By AVRIL DAVID in Forbes magazine, Jun. 6, 2011
The women selected for this list are powerful because of their ability to influence us through their words and ideas. Collectively, these women hold readers captivated with stories of fantastical worlds, suspense and drama, insights into the complexities of minority experiences and cultures, and fresh takes on societal issues and expectations…not to mention, book sales of up to 800M copies sold and a wealth of prestigious awards and recognition including Nobel and Pulitzer Prizes.
In other words, these 10 women can tell (and sell) a good story.
Although there are many more women throughout history who have proven to be powerful authors, this list is limited to those who are living, with a focus on personal narrative and fiction writers.
J.K. Rowling
Clout: The films based on her book series have achieved combined ticket sales of more than $5bn and numerous Academy Awards; Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur of France and Order of the British Empire (OBE); Honorary degrees from the University of Exeter, University of St. Andrews, University of Edinburgh, Harvard University, Dartmouth College, University of Aberdeen (and others); Awards include Author of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award, British Book Awards; Booksellers Association Author of the Year (and many more).
J.K. Rowling has captured our hearts and our imaginations through the fantastical world of Harry Potter, the beginnings of which she says came to her while sitting on a delayed train from Manchester to London. With movie adaptations taking home billions from box offices around the world, Rowling’s books are not only popular, but they touch readers with themes of acceptance, love, and courage. Thank goodness for train delays.
Danielle Steel
Sales: 800 million books sold
Clout: Best-selling author alive and 8th best selling writer of all time
Yes, you read that right, 800 MILLION copies sold. Best known for romance and drama, Danielle Steel’s novels have spent over 390 consecutive weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and 22 have been adapted for television.
Clout:Nobel and Pulitzer-Prize winning author.
Novelist, editor and professor Toni Morrison is best-known for such works as The Bluest Eye, Song of Solomon, and Beloved (which was adapted into a film). Morrison’s Nobel and Pulitzer prize-winning work shakes readers to their cores by taking an unflinching and often haunting look at the black experience in America.
Stephenie Meyer
Sales: 100 million books sold
Clout: Film adaptations of her novels have achieved sales of nearly 2 billion dollars (so far).
Best-known for her vampire romance series Twilight, Stephenie Meyer has quickly become one of the best-selling women authors of all-time, gaining worldwide recognition with stories that tap into readers’ romantic dreams and explore themes of immortality and sacrifice.
Although there are many more women throughout history who have proven to be powerful authors, this list is limited to those who are living, with a focus on personal narrative and fiction writers.
J.K. Rowling
Sales: 450 million books sold
Clout: The films based on her book series have achieved combined ticket sales of more than $5bn and numerous Academy Awards; Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur of France and Order of the British Empire (OBE); Honorary degrees from the University of Exeter, University of St. Andrews, University of Edinburgh, Harvard University, Dartmouth College, University of Aberdeen (and others); Awards include Author of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award, British Book Awards; Booksellers Association Author of the Year (and many more).J.K. Rowling has captured our hearts and our imaginations through the fantastical world of Harry Potter, the beginnings of which she says came to her while sitting on a delayed train from Manchester to London. With movie adaptations taking home billions from box offices around the world, Rowling’s books are not only popular, but they touch readers with themes of acceptance, love, and courage. Thank goodness for train delays.
Danielle Steel
Clout: Best-selling author alive and 8th best selling writer of all time
Yes, you read that right, 800 MILLION copies sold. Best known for romance and drama, Danielle Steel’s novels have spent over 390 consecutive weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and 22 have been adapted for television.Toni Morrison,
Clout:Nobel and Pulitzer-Prize winning author.
Novelist, editor and professor Toni Morrison is best-known for such works as The Bluest Eye, Song of Solomon, and Beloved (which was adapted into a film). Morrison’s Nobel and Pulitzer prize-winning work shakes readers to their cores by taking an unflinching and often haunting look at the black experience in America.
Stephenie Meyer
Stephenie Meyer,
Sales: 100 million books soldClout: Film adaptations of her novels have achieved sales of nearly 2 billion dollars (so far).
Best-known for her vampire romance series Twilight, Stephenie Meyer has quickly become one of the best-selling women authors of all-time, gaining worldwide recognition with stories that tap into readers’ romantic dreams and explore themes of immortality and sacrifice.
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