9 Native New Yorkers Who Write Exceptional Fiction

Great Contemporary New York Authors

The History of New York

In Depth

Plenty of writers have penned entertaining and compelling stories in different genres, but New York authors are often considered iconic. Their works are frequently found on bestsellers lists. In their writing, they create a culture that is uniquely NYC.

The city is a literary landscape that has produced a multitude of exceptional writers. We have listed some of the best authors of fiction who are native New Yorkers. In no particular order, here is our list of nine.

At #1 is Sharon Kay Penman. She is the author of the Welsh Princes trilogy and the Plantagenet series. However, her most notable work is "The Queen's Man," a finalist for an Edgar Award for Best First Mystery from the Mystery Writers of America in 1996. Penman's writing style employs well-researched details and settings. Most of her works reflect medieval life and mysteries about English royalty. Her novels have been well-received, with a number of them reaching the New York Times Best Sellers list.

Most of her works reflect medieval life and mysteries about English royalty.

Next, at #2 is Nicole Krauss. She was born in Manhattan but grew up on Long Island. When she was a teenager, she began writing poetry,. It wasn't until 2001 that she started her first novel. She is best known for her work "Great House," which won an Anisfield-Wolf Book Award in 2011. In her 2017 novel, "Forest Dark," she writes about life and humor, with a mix of metamorphosis and self-realization.

Coming in at the #3 spot is Jonathan Lethem. He is an essayist, novelist, and a short story author. He published "Motherless Brooklyn," a winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award. His 2003 novel "The Fortress of Solitude" became a New York Times Bestseller. He was born and raised in Brooklyn, where he's set his most famous novels. In an interview with "The Guardian," Lethem revealed that he has always thought of himself as a dark writer.

Taking the #4 spot is Matt Ruff, an author of thriller and science-fiction novels. He began writing fantasy in the late 1970s, but decided not to publish it. "Fool on the Hill" was his first published work in 1988. It was originally written as his senior thesis in Honors English, and was based on his experiences living in Risley Residential College at Cornell. Ruff has received some recognition for his work, including a nomination for the World Fantasy Award in 2017.

He began writing fantasy in the late 1970s, but decided not to publish it.

At #5, Anita Diamant is the author of the New York Times Bestseller "The Boston Girl." Diamant's writing career began in 1975 when she worked as a freelance journalist. In 1997, her debut as a fiction writer came with "The Red Tent." Most of her books tell stories of women, communities, war, and politics.

Following at #6 is Naomi Novik. This Hugo Award nominee is the author of Temeraire, a series of nine fantasy novels. At a young age she displayed an interest in reading. Eventually, she studied English Literature at Brown University. Her first novel, "His Majesty's Dragon," won the 2007 Compton Crook Award. Novik has stayed true to her New York roots. She lives in Manhattan with her husband and daughter.

At #7 is Noah Hawley, a bestselling author who is also a screenwriter and producer. His novels include "A Conspiracy of Tall Men," "Other People's Weddings," "The Punch," "The Good Father," and "Before the Fall." He is best known for his work on TV. He created several television series, including "Bones," "Fargo," and "Legion." Hawley's writing skills may be attributed to his family background. His mother was a non-fiction writer and his grandmother was a playwright.

He is best known for his work on TV.

Coming in at #8 is Emily Jenkins. She also goes by E. Lockhart, her pen name. She writes for the young adult market, publishing a series of four books about self-discovery and romance. The quartet is also known collectively as the Ruby Oliver novels. The second installment, "We Were Liars," was shortlisted for the 2014 Guardian Children's Fiction Prize. In an interview with "The Guardian," Jenkins revealed her writing inspirations, including Evelyn Waugh, John Irving, and Alice Walker.

Finally, at #9 is Alice Hoffman. Most of her works include elements of mystery, romance, irony, and relationships. Her most notable work is her 1995 novel "Practical Magic." It was adapted into a film of the same name in 1998. She also wrote the screenplay for the epic adventure movie "Independence Day." Hoffman is the recipient of several awards, including the New Jersey Notable Book Award and the Hammett Prize.