7 Author Shoutouts – Authors We Love To Recommend

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Here are 7 Author Shoutouts for this week. Find your favorite author or discover an author whose work you have not yet read.

Robert Louis Stevenson

Robert Louis Stevenson, born in Edinburgh, Scotland, deserves an Author Shoutout. Despite initial criticism from critics and intellectuals in the 1900s, who labeled his works as suitable only for children, Stevenson’s literary creations like Treasure Island, Kidnapped, and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde gained immense popularity worldwide both during his lifetime and consistently thereafter. It was only towards the end of the century that his true stature as a writer was recognized.

At the age of 44, he passed away from what is thought to be a cerebral hemorrhage at his 400-acre farm on Upolu, one of the Samoan islands. He was not only an adventurer but also someone who traveled throughout his entire life for the sake of his well-being.

Astrid Lindgren

An Author Shoutout goes to Astrid Lindgren, the author who was born close to Vimmerby, Sweden. Pippi Longstocking, the beloved children’s protagonist, was her most cherished creation, with her stories being translated into 46 different languages. Pippi, with her vibrant red hair and eccentric braided hairstyle, was first brought to life when Lindgren told her nine-year-old daughter a story while she was home sick.

Ms. Lindgren, a prolific author with more than 70 books to her name, delved into the realms of short stories, as well as crafting scripts for television, film, radio, and theater. Notably, her scripts encompassed a remarkable 40 songs. Rooted in her personal experiences and recollections of her Swedish upbringing, many of her stories resonated with themes from her own family and childhood. The renowned author passed away in Stockholm in 2002, having lived a long and fulfilling life until the age of 94.

Marianne Moore

Poet Marianne Moore, a native of Kirkwood, Missouri, deserves an Author Shoutout for her outstanding contributions. As a prominent figure in the modernist movement, alongside Wallace Stevens, William Carlos Williams, T. S. Eliot, and Ezra Pound, her renowned work Collected Poems earned her both the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize in 1951. Moore’s unique approach emphasized the joy found in language and prioritized personal expression over rigid poetic structure, often employing syllabics in her writing.

After moving to New York in 1918, she gained fame for her cleverness and sarcasm, as well as her distinctive three-cornered hat, black cape, and passion for boxing and baseball. At the age of 84, she passed away in 1972 following a string of strokes.

William Kent Krueger

William Kent Krueger, born in Torrington, Wyoming, deserves an Author Shoutout. He is known for his widely-read series of crime novels featuring the character Cork O’Connor, which currently consists of 19 books. Despite his early aspiration to become a writer since elementary school, his path took a detour due to various life circumstances, including a rebellious phase during college. Instead, he supported himself through occupations such as logging timber, excavating trenches, engaging in construction work, and freelancing as a journalist.

His debut novel, Iron Lake, was not published until he reached the age of 47. However, ever since its publication, he has experienced a continuous stream of success, earning multiple accolades for his captivating mystery and crime literature. Presently, he resides in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Christopher Paolini

Christopher Paolini, born in Los Angeles, deserves an Author Shoutout for his remarkable journey as an author. At the young age of 15, he embarked on the creation of a captivating fantasy novel titled Eragon, which depicted the enthralling bond between a boy and his dragon. After two years of dedication, his parents took the initiative to self-publish the novel, complete with cover art and maps meticulously crafted by Paolini himself. For an entire year, he ventured across schools and bookstores, fervently promoting his work. Eventually, this endeavor did not go unnoticed, as it captured the attention of the renowned publishers Alfred A. Knopf. In 2003, Eragon was re-released by Knopf, marking the beginning of its tremendous success.

Eldest, the second book of the Inheritance series, was published in 2005, followed by Brisingr in 2008, and Inheritance in 2011. In 2020, Paolini released the first book of his Fractalverse sci-fi series, titled To Sleep in a Sea of Stars.

Margaret Atwood

Margaret Atwood, born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, deserves an Author Shoutout. She is renowned for her impactful novels like The Handmaid’s Tale, The Robber Bride, Alias Grace, The Blind Assassin, Cat’s Eye, and the MaddAddam series. In addition to her 21 volumes of poetry, she has authored various non-fiction works, short stories, children’s books, TV scripts, and graphic novels. Atwood’s exceptional literary contributions have garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious Arthur C. Clarke Award for Best Science Fiction and the Man Booker Prize, which she has been nominated for five times.

In 1981, she was honored with the title of Companion of the Order of Canada, a distinction that recognizes her strong Canadian patriotism and open political stance. This designation represents the second highest civilian honor in the country.

Sharon Olds

Sharon Olds, an acclaimed poet born in San Francisco, California, deserves an Author Shoutout. With a deeply personal approach, she courageously explores themes of abuse, fractured families, and unapologetic sexuality, often drawing from her own life experiences. With 12 poetry collections to her name, she served as New York State’s Poet Laureate from 1998 to 2000. Notably, in 2012, Olds made history as the first American to be awarded the T.S. Eliot Prize for Poetry for her exceptional collection titled Stag’s Leap. This very collection also earned her the prestigious 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry.

She currently lives and teaches in New York.

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