Stack to the Future: Prolific Living Authors

Posted by

114

Photo from Getty Images.

Nearly nine years ago, I wrote a post focusing on some of the most prolific dead and living authors. Today I’m going to do a similar piece, this time focusing only on living authors. Most obviously now have more novels to their name than they did in 2015, and I’ll include a number of living authors I didn’t mention back then because they had yet to be on my reading radar.

As noted in the earlier post, prolific can be defined in a way that not only involves churning out many novels; authors can also be prolific in the sense of writing less-frequent-but-long novels. But for this post I’m sticking with those authors who have high numbers of separate titles.

Of course, there are novelists who produce lots of books by co-authoring some of them, running a “writing factory” of sorts, putting out short-story collections, writing nonfiction in addition to fiction, etc.

It’s also worth noting that authors whose output is at least partly comprised of series rather than stand-alone novels have an advantage in not having to dream up a new protagonist each time.

Below is an incomplete list that only includes prolific living authors I have read one or (in some cases many) more novels by…

James Patterson has written, co-written, or otherwise had his name on more than 200 (!) novels in the 48 years since 1976.

Dean Koontz has produced a whopping 144 novels since 1968.

Janet Evanovich has, since 1987, written or co-written more than 70 novels — including the series with numbered titles starring bounty hunter Stephanie Plum.

Stephen King has gone the route of 66 novels — quite a Carrie-over since 1974.

Joyce Carol Oates has also penned more than 60 novels, dating back to 1964.

Walter Mosley has authored about 55 novels since 1990, including one — Every Man a King — I’m currently reading and enjoying.

David Balducci: more than 50 novels since 1996.

John Grisham: nearly 50 novels since 1989.

Michael Connelly: 39 novels since 1992.

Harlan Coben: 37 novels since 1990.

Lisa Scottoline: 35 novels since 1993.

Joy Fielding: 31 novels since 1972.

Lee Child: 28 Jack Reacher thrillers since 1997; the last few co-written with his brother Andrew.

Kristin Hannah: 25 novels since 1991.

Isabel Allende: 22 novels since debuting with The House of the Spirits in 1982.

Nicholas Sparks: also 22 novels, since 1996.

Diana Gabaldon: 19 novels since 1991, including nine lengthy Outlander books.

Margaret Atwood: 17 novels since 1969, along with lots of poetry, nonfiction books, and other works.

J.K. Rowling: 15 novels (some quite long) since 1997, along with other works. As is occasionally the case with authors, some of Rowling’s books appear under a different name — Robert Galbraith for her Cormoran Strike/Robin Ellacott crime fiction.

Liane Moriarty: nine novels since 2004, not including several children’s books (as some other adult authors also write on the side).

Any prolific living authors you’d like to discuss?

Dave’s literary-trivia book is described and can be purchased here: Fascinating Facts About Famous Fiction Authors and the Greatest Novels of All Time.

In addition to this weekly blog, Dave writes the 2003-started/award-winning “Montclairvoyant” topical-humor column every Thursday for Montclair Local. The latest piece — about another election and a new municipal budget — is here.

114 thoughts on “Stack to the Future: Prolific Living Authors”

  1. There once was a novelist, John,
    Whose children were many, not one.
    Each tale he would weave,
    Another they’d conceive,
    Now he’s writing with diapers put on!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  2. Prolific can mean many things. Here are a few contemporary authors known to have more than four children:

    1. **Stephen King** – The prolific horror writer has three children with his wife Tabitha, but together they also have grandchildren, making their family quite large and extended.

    2. **Michael Chabon** – The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay” has four children with his wife, novelist Ayelet Waldman.

    3. **J.K. Rowling** – The creator of the Harry Potter series has three children, and her husband Neil Murray has two children from a previous marriage, making their blended family a large one.

    4. **Rick Riordan** – Known for the “Percy Jackson” series, he has two sons and frequently discusses his family in his work and public appearances.

    5. **Terry Pratchett** – The late fantasy author, known for the “Discworld” series, had one daughter, Rhianna Pratchett, who is also a writer. However, Pratchett’s extensive contributions to literature and his advocacy for Alzheimer’s research have influenced many, creating a broader ‘family’ of readers and writers inspired by his work.

    These authors not only manage their large families but also maintain successful writing careers.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Thank you, Chuckster! Yes, some novelists (like some people of any profession) have large families. I suppose that those novelists who do have large families and still churn out many books must often get a lot of help from their spouses and/or babysitters and/or assistants, etc. Or sleep very little. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  4. Stephen King, Nora Roberts/JD Robb, Kelley Armstrong. I agree with the “practice makes perfect.” The latest Nora Roberts, not strictly romance, has some welcome unexpected twists on top of an intriguing plot. Kelley Armstrong continues exciting genre hopping, which is fun.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. Interesting, dear Dave.
    I know that a lot of authors (like I did) run businesses with researchers, agents in a lot of countries, editors and PR and rights people and people for inspiring. A lot of books of yours have to be published to live well on writing. A book a year is a minimum. Nevertheless it’s easy after some of your books are published successfully by an international publishing house.
    And don’t forget all these people working for you are dependent on your success (most of them payed percentage wise) and they keep you working.
    Thanks and cheers
    Klausbernd
    The Fab Four of Cley
    🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. That’s an amazing list, Dave.
    As always, I read all the comments with interest, too
    Hats off to these prolific authors, whose efficiency I am amazed at… and it leads me to wonder how anyone can write such a large number of good quality books.
    Do they have the ability to write very quickly? Do they get help? Do they use Artificial Intelligence?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. Amazing list!

    Anyone who I can think of is already on your list.

    You’ve even remembered my fave “fall back on for examples” author, Joy Fielding.

    Q – What did one page say to the other page?

    A – Know any good Arthurs?

    😬😵‍💫🤨😖

    (I made this fabulous riddle up, just for you!)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. Hi Dave, I had to leave this morning so I didn’t finish reading comments here. I will add Bernard Cornwell who has written over 30 novels in the Richard Sharpe series. Philippa Gregory has also written many books. At least 40 I think, judging by the list and they are mainly historical novels so lots of research would have been necessary. Cornwell’s books are also historical but he is a historian.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  10. I don’t tend to read prolific authors, mostly because they write in a genre I don’t read. I have however read many of the Diana Gabaldon books and loved them. (met her too, she’s a wonderful person) And I am a huge Margaret Atwood fan, a fine example of quantity and quality. I would add to this list Alexander McCall Smith who has written around 100 books in various series. He often works on two or three books, in different series, at the same time. My favourite is his No 1 Ladies Detective Agency books of which there are 25, so far. You can’t help but fall in love with the characters, and the descriptions of Botswana make you feel like you have visited there.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

  11. Hi Dave,

    For me, the obvious first thought was Stephen King. If you include short stories, his titles number in the hundreds. I must confess to not having read much of this stuff from this century, and what I have read has been pretty underwhelming, but he’s definitely still capable of writing some pretty engaging stuff.

    I’ve read a couple of Liane Moriarty books, and quite enjoyed them, but didn’t feel the need to read everything she’s ever written. I’d heard that “Nine Perfect Strangers” was very different from her other books, which may border on being formulaic, so I put it on the TBR and finally got around to it last week. I LOVED it. Could not put it down even though I didn’t want to read it too fast because it was chock full of characters that I loved spending time with. I highly recommend it if it’s one that you haven’t gotten to yet.

    Speaking of formulaic, John Grisham probably heads into that direction as well, though he very rarely disappoints.

    Mmm, have thought of a few other authors that you haven’t mentioned and then I type their name and realise they’re no longer with us. So I guess I’ll just have to copy these three from your list.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  12. I didn’t realize Kristin Hannah had so many books out! Guess I’d better get busy since I always enjoy her works. Same goes for Isabel Allende! I also might mention one of my favorite summer read authors – Elin Hildebrand, who is about to release her 30th (and it sounds like final 😦 ) novel!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  14. I have to include Roald Dahl in this list RE books, poetry, short fiction, etc for both adults and children and, of course, there’s Somerset Maugham who I mentioned before. I think Mark Twain wrote a great many books and L Frank Baum as well. Gee I hate to miss mentioning one of these “long distance runner” authors, but for now all of the above are the only ones who come to mind. Great theme Dave. Thanks, Susi

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  17. Dave – I am amazed by the amount of writing that one person can produce. I think that you have covered the breadth and depth of prolific writers.

    These writers remind me of the storytellers of old who always had a story to tell or a mystery to unravel. Some authors are highly productive because of their commitment to their art, frequently giving priority to writing over their daily routines. So I think that thanks should be given to those nameless souls who support the efforts of these writers. Writing is a solitary activity, which means that they spend a lot of time away from their families and friends.

    Coincidentally, this morning, Don and I were discussing Howard Pyle, the American illustrator and author known for his works on pirates and King Arthur. His illustrations and stories about pirates, such as “The Book of Pirates,” are considered classics in pirate literature. Pyle’s retelling of the King Arthur legends in books like “The Story of King Arthur and His Knights” have also left a lasting impact on popular culture, influencing how these stories are perceived and retold. Today we envision pirates and the knights based on Howard Pyle’s description.

    “The stories of childhood leave an indelible impression, and their author always has a niche in the temple of memory from which the image is never cast out to be thrown on the rubbish heap of things that are outgrown and outlived.”Howard Pyle

    Liked by 8 people

    Reply

  18. I’m not a follower of any of those you mention, apart from Margaret Atwood, to a degree. In general, authors who churn out books to a high degree don’t find their way onto my TBR list – although if Fay Weldon was still alive I’d be mentioning her 31 novels in 55 years and the fact that I’ve read most of the feminist ones (the later ones when she changed track didn’t appeal). Salman Rushdie has 27, according to one site I’ve consulted, which looks about right, and I’ve read more than I haven’t. That’s about it for me though.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

  19. Thank you, Dave! What an impressive list! I’m looking forward to taking a look at their work.
    One of my favorite authors is Anthony Horowitz. He’s written over 50 novels since 1979. Several have been made into movies or TV series which he also wrote. One of the latest novel/movies for TV, is “Magpie Murders”. Both are written in three time dimensions and absolutely brilliant. Another favorite is Foyal’s War.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  20. Aside from the authors you’ve named, the most prolific writer I can think of is Australian poet Frank Prem. (I’ve lost count of the number of books he’s put out. He shifted into overdrive after he retired.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  22. Ian Rankin produces on a regular basis.

    Gabaldon is loosing her fans due to the time it’s taking to finish the Outlander series. I may not live long enough to see how Jamie was at the monument and what Frank really knew

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • Thank you, Linda, for the mention of Ian Rankin! I wasn’t familiar with his work.

      And, yes, there are some years-long gaps between Diana Gabaldon’s “Outlander” installments. The novels ARE long, and very well done, so I can understand that they take a long time to write. Plus the “Outlander” TV series keeps many fans happy between books. 🙂 That said, I hope it won’t be TOO many years before the 10th “Outlander” book.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  23. I’m almost a little bit shoked about some writer’s efficiency, Dave, and I have to admit that I can’t really believe that somebody can write so many books in a lifetime, which are worthwhile to read. I hope you will tell me that I am wrong. Many thanks for this impressive list:)

    Liked by 5 people

    Reply

  24. That’s an astonishing list. I’ll add Scottish crime writer and prize-winner Val Mcdermid, who has written 40 books for adults and kids since 1987 (almost all crime novels, but there are some short story collections and non-fiction books as well.) She has five crime series, and I’m in the middle of reading the one with police detective Karen Pirie. These books are excellent.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

Leave a comment