Favorite SF/F Authors: Why?

[Shaun]

So, tell us your favorite SF/F authors (yes you can have more than one). Also, tell us why. This is a literary discussion, so you can argue a point, or whatever too.

Obert Skye
One of the many YA Fantasy writers out there, but his Leven Thumps books are awesome. I've only read the first two books for the Leven Thumps series and I'm hooked on it. He just has an interesting way of creating characters. Clover, for example, is the coolest character in the world. I wish I had a sychophaunt! His writing style is clearly for a younger audience, but it's the world that captivates me. He just makes everything seem so bizarre at work at the same time. Take for example the idea that in his fantasy world you can't die unless it's by accident. So wars are fought where everyone goes blindfolded and just runs at each other swinging weapons! Can you imagine?

Orson Scott Card
He's hit or miss a lot of the time. Ender's Game was an amazing work of art. Hart's Hope was another fantastic one too. If you haven't read the latter, give it a shot if you can find it. I need to reread it, but I remember it being amazingly good. His book about writing Sf & F is one of the best books I've read on genre too.

Edit:
Poul Anderson
I had to add him in. He is my favorite Golden Age science fiction writer. His work is amazing. His short story "Call Me Joe" is one of the best shorts I've ever read! I just love his style. Most of his books are rather short since almost all Golden Age SF was 'novella' size anyway. That's where the 'pulp fiction' term came from: short novels that were mass produced, especially in really crappy SF titles and popcorn romances and mysteries. But he wrote quality work and has a whole bunch of awards. He's simply amazing. I don't know how to describe his style though. It's probably a little stilted for most people, but I find it rather graceful.

That's it for now.

[Eve]

I think Donna Jo Napoli's books are really good. A mixture of exotic words and a fresh repartee rich in her black printings. The story comes alive, practically jumping out of the pages. (Well, I see the people jumping out to say hello and jumping back in again) It's fantastic.

[Carraka]

Please ban me.

[Syd Skydreamer]

I think Isaac Asimov is the best. So is Arthur C. Clarke. I particularly remember reading Asimov's Nightfall and feeling scared by it.

[Imelda]

DAMMIT CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

USE THE SPOILER TAG! :mad: :mad: :mad:

[Carraka]

Please ban me.

[Imelda]

It's ok, I'm over it. Now let's all put spoiler tags around everything and it'll all be ok. :)

[Carraka]

Yeah. I considered seriously leaving, but then I remembered SBS, and I realized I couldn't just thrust all the Overlady's responsiblities on someone else!

I don't remember what I posted, but it wasn't important very much:

George R. R. Martin is my favorite author because he makes me love characters that should be hated. He doesn't hold back in terms of sex and violence when he conveys his themes.

[jordanisonfire]

Tom Lloyd

He's ver original, writes mature stuff and has a wide vocabulary that helped me with my work. Can't be bothered to write anything else. :rolleyes:

[Shaun]

Clarke and Asimov are quite good, though I think Clarke is a little more accessible to casual readers. His style is less blunt, if you catch my meaning. I like them both though.

Car, please don't ever leave. We like you being here!