128

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

---

Samuel Johnson

An Author Shoutout to Samuel Johnson, who was born in Lichfield, Staffordshire, England. He deserves recognition as a highly educated individual. He possessed a wide range of literary abilities, serving as a poet, essayist, moralist, literary critic, biographer, editor, and lexicographer. Notably, he authored the influential A Dictionary of the English Language, a remarkable undertaking that spanned nine years. This dictionary remained the foremost English reference until the publication of the Oxford English Dictionary 173 years later.

In addition to numerous other works, Dr. Johnson gained considerable recognition for his noteworthy annotated version of William Shakespeare’s plays. He passed away in London in 1784 at the age of 75.

---

Tanith Lee

Tanith Lee, born in London, England, deserves an Author Shoutout. She was a highly productive writer, having penned over 80 novels, 14 collections, 4 produced radio plays, and over 300 short stories, encompassing science fiction, horror, and fantasy genres. She received the prestigious World Fantasy Awards in 1983 and 1984, as well as a British Fantasy Award in 1980. Tanith Lee’s writing delves into a multitude of themes, but she often explores feminism, sexuality, and nonconformity.

She was asked about the source of her story ideas, to which she answered, Each of my writings has its distinctive voice and formula. They reveal themselves to me. She passed away at the age of 67 in 2015 due to breast cancer.

---

George R.R. Martin

An Author Shoutout to George R.R. Martin, also affectionately known as GRRM, who was born in Bayonne, New Jersey. He is renowned for his fantasy series, A Song of Ice and Fire, which HBO adapted into the popular TV show Game of Thrones. Martin has authored and co-authored various novels and novellas, and is an active editor of science fiction, horror, and fantasy anthologies. Additionally, his extensive Wild Cards mosaic story series has been optioned for another television series.

An epic personality, he deserves far more than this tiny blurb. Read his books!

---

H.G. Wells via Stephen King

An Author Shoutout to Stephen King who would not object if we shift our Author Shoutout to H. G. Wells, born in 1866 in Bromley, Kent, England. Regarded as a pioneer of science fiction, Wells authored notable works including The Time Machine, The Island of Doctor Moreau, The Invisible Man, and The War of the Worlds. Additionally, he delved into history, politics, social commentary, and even created textbooks and rules for war games.

If it wasn’t for an incident when he was 8 years old that resulted in him being confined to his bed due to a fractured leg, he may not have pursued writing as a passion, as it was during this time that he developed a deep fondness for reading. He lived until the age of 79 and passed away in London due to reasons that were not specified.

---

Bilbo and Fodo Baggins

An Author Shoutout to the Baggins boys. On September 22, in 2890 and 2968 in the Third Age (1290 and 1368, respectively, in Shire-Reckoning), Bilbo and Frodo Baggins were born in the Shire, Middle-earth. Both Bilbo and his nephew Frodo were ring bearers of the One Ring, with Bilbo re-discovering the Ring in Gollum’s cave, and Frodo carrying it to its destruction in the depths of Mount Doom in the black lands of Mordor, bringing an end to the threat of the Dark Lord Sauron. Both Bilbo and Frodo sailed from the Gray Havens and passed into the West in 3021 (Bilbo was 131, Frodo was 53). Bilbo wrote The Hobbit: There and Back Again recounting his adventure to the Lonely Mountain and his outwitting the dragon Smaug.

---

Wesley Chu

An Author Shoutout to Wesley Chu, born in Taipei, Taiwan, who was raised by his grandparents until he relocated to the USA at the age of 5. Prior to becoming a full-time author in 2014, Chu had various occupations, including consulting, banking, and working as an actor and stuntman. His debut novel, The Lives of Tao, received high praise, establishing him as a noteworthy new author.

He has written six more novels within the Tao universe, along with two novels in the Time Salvager series. Additionally, he has written a Walking Dead novel that takes place in China and collaborated with Cassandre Clare on a series. His latest work is the War Arts Saga, starting with The Art of Prophecy released in 2022 and subsequently The Art of Destiny. Sony Pictures has optioned this series for a TV adaptation. Today, our charming friend of the site celebrates his 47th birthday.

---

F. Scott Fitzgerald

An Author Shoutout to F. Scott Fitzgerald, a renowned American writer, who was born in St. Paul, Minnesota. Despite being hailed as one of the greatest writers of the 20th century, his most famous work, The Great Gatsby, did not achieve widespread recognition or success until after his passing. Throughout his life, Fitzgerald battled alcoholism, financial troubles, and a complicated relationship with his wife Zelda, whom he often referred to as his golden girl. Nevertheless, he personified the vibrant spirit of the Jazz Age, a term he himself coined, both in his literary works and in his personal experiences. Tragically, Fitzgerald passed away at the age of 44 due to a heart attack in 1940.

Other LitStack Resources

Please take a look at other Author Shoutouts, a weekly feature on LitStack and be sure and support independent bookstores – buy a book today at LitStack Bookshop, with tons of author shoutout titles on our list of LitStack Author Shoutouts.

As a Bookshop, Malaprop’s, BAM, Barnes & Noble, Audiobooks.com, Amazon, and Envato affiliate, LitStack may earn a commission at no cost to you when you purchase products through our affiliate links.