[Danny]

my favourite authors include:

Iain Banks [he writes some of the best non-genre novels i know of, and also some of the best sci-fi]
Ben Elton [a bit of a *insert profanity here* in real life, but he writes hilarious and thought-provoking books]
Nick Hornby [hasn't written many books, but they're all gems]
Terry Pratchett [his books manage to hold a mirror to reality whilst still being very very funny]
Iain McEwan [only read one book of his, but it was excellently written]
Douglas Adams [just randomly funny]
Harry Harrison [the best "old-style" sci-fi on the market]
JRR Tolkien [adventure fantasy? can't get finer than this]

there are more, but i can't be bothered to think. these were the ones that sprung to mind.