Being the good little Canadian boy I am, I'd say my favourite author is Timothy Findley.
He's like a gay male Margaret Atwood (except she's still alive).

The author that holds my number one position would definitely have to be pre-catholicism Anne Rice. The vampire chronicles and their auxiliary books are just breathtaking in their descriptions, witty, deeply philosophical, and quite provocative in many ways. Plus there is more than a little homo-eroticism mixed into those vampire relationships, haha.

Shakespeare is brilliant though, and comes in a close tie for second with Anne Rice (I haven't read all of his writings though. Prolific bugger) Also I would note Steven Pressfield for his historical fiction based in classical Greece.

I have three: Sergei Lukyenko, my favorite author of all time (even if his books are translated from Russian) George Orwell, 1984 was fanastic!!!! and Kathy Reichs, Dr. Brennnan is awsome!

MIne would have to be Philip Reeves. I loved the Mortal Engines books. they were just mindblowing. I also like Oisin McGann. His books are really creative, and they can be wickedly funny to.

Jack Kerouac. He inspired so much in me. Just the rhythm and life in his writing, the fact that he actually went through so much nothing to give everything to the people who read his books. I'm eternally indebted to the man.

Probably Tolkien, because "The Lord of the Rings" changed my life... But I also like a lot Pullman, Pennac, Rowling and Asimov (his Foundation it's amazing!!)... But Tolkien... he was a genius...

A guy called Jasper Fforde, absolutely fantastic writer.

My favourite is probably Robert Jordan, with this Wheel of Time series. I love his descriptions and the immense detail in the world he created. Such a shame that he passed away before he managed to finish his final book...

But my favourite book is Picture of Dorian Gray, by Wilde. Just amazing. I couldn't put it down and read it all over one weekend.<br /><br />Post edited by: Shaethesu, at: 2008/03/31 09:24

i like stephenie meyer. her books are number one on my list. better than harry potter to me (if you didn't think it was possible).

Haruki Murakami / Jay Rubin.

I read Kafka on the Shore before it was published &amp; was blown away, Its like an insane surreal oedipus thats hard to put down.

consequently I went back and read his other books, and loved Wind-up bird chronicles. Which has such a good book design. the page numbers circle clockwise, and typography &amp; jacket are well done.

&amp; what an amazing translator.

Also Steve Kluger (Almost like being in love) &amp; Brendan Halpin (donorboy) for their style of writing.

Sort of similar, but both entertaining. Both manage to be comedic, and leave you feeling good.