, a kind of literary renaissance, where the voices of women authors became indispensable in understanding our world’s diverse narratives.

The influence of these female literary powerhouses extends far beyond mere numbers. They are the genre-breakers, the boundary-pushers. Their works often transcend conventional genres, blending elements to create novels that are not only enthralling but also deeply meaningful. The realms of fantasy, historical fiction, and even memoirs are being reshaped under their pen, providing readers with a rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives.

As we delve into this list of the 10 most popular female writers, we are not just exploring their literary achievements. We are acknowledging their role in shaping a more inclusive and diverse literary world. So, let us embark on this journey of discovery, where each name and each story unveils a unique facet of the rich and diverse world of contemporary literature.

10 – J.K. Rowling

J K Rowling
J. K. Rowling / Daniel Ogren [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
  • Best Known For: The Harry Potter series.
  • Achievements: Multiple awards, including the British Book Awards, Hugo Awards.
  • Impact: Revolutionized children’s and young adult literature, inspiring a new generation of readers.

The creator of our childhood books and the captivating, magical universe of Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling, is regarded as one of Britain’s most influential women. She had over 450 million copies of her bestselling book series sold the world over. She is said to have had the epiphany for the book on a delayed train trip Manchester to London in the year 1990. Her books reflect her ability to imagine further than the ambit of everyday life. Through the Harry Potter series, she progressed from living on state benefits to multi-millionaire status within five years.

09 – Danielle Steel

Danielle Steel - Female Writers
Danielle Steel
  • Best Known For: Romance novels like “The Promise” and “Safe Harbour.”
  • Achievements: Over 800 million copies sold, making her one of the bestselling authors ever.
  • Signature Style: Emotional storytelling with strong, relatable female protagonists.

Steel is currently the best selling author alive and the fourth bestselling author of all times, with over 800 million copies sold. All her novels have been bestsellers and they usually picture rich families facing a crisis and complicated love stories. Steel has also published children’s fiction and poetry, as well as raising funds for the treatment of mental illness. Her books have been translated into 28 languages, and filmmakers have adapted 22 of them for cinema.

08 – Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison / By derivative work: Entheta (talk)Toni_Morrison_2008.jpg: Angela Radulescu (Toni_Morrison_2008.jpg). [CC BY-SA 2.0 or CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
  • Best Known For: “Beloved,” “Song of Solomon.”
  • Achievements: Nobel Prize in Literature, Pulitzer Prize.
  • Contribution: Explored African-American experience with poetic prowess and profound depth.

Her novels are famous for their interesting and detailed characters and for the powerful dialogues. Her best novels are: The Bluest Eye (1970), Sula (1973), Song of Solomon (1977), and Beloved (1987). She is the proud winner of the Pulitzer Prize, of the American Book Award the Nobel Prize (1993). On May 29, 2012, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

07 – Stephenie Meyer

Stephenie Meyer - Female Writers
Stephenie Meyer / By Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America (Stephenie MeyerUploaded by maybeMaybeMaybe). [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
  • Best Known For: The Twilight Saga.
  • Achievements: Bestselling status, transforming her vampire-themed series into a pop culture phenomenon.
  • Impact: Influenced a resurgence in young adult fiction, particularly in the paranormal romance genre.

Stephenie Meyer is famous for her vampire novel series, Twilight, which were sold in over 100 million copies around the world. Her books were translated into 37 languages and they became a worldwide phenomenon. Her annual earnings exceeded $50 million. In 2010, Forbes ranked her as the No. 59 most powerful celebrity.

06 – Mary Higgins Clark

Mary Higgins Clark
Mary Higgins Clark / By Alvintrusty (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
  • Best Known For: Suspense novels like “Where Are the Children?” and “A Stranger Is Watching.”
  • Achievements: Known as the “Queen of Suspense,” with numerous bestsellers.
  • Style: Known for her ability to blend suspense with human psychology.

Higgins Clark is a well-known American author of suspense novels. She wrote 51 books and each one of them became a bestseller in the US and Europe. All of her novels are still being read by people around the world and her debut suspense novel, ‘Where Are The Children’ is in its seventy-fifth printing.

05 – Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou - Female Writers
Maya Angelou / By York College ISLGP (File:Maya Angelou visits YCP! 2413.jpg). [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
  • Best Known For: “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.”
  • Achievements: Presidential Medal of Freedom, multiple Grammy Awards for spoken albums.
  • Legacy: A prominent voice in civil rights activism and influential in African-American autobiography.

Maya Angelou recently passed away, but she had an amazing talent and a fruitful career. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, and several books of poetry, and was also credited with a big list of plays, movies, and TV shows. She received many awards during her career and her most famous work consists of seven autobiographies which focus on her childhood and early adulthood.

04 – Alice Walker

Alice Walker
Alice Walker / By Virginia DeBolt (Alice Walker speaks) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
  • Best Known For: “The Color Purple.”
  • Achievements: National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
  • Contributions: Explored life as an African-American woman, with themes of racism, sexism, and societal change.

Alice Walker is a famous American writer, best known for her controversial novel The Color Purple for which she won the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Other two famous novels written by her are: Meridian and The Third Life of Grange Copeland.

03 – Jhumpa Lahiri

Jhumpa Lahiri - Female Writers
Jhumpa Lahiri
  • Best Known For: “The Interpreter of Maladies,” “The Namesake.”
  • Achievements: Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
  • Signature Style: Explores themes of Indian diaspora, cultural identity, and emotional human connections.

Lahiri is an Indian Bengali author who wrote the famous novel, The Namesake that was turned into the popular film with the same name. She won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction and she was nominated for the Man Booker Prize and the National Book Award for fiction.

02 – Joyce Carol Oates

Joyce Carol Oates
Joyce Carol Oates / Larry D. Moore [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
  • Best Known For: “We Were the Mulvaneys,” “Blonde.”
  • Achievements: National Book Award, numerous literary honors.
  • Style: Diverse in genres, often focusing on the dark aspects of human nature and social issues.

Joyce Carol Oates published over 40 novels, as well as a number of plays and novellas, and many volumes of short stories, poetry, and nonfiction. She has won many awards for her writing, including the National Book Award, two O. Henry Awards, and the National Humanities Medal.

01 – Isabel Alende

Isabel Alende
Isabel Alende / By Lesekreis (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
  • Best Known For: “The House of the Spirits,” “Eva Luna.”
  • Achievements: Presidential Medal of Freedom, numerous international literary awards.
  • Contributions: Magic realism with a focus on the personal and political lives of women.

Isabel Alende is famous for her works that includes elements of “magic realism” . Two of her best novels are The House of the Spirits and City of the Beasts. Her work is based on her personal experience. She also supports the cause of women in her books. She received Chile’s National Literature Prize and Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014.

Charting New Realms: The Far-Reaching Impact of Female Authors in Literature and Beyond

In the expansive universe of literature, the role of female authors has been transformative, not only in the way stories are told but also in how they’re received and perceived across cultures and societies. These influential female writers have not only penned bestsellers but have also reshaped the literary and cultural landscapes, giving voice to the unspoken and painting the unseen.

Redefining Genres with Unique Narratives

Female writers have masterfully ventured into genres that were once considered beyond their realm. Their contributions have been pivotal in redefining these genres:

  • In Fantasy and Science Fiction: They have moved beyond traditional tropes to explore complex themes of identity, society, and morality.
  • In Historical Fiction: Their works often provide a fresh perspective on historical events, focusing on the untold stories of women and marginalized communities.
  • In Mystery and Thriller: Female authors have infused the genre with psychological depth, turning suspenseful tales into explorations of human nature.

Voices for Social and Cultural Change

The impact of these writers transcends the literary world, echoing into the broader realms of social and cultural consciousness. They have become advocates for change, using their narratives to highlight critical issues:

  • Addressing Gender Inequality: Through their stories, they have shed light on the struggles and triumphs of women, challenging long-standing gender stereotypes.
  • Highlighting Racial and Cultural Issues: Their works often serve as a mirror to societal prejudices and injustices, prompting important conversations and awareness.
  • Inspiring Environmental Awareness: Many female authors have used their platform to bring attention to ecological concerns, weaving environmental themes into their narratives.

Inspiring Future Generations

The legacy of these literary heroines is not limited to their published works. Their influence extends to inspiring future generations of writers and readers:

  • Mentorship and Advocacy: Many established female authors actively mentor emerging writers, especially women and those from underrepresented groups.
  • Literary Education: Their works have become essential reading in educational curricula worldwide, shaping the literary tastes and understandings of young minds.
  • Promoting Literary Diversity: Their success has encouraged publishers and literary institutions to embrace a wider range of voices and stories, leading to a more inclusive literary world.

In Conclusion

As we reflect on the remarkable contributions of these female authors, it’s clear that their influence goes far beyond the pages of their books. They have not only enriched the literary world with their diverse narratives and unique styles but have also played a significant role in driving social change, challenging norms, and inspiring future generations. In celebrating these authors, we acknowledge their indispensable role in shaping a more inclusive, empathetic, and conscious world.