List of women writers

Countries of work: Afghanistan (Af), Albania (Ab), Algeria (Al), Ancient Arabia (AA), Ancient Gaul (AL), Ancient Greece (AG), Ancient Rome (AR), Ancient Sumeria (AS), Andalusia (An), Andorra (Ad), Anguilla (Ai), Antigua (Ag), Argentina (Ar), Armenia (Am), Assyria (Ay), Australia (Au), Austria/Austria-Hungary (A), Azerbaijan (Az), Bahamas (Bh), Bahrain (Bx), Bangladesh (Bd), Barbados (Ba), Belarus (Br), Belgium (B), Belize (Bi), Benin (Bn), Bermuda (Be), Bhutan (Bt), Bolivia (Bv), Bosnia-Herzegovina (BH), Botswana (Bo), Brazil (Bz), Bukovina (Bk), Bulgaria (Bg), Burundi (Bu), Byzantium (By), Cameroon (Cm), Canada (Ca), Cape Verde (CV), Central African Rep. (CA), Chad (Cd), Chile (Ch), China (C), Colombia (Cc), Comoros (Co), Croatia (Cr), Cuba (Cb), Curaçao (Cu), Czechoslovakia/Czech Rep. (Cz), Dalmatia/Ragusa (Dm), Denmark (D), Djibouti (Dj), Dominica (Do), Dutch East Indies (EI), Ecuador (Ec), Egypt (Eg), El Salvador (Sr), Emirates (Em), England (E), Equatorial Guinea (Eq), Eritrea (Er), Estonia (Es), Ethiopia (Et), Faroe Is. (Fa), Finland (Fi), Flanders (Fl), France (F), Gabon (Ga), Georgia (Ge, Caucasus), Germany (G), Ghana (Gh), Greece (Gc), Grenada (Gr), Guadeloupe (Gl), Guatemala (Gu), Guinea-Bissau (GB), Guyana (Gy), Haiti (Ha), Honduras (Ho), Hungary (H), Iceland (Ic), India (In), Indonesia (Id), Iran/Persia (Ir), Iraq (Iq), Ireland (I), Isle of Man (IM), Israel (Is), Italy (It), Ivory Coast (Iv), Japan (J), Jamaica (Ja), Kenya (Ke), Kiribati (Ki), Korea (K), Kosovo (Ko), Latvia (La), Lebanon (L), Liberia (Lb), Lithuania (Li), Luxembourg (Lu), (North) Macedonia (Mc), Madagascar (Md), Malay(si)a (Ma), Martinique (Mq), Mauritius (Mt), Mexico (M), Micronesia (Mn), Moldova (Mv), Montenegro (Mo), Morocco (Mr), Mozambique (Mz), Namibia (Na), Nepal (Np), Netherlands (N), New Zealand (NZ), Nicaragua (Nc), Nigeria (Ni), Northern Ireland (NI), Norway (No), Pakistan (Pk), Palestine (Pa), Panama (Pm), Paraguay (P), Peru (Pe), Philippines (Ph), Poland (Po), Portugal (Pr), Puerto Rico (PR), Romania (Ro), Russia (R), Rwanda (Rw), Salvador (Sr), Samoa (Sm), Saudi Arabia (Sa), Scotland (Sc), Senegal (Se), Serbia (Sb), Sierra Leone (SL), Sint Eustatius (SE), Slovakia (Sv), Slovenia (Sn), Somalia (Sl), South Africa (SA), Soviet Union (SU), Spain (Sp), Sri Lanka (Sk), Sudan (Sd), Suriname (Su), Sweden (Sw), Switzerland (S), Tajikistan (Ta), Thailand (Th), Tibet (Ti), Togo (To), Tonga (Tg), Trinidad (T), Tunisia (Tn), Turkey/Ottoman Empire (Tu), Uganda (U), Ukraine (Uk), United States (US), Uruguay (Ur), Vanuatu (Va), Venezuela (V), Vietnam (Vi), Wales (W), West Indies (WI), Yugoslavia (Y), Zambia (Z), Zimbabwe (Zi)

See also individual lists of women writers by nationality

This is a list of notable women writers.

A

Karen Aabye (1904–1982, D), novelist and travel writer
Jane Aamund (1936–2019, D), columnist and novelist
Jane Aaron (b. 1951, W), writer and scholar
Florencia Abbate (b. 1976, Ar), fiction writer, poet and essayist
Eleanor Hallowell Abbott (1872–1958, US), poet and fiction writer
Rachel Abbott (Sheila Rodgers (b. c. 1953, E), thriller author
Yassmin Abdel-Magied (b. 1991, Sd/Au), writer and media person
Rreze Abdullahu (b. 1990, Ko), writer and war diarist
Louise Abeita (1926–2014, US), writer
Victorina A. Abellanosa (1903–1968, Ph), Cebuano dramatist
Sara Aboobacker (b. 1936, In), Kannada writer
Marguerite Abouet (b. 1971, Iv), graphic novelist
Leila Aboulela (b. 1964, Sd), writer; The Translator
Abiola Abrams (b. 1976, US), filmmaker and author; Dare
Umayya Abu-Hanna (b. 1961 Pa/Fi), writer and politician
Juliet Ace (b. 1938, W), dramatist and scriptwriter
Nora Aceval (b. 1953, Al/F), story teller
Anna Maria Achenrainer (1909–1972, A), writer
Kathy Acker (1947–1997, US), novelist, poet and playwright; Blood and Guts in High School
Bertilda Samper Acosta (1856–1910, Co), poet and nun
Ofelia Uribe de Acosta (1900–1988, Co), suffragist
Soledad Acosta (1833–1913, Co), sociologist
Eliza Acton (1799–1859, E), cookbook writer and poet; Modern Cookery for Private Families
Joyce Ackroyd (1918–1991, Au), author, translator and academic
Alma Flor Ada (b. 1938, Cb), children's writer, poet and novelist
Juliette Adam (1836–1936, F), author and magazine editor
Draginja Adamović (1925–2000, Sb), poet
Abigail Adams (1744–1818, US), First Lady of the United States, letter writer and diarist
Glenda Adams (1939–2007, Au), fiction writer
Patricia J. Adams (b. 1952, Ai), poet, writer and broadcaster
Sarah Fuller Flower Adams (1805–1848, E), poet and lyricist; Nearer, My God, to Thee
Patsy Adam-Smith (1924–2001, Au), historian
Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo (living, Ni), author and educator
Gil Adamson (b. 1961, Ca), fiction writer and poet
Fleur Adcock (b. 1935, NZ/E), poet and editor
Sade Adeniran (living, Ni), novelist
Caroline Adderson (b. 1963, Ca), fiction writer
Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ (b. 1988, Ni), novelist
Yda Addis (1857–1902, US), writer and translator
Kim Addonizio (b. 1954, US), poet and novelist
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (b. 1977, Ni), fiction writer; Purple Hibiscus
Opal Palmer Adisa (b. 1954, Ja), poet, novelist and educator
Zoe Adjonyoh (living, E), writer and cook
Carine Adler (b. 1948, Bz), screenwriter
Emma Adler (1858–1935, A), historical novelist and non-fiction writer
Renata Adler (b. 1938, US), author, columnist and critic
Sophie Adlersparre (1823–1895, Sw), feminist editor and writer; Home Review
Aesara of Lucania (4th or 3rd c. BC, AG), philosopher
Patience Agbabi (b. 1965, E), poet
Berthe-Evelyne Agbo (living, Bn/F), poet
Charlotte Agell (b. 1959, Sw/US), novelist and children's writer
Kelli Russell Agodon (b. 1969, US), poet, writer and editor
Marjorie Agosín (b. 1955, Ch), rights activist
Gerty Agoston (living, Hu/US), playwright and novelist
Agripina Samper Agudelo (1833–1892, Co), poet
Mirta Aguirre (1912–1980, Cb), poet and novelist
Brígida Agüero (1837–1866, Cb), poet
Grace Aguilar (1816–1847, E), novelist and writer
Mila D. Aguilar (b. 1949, Ph), poet and essayist
Delmira Agustini (1886–1914, Ur), poet
Freda Ahenakew (1932–2011, Ca), author and academic
Catharina Ahlgren (1734 – c. 1800, Sw), feminist writer, poet and editor
Mimoza Ahmeti (b. 1963, Ab), poet and writer
Merete Ahnfeldt-Mollerup (b. 1963, D), writer and academic
Ilse Aichinger (1921–2016, A), writer
Renate Aichinger (b. 1976, A), playwright and theater director
Ama Ata Aidoo (b. 1942, Gh), author and playwright
Naja Marie Aidt (b. 1963, D), poet and writer
Ginny Aiken (b. 1955, Cb/US), fiction writer
Joan Aiken (1924–2004, E), novelist; The Wolves of Willoughby Chase
Lucy Aikin (1781–1864, E), historical writer
Tobiloba Ajayi (living, Ni), writer, lawyer and campaigner
Iris Akahoshi (1929–1987, US), writer for Amnesty International
Miriam Akavia (1927–2015, Po/Is), writer and translator
Grace Akello (b. 1950, U), poet, essayist and folklorist
Anna Åkerhjelm (1647–1693, Sw), writer and traveller
Rachel Akerman (1522–1544, A), poet
Sonja Åkesson (1926–1977, Sw), poet, writer and artist
Bella Akhmadulina (1937–2010, SU/R), poet
Anna Akhmatova (1899–1966, R/SU), poet; Requiem
Shaheen Akhtar (b. 1962, Bd), fiction writer
Sakina Akhundzadeh (1865–1927, Az), playwright and teacher
Magaly Alabau (b. 1945, Cb/US), poet and theater director
Erlinda K. Alburo (living, Ph), Cebuano scholar
Munira Al-Fadhel (living, Bx), writer and academic
Mirra Alfassa (The Mother, 1878–1973, F), mystic and writer
Júlia Lopes de Almeida (1862–1934, Bz), novelist
Layla al-Akhyaliyya (7th c., AA), poet
Susanna Alakoski (b. 1962, Fi), novelist and lecturer in Swedish
Zuleika Alambert (1922–2012, Bz), feminist writer
Outi Alanne (b. 1967, Fi), sado-masochist writer
Ave Alavainu (b. 1942, Es), poet
Anne-Marie Albiach (1937–2012, F), poet and translator
Alice Albinia (b. 1976, E), non-fiction author; Empires of the Indus
Jordie Albiston (b. 1961, Au), poet and academic
Aurora de Albornoz (1926–1990, Sp), poet
Madeleine Albright (b. 1937, Cz/US), political writer and memoirist
Mary Alcock (c. 1742–1798, E), poet, essayist and philanthropist
Louisa May Alcott (1832–1888, US), novelist; Little Women
Isabella Macdonald Alden (1841–1930, US), children's writer
Julia Carter Aldrich (1834–1924, US), author
Sarah Aldridge (1911–2006, Bz/US), feminist writer
Claribel Alegría (1924–2018, Nc), author and poet
Elizabeth Alexander (b. 1962, US), poet, essayist and playwright
Eva Alexanderson (1911–1994, Sw), writer and translator
Elena Alexieva (b. 1975, Bg) fiction writer and poet
Svetlana Alexievich (b. 1948, Br), non-fiction writer and columnist; 2015 Nobel Prize in Literature
Estrella Alfon (1917–1983, Ph), fiction writer in English
Edna Alford (b. 1947, Ca), fiction writer and literary editor
Monica Ali (b. 1967, Bd/E), novelist and essayist
Bisera Alikadić (b. 1939, Y/BH), poet, novelist and children's writer
Jane Alison (b. 1961, Au), novelist and memoir writer
Dilshad Aliyarli (b. 1962, Az), writer
Dilara Aliyeva (1929–1991, Az), philologist and rights activist
Laila al-Juhani (b. 1969, Sb), fiction writer
Zaynab Alkali (b. 1950, Ni), fiction writer and poet
Al-Khansā (7th c., AA), poet
Candace Allen (living, US/E), novelist, activist and screenwriter
Hannah Allen (b. 1638, E), writer
Isabel Allende (b. 1942, Ch/US), novelist; Eva Luna
Phyllis Shand Allfrey (1908–1996, WI), writer; The Orchid House
Svetlana Alliluyeva (1926–2011, SU), writer and lecturer
Margery Allingham (1904–1966, E), crime writer; Mystery Mile
Dorothy Allison (b. 1949, US), writer and speaker; Trash: Short Stories
Eunice Eloisae Gibbs Allyn (b. 1847, US), author, correspondent and poet
Júlia Lopes de Almeida (1862–1934, Bz), fiction writer
Lúcia Machado de Almeida (1910–2005, Bz), fiction writer
Cora Almerino (living, Ph), Cebuano poet
Wallada bint al-Mustakfi (1001–1080, An), poet in Arabic
Dora Alonso (1910–2001, Cb), fiction and children's writer and poet
Marianne Alopaeus (1918–2014, Fi), novelist and essayist
Fawziyya al-Sindi (b. 1957, Bx), poet and activist
Fatima al-Taytun (b. 1962, Bx), poet
Mor Altshuler (b. 1957, Is), scholar and writer
Mia Alvar (living, Ph/US), fiction writer in English
Ivy Alvarez (living, Ph/Au), poet in English
Julia Álvarez (b. 1950 Do/US), poet, novelist and essayist; How the García Girls Lost Their Accents
María Álvarez de Guillén (Amari Zalvera, 1889–1980, Sr), novelist
Betti Alver (1906–1989, Es), poet
Miriam Alves (b. 1952, Bz), writer and poet
Moniza Alvi (b. 1954, Pk/E), poet and writer
Barbro Alving (1909–1987, Sw), feminist, columnist and writer
Fanny Alving (1874–1955, Sw), novelist
Karin Alvtegen (b. 1965, Sw), crime novelist; Shame
Encarnacion Alzona (1895–1901, Ph), historian and suffragist
Ifi Amadiume (b. 1947, Ni), poet, anthropologist and essayist
Narcisa Amália (1856–1925, Bz), poet and activist
Maria Adelaide Amaral (b. 1942, Pr/Bz), playwright and screenwriter
Suzana Amaral (1932–2020, Bz), screenwriter
Catherine d'Amboise (1475–1550, F), writer and poet
Elizabeth Frances Amherst (c. 1716–1779, E), poet and naturalist
Jo van Ammers-Küller (1884–1966, N), novelist
Taos Amrouche (1913–1976, Tn/Al), writer and singer
Tahmima Anam (b. 1975, Bd/E), fiction writer
Valerie Anand (b. 1937, E), historical fiction writer
Andaiye (b. Sandra Williams; 1942–2019, Gy), non-fiction writer and activist
Annemette Kure Andersen (b. 1962, D), poet and editor
Clara Andersen (1826–1995, D), playwright and fiction writer
Emilie Andersen (1895–1970, D), historian and archivist
Marguerite Andersen (b. 1924, G/Ca), writer, editor and academic
Ethel Anderson (1883–1958, Au), poet, novelist and painter
Jessica Anderson (1916–2010, Au), fiction writer; The Impersonators
Laurie Halse Anderson (b. 1961, US), children's and young adults' writer; Speak
Lena Anderson (b. 1939, Sw), children's author and illustrator
Rachel Anderson (b. 1943, E), children's and young adult fiction author
Verily Anderson (1915–2010, E), children's fiction author, biographer and screenwriter
Gail Anderson-Dargatz (b. 1963, Ca), novelist; The Cure for Death by Lightning
Pamela Andersson (b. 1965, Sw), columnist
Agustina Andrade (1858–1891, Ar), poet
Neshani Andreas (1964–2011, Na), novelist and teacher
Isabella Andreini (1562–1604, It), playwright, poet and actor
Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen (1919–2004, P), poet and writer
Eliza Frances Andrews (1840–1931, US), novelist and US Civil War writer
Marie Louise Andrews (1849–1891, US), fiction writer and columnist
Hana Andronikova (1967–2011, Cz), novelist and playwright
Harriet Anena (living, U), poet and columnist
Albalucía Ángel (b. 1939, Co), fiction writer and essayist
Maya Angelou (1928–2014, US), autobiographer and poet
Jane Anger (late 16th c., E), writer
Christine Angot (b. 1959, F), novelist and playwright
María Nsué Angüe (1945–2017, Eq), writer
Marion Angus (1865–1946, Sc), poet in Braid Scots and English
Yu Anjin (b. 1941, K), poet and essayist
Nini Roll Anker (1873–1942, No), novelist and playwright
Charlotte Anley (1796–1893, E), novelist, writer and musician
Threes Anna (b. 1959, N), novelist and producer
Núria Añó (b. 1973, Sp), Catalan writer and novelist
Manana Antadze (b. 1945, G), writer and translator
Dorila Antommarchi (1850s – 1923, Co), poet
Elmira Antommarchi (19th c., Co), poet
Hortensia Antommarchi (1850–1915, Cc), poet
Gloria E. Anzaldúa (1942–2004, US), author, poet and activist; Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza
Leïla Aouchal (b. 1936, F/Al), autobiographer
Iffat Ara (living, Bd), fiction writer and activist
Monica Arac de Nyeko (b. 1979, U), fiction writer, poet and essayist
Tullia d'Aragona (c. 1510–1556, It), poet, author and philosopher
Diego Aramburo (b. 1971, Bv), playwright and director
Consuelo Araújo (1940–2001, Co), writer and politician
Helena Araújo (1934–2015, Co), writer and academic
Maria Arbatova (b. 1957, SU/R), novelist, playwright and poet
Liwayway Arceo (1924–1999, Ph), fiction writer and scriptwriter
Elvia Ardalani (b. 1963, M), writer, poet and storyteller
Jane Arden (1927–1982, W), film director, playwright and novelist; The Party
Hannah Arendt (1906–1975, G/E), political theorist The Human Condition
Harriett Ellen Grannis Arey (1819–1901, US), author and editor
Héloïse d'Argenteuil (c. 1101–1164, F), scholar and abbess in Latin
Yemisi Aribisala (b. 1973, Ni), essayist, painter and food memoirist
Hiro Arikawa (有川浩, b. 1972, J), novelist
Lesley Nneka Arimah (living, Ni), short-story writer
Rae Armantrout (b. 1947, US), writer, language poet and academic
Rebecca Agatha Armour (1845–1891, Ca), novelist
Karen Armstrong (b. 1944, E), writer on comparative religion; A History of God
Kelley Armstrong (b. 1968, Ca), writer; Women of the Otherworld series
Louise Armstrong (1937–2008, US), author and feminist
Millicent Armstrong (1888–1973, Au), playwright and farmer
Angélique Arnaud (1797–1884, F), novelist and feminist writer
Bettina von Arnim (1785–1859, G), writer and novelist
Elizabeth von Arnim (1866–1941, Au/E), novelist; Mr. Skeffington
Elizabeth Arnold (b. 1944, E), children's writer
Joanne Arnott (b. 1960, Ca), writer in Métis
Harriette Arnow (1908–1986, US), novelist
Franciszka Arnsztajnowa (1865–1942, Po), poet, playwright and translator
Tuuve Aro (b. 1973, Fi), fiction writer, film critic and producer
Stina Aronson (1892–1956, Sw), novelist
Marina Arrate (b. 1957, Ch), poet and psychologist
Renée Ferrer de Arréllaga (b. 1944, P), poet and novelist
Pat Arrowsmith (b. 1930, E), novelist and politician
Suzanne Arruda (living, US), mystery novelist
Eustahija Arsić (1776–1843, Sb), writer
Keri Arthur (living, Au), fantasy, horror and romance novelist
Inga Arvad (1913–1973, D/US), columnist
Amma Asante (b. 1969, E), filmmaker and screenwriter
Helen Asher (1927 – c. 2004, Au), novelist
Daisy Ashford (1881–1972, E), child writer; The Young Visiters
Melissa Ashley (b. 1973, Au), novelist
Anastasia Ashman (b. 1964, US), author and producer; Tales from the Expat Harem
Francis Leslie Ashton (1904–1994, E), novelist
Sara Ashurbeyli (1906–2001, Az), historian and orientalist
Anne Askew (1520/1521–1546, E), poet and martyr
Asphyxia (living, Au), children's author and puppeteer
Marie Aspioti (1909–2000, Gk), writer and poet
Ruth Aspöck (b. 1947, A), fiction writer and poet
Cynthia Asquith (1887–1960, E), novelist and diarist
Ros Asquith (living, E), cartoonist, children's author and illustrator
Margot Asquith (1864–1945, E), author
Leilah Assunção (b. 1943, Bz), writer and dramatist
Judith Astelarra (b. 1943, Ar), sociologist
Mary Astell (1666–1731, E), feminist writer and rhetorician
Thea Astley (1925–2004, Au), fiction writer and poet
Tilly Aston (1873–1947, Au), blind poet and prose writer
Cassandra Atherton (living, Au), prose-poet and academic
Gertrude Atherton (1857–1948, US), writer
Diana Athill (1917–2019, E), editor, novelist and memoirist
Eleanor Stackhouse Atkinson (1863–1942, US), author, columnist and teacher
Louisa Atkinson (1834–1872, Au), novelist, botanist and illustrator
Kate Atkinson (b. 1951, E), novelist
M. E. Atkinson (1899–1974, Mary Evelyn Atkinson, E), children's novelist
Tiffany Atkinson (b. 1972, E/W), poet and academic
Karen Attard (b. 1958, Au), fantasy and fiction writer
Amelia Atwater-Rhodes (b. 1984, US), novelist
Margaret Atwood (b. 1939, Ca), novelist, poet and critic; The Handmaid's Tale
Sefi Atta (b. 1964, Ni), author and playwright
Ayesha Harruna Attah (b. 1983, Gh), fiction writer
Madeleine de l'Aubespine (1546–1596, F), poet
Penelope Aubin (c. 1679 – c. 1731, E), novelist and translator
Dorothy Auchterlonie (1915–1991, E/Au), academic, critic and poet
Aude (1947–2012, Ca), fiction writer
Ashley Audrain (b. 1982, Ca), novelist
Jean M. Auel (b. 1936, US), novelist; Earth's Children series
Madame d'Aulnoy (c. 1650s – 1705, F), fairy-tale writer
Rose Ausländer (1901–1988, Bk), poet in German and English
Jane Austen (1775–1817, E), novelist; Pride and Prejudice
Mary Austin (1868–1934, US), writer The Land of Little Rain
Sarah Austin (1793–1867, E), translator
Violeta Autumn (1930–2012, Pe/US), architect and cookery author
Auvaiyar, name of several poets in Tamil literature
Frau Ava (c. 1060–1127, G), first female writer in German
Gertrudis Gomez de Avellaneda (1814–1873, Cu), novelist, playwright and poet
Christine Aventin (b. 1971, B), novelist and writer in French
Catharine Hitchcock Tilden Avery (1844–1911, US), author, editor and educator
Victoria Aveyard (b. 1990, US), YA fantasy writer; Red Queen
Bunty Avieson (living, Au), columnist and novelist
Magdalena Avietėnaitė (1892–1984, Li), columnist
Teresa of Ávila (1515–1582, Sp), nun and mystic
Margaret Avison (1918–2007, Ca), poet, editor and speaker
Smilja Avramov (1918–2018, Sb), non-fiction writer
Mona Awad (b. 1978, Ca), fiction writer
Marilou Awiakta (b. 1936, US), Cherokee author
Celine Axelos (1902–1992, Eg), poet and public speaker
Majgull Axelsson (b. 1947, Sw), columnist and novelist; April Witch
Elysa Ayala (1879–1956, Ec), writer and painter
Margaret Ayer (died 1981, US), writer and illustrator
May Ayim (1960–1996, G), poet
Susanne Ayoub (b. 1956, Ir/A), novelist and filmmaker
Pam Ayres (b. 1947, E), poet, songwriter and presenter
Shamim Azad (b. 1952, Bd/E), poet and fiction writer
Che Husna Azhari (b. 1955, Ma), writer
Trezza Azzopardi (b. 1961, W), fiction writer and broadcaster

B

Mariama Bâ (1929–1981, Se), novelist; So Long a Letter
Alaviyya Babayeva (1921–2014, SU/Az), prose writer and publicist
Natalie Babbitt (b. 1932, US), children's author and illustrator; Tuck Everlasting
Ingrid Bachér (b. 1930, G), playwright and screenwriter
Yamina Bachir (b. 1954, Al), screenwriter and film director
Ingeborg Bachmann (1926–1973, A), poet, playwright and novelist
Elizabeth Backhouse (1917–2013, Au), novelist, scriptwriter and playwright
Delia Bacon (1811–1859, US), playwright and fiction writer
Anita Rau Badami (b. 1961, In/Ca), novelist; The Hero's Walk
Charlotte Baden (1740–1824, D), writer and correspondent
Gabeba Baderoon (b. 1969, SA), poet
Van Badham (b. 1974, Au), playwright and novelist
Yaba Badoe (b. 1955, Gh/E), novelist and filmmaker
Enid Bagnold (1889–1981, E), author and playwright; National Velvet
Elisaveta Bagryana (1893–1991, Bg), poet
Joanna Baillie (1762–1851, Sc), poet and dramatist
Alice Bailey (1880–1949, E), mystic
Florence Augusta Merriam Bailey (1863–1948, US), ornithologist
Beryl Bainbridge (1932–2010, E), novelist
Doreen Baingana (living, U), fiction writer and editor
Elizabeth-Irene Baitie (b. 1970, Gh), young adults' writer
Deb Baker (b. 1953, US), mystery writer
Dorothy Baker (1907–1968, US), novelist; Young Man with a Horn
Albena Bakratcheva (b. 1961, Bg), transcendentalist
Asma El Bakry (1947–2015, Eg), author and film director
Bettina Balàka (b. 1966), fiction writer, poet and playwright
Margaret Balderson (b. 1935, Au), children's writer
Kristín Marja Baldursdóttir (b. 1949, Ic), novelist
Faith Baldwin (1893–1978, US), fiction author
Rabia Balkhi (10th c., Ir), poet
Zsófia Balla (b. 1949, Ro/H), poet and essayist
Solvej Balle (b. 1962, D), novelist and radio dramatist
Mary Balogh (b. 1944, W), novelist
Jelena Balšić (1365/1366–1443, Sb), epistle writer
Toni Cade Bambara (1939–1995, US), author, activist and academic
Mary Ellen Bamford (1857–1946, US), author
Consort Ban (Ban Jieyu, Lady Pan, 班婕妤, c. 48 – c. 6 BC, C), scholar and poet
Linda Vero Ban (b. 1976, H), writer on Jewish identity
Ban Zhao (班昭, 45–116 CE, C), first female Chinese historian; Lessons for Women
Zsófia Bán (b. 1957, Bz/H), writer and critic in Hungarian
Ellen Banda-Aaku (b. 1965, Z), fiction and children's writer
Helen Elliott Bandini (1854–1912, US), history writer
Faith Bandler (1918–2015, Au), writer and rights activist
Mary Jo Bang (b. 1946, US), poet
Banine (1905–1992, Az/F), current affairs writer
Zsuzsa Bánk (b. 1965, G), novelist
Leslie Esdaile Banks (b. 1959, US), author
Maya Banks (living, US), romance author
Anne Bannerman (1765–1829, Sc), poet
Helen Bannerman (1862–1946, Sc), children's writer; Little Black Sambo
Bao Junhui (鮑君徽, fl. late 8th c. AD, C), poet
Bao Linghui (鲍令晖, fl. mid-5th c. AD, C), poet
Anni Baobei (励婕, b. 1974, C), novelist
Agnieszka Baranowska (1819–1890, Po), playwright and poet
Natalya Baranskaya (1908–2004, SU), writer; A Week Like Any Other
Anna Laetitia Barbauld (1743–1825, E), poet, essayist and children's author; Eighteen Hundred and Eleven
Margaret Barber (Michael Fairless, 1869–1901, E), novelist and children's writer
Muriel Barbery (b. 1969, F), novelist and academic; The Elegance of the Hedgehog
Maria Tore Barbina (1940–2007, It), poet and translator
Florence L. Barclay (1862–1921, E), fiction writer; The Rosary
Leigh Bardugo (b. 1974, US), young adult and fantasy author
Joan Barfoot (b. 1946, Canada), novelist
Arvède Barine (1840–1908, F), writer and historian
Susan Barker (b. 1978, E), novelist
Nicola Barker (b. 1966, E), fiction writer
Pat Barker (b. 1943, E), novelist; 1995 Booker Prize; Regeneration trilogy
Anna Barkova (1901–1976, SU), poet, playwright and fiction and non-fiction writer
Jane Barlow (1856–1917, I), novelist and poet
Marjorie Barnard (with M. Barnard Eldershaw, 1897–1987, Au), novelist and historian
Mary Barnard (1909–2001, US), poet, biographer and translator
Maria Barnas (b. 1973, N), novelist, poet and artist
Annie Maria Barnes (1857–?, US), columnist, editor and author
Djuna Barnes (1892–1982, US), writer
Margaret Ayer Barnes (1886–1967, US), author; Years of Grace
María Dámasa Jova Baró (1890–1940, Cb), writer and feminist
Ana Baron (1950–2015, Ar), writer and columnist
Evangeline Barongo (living, U), children's author
Amelia Edith Huddleston Barr (1831–1919, E), novelist
Emma de la Barra (1861–1947, Ar), novelist
Emma Barrandeguy (1914–2006, Ar), poet, storyteller and playwright
Andrea Barrett (b. 1954, US), fiction writer
Lynne Barrett (living, US), fiction writer and editor
Rachel Barrett (1874–1953, W), editor and suffragette
Nuria Barrios (b. 1962, Sp), poet and non-fiction writer
Pía Barros (b. 1956, Ch), fiction writer
Angela Barry (living, Be), writer and educator
Charlotte Barton (1797–1867, Au), children's writer and educator
Emily Mary Barton (1817–1909, Au), poet
Violet Barungi (b. 1943, U), writer and editor
Mildred Barya (living, U), poet
Anabela Basalo (b. 1972, Sb), fiction writer
Miryana Basheva (1947–2020, Bg), poet
Marie Bashkirtseff (1858–1884, R), diarist and artist
Marnie Bassett (1890–1980, Au), historian and biographer
Laura Bassi (1711–1778, It), physicist and academic
Julia Bastin (1888–1968, B), academic and novelist in French
Marjolein Bastin (b. 1943, N), nature and children's writer and illustrator
Purabi Basu (living, Bd), fiction writer and activist
Felisa Batacan (living, Ph), crime and mystery novelist
Jackee Budesta Batanda (living, U), columnist and writer
Allie Bates (b. 1957, US), writer
Daisy Bates (1859–1951, Au), anthropologist
Katharine Lee Bates (1859–1929, US), songwriter
Catherine Bateson (b. 1960, Au), novelist and poet
Carol S. Batey (b. 1955, US), writer
Janet Bathgate (c. 1806–1898, Sc), autobiographer
Effie T. Battle (c. 1882 – post–1940, US), poet and educator
Dawn-Michelle Baude (b. 1959, US), poet, columnist and educator
Baudovinia (fl. c. 600, F), writer in Latin
Marguerite Baulu (1870–1942, B), novelist in French
Vicki Baum (1888–1960, A), novelist
Gertrud Bäumer (1873–1954, G), writer and feminist
Lualhati Bautista (b. 1945, Ph), novelist
Annie Maria Baxter (1816–1905, Au), diarist
Ada Ellen Bayly (Edna Lyall, 1857–1903, E), novelist
Barbara Baynton (1857–1929, Au), fiction writer
Emilia Pardo Bazán (1851–1921, Sp), essayist and novelist
Nura Bazdulj-Hubijar (b. 1951, Y/BH), writer, poet and playwright
Anne Beale (1816–1900, W), novelist and poet
Beatrice of Nazareth (c. 1200–1268, N), Cistercian nun and early writer in Dutch
Aletta Beaujon (1933–2001, Cu), poet
Betty Bentley Beaumont (1828–1892, E), author
Simone de Beauvoir (1908–1986, F), author and philosopher; She Came to Stay
Dany Bébel-Gisler (1935–2003, Gl), novelist
Bruna Beber (b. 1984, Bz), poet and writer
Ángela Becerra (b. 1957, Co), poet and novelist
Margaret Bechard (b. 1953, US), children's writer
Alison Bechdel (b. 1960, US), cartoonist and memoirist; Fun Home
Béatrix Beck (1914–2008, F), novelist; The Passionate Heart
Thea Beckman (1923–2004, N), children's author
Claude de Bectoz (1490–1547, F), writer and philosopher
Jean Bedford (b. 1946, Au), fiction writer
Ruth Bedford (1882–1963, Au), poet, playwright and children's writer
Simi Bedford (living, Ni/E), novelist; Yoruba Girl Dancing
Yolanda Bedregal (1916–1999, Bv), poet and novelist
Patricia Beer (1919–1999, E), poet and critic
Isabella Beeton (1836–1865, E), domestic author; Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management
Anne Beffort (1880–1966, Lu), Luxembourg writer and biographer
Ruth Behar (b. 1956, Cb/US), anthropologist
Aphra Behn (1640–1689, E), playwright, poet and novelist; The Rover
Mariam Behnam (1921–2014, Ir/Em), novelist and autobiographer
Larissa Behrendt (b. 1969, Au), legal academic and novelist
Valerie Belgrave (1946–2016, T), author and artist
Concepción Silva Belinzon (1903–1987, Ur), writer
Diane Bell (b. 1943, Au), anthropologist
Hilary Bell (b. 1966, Au), playwright
Susan Groag Bell (1926–2015, Cz/US), women's studies and autobiographer
Diana Bellessi (b. 1946, Ar), poet and essayist
Gioconda Belli (b. 1948, Nc), revolutionary and writer
Samira Bellil (1972–2004, F), autobiographer
Nassira Belloula (b. 1961, Al/Ca), writer in French
Jelica Belović-Bernadzikowska (1870–1946, A/Y), writer and ethnographer
Myriam Ben (1928–2001, Al/F), poet, fiction writer and painter
Karen E. Bender (living, US), novelist
Rigmor Stampe Bendix (1850–1923, D), biographer
Victoria Benedictsson (1850–1888, Sw), author
Božena Benešová (1873–1936, A/Cz), poet, fiction writer and playwright
Elizabeth Benger (1775–1827, E), novelist and biographer
Nouria Benghabrit-Remaoun (b. 1952, Al), sociologist and politician
Berthe Bénichou-Aboulker (1888–1942, Al), poet and playwright
Milena Benini (1966–2020, Y/Cr), sci-fi novelist
Anna Maria Bennett (c. 1750–1808, W), novelist
Mary Montgomerie Bennett (1881–1961, Au), biographer and rights advocate
Veronica Bennett (b. 1953, E), children's novelist
Gwendolyn B. Bennett (1902–1981, US), writer
Louise Bennett (1919–2006, Ja), poet and folklorist
Nel Benschop (1918–2005, N), poet
Carol Bensimon (b. 1982, Bz), fiction writer
Nettie Lee Benson (1905–1993, US), archivist and historian
Sally Benson (1897–1972, US), screenwriter and fiction writer
Caroline French Benton (died 1923, US), cookery writer
Nina Berberova (1901–1993, SU), writer; The Tattered Cloak
Josefa Berens-Totenohl (1891–1969, G), novelist
Maimu Berg (b. 1945, Es), writer and critic
Aimée Daniell Beringer (1856–1936, US), playwright and novelist
Alexandra Berková (1949–2008, Cz), fiction writer and educator
Gabrielle Bernard (1893–1963, B), poet in Walloon French
Patricia Bernard (b. 1942, Au), fiction writer
Tati Bernardi (b. 1979, Bz), fiction and screenwriter
Juliana Berners (14th and 15th cc., E), writer on medieval pursuits; The Book of Saint Albans
Jovette Bernier (1900–1981, Ca), columnist, novelist, and poet
Elsa Bernstein (1866–1949, A), playwright and autobiographic account of Theresienstadt concentration camp
Rose Berryl (b. 1982, B), fantasy writer in French
Bertice Berry (b. 1960, US), sociologist, author and educator
Julie Berry (b. 1980, US), children's and young adults' writer
Mei-mei Berssenbrugge (白萱华, b. 1947, C/US), poet and playwright
Betty Berzon (1928–2006, US), author
Annie Besant (1847–1933, E), theosophist and activist; The Ancient Wisdom
Bessora (b. 1968, B), fiction writer in French
Mary Matilda Betham (1776–1852, E), diarist, poet and woman of letters
Matilda Betham-Edwards (1836–1919, E), novelist, poet and travel writer
Marion Bethel (b. 1953, Bh), poet and activist
Nicolette Bethel (living, Bh), writer and anthropologist
Kata Bethlen (1700–1759, H), memoirist
Doris Betts (1932–2012, US), fiction writer and essayist
Elizabeth Beverley (fl. 1815–30, E), pamphleteer and entertainer
L. S. Bevington (1845–1895, E), poet, anarchist and essayist
Maïssa Bey (b. 1950, Al), writer and educator
Zdeňka Bezděková (1907–1999, A/Cz), fiction and non-fiction writer
Anuradha Bhattacharyya (b. 1975, In), writer in English
Elizabeth Bibesco (1897–1945, E), writer
Marthe Bibesco (1886–1973, Ro), writer in French
Hester Biddle (c. 1629–1697, E), Quaker pamphleteer and preacher
Ruth Bidgood (b. 1922, W), poet
Dorothea Biehl (1731–1788, D), playwright
Gisèle Bienne (b. 1946, F), novelist
Linda Bierds (b. 1945, US), poet and professor
Carli Biessels (1936–2016, N), children's writer
Barbara Biggs (b. 1956, Au), writer and campaigner
Juana Bignozzi (1937–2015, Ar), poet and translator
Anna Bijns (1493–1575, Fl), humanism in Dutch and French
Elisheva Bikhovski (1888–1949, R/Is), poet, critic and translator
Maeve Binchy (1939–2012, I), novelist, playwright and columnist
Bing Xin (冰心, 1900–1999, C), fiction and children's writer
Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179 G), mystic, playwright and poet in Latin; Scivias
Carol Birch (b. 1951, E), novelist
Charlotte Birch-Pfeiffer (c. 1800–1868, G), playwright and actor
Carmel Bird (b. 1940, Au), fiction writer
Isabella Bird (1831–1904, E), traveller and writer
Poldy Bird (b. 1941, Ar), poet and essayist
Sandra Birdsell (b. 1942, Ca), fiction writer
Winifred Birkett (1887–1966, Au), novelist and poet
Dora Birtles (1903–1992, Au), fiction writer, poet and travel writer
Anne Bishop (living, US), fantasy novelist
Elizabeth Bishop (1911–1979, US), poet and writer
Jacqueline Bishop (living, Ja), writer, visual artist and photographer
Isidora Bjelica (b. 1967, Sb), writer and playwright
Marie Bjelke-Petersen (1874–1969, Au), novelist
Christina Björk (b. 1938, Sw), writer and children's book author
Louise Bjørnsen (1824–1899, D), fiction writer
Clementina Black (1853–1922, E), novelist and political writer
Emily Lucas Blackall (1832–1892, US), writer and philanthropist
Sarah Blackborow (fl. 1650s–1660s, E), Quaker writer and preacher
Malorie Blackman (b. 1962, Ba/E), children's and young adults' fiction writer and dramatist
Sara Blædel (b. 1964, D), crime writer
Isa Blagden (1816/1817–1873, E/It), novelist and poet
Marina Blagojević (b. 1958, Sb), writer on gender
Georgia Blain (1964–2016, Au), novelist, columnist and biographer
Marie-Claire Blais (b. 1939, Ca), novelist, poet, and playwright
Anna Blaman (1905–1960, N), novelist and poet
Susanna Blamire (1747–1794, E), poet
Neltje Blanchan (1865–1918, US), nature writer; Bird Neighbors
Carla Blank (living, US), writer, editor and educator
Clair Blank (1915–1965, US), mystery author
Barbara Blaugdone (c. 1609–1705, E), Quaker autobiographer
Helena Blavatsky (1831–1891, R), theosophist and mystic
Ann Eliza Bleecker (1752–1783, US), poet and correspondent
Karen Blixen (1885–1962, D), writer; Out of Africa
Francesca Lia Block (b. 1962, US), author; Weetzie Bat series
Marion Bloem (b. 1952, N), writer and film-maker
Amy Bloom (b. 1953, US), novelist, non-fiction writer and psychotherapist
Valerie Bloom (b. 1956, Ja), poet and novelist
Amelia Bloomer (1818–1894, US), writer on women's rights and temperance
Andrée Blouin (1921–1986, CA), activist and writer
Ana Cecilia Blum (b. 1972, Ec), writer
Judy Blume (b. 1938, US), novelist; Forever
Yde Schloenbach Blumenschein (Colombina, 1882–1963, Bz), poet and chronicler
Louise Sophie Blussé (1901–1996, N), religious writer
Enid Blyton (1897–1968, E), children's writer; Famous Five series
Capel Boake, (Doris Boake Kerr, 1889–1944, Au), novelist
Margarita Bobba (fl. 1560, It), writer and poet
Marilyn Bobes (b. 1955, Cb), poet, novelist and critic
Merlinda Bobis (b. 1959, Ph/Au), writer and academic
Cecil Bødker (1927–2020, D), young adults' writer and poet
Imma von Bodmershof (1895–1982, A), poet
Liliana Bodoc (b. 1958, Ar), novelist
Milica Bodrožić (living, Sb), political history writer
Janka Boga (1886–1963, H), writer and playwright
Louise Bogan (1897–1970, US), poet
Graciela Bográn (1896–2000, Ho), essayist
Katalin Bogyay (b. 1956, H), biographer and politician
Margarete Böhme (1867–1939, G), novelist
Laura Papo Bohoreta (1891–1942, Tu/Y), writer on Judaism
Catherine of Bologna (1413–1463, It), religious writer and saint
Isabel Bolton (1883–1975, US), novelist
Sarah Knowles Bolton (1841–1916, US), writer
María Luisa Bombal (1910–1980, Ch), author
Erma Bombeck (1927–1996, US), humorist
Son Bo-mi (선보미, b. 1980, K), novelist
Annie B. Bond (b. 1953, US), author and editor
Chrystelle Trump Bond (living, US), dance historian
Cynthia Bond (b. 1961, US), novelist
Mildred Amanda Baker Bonham (1840–1907, US), traveler and columnist
Tanella Boni (b. 1954, Iv), poet and novelist
Veronica Bonilla (b. 1972, Ec), children's writer and illustrator
Elizabeth Anne Bonner (1924–1981, US), fiction writer and poet
Geraldine Bonner (1870–1930, US), author
Marita Bonner (1899–1971, US), writer, essayist and playwright; Harlem Renaissance
Piedad Bonnett (b. 1951, Co), poet, playwright and novelist
Malika Booker (b. 1970, E), poet, writer and artist
Mary Everest Boole (1832–1916, E), writer
Frances Boothby (fl. c. 1669–1670, E), playwright
Alice Borchardt (1939–2007, US), historical fiction, fantasy and horror writer
Ivonne Bordelois (b. 1934, Ar), poet and essayist
Miriam Borgenicht (1915−1992, US), mystery novelist
Norah Borges (1901–1998), poet and illustrator
Martina Barros Borgoño (1850–1944, Ch), feminist writer
Alicia Borinsky (fl. since 1975, Ar), novelist, poet and critic
Elsa Bornemann (1952–2013, Ar), children's writer
Juana Borrero (1877–1896, Cb), juvenile poet and painter
Anica Bošković (1714–1804, Sb), writer and poet
Anna Louisa Geertruida Bosboom-Toussaint (1912–1986, N), novelist
Käthe Bosse-Griffiths (1910–1998, G/W), archaeologist
Marianne Boruch (b. 1950, US), poet and professor
Anica Bošković (1714–1804, Dm), poet and translator
Tania Boteva-Malo (b. 1950, Bg/B), novelist and writer in French
Anne Lynch Botta (1815–1891, US), poet, writer and teacher
Phyllis Bottome (1884–1963, E), fiction writer; The Mortal Storm
Tereza Boučková (b. 1957, Cz), fiction writer
Iana Boukova (b. 1968, Bg), poet, novelist and essayist
Jenny Boult (1951–2005, Au), poet
Madeleine Bourdouxhe (1906–1996, B), novelist in French
Louise Bovie (1810–1870, B), fiction writer in French
Jane Bowdler (1743–1784, E), poet and essayist
Elizabeth Bowen (1899–1973, I/E), fiction writer
Mary Bowes (1749–1800, E), playwright and botanist
Jane Bowles (1917–1973, US), writer and playwright
Karin Boye (1900–1941, Sw), poet and novelist
Kay Boyle (1902–1992, US), writer, educator and activist
Ágota Bozai (b. 1965, H), novelist and translator
Zuzana Brabcová (1959–2015, Cz), novelist
Leigh Brackett (1915–1978, US), sci-fi author; The Starmen
Paula Brackston (living, E), historical novelist
Mary Elizabeth Braddon (1837–1915, E), novelist; Lady Audley's Secret
Marion Zimmer Bradley (1930–1999, US), fantasy and sci-fi writer; The Door Through Space
Anne Bradstreet (1612–1672, US), poet and writer
Anne Bragance (b. 1945, F), writer
Sophia Brahe (1559 or 1556–1643, D), horticulturalist and scientist
Cecilia Manguerra Brainard (b. 1947, Ph), novelist and editor
Oyinkan Braithwaite (b. 1988, Ni/E), novelist
Shannon Bramer (b. 1973, Ca), poet
Dionne Brand (b. 1953, Ca), poet, novelist and essayist
Hannah Brand (1754–1821, E), actor and playwright
Mona Brand (1915–2007, Au), poet, playwright and non-fiction writer
Beatriz Francisca de Assis Brandão (1779–1868, Bz), poet and educator
Alice Dayrell Caldeira Brant (1880–1970), diarist
Giannina Braschi (b. 1953, P), writer; Empire of Dreams
Ann Brashares (b. 1967, US), young adults' author
Anneke Brassinga (b. 1948, N), writer and translator
Lily Braun (1865–1916, G), feminist writer
Anna Eliza Bray (1790–1883, E), novelist
Libba Bray (b. 1964, US), young adults' novelist; The Sweet Far Thing
Angela Brazil (1868–1947, E), young adults' writer
Jean "Binta" Breeze (b. 1956, Ja), dub poet and storyteller
Marie Bregendahl (1867–1940, D), fiction writer
Kirstin Breitenfellner (b. 1966, A), novelist, critic and yoga teacher
Fredrika Bremer (1801–1865, Sw), writer and feminist
Sophia Elisabet Brenner (1659–1730, Sw), writer, poet and feminist
Jane Brereton (1685–1740, W), poet
Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond (living, US/Gh), fiction writer and poet
Martha Wadsworth Brewster (1710 – c. 1757, US), poet and writer; first named US-born woman to publish
Melitta Breznik (b. 1961, As/S), fiction writer
London Bridgez (b. 1982, US), poet and writer
Patricia Briggs (b. 1965, US), fantasy writer
Mary Chavelita Dunne Bright (1859–1945, Au/E), "New Woman" writer and feminist
Eliza Brightwen (1830–1906, Sc), writer and naturalist
Lourdes Castrillo Brillantes (living, Ph), writer in Spanish
Hesba Brinsmead (1922–2003, Au), novelist
Vera Brittain (1893–1970, E), writer, feminist and pacifist; Testament of Youth
Dragana Kršenković Brković (living, Mo), writer
Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić (1874–1938, A/Y), children's writer
Chris Broadribb (living, Au), fiction writer
Renée Brock (1912–1980, B), poet and fiction writer in French
Erna Brodber (b. 1940, Ja), novelist and sociologist
Suzanne Brøgger (b. 1944, D), novelist and poet
Anne Brontë (1820–1849, E), novelist and poet; The Tenant of Wildfell Hall
Charlotte Brontë (1816–1855, E), novelist and poet; Jane Eyre
Emily Brontë (1818–1848, E), novelist and poet; Wuthering Heights
Emma Brooke (1844–1926, E), novelist
Frances Brooke (1723–1789, E), novelist, essayist and playwright
Anita Brookner (1928–2016, E), novelist and art historian; Hotel du Lac
Geraldine Brooks (b. 1955, Au/US), novelist; March
Gwendolyn Brooks (1917–2000, US), poet and author; Annie Allen
Anne Brooksbank (b. 1943, Au), scriptwriter and playwright
Mary Anne Broome, Lady Broome (1831–1911, Au), novelist, travel and children's writer
Nicole Brossard (b. 1943, Ca), poet and novelist
Alice Williams Brotherton (1848–1930, US), poet and writer
Rhoda Broughton (1840–1920, W/E), novelist
Olga Broumas (b. 1949, Gk/US), poet
Flora Brovina (b. 1949, Ko), poet, pediatrician and rights activist
Cindy Lynn Brown (b. 1973, D/US), poet
Lily Brown (b. 1981, US), poet and author
Helen Gurley Brown (1922–2012, US), author
Margaret Wise Brown (1910–1952, US), children's author; Goodnight Moon
Pam Brown (b. 1948, Au), poet and prose writer
Pat Brown (b. 1955, US), true-crime author
Rebecca Brown (b. 1956, US), author
Rita Mae Brown (b. 1944, US), novelist, poet and screenwriter
Frances Browne (1816–1887, I), poet and novelist
Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806–1861, E), poet; Aurora Leigh
Mary Grant Bruce (1878–1958, Au), children's author and columnist
Edith Bruck (b. 1932, H/It), fiction writer and playwright in Italian
Alyssa Brugman (b. 1974, Au), young adults' fiction writer
Til Brugman (1888–1958, N), fiction writer and poet
Eliane Brum (b. 1966, Bz), current affairs writer
Herminia Brumana (1897–1954, Ar), novelist and playwright
Friederike Brun (1765–1835, D), writer and salonnière
Elisa Brune (1966–2018, B), writer in French
Marta Brunet (1897–1967, Ch), fiction writer
Andrée Brunin (1937–1993, F), poet
Giuliana Bruno (living, E), environmentalist
Marianne Bruns (1897–1994, Ge), novelist and poet
Mary Brunton (1778–1818, Sc), novelist
Tanja Bruske (b. 1978, Ge), writer and columnist
Colette Bryce (b. 1970, NI), poet
Bryher (Annie Winifred Ellerman, 1894–1983, E), novelist, poet and memoirist
Bu Feiyan (步非烟, b. 1981, C) wuxia novelist
Pearl S. Buck (1892–1973, US), fiction writer and biographer; 1938 Nobel Prize in Literature
Klara Buda (living, Ab/F), writer and columnist
Zsuzsanna Budapest (b. 1940, H/US), non-fiction writer in English
Maria Elizabeth Budden (c. 1780–1832, E), novelist, translator and children's writer
Lukrecija Bogašinović Budmani (1710-1784, Dm), poet
Andrea Hollander Budy (b. 1947, US), poet
Aminta Buenaño (b. 1958, Ec), writer and politician
Kanstantsia Builo (1893–1986, SU/Bg), poet and playwright
Fanny Buitrago (living, Co), fiction writer and playwright
NoViolet Bulawayo (b. 1981, Zi), fiction writer; We Need New Names
Emily Hemans Bulcock (1877–1969, Au), poet
Fanny Mary Katherine Bulkeley-Owen (1845–1927, W), historian
Silvina Bullrich (1915–1990, Ar), novelist and screenwriter
Anna Bülow (died 1519, Sw), writer, translator and abbess
Delfina Bunge (1881–1952), poet, fiction writer and essayist
Anna Bunina (1774–1829, R), poet
Elizabeth Burchill (1904–2003, Au), nurse, philanthropist and author
Erika Burkart (1922–2010, S), poet and writer
Bonnie Burnard (1945–2017, Ca), novelist; A Good House
Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849–1924, E), playwright and children's writer; The Secret Garden
Frances Burney (1776–1828, E), closet dramatist
Frances Burney (1752–1840, E), novelist, diarist and playwright; Evelina
Sarah Burney (1772–1844, E), novelist
Clara Louise Burnham (1854–1827, US), novelist
Andreas Burnier (1931–2002, N), poet and writer
Anna Burns (b. 1962, NI), novelist
Joanne Burns (b. 1945, Au), art critic, historian and novelist
Deborah Burrows (b. 1959, Au), novelist
Mary Towne Burt (1842–1898, US), temperance reformer
Margaret Busby (b. 1944, Gh), columnist and dramatist; Daughters of Africa
Olivia Ward Bush (1869–1944, US), author, poet and columnist
Abena Busia (b. 1953, Gh), poet and academic
Akosua Busia (b. 1966, Gh), actor, novelist and screenwriter
Christine Busta (1915–1987, A), poet and children's writer
Hipatia Cárdenas de Bustamante (1889–1972, Ec), writer and feminist
Sharon Butala (b. 1940, Ca), novelist
Amy Butcher (living, US), essayist and writer
Octavia Butler (1947–2006, US), sci-fi writer; Patternist series
Susan Bulkeley Butler (living, US), author
Julia Butschkow (b. 1978, D), fiction writer and poet
Miriam Butterworth (1918–2019, US), pacifist, teacher and politician
Mary Butts (1890–1937, E), modernist writer
A. S. Byatt (b. 1936, E), novelist and poet
Kim Byeol-ah (b. 1969, K), author
Marie Beuzeville Byles (1900–1979, Au), travel and non-fiction writer
Sarah Shun-lien Bynum (b. 1972, US), fiction writer and anthologist

C

Meg Cabot (b. 1967, US), author; The Princess Diaries
Astrid Cabral (b. 1936, Bz), novelist and poet
Lydia Cabrera (b. 1899–1991, Cb), ethnographer
Caroline Caddy (b. 1944, Au), poet
Florence Caddy (1837–1923, E), writer
Elizabeth Cadell (1903–1989, In/E), writer
Dilys Cadwaladr (1902–1979, W), poet
Kathleen Caffyn (Iota, 1853–1926, Au), novelist
Cai Yan (蔡琰, late 2nd–early 3rd c., C), poet and composer
Mona Caird (c. 1854–1932, Sc), novelist and essayist
Susana Calandrelli (1901–1978, Ar), poet, fiction writer and essayist
Graciela Rincón Calcaño (1904–1987, V), writer and poet
Taylor Caldwell (1900–1985, E/US), novelist
Hortense Calisher (1911–2009, US), writer
Maria Callcott (1785–1842, E), children's and travel writer
Carmen Callil (b. 1938, Au/UK), writer and critic
June Callwood (1924–2007, Ca), author and activist
Mena Calthorpe (1905–1996, Au), novelist
Paola Calvetti (b. 1948, It), novelist and columnist
Ada Cambridge (1844–1926, Au), novelist, poet and autobiographer
Bebe Moore Campbell (1950–2006, US), novelist
Bonnie Jo Campbell (b. 1962, US), fiction writer
Hazel Campbell (1940–2018, Ja), fiction and children's writer
Marion May Campbell (b. 1948, Au), novelist and academic
Julieta Campos (1932–2007, Cb/Mx), novelist
Lorea Canales (living, Mx), writer and translator
Yanitzia Canetti (b. 1967, Cb/US), novelist, essayist and children's writer
Dorothy Canfield (1879–1958, US), author; Understood Betsy
May Wedderburn Cannan (1893–1973, E), poet
Minna Canth (1844–1897, Fi), writer and activist
Estela Canto (1919–1994, Ar), novelist, biographer and translator
Ludmilla Lacueva Canut (b. 1971, Ad), fiction and non-fiction writer
Lan Cao (b. 1961, Vi/US), writer; Monkey Bridge
Jeanne Cappe (1895–1956, B), young adults' writer in French
Margarita Abella Caprile (1901–1960), poet and fiction and travel writer
Teresa Gisbert Carbonell (1926–2018, Bv), art historian
Marie Cardinal (1929–2001, Al/F), novelist
Jacqueline Carey (b. 1964, US), fantasy novelist
Rosa Nouchette Carey (1840–1909, E), novelist and children's writer
Patricia Carlon (1927–2002), crime novelist
Jennings Carmichael (Grace Elizabeth Jennings Carmichael, 1868–1904, Au), poet
María Luisa Carnelli (1898–1987, Ar), poet and columnist
Albertina Carri (b. 1973, Ar), screenwriter and film director
Leonora Carrington (b. 1917, E/Mx), novelist, artist and surrealist
Rachel Carson (1907–1964, US), marine biologist and conservationist; Silent Spring
Esther Carstensen (1873–1955, D), rights activist
Catherine Carswell (1879–1946, Sc), writer
Teresa de Cartagena (b. c. 1425, Sp), religious writer
Angela Carter (1940–1992, E), novelist and columnist; Nights at the Circus
Anne Laurel Carter (b. 1953, Ca), novelist
Elizabeth Carter (1717–1806, E), poet, writer and Bluestocking
Emma de Cartosio (1928–2013, Ar), writer and poet
Candice Carty-Williams (b. 1989, E), novelist and columnist
Caroline Carver (b. 1959, E/Au), novelist
Lisa Crystal Carver (b. 1968, US), writer
Alice Cary (1820–1871, US), poet
Elizabeth Cary (1585–1639, E), playwright; The Tragedy of Mariam
Phoebe Cary (1824–1871, US), poet
Matilde Casazola (b. 1942, Bv), poet and songwriter
Nené Cascallar (1914–1982), broadcast playwright and screenwriter
Adelaide Casely-Hayford (1868–1960, SL), fiction writer and educator
Gladys May Casely-Hayford (1901–1950, SL), poet
Kathryn Casey (living, US), true crime author and novelist
Maie Casey, Baroness Casey (1910–1983, Au), poet, librettist and biographer
Deirdre Cash (Criena Rohan, 1924–1963, Au), novelist
Kristin Cashore (b. 1976, US), fantasy author
Linda Ty Casper (b. 1931, Ph), novelist
P. C. Cast (b. 1960, US), author; House of Night
Rosario Castellanos (1925–1974, Mx), poet and author
Almucs de Castelnau (c. 1140 – pre–1184, F), poet in Occitan
Ana Castillo (b. 1953, Mx/US), fiction writer, poet and essayist
Elisabeth Castonier (1894–1975, G), children's writer in German and English
Rosalía de Castro (1837–1885, Sp), writer and poet in Galician
Willa Cather (1873–1947, US), author; My Ántonia
Nancy Cato (1917–2000, Au), historical novelist, poet and biographer
Eleanor Catton (b. 1985, Ca/NZ), novelist; The Luminaries
Joyce Cavalccante (living, Bz), fiction writer
Jane Cavendish (1620/1621–1669, E), poet and playwright
Margaret Cavendish (1623–1673, E), poet, playwright and fiction writer
Martha Cecilia (b. 1953, Ph), novelist
Susannah Centlivre (1667–1723, E), playwright and poet
Laura Cereta (1469–1499, It), humanist
Marie Červinková-Riegrová (1854–1895, A), librettist
Úrsula Céspedes (1832–1874, Cb), writer and educator
Ana Cristina Cesar (1952–1983, Bz), poet and critic
Theresa Hak Kyung Cha (1951–1982, US), novelist and artist; Dictee
Arlene J. Chai (b. 1955, Ph/Au), novelist
Brenda Chamberlain (1912–1971, W), poet, novelist and artist
Kátya Chamma (b. 1961, Bz), poet and writer
Élise Champagne (Élise Clearens, 1897–1983, B), educator and writer in French
Françoise Chandernagor (b. 1945, F), novelist and playwright
Isabelle de Charrière (1740–1805, N/F), fiction writer and correspondent in French
Daína Chaviano (b. 1957, Cb/US), sci-fi writer
Elizabeth Margaret Chandler (1807–1834, US), poet and writer
Chang Ch'ung-ho (張充和, 1914–2015, C/US), poet and singer
Diana Chang (1934–2009, C/US), novelist and poet
Eileen Chang (张爱玲, 1920–1995, C/US), essayist, novelist and screenwriter
Jung Chang (b. 1952, C/US), author; Wild Swans
Hester Chapone (1727–1801, E), writer and Bluestocking
Charlotte Charke (1713–1760, E), playwright, novelist and autobiographer
Elizabeth Charlotte, Princess Palatine (1652–1722, G), correspondent
Isabelle de Charrière (1740–1805, N), novelist in French
Lidia Charskaya (1875–1938, R), popular novelist
Noëlle Châtelet (b. 1944, F), essayist, novelist and story writer
Georgiana Chatterton (1806–1876, E), author and traveler
Beth Chatto (1923–2018, E), garden writer
Subhadra Kumari Chauhan (1904–1948, In), poet and Hindi songwriter
Nan Chauncy (1900–1970, Au), children's writer
Daína Chaviano (b. 1960, Cu), Cuban writer; The Island of Eternal Love
Mavis Cheek (b. c. 1948, E), novelist
Nora Chegodayeva (1905–1971, SU), interpreter and translator
Chen Danyan (陈丹燕, b. 1958, C), biographer
Chen Jingrong (陳敬容, 1917–1989, C), poet
Chen Xuezhao (陈学昭, 1906–1991, C), essayist and columnist
Ying Chen (应晨, b. 1961, C/Ca), author
Kelly Cherry (b. 1940, US), novelist, poet and essayist
C. J. Cherryh (b. 1942, US), sci-fi and fantasy author
Angelica Cheung (张宇, C), fashion writer and editor
Tracy Chevalier (b. 1962, US/E), novelist; Girl with a Pearl Earring
Corinne Chevallier (b. 1935, Al), novelist and historian
Helmina von Chézy (1783–1856, G), poet, playwright and librettist
Panashe Chigumadzi (living, Zi), columnist, essayist and novelist
Sagawa Chika (左川ちか,1911–1936, J), poet
Lydia Maria Child (1802–1880, US), poet and novelist; Over the River and Through the Woods
Alice Childress (1916–1994, US), playwright and novelist
Irma Chilton (1930–1990, W), children's writer
Mei Chin (b. 1977, US), writer and food critic
Luz Argentina Chiriboga (b. 1940, Ec), fiction writer
Paulina Chiziane (b. 1955, Mz), fiction writer
Joanna Chmielewska (1932–2013, Po), writer
Sonia Chocrón (b. 1961, V), poet, novelist and playwright
Kunzang Choden (b. 1952, Bt), novelist
Pema Chödrön (b. 1936, US), Buddhist author
Choi Jeong-rye (최정례, b. 1955, K), poet
Susan Choi (b. 1969, US), novelist and editor
Mary Cholmondeley (1859–1925, E), novelist
Lathóg of Tír Chonaill (fl. 9th c., I), poet
Denise Chong (b. 1953, Ca), memoirist and non-fiction author
Kate Chopin (1851–1904, US), fiction writer; The Awakening
Lynda Chouiten (living, Al), non-fiction writer
Helene Christaller (1872–1953, G), children's novelist
Ada Christen (1839–1901, A), poet and fiction writer
Inger Christensen (1935–2009, D), poet and prose writer
Kate Christensen (b. 1962, US), novelist; In The Drink
Autumn Christian (living, US), horror and sci-fi writer
Agatha Christie (1890–1976, E), crime writer; The Mousetrap
Elizabeth Christitch (1861–1933, I/Sb), writer, poet and translator
Chrystos (b. 1946, US), Menominee rights activist and poet
Lady Mary Chudleigh (1656–1710, E), poet, essayist and writer
Ismat Chughtai (1915–1991, In), Urdu writer
Lydia Chukovskaya (1907–1996, SU), writer; Sofia Petrovna
Caryl Churchill (b. 1938, E), playwright; A Mouthful of Birds
Sandra Cisneros (b. 1954, US), fiction writer; The House on Mango Street
Gabrielle Civil (living, US), performance artist, poet, and educator
Hélène Cixous (b. 1937 Al/F), poet, playwright and philosopher
Ellen Clacy (Cycla, 1830–1901, Au), novelist and non-fiction writer
Nadezhda Bravo Cladera (living, Bv/Sw), linguist and researcher
Paula Clamp (b. 1967, E), novelist and playwright
Amy Clampitt (1920–1994, US), poet and author
Cassandra Clare (b. 1973, US), young-adult fiction writer
Mona Matilda Clare (Monica Clare, 1924–1973, Au), novelist
Mavis Thorpe Clark (1909–1999, Au), non-fiction and children's writer
Sue Cassidy Clark (living, US), music columnist and photographer
Joan Clark (b. 1934, Ca), novelist
Margaret Clark (b. 1964, US), historian, writer and educator
Mary Higgins Clark (1927–2020), US), suspense novelist
Amy Key Clarke (1892–1980, E), mystical poet, author and teacher
Anna Clarke (1919–2004, E), mystery writer
Maxine Beneba Clarke (living, Au), writer
Breena Clarke (living, US), scholar and writer of fiction
Cheryl Clarke (b. 1947, US), poet, essayist and community activist
Coralie Clarke, (Coralie Clarke Rees, 1908–1972, Au), travel writer
Gillian Clarke (b. 1937, W), poet, playwright and broadcaster
Mrs. Henry Clarke (1853–1908, E), historical fiction and children's writer
Mary H. Gray Clarke (1835–1992, US), author, correspondent and poet
Susanna Clarke (b. 1959, E), novelist; Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
Margareta Clausdotter (died 1486, Sw), writer and abbess
Beverly Cleary (b. 1916, US), author; The Mouse and the Motorcycle
Kate McPhelim Cleary (1863–1905, US), fiction writer
Joceline Clemencia (1952–2011, Cu), writer and linguist
Inga Clendinnen (1934–2016, Au), author and historian
Cleobulina (fl. c. 550 BC, AG), poet
Claude Catherine de Clermont (1543–1603, F), scholar and courtier
Michelle Cliff (1946–2016, Ja/US), author; No Telephone to Heaven
Charmian Clift (1923–1969, Au), novelist and non-fiction writer
Lucille Clifton (1936–2010, US), poet, writer and educator
Gloria Griffen Cline (1929–1973, US), historian
Caroline Clive (1801–1872, E), poet and novelist
Catherine Clive (Kitty, 1711–1785, E), actor and dramatist
Bente Clod (b. 1946, D), poet and prose writer
Marie Closset (Jean Dominique, 1873–1952, B), poet in French
Anne Cluysenaar (1936–2014, B/I), poet and writer in English
Hafina Clwyd (1936–2011, W), essayist and educator
Ella Maria Dietz Clymer (1847–1920, US), poet and actor
Lynn Coady (b. 1970, Ca), fiction writer and columnist
Wendy Coakley-Thompson (b. 1966, US), novelist
Florence Earle Coates (1850–1927, US), poet
Carola Cobo (1909–2003, Bv), cookbook writer
Frances Power Cobbe (1822–1904, I), writer and suffragist
Grace Coddington (b. 1941, W), fashion writer and memoirist
Alice Rollit Coe (1858–1940, Ca/US), author
Mariana Coelho (1857–1954, Pr/Bz), poet and essayist
Gabrielle de Coignard (1550–1586, F), poet
Virginia Coigney (1917–1997, US), civic leader and author
Allison Hedge Coke (b. 1958, US), poet and writer
Marina Colasanti (b. 1937, Er/Bz), writer and poet
Frona Eunice Wait Colburn (1859–1946, US), columnist and fiction writer
H. Maria George Colby (1844–1910, US), columnist and suffragist
Emma Shaw Colcleugh (1846–1940, US), columnist, lecturer and traveler
Lois Dwight Cole (1903–1979, US), editor and children's author
Norma Cole (b. 1945, US), poet, artist and translator
Wanda Coleman (1946–2013, US), poet
Christabel Rose Coleridge (1843–1921, E), novelist and editor
Mary Elizabeth Coleridge (1861–1907, E), novelist and poet
Sara Coleridge (1802–1852, E), writer and translator
Colette (1873–1954, F), novelist; Gigi
Camilla Collett (1813–1895, No), novelist, critic and essayist
Ada Langworthy Collier (1843–1919, US), poet and writer
Catrin Collier (b. 1948, E), novelist and playwright
Jennie Collins (1828–1887, US), activist and author
Mabel Collins (1851–1927, E), theosophist
Merle Collins (b. 1950, Gr), poet and fiction writer
Suzanne Collins (b. 1962, US), novelist; The Hunger Games
Vittoria Colonna (1490–1547, It), poet
Mary Colum (1884–1957, I), critic and author
Flavia Company (b. 1963, Ar), novelist and poet
Anne Compton (b. 1947, Ca), poet, critic and anthologist
Jennifer Compton (b. 1949, Au), poet
Ivy Compton-Burnett (1884–1969, E), novelist; Pastors and Masters
Francisca Josefa de la Concepción (1661–1742, Co), nun and mystic
Maryse Condé (b. 1937, Gl/F), novelist
Helen Gray Cone (1859–1934, US), poet and professor
Jane Elizabeth Dexter Conklin (b. 1831, US), poet and religious writer
Eliza Archard Conner (1838–1912, US), lecturer and feminist
Elizabeth Marney Conner (b. 1856, US), dramatist, educator and author
Josefina Constantino (b. 1920, Ph/Au), essayist, critic and poet
Ana Conta-Kernbach (1865–1921, Ro), writer and educator
Selma Cook (b. 1961, E), editor
Eliza Cook (1818–1889, E), poet
Marvel Cooke (1903–2000, US), columnist and writer
Elizabeth Cook-Lynn (b. 1930, US), Sioux poet, novelist and academic
Ina Coolbrith (b. Josephine Anna Smith, 1841–1928, US), poet
Deborah Coonts (living, US), novelist and lawyer
Carolyn Cooper (b. 1950, Ja), author and literary scholar
J. California Cooper (1931–2014, US), playwright and fiction writer
Wendy Cope (b. 1945, E), poet
Esther Copley (1786–1851, E), religious and children's writer
Marguerite Coppin (1867–1931, B), poet and novelist in French
Cora Coralina (1889–1985, Bz), writer and poet
Gilda Cordero-Fernando (b. 1932, Ph), fiction and food writer
Marie Corelli (1855–1924, E), novelist
Corinna (Κόριννα, 6th c. BC, AG), poet
Cornificia (c. 85–c. 40 BC, AR), poet and epigram writer
Caroline Cornwallis (1786–1858, E), writer on education, philosophy and science
Jane Cornwallis (1581–1659, E), correspondent
Anita Cornwell (b. 1923, US), author
Patricia Cornwell (b. 1956, US), crime writer
Domitila García de Coronado (1847–1938, Cb), biographer and anthologist
Cecilia K Corrigan (b. 1987, US), poet and writer
Sarah Cortez (living, US), poet, editor and essayist
Jayne Cortez (1936–2012, US), poet and performance artist
Mary Corylé (1894–1976, Ec), writer and poet
Giselle Cossard (1923–2016, Mr/Bz), anthropologist
Alicia Yánez Cossío (b. 1928, Ec), poet and novelist
Lola Costa (1903–2004, E), painter, writer and poet
Saskia De Coster (b. 1976, B), writer in Flemish
Sophie Ristaud Cottin (1770–1807, F), novelist
Dorothy Cottrell (1902–1957, Au), novelist
Violet May Cottrell (1887–1971, NZ), writer, poet and spiritualist
Anna Couani (b. 1948), novelist, poet and visual artist
Emily Coungeau (1860–1936, Au), poet
Hedwig Courths-Mahler (1867–1950, G), novelist
Joanna Courtmans (1811–1890, B), poet and prose writer in Flemish
Arlette Cousture (b. 1948, Ca), writer
Sonia Coutinho (1939–2013, Bz), fiction writer
Dani Couture (b. 1978, Ca), poet and novelist
Jessie Couvreur (Tasma, 1848–1897, Au), novelist
Hannah Cowley (1743–1809, E), playwright and poet
Josephine Cox (1938–2020, E), novelist
Mary Lynde Craig (living, US), writer, teacher and activist
Dinah Mulock Craik (1826–1887, E), novelist; John Halifax, Gentleman
Helen Craik (1751–1825, Sc), novelist
Elizabeth Azcona Cranwell (1933–2004), poet and fiction writer
Margaret Craven (1901–1980, US), novelist; I Heard the Owl Call My Name
Isabella Valancy Crawford (1850–1887, Ca), poet
Susan P. Crawford (b. 1963, US), law professor
Hélisenne de Crenne (1510–1552, F), novelist, correspondent and translator
Jasmine Cresswell (b. 1941, W), romance and historical novelist
Alice Guerin Crist (1876–1941, Au), poet, fiction writer and columnist
Ann Batten Cristall (1769–1848, E), poet
Maria Sonia Cristoff (b. 1965, Ar), fiction and non-fiction writer
Alison Croggon (b. 1962, Ar), poet, playwright and novelist
Bithia Mary Croker (1849–1920, I/In), writer
M. T. C. Cronin (b. 1963, Au), writer
Camilla Dufour Crosland (1812–1895, E), writer and poet
Elsa Cross (b. 1946, Mx), poet and essayist
Zora Cross (1890–1964, Au), poet and prose writer
Karen Crouse (living, US), author
Catherine Crowe (1800–1876, E), dramatist, novelist and children's book author
Helen Cruickshank (1886–1975, SC), poet in Braid Scots and English
Coralie van den Cruyce (1796–1858, B), playwright in French
Conchitina Cruz (living, Ph), poet and academic
Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz (1651–1695, Mx), poet and playwright
Diana Çuli (b. 1951, Ab), writer and politician
Meta Davis Cumberbatch (1900–1978, T/Bh), poet, playwright and cultural activist
Alissandra Cummins (b. 1958, Ba), non-fiction writer
Maria Susanna Cummins (1827–1866, US), novelist; The Lamplighter
Lady Margaret Cunningham (died c. 1622, Sc), memoirist and correspondent
Pat Cumper (b. 1954, E), playwright
Helena Parente Cunha (b. 1929, Bz), writer and educator
Maria Renee Cura (died 2007, Ar), Indian specialist and non-fiction writer
Jean Curlewis (1898–1930, Ar), children's writer
Dymphna Cusack (1902–1981, Au), novelist and playwright
Silvia Rivera Cusicanqui (b. 1949, Bv), historian and feminist
Rachel Cusk (b. 1967, Ca), novelist
Catherine Cuthbertson (c. 1775–1842, E), novelist
Umihana Čuvidina (c. 1794 – c. 1870, Tu), Bosnian poet
Aleksandra Čvorović (b. 1976, Y/BH), writer and librarian
Ptolemais of Cyrene (3rd c. BC or later, AG), writer on music
Julie E. Czerneda (b. 1955, Ca), sci-fi and fantasy author

D

Emma Dabiri (living, I/Ni), author, academic, and broadcaster
Maria Dąbrowska (1889–1965, Po), writer
Anne Dacier (1645–1720, F), scholar and translator
Nino Dadeshkeliani (1890–1931, Ge), writer and politician
Stella Dadzie (b. 1952, E), activist and historian
Catrin Dafydd (b. c.1982, W), writer and poet
Fflur Dafydd (b. 1978, W), novelist and musician
Elizabeth Frances Dagley (1788–1853, E), children's author
Marianna Debes Dahl (b. 1947, Fa), fiction and children's writer
Ulla Dahlerup (b. 1942, D), writer and rights activist
Dai Houying (戴厚英, 1938–1996, C), novelist
Marguerite Dale (1883–1963, Au), playwright and feminist
Yrsa Daley-Ward (b. 1989, E), poet
Ann Dally (1929–2007, E), author and psychiatrist
Blanche d'Alpuget (b. 1944, Au), biographer and novelist
Kathleen Dalziel (1881–1969, Au), poet
Achta Saleh Damane (living, Cd), writer and politician
Svetla Damyanovska (living, Bg), poet and fiction writer
Jordan Dane (b. 1953, US), thriller writer
Tsitsi Dangarembga (b. 1959, Zi), author and filmmaker
Anna Dániel (1908–2003, H), novelist and young adults' writer
Cora Linn Daniels (b. 1852, US), author
Mabel Dove Danquah (1910–1984, Gh), fiction writer
Meri Nana-Ama Danquah (b. 1967, Gh/US), writer and editor
Edwidge Danticat (b. 1969, Ha/US), novelist; Breath, Eyes, Memory
Xie Daoyun (謝道韞, pre-AD 340 – post-399, C), poet and calligrapher
Eleanor Dark (Patricia O'Rane, 1901–1985, Au), novelist
Amma Darko (b. 1956, Gh), novelist
Tina Darragh (b. 1950, US), poet
Marie Darrieussecq (b. 1969, F), novelist in Basque
Cecilia Dart-Thornton (living, Au), fantasy writer
Helen Darville (Helen Dale, Helen Demidenko; b. 1972, Au), columnist and novelist
Kamala Das (1932–2009, In), poet and fiction writer
Marcia Davenport (1903–1996, US), novelist, biographer and memoirist
Selina Davenport (1779–1859, E), novelist
Henriette Davidis (1801–1876, G), cookbook writer
Joy Davidman (b. Helen Joy Davidman, 1915–1960, US), writer and poet
Alexandra David-Néel (1868–1969, F), traveler, writer and Buddhist
Nadia Davids (b. 1977, SA), writer and playwright
Catherine Glyn Davies (1926–2007, W), philosopher, historian and translator
Gwen Davies (b. 1964, W), translator and editor
Margaret Davies (Marged Dafydd, c. 1700–1778 or 1785, W), poet and scribe
Mary Davies (Mair Eifion, 1846–1882, W), poet
Angela Davis (b. 1944, US), philosopher and activist
Dorothy Salisbury Davis (b. 1916, US), mystery novelist
Kyra Davis (b. 1972, US), novelist
Lydia Davis (b. 1947, US), fiction writer and essayist
Norma Davis (1905–1945, Au), poet
Rebecca Harding Davis (1831–1910, US), novelist and columnist; Life in the Iron Mills
Mary Davys (1674–1732, I), novelist and playwright
Elizabeth Dawbarn (died 1839, E), writer on religion and child care
Pieretta Dawn (b. 1994, Th), author in English
Laura Day (b. 1959, US), self-help writer
Sarah Day (b. 1958, E/Au), poet
Shobhaa De (b. 1947, In), columnist and novelist; Starry Nights
Dulcie Deamer (1890–1972, Au), novelist, poet and actor
Pamela Dean (b. 1953, US), novelist; Tam Lin
Kathryn Deans (living, Au), children's author
Charlotte Burgis DeForest (1879–1973, US), writer
Ellen DeGeneres (b. 1958, US), writer and comedian
Draga Dejanović (1840–1871, Sb), poet
Aagje Deken (1701–1804, N), poet and correspondent
E. M. Delafield (1890–1943, E), novelist and memoirist
Lucy Delaney (c. 1830–c. 1890, US), memoirist
Mary Delany (1700–1788, E), correspondent and Bluestocking
Lucie Delarue-Mardrus (1874–1945, F), poet, novelist and columnist
Grazia Deledda (1871–1936, It), novelist and poet; 1926 Nobel Prize for Literature
Yanette Delétang-Tardif (1902–1976, F), poet, translator and novelist
Ella Cara Deloria (1888–1971, US), ethnographer, historian and novelist
Gabriëlle Demedts (1909–2002, B), poet in Flemish
Rita Demeester (1946–1993, B), poet and writer in Flemish
Radka Denemarková (b. 1968, Cz), novelist and screenplay writer
Zsófia Dénes (1885–1987, H), critic and biographer
Nicole Dennis-Benn (b. 1982, Ja), novelist and story writer
Márcia Denser (b. 1949, Bz), writer and academic
Enid Derham (1882–1941, Au), poet
Regina Derieva (1949–2013, SU/R), poet and writer
Maria Dermoût (1888–1962, N), novelist
Sophie Deroisin (1909–1994, B), novelist in French
Dominika Dery (b. 1975, Cz), poet and memoirist
Anita Desai (b. 1937, In), novelist; In Custody
Kiran Desai (b. 1971, In), novelist
Marceline Desbordes-Valmore (1786–1859, F), poet
Anne Desclos (Dominique Aury and Pauline Réage, 1907–1998, F), columnist and novelist
Antoinette du Ligier de la Garde Deshoulières (1638–1694, F), poet
Virginie Despentes (b. 1969, F), novelist
Jessica Dettmann (living, Au), novelist
Babette Deutsch (1895–1982, US), poet, critic, and novelist
Jean Devanny (1894–1962, Au), fiction and non-fiction writer
Mary Deverell (1731–1805, E), religious writer and poet
Ashapoorna Devi (1909–1995, In), novelist and poet
Mahasweta Devi (1926–2016, In), novelist and writer
Caroline Dexter (1819–1884, E/Au), feminist
Christine D'haen (1923–2009), writer and poet in French
Dhuoda (c. 803–c. 843, F), moralist in Latin; Liber Manualis
Anita Diamant (b. 1951, US), fiction and non-fiction writer; The Red Tent
Olga Xirinacs Díaz (b. 1936, Sp), writer and musician
Kate DiCamillo (b. 1964, US), children's author
Emily Dickinson (1830–1886, US), poet
Susan E. Dickinson (1842–1915, US), correspondent
Joan Didion (b. 1934, US), columnist, essayist and novelist
Alice Mangold Diehl (1844–1912, E), novelist and musician
Florence Carpenter Dieudonné (1850–1927, US), fiction writer
Annie Le Porte Diggs (1853–1916, Ca), poet and author
Annie Dillard (b. 1945, US), non-fiction writer, poet and novelist; Pilgrim at Tinker Creek
Amy Dillwyn (1845–1935, W), novelist and benefactor
Constance Dima (b. 1948, Gk), writer, poet and translator
Ophelia Dimalanta (1932–2010, Ph), poet, writer and teacher
Jelena Dimitrijević (1862–1945, Sb), fiction writer and poet
Blaga Dimitrova (1922–2003, B), poet and politician
Kristin Dimitrova (b. 1963, Bg), writer and poet
Theodora Dimova (b. 1960, Bg), novelist and playwright
Isak Dinesen (1885–1962, D), novelist; Out of Africa
Ding Ling (丁玲, 1904–1986, C), novelist
Kelly DiPucchio (b. 1967, US), children's author
Tove Ditlevsen (1917–1976, D), poet, novelist and autobiographer
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (b. 1956 In/US), poet and fiction writer; Mistress of Spices
Lady Florence Dixie (1855–1905, Sc), travel, war and fiction writer
Assia Djebar (1936–2015, Al), novelist, translator and filmmaker
Rabia Djelti (b. 1954, Al), poet, novelist and educator
Valentina Dmitryeva (1859–1947, R/SU), writer; Hveska, the Doctor's Watchman
Rosemary Dobson (1920–2012, Au), poet
Anna Bowman Dodd (1858–1929, US), author
Mary Mapes Dodge (1831–1905, US), children's writer; Hans Brinker, or The Silver Skates
Mary Diana Dods (David Lyndsay, 1790–1830, Sc), fiction writer
Thea Doelwijt (b. 1938, Su), fiction and children's writer and playwright
Harriet Doerr (1910–2002, US), novelist; Stones for Ibarra
Mary Crow Dog (b. 1953, US), writer and activist; Lakota Woman
Berlie Doherty (b. 1943, E), novelist, poet and children's writer
Dorcas Dole (fl. later 17th c., E), Quaker pamphleteer
Emma Dolujanoff (1922–2013, Mx), writer
Hilde Domin (1909–2006, G), poet
Delia Domínguez (b. 1931, Ch), poet
Elvira Dones (b. 1960, Ab/S), novelist and screenwriter
Emma Donoghue (b. 1969, I/Ca), novelist; Hood
Maria Doolaeghe (1803–1884, B), writer in Flemish
Robyn Doolittle (b. 1984, Ca), columnist; Crazy Town: The Rob Ford Story
Mara Đorđević-Malagurski (1894–1971, Sb), writer and ethnologist
Renate Dorrestein (1954–2018, N), fiction writer and feminist
Mathilda d'Orozco (Mathilda Montgomery-Cederhjelm; 1796–1863, It/Sw), salonnière, poet and writer
Doris Dörrie (b. 1955, G), novelist and film director
Lyubov Dostoyevskaya (1869–1926, R), writer;The Emigrant
Sarah Doudney (1841–1926, E), children's writer and poet
Ellen Douglas (1921–2012, US), fiction and non-fiction writer
Mona Douglas (1898–1987, IM), poet and folklorist
O. Douglas (also Anna Buchan, 1877–1948, Sc), novelist
Sara Douglass (also Sara Warneke, 1957–2011, Au), fantasy novelist
Maro Douka (b. 1947, Gk), novelist
Teresa Dovalpage (b. 1966, Cb/US), novelist
Rita Dove (b. 1952, US), poet; Thomas and Beulah
Ceridwen Dovey (b. 1980, Au), novelist
Beatrice von Dovsky (1866–1923, A), poet, librettist and actor
Unity Dow (b. 1959, Bo), activist and novelist
Mary Frances Dowdall (1876–1939, E), novelist and non-fiction writer
Margaret Drabble (b. 1939, E), novelist and biographer; The Millstone
Emmy Drachmann (1854–1928, D), novelist and memoirist
Rajna Dragićević (living, Sb), lexicographer and academic
Tonke Dragt (b. 1930, N), children's writer and illustrator
Judith Drake (late 17th c., E), feminist essayist
Slavenka Drakulić (b. 1949, Y/Cr), novelist and essayist
Augusta Theodosia Drane (1823–1894, E), religious writer and biographer
Ingeborg Drewitz (1923–1986, G), playwright and novelist
Daša Drndić (1946–2018, Y/Cr), novelist and playwright
Edwige-Renée Dro (living, Iv), writer and activist
Celia Dropkin (1887–1956, Br/US), poet in Yiddish
Annette von Droste-Hülshoff (1797–1848, G), poet
Ree Drummond (b. 1969, US), author and food writer
Anna Harriett Drury (1824–1912, E), poet and novelist
Helene von Druskowitz (1856–1918, A), playwright, critic and poet
Duan Shuqing (端淑卿, c. 1510 – c. 1600, C), poet
Ursula Dubosarsky (b. 1961, Au), children's and young adults' fiction and non-fiction writer
Louis Dubrau (Louise Janson-Scheidt, 1904–1997, B), fiction writer and poet in French
Lucie, Lady Duff-Gordon (1821–1869, E/Eg), history writer and Arabist
Carol Ann Duffy (b. 1955, Sc), poet and playwright; first female and first Scottish Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom
Marilyn Dumont (b. 1955, Ca), First Nations poet
Sarah Dunant (b. 1950, E), genre novelist; The Birth of Venus
Lois Duncan (1934–2016, US), young adults' writer
Susan Duncan (b. 1951, Au), memoirist and novelist
Elaine Dundy (1931–2008, US), columnist, novelist and biographer
Camille Dungy (b. 1972, US), poet and professor
Clare B. Dunkle (b. 1964, US), children's fantasy author and librarian
Gloria Dünkler (b. 1977, Ch), poet and folklorist
Katherine Dunn (1945–2016, US), novelist, columnist and poet; Geek Love
Rachel Blau DuPlessis (b. 1941, US), poet, essayist and scholar
Maria José Dupré (1905–1984, Bz), novelist
Mary Durack (1913–1994, Au), historical novelist and children's writer
Claire de Duras (1777–1828, F), novelist; Ourika
Marguerite Duras (Marguerite Donnadieu, 1914–1996, F), novelist, playwright and screenwriter
Jessica Durlacher (b. 1961, N), critic and novelist
Ljiljana Habjanović Đurović (b. 1953, Sb), novelist
Marie Dušková (1903–1968, Cz), poet
Karen Duve (b. 1961, G), fiction writer
Mona Van Duyn (1921–2004, US), poet
Gergina Dvoretzka (living, B), poet and columnist

E

Marion Eames (1921–2007, W), novelist and translator
Beverley East (b. 1953, Ja), writer
Alice Eather (1988/1989–2017, Au), poet and environmentalist
Edith Maude Eaton (Sui Sin Far; 1865–1914, Ch/Ca), novelist
Winnifred Eaton (Watanna Onoto; 1875–1954, Ch/Ca), fiction writer
Françoise d'Eaubonne (1920–2005, F), essayist and novelist
Margareta Ebner (1291–1351, G), diarist and mystic
Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916, A), novelist
Charlotte O'Conor Eccles (1860–1911, I), novelist and translator
Robyn Eckersley (b. 1958, Au), political theorist
Bertha Eckstein-Diener (Sir Galahad, 1874–1948, A), feminist historian and travel writer
Nydia Ecury (1926–2012, Cu), poet and translator
Leigh Eddings (1939–2007, US), fantasy novelist
Reni Eddo-Lodge (b. 1989, E), columnist and author
Inger Edelfeldt (b. 1956, Sw), fiction and children's writer and illustrator
Aida Edemariam (fl. 2014–, Et/Ca), columnist and memoirist
Emily Eden (1797–1869, E), novelist and poet
Arabella Edge (fl. 2000–, E/Au), fiction writer
Zee Edgell (b. 1940, Bi), novelist
Maria Edgeworth (1767–1849, E/I), novelist; Castle Rackrent
May Edginton (1883–1957, E), novelist
Harriet Edquist (fl. 1989–, Au), architectural historian
Esi Edugyan (b. 1978, Ca), novelist and writer; Half-Blood Blues
Summer Edward (b. 1986, T), writer and activist
Amelia Edwards (1831–1892, E), fiction writer and poet
Fanny Winifred Edwards (1876–1959, W), children's writer and teacher
Yvvette Edwards (fl. 2011–, E), novelist
Françoise Ega (1920–1976, Mq), novelist
Jennifer Egan (b. 1962, US); fiction writer; A Visit from the Goon Squad
Egeria (Aetheria) (fl. AD 381–384, Al), pilgrim and correspondent in Latin
Elizabeth Eggleston (1934–1976, Au), author, activist and lawyer
Elsebeth Egholm (b. 1960, D), crime writer
Elen Egryn (Elin Evans, 1807–1876, W), poet
Alicia Eguren (1924–1977, Ar), poet and essayist
Barbara Ehrenreich (b. 1941, US), feminist and activist
Marianne Ehrenström (1773–1867, Sw), writer
Charlotte Eilersgaard (1858–1922, D), fiction writer and playwright
Paula Einöder (b. 1974, Ur), poet and writer
Kerstin Ekman (b. 1933, Sw), fiction writer
Margareta Ekström (b. 1930, Sw), poet, novelist and children's writer
Elaine Eksvärd (b. 1981, Sw), non-fiction writer
Nana Ekvtimishvili (b. 1978, Ge), writer and film director
Roza Eldarova (b. 1923, SU/R), writer and politician
Anne Elder (1918–1976, Au), poet and ballet dancer
Flora Eldershaw (1897–1956, Au), novelist, critic and historian
Elephantis (fl. late 1st c. BC, AG), erotic poet
Ada María Elflein (1880–1919, Ar), poet, columnist and translator
Menna Elfyn (b. 1952, W), poet, playwright and editor
Safia Elhillo (b. 1990, Sd/US), poet
George Eliot (also Marian Evans, 1819–1880, E), novelist and poet; Middlemarch
Elizabeth F. Ellet (1818–1877, US), writer and poet
Bina Sarkar Ellias (b. 1949, In), poet, writer and editor
Anne Elliot (1856–1941, E), novelist
Alice Thomas Ellis (Anna Haycraft, 1932–3005, E), fiction and non-fiction writer
Keisha Lynne Ellis (fl. 2009–, Bh), political scientist
Nawal el-Saadawi (b. 1931, Eg), feminist and fiction writer
Elizabeth Elstob (1683–1756, E), feminist and translator
Diamela Eltit (b. 1949, Ch), writer and academic
Lynn Emanuel (b. 1949, US), poet
Buchi Emecheta (1944–2017, Ni), novelist
Claudia Emerson (1957–2014, US), poet and academic
Ellen Russell Emerson (1837–1907, US), author and ethnologist
Carol Emshwiller (1921–2019, US), fiction writer
Fumiko Enchi (円地文子, 1905–1986, J), playwright and fiction writer
Marian Engel (1933–1985, Ca), novelist
Dorothe Engelbretsdatter (1634–1716, No), poet and hymn writer
Edith Mary England (1899–1979/1981, Au), novelist and poet
Isobel English (1920–1994, E), novelist
Anna Enquist (b. 1945, N), poet and novelist
Kalilah Enríquez (b. 1983, Bi/Ja), columnist and poet
Mariana Enríquez (b. 1973, Al), fiction writer and columnist
Françoise Enguehard (b. 1957, Ca), prose writer in French
Enheduanna (2285–2250 BC, AS), poet and royal priestess
Anne Enright (b. 1962, I), fiction writer and essayist
Fotini Epanomitis (b. 1969, Au), novelist
Nora Ephron (1941–2012, US), novelist and screenwriter
Pamphile of Epidaurus (1st c. AD, AG), historian
Muzi Epifani (1935–1984, It), novelist, poet and playwright
Helen Epstein (b. 1947, Cz/US), biographer and memoirist
Leyla Erbil (1931–2013, Tu), writer
Louise Erdrich (b. 1954, US), novelist, poet and children's writer
Rica Erickson (1908–2009, Au), botanic and historical writer
Helena Eriksson (b. 1962, Sw), poet
Erinna (Ἤριννα, fl. c. 600 BC, AG), poet
Anastasia Eristavi-Khoshtaria (1868–1951, Ge), novelist
Annie Ernaux (b. 1940, F), novelist and autobiographer
Maria Ernestam (b. 1959, Sw), columnist and novelist
Henrica van Erp (c. 1480–1548, N), chronicler and abbess
Jenny Erpenbeck (b. 1967, G), novelist
Nataly von Eschstruth (1860–1939, G), novelist
Edith Escombe (1866–1950, E), fiction writer and essayist
Erminda Rentoul Esler (c. 1852–1924, I), fiction writer
Florbela Espanca (1894–1930, P), poet
Teresa Espasa (fl. 1978–, Sp), poet, essayist and professor
Kristin Espinasse (b. 1968, US), author
Ileana Espinel (1933–2001, Ec), poet and writer
Ramabai Espinet (b. 1948, T), poet, novelist and critic
Laura Esquivel (b. 1950, Mx), novelist
Eleanor Estes (1906–1988, US), children's writer; The Moffats
Clarissa Pinkola Estés (b. 1945, US), poet
Jenny Estrada (b. 1940, Ec), social writer
Gabriela Etcheverry (b. 1946, Ch/Ca), writer and critic
Parvin E'tesami (1907–1941, Ir), poet
Aelia Eudocia (c. 401–460, By), religious writer in Greek
Damiana Eugenio (1921–2014, Ph), writer and academic
Jang Eun-jin (장은진, b. 1976, K), author
Lolita Euson (1914–1994, SE), poet
Janet Evanovich (b. 1943, US), novelist; Stephanie Plum series
Anne Evans (1820–1870, E), poet and composer
Augusta Jane Evans (1835–1909, US), novelist
Christine Evans (b. 1943, W), poet
Diana Evans (b. c. 1971, E), novelist, columnist and critic
Mari Evans (1923–2017, US), poet, playwright and children's writer
Matilda Jane Evans (Maud Jean Franc, 1827–1886, Au), novelist
Lizzie P. Evans-Hansell (b. 1836, US), fiction writer
Bernardine Evaristo (b. 1959, E), writer
Conceição Evaristo (b. 1946, Bz), social writer
Marjorie Evasco (living, Ph), poet
Maria Louise Eve (b. 1848, US), poet
Zdravka Evtimova (b. 1959, Bg), fiction writer
Emma Pike Ewing (1838–1917, US), author and educator
Eve Ewing (b. 1986, US), author, poet and artist
Juliana Horatia Ewing (1841–1885, E), children's writer
Leonora Eyles (1889–1960, E), feminist writer and novelist

F

Michèle Fabien (1945–1999, B), writer and playwright in French
Mary Fabilli (1914–2011, US), poet and illustrator
Kinga Fabó (b. 1953, H), poet and essayist
Paloma Fabrykant (b. 1981, Ar), non-fiction writer and artist
Diane Fahey (b. 1945, Au), poet
Suzanne Falkiner (b. 1952, Au), novelist and non-fiction writer
Aminata Sow Fall (b. 1941, Se), novelist
Amber Fallon (b. 1993, US), horror writer
Katie Fallon (b. 1976, US), essayist and non-fiction writer
Fang Fang (方方, b. 1955), poet and novelist
Diane Fanning (living, US), true crime author and novelist
Ann, Lady Fanshawe (1625–1680, E), memoirist
Catherine Maria Fanshawe (1765–1834, E), poet
Ursula Fanthorpe (1929–2009, E), poet
Beverley Farmer (1941–2018, Au), fiction writer
Nancy Farmer (b. 1941, US), young adults' and children's novelist
Penelope Farmer (b. 1939, E), children's novelist; Charlotte Sometimes
Fadhila El Farouk (b. 1967, Al/L), novelist
Forough Farrokhzad (1935–1967, Ir), poet and film director
Lilian Faschinger (b. 1950, A), fiction writer and poet
Adélaïde Fassinou (b. 1955, Bn), fiction writer
Margaretta Faugères (1771–1801, US), poet
Gertrude Minnie Faulding (1875–1961, E), novelist and children's writer
Jesse Redmon Fauset (1882–1961, US), poet, essayist and novelist
Beatrice Faust (1939–2019, Au), non-fiction writer and activist
Madame de La Fayette (1634–1693, F), novelist
Astrid Stampe Feddersen (1852–1930, D), women's rights activist and feminist writer
Etta Federn (1883–1951, A), writer and translator
Klára Fehér (1919–1996, H), novelist and children's writer
Leslie Feinberg (1949–2014, US), transgender activist and writer
Elaine Feinstein (b. 1930, E), poet, novelist and translator
Else Feldmann (1884–1942, A), playwright, poet and novelist
Stéphanie Félicité, comtesse de Genlis (Madame de Genlis; 1746–1830, F), novelist, playwright and children's writer
Zuo Fen (左芬, c. 255–300, C), poet
Feng Yuanjun (冯沅君, 1900–1974, C), writer and scholar
Edna Ferber (1885–1968, US), novelist and playwright; Show Boat
Kate Lee Ferguson (1841–1928, US), novelist, poet and composer
Fanny Fern (1811–1872, US), fiction and children's writer; Ruth Hall
María Luisa Fernández (1870–1938, Ch), feminist writer and poet
Roberta Fernández (living, US), novelist, scholar and critic
Chitra Fernando (1935–1998, Sk), children's writer and academic
Vera Ferra-Mikura (1923–1997, A), children's writer
Elena Ferrante (b. 1943, It), novelist
Rosario Ferré (1938–2016, US), novelist, poet and biographer
Julia Ferrer (1925–1995, Pe), poet and writer
Susan Edmonstoune Ferrier (1782–1854, Sc), novelist
Maria Fetherstonhaugh (1847–1918, E), novelist
Tina Fey (b. 1970, US), screenwriter and autobiographer
Vera Feyder (b. 1949, B/F), poet and novelist
Ilia Fibiger (1817–1867, D), playwright, fiction writer and nurse
Mathilde Fibiger (1830–1872, D), writer on women's rights
Rachel Field (1894–1942, US), novelist, poet and children's writer; Hitty, Her First Hundred Years
Helen Fielding (b. 1958, E), novelist; Bridget Jones's Diary
Sarah Fielding (1710–1768, E), novelist
Jennie Fields (b. 1953, US), novelist
Celia Fiennes (1662–1741, E), travel writer
Fanny Carrión de Fierro (b. 1936, Ec) poet, critic and academic
Sia Figiel (b. 1967, Sb), poet and novelist
Lyudmila Filipova (b. 1977, Bg), novelist and columnist
Zlata Filipović (b. 1980, BH/I), child war diarist
Adelaide Filleul (1761–1836, F), novelist
Anne Finch (Countess of Winchilsea, 1661–1720, E), poet
Annie Finch (b. 1956 US), poet, translator and critic
Anne Fine (b. 1947, E), writer
Manuela Fingueret (1945–2013, Ar), poet, novelist and essayist
Nikky Finney (b. 1957, US), poet
Caroline Auguste Fischer (1764–1842, G), writer and rights activist
Margery Fish (1892–1969, E), gardening writer
Carrie Fisher (1956–2016, US), novelist, actor and screenwriter; Postcards from the Edge
Catherine Fisher (b. 1957, W), writer and broadcaster
Lala Fisher (1872–1929, Au), poet and editor
M. F. K. Fisher (1908–1992, US), food writer
Penelope Fitzgerald (1916–2000, E), novelist, poet and biographer; 1979 Booker Prize; Offshore
Louise Fitzhugh (1928–1974, US), children's book author and illustrator
Becca Fitzpatrick (b. 1979, US), novelist
Kathleen Fitzpatrick (1905–1990), historian, biographer and critic
Fannie Flagg (b. 1944, US), screenwriter and novelist
Jane Flanders (1940–2001, US), poet
Marieluise Fleißer (1901–1974, G), playwright
Marjorie (Marjory) Fleming (1803–1811, Sc), child diarist and poet
Kate Fleron (1909–2006, D), writer and resistance fighter
Jane Ada Fletcher (1870–1956, Au), nature and children's writer
Penelope Fletcher (b. 1988, E), young adults' and fantasy writer
Zénaïde Fleuriot (1829–1890, F), novelist
Lynn Flewelling (b. 1958, US), novelist
Lina Flor (1914–1976, Ph), fiction and scriptwriter
Leona Florentino (1849–1884, Ph), poet
Paulina Flores (b. 1988, Ch), fiction writer
Nísia Floresta (1810–1885, Bz/F), poet and feminist
Angela Flournoy (living, US), novelist
Pat Flower (1914–1977, Au), stage and TV playwright and novelist
Carol Houlihan Flynn (b. 1945, US), academic, critic and fiction writer
Gillian Flynn (b. 1971, US), novelist and screenwriter
Marnie Fogg (living, E), fashion writer
Éva Földes (1914–1981, H), writer and Holocaust survivor
Jolán Földes (1902–1963, H), novelist
Winifred Foley (1914–2009, E), autobiographer
Maria Assumpció Soler i Font (1913–2004, Sp), writer and columnist in Catalan
Moderata Fonte (1555–1592, It), feminist and poet; The Worth of Women
Pascale Fonteneau (b. 1963, F/B), novelist and writer in French
Donna Foote (b. 1950, US), non-fiction writer
Mary Hallock Foote (1847–1938, US), novelist
Mary Hannay Foott (1846–1918, Au), poet and editor
Curdella Forbes (living, Ja), sci-fi writer
Esther Forbes (1891–1967, US), novelist and children's writer; Johnny Tremain
Charlotte-Rose de Caumont de La Force (1654–1724, F), novelist and poet
Aminatta Forna (b. 1964, Sc), writer
María Irene Fornés (1930–2018, Cb/US), playwright
Mabel Forrest (1872–1935, Au), novelist and poet
Olga Forsh (1873–1961, R/SU), writer
Thelma Forshaw (1923–1995, Au), fiction writer and reviewer
Margaret Forster (b. 1938, E), novelist and biographer
Mary Forster (c. 1620–1687, E), Quaker polemicist
Gertrud von Le Fort (1876–1971, G), novelist, poet and essayist
Dion Fortune (Violet Mary Firth, 1890–1946, W), novelist and writer
Mary Fortune (Waif Wander, c. 1833–1911, Au), crime writer
E. M. Foster (fl. late 18th – early 19th cc., E), novelist
Hannah Webster Foster (1758–1840, US), novelist; The Coquette
Lynn Foster (1914–1985, Au), playwright and novelist
Dorothy Fowler (living, NZ), novelist
Karen Joy Fowler (b. 1950, US), fiction writer
Mamita Fox (b. 1943, Cu), autobiographer
Maria Cristina Fragas (1856–1936, Cb), poet and columnist
Janet Frame (1924–2004, NZ), novelist and autobiographer
Marie de France (fl. 12th c., F), poet in Anglo-Norman French
Annie Francé-Harrar (1886–1971, A), writer and scientist
Suzanne Francis (b. 1959, E), fantasy author
Julia Franck (b. 1970, G), novelist
Veronica Franco (1546–1591, It), poet
Louise von François (1817–1893, G), novelist
Anne Frank (Anna, 1929–1945, N), diarist and Holocaust victim; The Diary of a Young Girl
Lone Frank (b. 1966, D), science writer
Miles Franklin (1879–1954, Au), feminist writer; My Brilliant Career
Abby Franquemont (b. 1972, US), writer
Rebecca Fransway (b. 1953, US), author and poet
Antonia Fraser (b. 1932, E), novelist and biographer; Mary, Queen of Scots
Kirstine Frederiksen (1845–1903, D), educationist and activist
Mary Eleanor Wilkins Freeman (1852–1930, US), fiction writer
Raquel Freire (b. 1973, P), screenwriter, novelist and film director
Laura Freixas (b. 1958, Sp), fiction writer and columnist
Elizabeth Wynne Fremantle (1778–1857, E), diarist
Dawn French (b. 1957, W/E), writer and comedian
Lucy Virginia French (1825–1881, US), author
Marilyn French (1929–2009, US), feminist author and academic; The Women's Room
Maud Frère (1923–1979, B), fiction and children's writer in French
Anna Freud (1895–1982, As/E), psychoanalyst
Betty Friedan (1921–2006, US), writer, activist and feminist; The Feminine Mystique
Violeta Friedman (1930–2000, R/Sp), author and Holocaust survivor
Barbara Frischmuth (born 1941, A), novelist, poet and playwright
Marianne Fritz (1948–2007, A), novelist
Francisca Praguer Fróes (1872–1931, Bz), health writer and activist
Gayleen Froese (b. 1972, Ca), novelist and songwriter
Eva Margareta Frölich (1650–1692, Sw), writer
Linda Frum (b. 1963, Ca), author and politician
Joan Mary Fry (1862–1955, E), Quaker social writer
Fu Shanxiang (傅善祥, 1833–1864, C), scholar
Fu Tianlin (傅天琳, b. 1946, C), poet
Janice Moore Fuller (b. 1951, US), poet and playwright
Claire Fuller (living, E), novelist
Margaret Fuller (1810–1850, US), feminist
Mary Eliza Fullerton (Alpenstock, 1868–1946, Au), feminist poet, fiction writer and columnist
Alice Fulton (b. 1952, US), author and poet
Cornelia Funke (b. 1958, G), children's writer
Bilkisu Funtuwa (living, Ni), novelist
Huarui Furen (花蕊夫人, 940–976, C), poet
Eva Furnari (b. 1948, It/Bz), children's writer and illustrator
Luisa Futoransky (b. 1939, Ar), poet, novelist and academic
Camilla Frydan (1887–1949, A), lyricist and musician

G

Diana Gabaldon (b. 1952, US), fiction writer
Ekaterine Gabashvili (1851–1938, Ge), feminist novelist
Dora Gabe (1888–1983, Bg), poet and travel writer
Emma Gad (1852–1921, D), writer and playwright
Frances Dana Barker Gage (1808–1884, US), writer, poet and abolitionist
Jeannine Hall Gailey (b. 1973, US), poet and critic
Sigri Mitra Gaïni (b. 1975, Fa), poet and educator
Mary Gaitskill (b. 1954, US), essayist and fiction writer
Kate Gale (b. 1965, US), poet and librettist
Zona Gale (1874–1938, US), novelist and playwright
Azucena Galettini (b. 1981, Ar), translator and writer
Erzsébet Galgóczi (1930–1989, H), fiction writer and playwright
María Galindo (b. 1964, Bv), psychologist
Katherine Gallagher (b. 1935, Ar), poet
Tess Gallagher (b. 1943, US), poet, novelist and playwright
Fatima Gallaire (b. 1944, Al/F), playwright and fiction writer
Mavis Gallant (1922–2014, Ca), fiction writer, playwright and essayist in French
Sara Gallardo (1931–1988, Ar), fiction writer
Menna Gallie (1919–1990, W), novelist and translator
Karina Galvez (b. 1964, Ec), poet
Griselda Gambaro (b. 1928, Ar), fiction writer, playwright and essayist
Alisa Ganieva (pseudonym Gulla Khirachev, b. 1985, R), writer and essayist
Petina Gappah (b. 1971, Zi), writer
Nicole Garay (1873–1928, Pm), poet
Carolina Garcia-Aguilera (b. 1949, Cb/US), fiction writer in English
Cristina García (b. 1958, Cb/US), novelist
R. S. A. Garcia (living, T), sci-fi writer
Jane Gardam (b. 1928, E), fiction and children's writer
Marguerite Gardiner, Countess of Blessington (1789–1849, I), novelist and columnist
Malwina Garfeinowa-Garska (1870–1932, Po), novelist and essayist
Doris Pilkington Garimara (1937–2014, Au), novelist
Helen Garner (b. 1942, Au), novelist and columnist; The Children's Bach
Constance Garnett (1861–1946, E), translator
Dorothy Garrod (1892–1968, E), archaeologist
Amy Jacques Garvey (1895–1973, Ja), journalist and activist
Caroline Leigh Gascoigne (1813–1883, E), poet and novelist
Elizabeth Gaskell (1810–1865, E), novelist; Cranford
Whitney Gaskell (b. 1972, US), novelist
Catherine Gaskin (1929–2009, Au), novelist
Nathalie Gassel (b. 1964, B), feminist writer
Zélia Gattai (1916–2008, Bz), novelist and children's writer
Margaret Gatty (1809–1873, E), children's writer and marine biologist
Alessia Gazzola (b. 1982, It), novelist
Béatrice Lalinon Gbado (living, Bn), children's writer
Ivone Gebara (b. 1944, Bz), philosopher and nun
Pauline Gedge (b. 1945, Ca), novelist
Angela Gegg (b. 1979, Bi), author and artist
Luisa Geisler (b. 1991, Bz), fiction writer
Naira Gelashvili (b. 1947, Ge), novelist and activist
Edith Mary Gell (1860–1944, E), writer and activist
Charley Genever (living, E), poet
Empress Genmei (元明天皇, 660–721, J), monarch and poet
Catherine of Genoa (St Catherine, 1447–1510, It), writer and mystic
Doris Gentile (1894–1972, Au), fiction writer
Sulari Gentill (living, Au), fiction writer
Nina George (b. 1973, G), writer
Elizabeth George (b. 1949, US), mystery novelist
Margaret George (b. 1943, US), historical novelist
Danielle Legros Georges (living, Ha/US), poet, essayist and academic
Ágnes Gergely (b. 1933, H), poet and novelist
Ida Gerhardt (1905–1997, N), classicist and poet
Elfriede Gerstl (1932–2009, A), poet, fiction writer and essayist
Amy Gerstler (b. 1956, US), poet
María Elena Gertner (1932–2013, Ch), poet, novelist and screenwriter
Geum Hee (금희, b. 1979, K), author
Yi Geun-hwa (이근화, b. 1976, K), poet
Marie Gevers (1893–1975, B), novelist in French
Amélie Gex (1835–1883, F), poet and writer in French and Provençal
Randa Ghazy (b. 1987, Eg/It), writer
Salima Ghezali (b. 1958, Al), writer and activist
Maureen Gibbon (living, US), fiction writer
June and Jennifer Gibbons (b. 1963, Jennifer died 1993, W), fiction writers
Kaye Gibbons (b. 1960, US), novelist
Stella Gibbons (1902–1989, E), novelist and short story writer; Cold Comfort Farm
Angelica Gibbs (1908–1955, US), fiction writer and magazine columnist
May Gibbs (1877–1969), children's author and illustrator
Suzanne Giese (1946–2012, D), writer and rights activist
Elizabeth Gilbert (b. 1969, US), fiction and non-fiction writer; Eat, Pray, Love
Ellen Gilchrist (b. 1935, US), fiction writer and poet
Annabel Giles (b. 1959, W), novelist and broadcaster
ElizaBeth Gilligan (1962–2017, US), fantasy novelist
Charlotte Perkins Gilman (1860–1935, US), sociologist and poet; Herland
Mary Gilmore (1865–1962, Au), poet and columnist
Beryl Gilroy (1924–2001, Gy), novelist
Ruby Langford Ginibi (1934–2001, Au), historian and non-fiction writer
Nikki Giovanni (b. 1943, US), poet, writer and activist
Banira Giri (b. 1946, Np), poet and author
Stanka Gjurić (b. 1956, Yu/Ca), poet and essayist
Diane Glancy (b. 1941, US), poet, novelist and playwright
Henny Glarbo (1884–1955, D), archivist
Ellen Glasgow (1873–1945, US), novelist
Susan Glaspell (1876–1948, US), novelist and playwright
Julia Glass (b. 1956, US), novelist
Madeline Gleason (1903–1979, US), poet and dramatist
Patricia Glinton-Meicholas (b. 1950, Bh), writer, critic and educator
Louise Glück (b. 1943, US), poet
Anna Gmeyner (1902–1991, A/E), novelist and scriptwriter in German and English
Christine Adjahi Gnimagnon (b. 1945, Bn), writer
Gail Godwin (b. 1937, US), fiction and non-fiction writer and librettist
Christiane Gohl (b. 1958, G), children's author
Hawa Jande Golakai (b. 1979, Lb), writer and scientist
Nora Gold (b. 1952, Ca), novelist
Natalie Goldberg (b. 1948, US), non-fiction writer and speaker
Goldie Goldbloom (b. 1964, Au), fiction writer
Marita Golden (b. 1950, US), novelist and non-fiction writer
Amy Goldin (1926–1978, US), art critic
Emma Goldman (1869–1940, Li/US), anarchist
Júlia Goldman (b. 1974, H), genre novelist and mathematician
Anna Goldsworthy (b. 1974, Au), writer, teacher and pianist
Claire Goll (1890–1977, G), poet and novelist in German and French
Jewelle Gomez (b. 1948, US), poet, critic and playwright
Petronila Angélica Gómez (1883–1971, Do), feminist writer
Aurelia Castillo de González (1842–1920, Cb), prose writer and poet
Betina Gonzalez (b. 1972, Ar), fiction writer
Sophie Gonzales (b. 1993, Ar), young adults' writer
Lorna Goodison (b. 1947, Ja), poet
Allegra Goodman (b. 1967, US), fiction writer
Viviana Gorbato (1950–2005, Ar), writer and academic
Nadine Gordimer (1923–2014, SA), novelist, playwright and activist; 1991 Nobel Prize in Literature
Caroline Gordon (1895–1981, US), novelist and literary critic
Jaimy Gordon (b. 1944, US), novelist; Lord of Misrule
Mary Gordon (b. 1949, US), fiction and non-fiction writer
Catherine Gore (1799–1861, E), novelist and dramatist
Alisz Goriupp (1894–1979, R/H), media historian and librarian
Angélica Gorodischer (b. 1928, Ar), fiction writer
Juana Manuela Gorriti (1818–1892, Ar), fiction writer and politician
Hedwig Gorski (b. 1949, US), poet and artist
Hiromi Goto (b. 1966, Ca), novelist
Olympe de Gouges (1748–1793, F), feminist and playwright; Declaration of the Rights of Woman and of the Female Citizen
Candy Gourlay (living, Ph/E), novelist and children's writer in English
Katherine Govier (b. 1948, Ca), fiction writer and essayist
Barbara Gowdy (b. 1950, Ca), fiction writer
Iris Gower (1935–2010, W), novelist
Kodagina Gowramma (1912–1939, In), writer
Hermine de Graaf (1951–2013, N), novelist
Annie Ryder Gracey (1836–1908, US), writer
Posie Graeme-Evans (b. 1952, E/Au), historical novelist and screenwriter
Agnieszka Graff (b. 1970, Po), feminist writer and essayist
Françoise de Graffigny (1695–1758, F), novelist and playwright
Sue Grafton (b. 1940, US), novelist
Jorie Graham (b. 1950, US), poet and academic
Lauren Graham (b. 1967, US), novelist and actor
Virginia Graham (1910–1993, E), poet and humorist
Almudena Grandes (b. 1960, Sp), novelist
Linda Grant (b. 1951, E), novelist and writer; When I Lived in Modern Times
Shirley Ann Grau (1929–2020, US), fiction writer
Caroline Gravière (Michel Fleury, 1821–1878, B), novelist and writer in French
Mary Tenney Gray (1833–1904, US), columnist
Marie Eugenie Delle Grazie (1864–1931, A), poet, playwright and novelist
Gertrud von Helfta (1256–c. 1302, G), saint and mystic in Latin
Anna Katharine Green (1846–1935, US), mystery novelist
Charmaine Papertalk Green (b. 1962, Ar), poet and artist
Eliza S. Craven Green (1803–1866, IM), poet
Miriam Green (b. c. 1950, SA/E), academic
Bette Greene (b. 1934, US), childrens' and young adults' author
Jessie Greengrass (b. 1982, E), fiction writer
Lavinia Greenlaw (b. 1962, E), poet and novelist
Bonnie Greer (b. 1948, E/US), playwright, novelist and critic
Debora Greger (b. 1949, US), poet and visual artist
Linda Gregg (1942–2019, US), poet
Simonetta Greggio (b. 1961, It), novelist in French
Doris Gregory (living, Ca), author
Lady Gregory (1852–1932, I), folklorist and playwright
Catharina Regina von Greiffenberg (1633–1694, A), poet
Anna Gréki (1931–1966, Al), poet, politician and educator
Kate Grenville (b. 1950, Au), novelist and academic
Elsa Gress (1919–1988, D), essayist, novelist and playwright
Elizabeth Griffith (c. 1727–1793, I), dramatist, fiction writer and essayist
Ann Griffiths (1776–1805, W), poet and hymnist
Tatiana P. Grigorieva (1929–2014, R), essayist and Japanologist
Martha Grimes (b. 1931, US), mystery novelist
Angelina Weld Grimke (1880–1958, US), columnist and poet
Charlotte Forten Grimké (1837–1914, US), anti-slavery activist and poet
Eliza Griswold (b. 1973, US), columnist and poet
Hattie Tyng Griswold (1842–1909, US), writer, poet
Alma De Groen (b. 1941, NZ/Au), playwright
Els de Groen (b. 1949, N), fiction and non-fiction writer
Lauren Groff (b. 1978, US), fiction writer
Paula Grogger (1892–1984, A), writer
Anna Grue (b. 1957, D.), crime writer
Sara Gruen (b. 1969, Ca/US), novelist; Water for Elephants
Kim Gruenenfelder (living, US), novelist
Bertha Jane Grundy (1837–1912, E), novelist, poet and non-fiction writer
Gu Taiqing (顾太清, 799 – c. 1877, C), poet
Guan Daosheng (字仲姬, 1262–1319, C), poet, calligrapher and painter
Carla Guelfenbein (b. 1959, Ch), novelist
Wendy Guerra (b. 1970, Cb), poet and novelist
Claudine Guérin de Tencin (1682–1749, F), novelist and patron
Judith Guest (b. 1936, US), novelist and screenwriter; Ordinary People
Beatriz Guido (1924–1988, Ar), novelist and screenwriter
Gilda Antonia Guillen (1959–2006, Cb), writer and poet
Pernette Du Guillet (c. 1520–1545, F), poet
Ruth Guimarães (1920–2014, Bz), fiction writer and poet
Ursula K. Le Guin (1929–2018, US), sci-fi and children's writer and poet; Earthsea
Evelyn May Guinid (b. 1971, Ph), novelist in Tagalog
Guji, Princess of Joseon (현주이구지, died 1489, K), writer, poet and dancer
Zumrud Gulu-zade (b. 1932, Az), philosopher
Karoline von Günderrode (1780–1806, G), poet
Eileen Gunn (b. 1945, US), fiction writer and editor
Elizabeth Gunn (living, US), mystery novelist
Susannah Gunning (c. 1740–1800, E), novelist
Álfrún Gunnlaugsdóttir (b. 1938, Ic), novelist
Elena Guro (1877–1913, R), futurist writer
Alice Gurschner (1869–1944, A), novelist, playwright and poet
Goya Gutiérrez (b. 1954, Sp), poet and writer
Rosa Guy (1922–2012, T/US), fiction and young adults' writer
Emma Jane Guyton (1825–1887, E), novelist and editor
Viviana Guzmán (b. 1964, Ch), poet and musician
Yaa Gyasi (b. 1989, Gh/US), novelist
Jeon Gyeong-rin (전경린, b. 1962, K), novelist
Thomasine Christine Gyllembourg-Ehrensvärd (1773–1856, D), fiction writer
Beth Gylys (b. 1964, US), poet and professor

H

H.D. (Hilda Doolittle) (1886–1961, US), poet, novelist and memoirist
Meredith Haaf (b. 1983, G), writer
Francisca de Haan (living, N), social scientist
Hella Haasse (1918–2011, N), historical novelist
Anna Haava (1864–1957, Es), poet and fiction and non-fiction writer
Maria Hack (1777–1844, E), children's writer
Marilyn Hacker (b. 1942, US), poet, translator and critic
Yanna Hadatty (b. 1969, Ec/Mx), fiction writer and essayist
Tessa Hadley (b. 1956, E), novelist and non-fiction writer
Mimi Hafida (b. 1965, Al), poet and artist
Jessica Hagedorn (b. 1949, Ph/US), poet, playwright and novelist
Michitsuna no Haha (道綱, c. 935–995, J), diarist
Elizabeth Forsythe Hailey (b. 1938, US), novelist and playwright
Seo Hajin (서하진, b. 1960, K), author
Gisèle Halimi (1927–2020, Fr/Tn), feminist essayist
Lady Anne Halkett (1623–1699, E), memoirist and essayist
Anna Maria (Mrs S. C.) Hall (1800–1881, I), novelist
Radclyffe Hall (1880–1943, E), novelist and poet; The Well of Loneliness
Sarah Hall (b. 1974, E), novelist and poet
Jean Halley (b. 1967, US), sociologist
Marion Rose Halpenny (living, E), equestrian writer
Rosalie Ham (b. 1955, Au), novelist and playwright
Jane Eaton Hamilton (b. 1954, Ca), fiction writer and poet
Jane Hamilton (b. 1957, US), novelist; A Map of the World
Virginia Hamilton (1936–2002, US), children's novelist
Beatrice Hammer (b. 1963, F), novelist and children's writer
Marie Hammer (1907–2002, D), zoologist and entomologist
Irène Hamoir (1906–1994, B), novelist and poet in French
Susan Hampton (b. 1949, Au), poet
Judith Hand (b. 1940, US), novelist, essayist and screenwriter
Nathalie Handal (b. 1969, Ha/US), poet and playwright
Enrica von Handel-Mazzetti (1871–1955, A), poet and novelist
Helene Hanff (1916–1997, US), author and screenwriter; 84, Charing Cross Road
Kristin Hannah (b. 1960, US), novelist
Sophie Hannah (b. 1971, E), poet and novelist; Little Face
Barbara Hanrahan (1939–1991, Au), novelist and artist
Lorraine Hansberry (1930–1965, US), playwright
Bente Hansen (b. 1940, D), writer and rights activist
Bergtóra Hanusardóttir (b. 1946, Fa), fiction writer
Hao Jingfang (郝景芳, b. 1984, C), sci-fi novelist
Volha Hapeyeva (b. 1982, Br), poet and linguist
Anwara Syed Haq (b. 1940, In/Bd), fiction and children's writer
Ingibjörg Haraldsdóttir (1942–2016, Ic), poet
Nino Haratischwili (b. 1983, Ge), novelist and playwright
Elizabeth Boynton Harbert (1843–1925, US), author
Thea von Harbou (1888–1954, G), novelist and screenwriter
Maud Cuney Hare (1874–1936, US), writer and pianist
Lesbia Harford (1891–1927, Au), poet, novelist and activist
Joy Harjo (b. 1951, US), poet
Beverley Harper (1943–2002, Au), novelist
Frances Harper (1825–1911, US), poet and novelist; Iola Leroy
Jacqueline Harpman (1929–2012, B), writer in French
Alice Harriman (1861–1925, US), poet
Amanda Bartlett Harris (1824–1917, US), author and critic
Dorothy Joan Harris (b. 1931, J/Ca), children's writer
Joanne Harris (b. 1964, E), novelist; Chocolat
Jennifer Harrison (b. 1955, Au), poet
Juanita Harrison (b. 1891, US), autobiographer
Sarah Harrison (b. 1946, E), novelist and children's writer
Elizabeth Harrower (1928–2020, Au), fiction writer
Carla Harryman (b. 1952, US), poet, essayist and playwright
Petra Hartmann (b. 1970, G), novelist and children's writer
Elisabeth Harvor (b. 1936, Ca), novelist and poet
Gwen Harwood (1920–1995, Au), poet and librettist
Nigar Hasan-Zadeh (living, Az), poet and philologist
Dilara Hashem (b. 1936, In/Bd), novelist
Margaret Hasse (b. 1950, US), poet and writer
Kirsten Hastrup (b. 1948, D), anthropologist
Mary R. P. Hatch (1848–1935, US), poet, fiction writer
Libby Hathorn (b. 1943, Au), poet, librettist and children's author
Ann Hatton (1764–1838, E), novelist and poet
Mihri Hatun (died 1506, Tu), poet
Bettina Hauge (b. 1964, D), anthropologist
Jiřina Hauková (1919–2005, Cz), poet and translator
Marie-Louise Haumont (1919–2012, B), novelist in French
Eva Hauserová (b. 1954, Cz), sci-fi and non-fiction writer
Marlen Haushofer (1920–1970, A), fiction writer
Paula Hawkins (b. 1972, Zi/E), author
Susan Hawthorne (b. 1951), fiction and non-fiction writer and poet
Elizabeth Hay (b. 1951, Ca), fiction writer
Myfanwy Haycock (1913–1963, W), poet and broadcaster
Anna Haycraft (Alice Thomas Ellis, 1932–2005, W), writer and essayist
Victoria Hayward (1876–1956, Be), columnist and travel writer
Eliza Haywood (1693–1756, E), novelist, playwright and poet
Helen Haywood (1907–1995, E), children's writer
Shirley Hazzard (1931–2016, US), novelist and fiction writer; The Great Fire
Bessie Head (1937–1986, Bo), fiction and non-fiction writer
Anne Hébert (1916–2000, Ca), poet and novelist
Chantal Hébert (b. 1954, Ca), political columnist
Jennifer Michael Hecht (b. 1965, US), poet, historian and philosopher
Sylvia Vanden Heede (b. 1961, B), children's writer in Flemish
Ra Heeduk (나희덕, b. 1966, K), poet
Ursula Hegi (b. 1946, G/US), novelist
Marie Heiberg (1890–1942, E), poet
Anita Heiss (b. 1968, Au), fiction writer, poet and columnist
Lyn Hejinian (b. 1941, US), poet, essayist and translator
Lin Van Hek (b. 1944, Au), fiction writer
Etelka Kenéz Heka (b. 1936, H), writer and poet
Liliana Heker (b. 1943, Ar), fiction writer and essayist
Guðrún Helgadóttir (b. 1935, Ic), children's writer
Lillian Hellman (1905–1984, US), playwright
Lucinda Barbour Helm (1839–1897, US), author and editor
Guðrið Helmsdal (b. 1941, Fa), poet
Rakel Helmsdal (b. 1966, Fa), fiction and non-fiction writer
Felicia Hemans (1793–1835, E/W), poet in English
Kristien Hemmerechts (b. 1955, B), fiction writer in Flemish and English
Beth Henley (b. 1952, US), playwright and screenwriter
Emmy Hennings (1885–1948, G), poet and performer
Agnes Henningsen (1868–1962, D), fiction writer and memoirist
Marguerite Henry (1902–1997, US), children's writer
Luise Hensel (1798–1876, G), writer and poet
Ebba Hentze (1930–2015, Fa), children's writer and poet
Sally Hepworth (b. 1980, Au), writer
Mary Sidney Herbert (1561–1621, E), poet, translator and patron
Iva Hercíková (1935–2007, Cz), novelist and screenplay writer
María Luisa Ocampo Heredia (1899–1974, Mx), novelist, playwright and translator
Judith Hermann (b. 1970, G), story writer
Georgina Herrera (b. 1936, Cb), poet
M. Miriam Herrera (living, US), author and poet
Stella K. Hershan (1915–2014, A/US), novelist and biographer
Judith Herzberg (b. 1934, N), poet and playwright
Karen Hesse (b. 1952, US), children's novelist
Dorothy Hewett (1923–2002, Au), poet, novelist and playwright
Eleanor Hibbert (several pseudonyms, 1906–1993, E), historical novelist
Nienke van Hichtum (1860–1939, N), children's writer in West Frisian and Dutch
Helen Burns Higgs (1897–1983, Bh), writer and illustrator
Patricia Highsmith (1921–1995, US), crime fiction writer
Ernestine Hill (1900–1972, Au), travel writer and novelist
Lorna Hill (1902–1991, E), children's novelist
Etty Hillesum (1914–1943, N), correspondent, diarist and Holocaust victim
Joanne C. Hillhouse (b. 1970s, Ag), writer, columnist and educator
Hilda Hilst (1930–2004, Bz), poet, playwright and novelist
S. E. Hinton (b. 1948, US), children's novelist
Rozalie Hirs (b. 1965, N), poet and composer
Afua Hirsch (b. 1981, E), writer and broadcaster
Marianne Van Hirtum (1925–1988, B), poet in French
Dagmar Hjort (1860–1902, D), educator and rights activist
Laura Z. Hobson (1900–1986, US), novelist
Karla Höcker (1901–1992, G), novelist and biographer
Merle Hodge (b. 1944, T), novelist and critic
Louise Manning Hodgkins (1846–1935, US), author and educator
Helen Hodgman (b. 1945, Au), novelist and screenwriter
Daniela Hodrová (b. 1946, Cz), writer and scholar
Marjolijn Hof (b. 1956, N), children's writer
Alice Hoffman (b. 1952, US), novelist and young adults' and children's writer; Practical Magic
Nina Kiriki Hoffman (b. 1955, US), fiction writer
Barbara Hofland (1770–1844, E), children's writer and poet
Linda Hogan (b. 1947, US), poet and fiction writer
Heidi Holland (1947–2012, SA), columnist and author
Jane Holland (b. 1966, IM), poet, performer and novelist
Sarah Holland (b. 1961, IM), writer, actor and singer
Xaviera Hollander (b. 1943, N), memoirist
Gwen Hollington (1919–2014, E), translator
Anne Holm (1922–1998, D), columnist and children's writer
Ada Augusta Holman (1869–1949, Au), fiction and non-fiction writer
Charlie N. Holmberg (b. 1988, US), fantasy author
Constance Holme (1880–1955, E), novelist and playwright
Hanne-Vibeke Holst (b. 1959, D), fiction and non-fiction writer
Henriette Roland Holst (1869–1952, N), poet and politician
Winifred Holtby (1898–1935, E), novelist and columnist
Xiao Hong (蕭紅, 1911–1942, C), fiction writer
Hong Ying (虹影, b. 1962, C), poet and fiction writer
Bell Hooks (b. 1952, US), feminist academic
Ellen Sturgis Hooper (1812–1848, US), poet
Pauline Hopkins (1859–1930, US), novelist, columnist and playwright
Nalo Hopkinson (b. 1960, Ja/Ca), fiction writer
Marya Hornbacher (b. 1974, US), author and columnist
Ellen Hørup (1871–1953, D), non-fiction writer
Sally El Hosaini (living, W), scriptwriter and film director
Janette Turner Hospital (b. 1942, Au), fiction writer
Selina Hossain (b. 1947, In/Bd), novelist
Colette Sénami Agossou Houeto (b. 1939, Bn), poet and educator
Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston (b. 1934, US), author; Farewell to Manzanar
Annelise Hovmand (1926–2016, D), screenwriter and film director
Fanny Howe (b. 1940, US), poet and fiction writer
Julia Ward Howe (1819–1910, US), abolitionist, activist and poet; The Battle Hymn of the Republic
Susan Howe (b. 1937, US), poet, scholar and critic
Ada Verdun Howell (1902–1981, Au/US), poet
Anna Mary Howitt (1824–1884, E), writer and feminist
Mary Howitt (1799–1888, E), poet and children's writer; "The Spider and the Fly"
Ana María Vázquez Hoys (b. 1945, Sp), ancient history professor
Elizabeth Hoyt (pen name Julia Harper, living, US), historical novelist
Hrotsvith von Gandersheim (c. 935–c. 1002, G), dramatist and poet in Latin
Hu Lanqi (胡兰畦, 1901–1994, C), writer and military commander
Huang E (黄峨, 1498–1569, C), poet
Madame Huarui (花蕊夫人, c. 940–976, C), poet and imperial concubine
Ricarda Huch (1864–1947, G), historian, novelist and poet
Anna Hude (1858–1934, D), historian
Eva Hudečková (b. 1949), writer and playwright
Arianna Huffington (b. 1950, Gk/US), author and columnist; The Huffington Post
Lynn Huggins-Cooper (b. 1964, E), fiction, non-fiction and children's author
Ann Harriet Hughes (Gwyneth Vaughan, 1852–1910, W), novelist
Babette Hughes (1906–1982, US), playwright
Ellen Hughes (1867–1927, W), poet, essayist and suffragist
Frieda Hughes (b. 1960, E), poet and painter
Shirley Fenton Huie (1924–2016, Au), non-fiction writer
Keri Hulme (b. 1947, NZ), fiction writer and poet; 1985 Booker Prize; The Bone People
Petra Hůlová (b. 1979, Cz), novelist
Maria Aletta Hulshoff (1781–1846, N), pamphleteer
Marie-Thérèse Humbert (b. 1940, Mt), fiction writer
Vilma Rose Hunt (1926–2012, Au/US), scientist
Kristin Hunter (1931–2008, US), novelist
Constance Hunting (1925–2006, US), poet
Florence Huntley (1861–1912, US), editor and humorist
Dương Thu Hương (b. 1947, Vi), dissident and novelist; Paradise of the Blind
Hồ Xuân Hương (1772–1822, Vi), poet
Fannie Hurst (1885–1968, US), novelist
Shahrukh Husain (b. 1950, Pk/E), writer of fiction, non-fiction and screenwriter
Zora Neale Hurston (1891–1960, US), fiction writer, folklorist and anthropologist
Nancy Huston (b. 1953, Ca), novelist and essayist in French and English
Genevieve L. Hutchinson (1883–1974, US), poet
Lucy Hutchinson (1620–1681, E), biographer
Emily Huws (b. 1942, W), children's writer
Elspeth Huxley (1907–1997, E/Ke), memoirist and columnist
Cornélie Huygens (1948–2002, N), novelist and political writer
Hwang Jung-eun (황정은, b. 1976, K), author and podcaster
Hypatia (c. AD 350/370–415, AG), philosopher and mathematician

I

Marcela Iacub (b. 1964, Ar), novelist and essayist in French
Eva Ibbotson (1925–2010 A/E), novelist in English
Nilima Ibrahim (1921–2002, Bd), writer
Ida, Countess von Hahn-Hahn (1805–1880, G), novelist
Jung Ihyun (b. 1972, K), author
Lempi Ikävalko (1901–1994, Fi), poet and columnist
Bassey Ikpi (b. 1976, Ni), poet, writer and mental health advocate
Branislava Ilić (b. 1970, Sr), playwright, screenwriter and prose writer
Maria Ilnicka (c. 1825–1897, Po), poet, novelist and translator
Im Yunjidang (任允摯堂, 1721–1793, K), scholar and philosopher
Jahanara Imam (1929–1994, Bd), non-fiction writer, diarist and activist
Vera Inber (1890–1972, R/SU), poet, essayist and translator
Elizabeth Inchbald (1753–1821, E), novelist, actor and dramatist
M. K. Indira (1917–1994, In), novelist in Kannada language
Rachel Ingalls (b. 1940, US), novelist; Mrs. Caliban
Jean Ingelow (1820–1897, E), poet
Elisabeth Inglis-Jones (1900–1994, W), novelist and biographer
Anne Bower Ingram (1937–2010, Au), children's author
Lotte Ingrisch (b. 1930, A), novelist, playwright and screenwriter
Bozenna Intrator (b. 1964, Po/US), novelist, poet and playwright in German, Polish and English
Sylvia Iparraguirre (b. 1947, Ar), novelist and rights activist
Ōtomo no Sakanoe no Iratsume (大伴坂上郎女, c. 700–750, J), poet
Inez Haynes Irwin (1873–1970, Bz/US), fiction and non-fiction writer
Norah Isaac (1914–2003, W), writer and educator
Ulla Isaksson (1916–2000, Sw), fiction writer and screenwriter
Ada Maria Isasi-Diaz (1943–2012, Cb/US), theologian and non-fiction writer
Svetlana Ischenko (b. 1969, Uk), poet, translator and actor
Lady Ise (伊勢, c. 875–c. 938, J), poet
Aleksandra Ishimova (1805–1881, R), children's writer and translator
Elizabeth Isichei (b. 1939, Ni), author, historian and academic
Nina Iskrenko (1951–1995, R), poet
Rashidah Ismaili (b. 1941, Bn/US), poet, fiction writer and playwright
Gerta Ital (1904–1988, G), non-fiction writer
Frances Itani (b. 1942, Ca), novelist, poet and essayist
Edna Iturralde (b. 1948, Ec), children's writer
Nora Iuga (b. 1931, Ro), poet, writer and translator
Mirela Ivanova (b. 1962, Bg), poet
Praskovya Ivanovskaya (1852–1935, R/SU), memoirist
Rada Iveković (b. 1945, Y/Cr), philosopher
Nada Iveljić (1931–2009, Y/Cr), children's writer
Eowyn Ivey (living, US), novelist
Molly Ivins (1944–2007, US), columnist
Helen Ivory (b. 1969, E), poet
Princess Iwa (磐之媛命, died 347, J), poet

J

Noni Jabavu (1931–2008, SA), memoirist and columnist
Jožka Jabůrková (1896–1942, A/Cz), writer and translator
Helen Hunt Jackson (1830–1885, US), novelist; Ramona
Shelley Jackson (b. 1963, Ph/US), fiction writer and essayist
Shirley Jackson (1916–1965, US), fiction writer; The Lottery
Sandra Jackson-Opoku (b. 1953, US), poet, novelist and screenwriter
Violet Jacob (1863–1946, Sc), poet and novelist
Harriet Jacobs (1813–1897, US), memoirist; Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl
Annie Jacobsen (b. 1967, US), non-fiction writer
Josephine Jacobsen (1908–2003, US), poet, fiction writer and critic
Lis Jacobsen (1882–1961, D), philologist and archaeologist
Agnes E. Jacomb (1866–1949, E), novelist
Frances Jacson (1754–1842, E), novelist
Kim Jae-Young (b. 1966, K), writer and academic
Ada Jafarey (b. 1924, Pk), poet in Urdu
Aziza Jafarzade (1921–2003, Az), writer and philologist
Noemi Jaffe (b. 1962, Bz), writer and critic
Rona Jaffe (1932–2005, US), novelist
Dorta Jagić (b. 1974, Y/Ca), poet and writer
Nasreen Jahan (b. 1966, Bd), novelist and editor
Meenakshi Jain (living, In), historian
Linda Jaivin (b. 1955, Au), novelist and non-fiction writer
Svava Jakobsdóttir (1930–2004, Ic), playwright and fiction writer
Alice James (1848–1892, US), diarist
Barbara James (1943–2003, Au), historian
Christine James (living, W), poet and academic
Florence James (1902–1993, Au), author
Maria James (1793–1868, W), poet
P. D. James (b. 1920, E), mystery novelist
Rebecca James (b. 1970, Au), young adults' writer
Wendy James (b. 1966, Au), crime novelist
Winifred Lewellin James (1876–1941, Au), novelist and travel writer
Anna Brownell Jameson (1794–1860, I/E), art and literature writer
Emma Jane (b. 1969, Au), novelist and columnist
Elizabeth Janeway (1913–2005, US), novelist
Éva Janikovszky (1926–2003, H), children's author
Maria Janitschek (Marius Stein, 1859–1927, A), poet and fiction writer
Tama Janowitz (b. 1957, US), fiction writer and screenwriter; Slaves of New York
Anja Jantschik (b. 1969, G), writer and columnist
Florence Page Jaques (1890–1972, US), nature and travel writer
Rosemary Hawley Jarman (1935–2015, E), fiction writer
Dragojla Jarnević (1812–1875, A), poet in Croatian
Lisa Jarnot (b. 1967, US), poet
Bella Jarrett (1926–2007, US), romance author and actor
Delia Jarrett-Macauley (living, E), writer, academic and broadcaster
Marguerite Florence Laura Jarvis (Oliver Sandys, 1886–1964, W), novelist and actor
Christine Maria Jasch (b. 1960, A), economist and non-fiction writer
Aghabeyim agha Javanshir (Aghabaji, 1780–1832, Az/Ir), poet and shah consort
Charlotte Jay (Geraldine Halls, 1919–1996, Au), mystery writer
Barbara Jefferis (1917–2004, Au), radio dramatist and novelist
Margo Jefferson (b. 1947, US), writer and academic
Sheila Jeffreys (b. 1948, Au), feminist scholar and writer
Jefimija (1349–1405, Sb), poet
Andrea Jeftanovic (b. 1970, Ch), author and academic
Gertrude Jekyll (1843–1932, E), garden writer
Elfriede Jelinek (b. 1946, A), playwright and novelist; 2004 Nobel Prize in Literature
Joyce Angela Jellison (b. 1969, US), author
Gish Jen (b. 1956, US), writer
Ida Jenbach (1868 – c. 1943, A), playwright, screenwriter and Holocaust victim
Barbara Jenkins (living, T), fiction writer
Elizabeth Jennings (1926–2001, E), poet
Kate Jennings (b. 1948, Au), poet, novelist and essayist
Kristine Marie Jensen (Frøken Jensen, 1858–1923, D), domestic and cookbook writer
Thit Jensen (1876–1957, D), fiction writer and playwright
Helen Jerome (1883–1958, Au), poet, playwright and non-fiction writer
Milena Jesenská (1896–1944, A/Cz), writer and translator
Ana de Jesús (1545–1621, Sp), writer, poet and nun
Carolina Maria de Jesus (1914–1977, Bz), diarist and activist
Jaqueline Jesus (b. 1978, Bz), writer and activist
Lisa Jewell (b. 1968, E), fiction writer
Sarah Orne Jewett (1849–1909, US), fiction writer
Geraldine Jewsbury (1812–1880, E), novelist
Ruth Prawer Jhabvala (b. 1927, G/US), novelist and screenwriter
Jiang Biwei (蔣碧薇, 1899–1978, C), memoirist
Pamela Jiles (b. 1960, Ch), columnist and politician
Paulette Jiles (b. 1943, US/Ca), poet and novelist
Empress Jitō (持統天皇, 645–702, J), poet and empress
Rita Joe (b. 1932, Ca), poet
Alexandra Joel (b. 1953, Au), fiction and non-fiction writer
Sigrið av Skarði Joensen (1908–1975, Fa), columnist and teacher
Oddvør Johansen (b. 1941, Fa), novelist
Amryl Johnson (1944–2001, T/E), poet and travel writer
Catherine Johnson (b. 1962, E), author and screenwriter
Catherine Johnson (b. 1957, E), playwright
Daisy Johnson (b. 1990, E), fiction writer
Diane Johnson (b. 1934, US), novelist and essayist
Georgia Douglas Johnson (1877–1966, US), poet
Helene Johnson (1906–1995, US), poet
Josephine Johnson (1910–1990, US), novelist, poet and essayist
Kate Johnson (b. c. 1980, E), novelist
Pauline Johnson (1861–1913, Ca), poet
Rebecca Johnson (b. 1966, Au), children's writer
Susan Johnson (b. 1956, Au), fiction writer
Susannah Willard Johnson (1729–1810, US), memoirist
Dorothy Johnston (b. 1948, Au), fiction writer
Mary Johnston (1870–1936, US), novelist
Velda Johnston (1912–1997, US), novelist
Elizabeth Jolley (1923–2007, Au), novelist
Alice Gray Jones (1852–1943, W), writer and editor
Diana Wynne Jones (b. 1934, E), novelist
Gail Jones (b. 1955, Au), novelist and academic
Gayl Jones (b. 1949, US), novelist
Jill Jones (b. 1951, Au), poet
Laura Jones (b. 1951, Au), screenwriter
Margaret Jones (1923–2006, Au), fiction and non-fiction writer
Marion Patrick Jones (1931–2016, T), novelist
Mary Vaughan Jones (1918–1983, W), children's writer and educator
Sandy Jones (b. 1943, US), parenting writer
Tayari Jones (b. 1970, US), novelist
Erica Jong (b. 1942, US), novelist
Ingrid Jonker (1933–1965, SA), poet
June Jordan (1936–2002, US), poet, novelist and autobiographer
Toni Jordan (b. 1966, Au), novelist
Irena Jordanova (b. 1980, Mc), author
Lieve Joris (b. 1953, B), travel writer in Flemish
Jenny Joseph (b. 1932, E), poet
Irma Joubert (b. 1947, SA), author
Mireille Juchau (b. 1969, Au), novelist
Erna Juel-Hansen (1845–1922, D), novelist and rights activist
Heidi Julavits (b. 1968, US), columnist and novelist
Lucie Julia (b. 1927, Gl), poet and novelist
Miranda July (b. 1974, US), writer
Dorothy Misener Jurney (1909–2002, US), writer on women's issues

K

Lene Kaaberbøl (b. 1960, D), children's and crime writer
Naila Kabeer (b. 1950, Bd/E), writer and economist
Jane Kaberuka (b. 1956, U), fiction writer and autobiographer
Siddika Kabir (1931–2012, In/Bd), nutritionist and cookbook writer
Helena Kadare (b. 1943, Ab), fiction writer
Margit Kaffka (1880–1918, H), novelist and poet
Elaine Kahn (living, US), poet and author
Nyana Kakoma (living, U), writer
Lejla Kalamujić (b. 1980, Y/BH), fiction writer
Ana Kalandadze (1924–2008, Ge), poet
Sheema Kalbasi (b. 1972, Ir), poet and rights advocate
Zaruhi Kalemkaryan (1871–1971, Am), prose writer
Elvy Kalep (1899–1989, Es), children's author and aviator
Aino Kallas (1878–1956, Fi/Es), fiction writer in Finnish
Leszli Kálli (living, Co/Ca), kidnapped diarist
Sufia Kamal (1911–1999, In/Bd), poet and activist
Sissal Kampmann (b. 1974, Fa), poet
Keturah Kamugasa (died 2017, U), writer and columnist
Meena Kandasamy (b. 1984, In), poet and fiction writer
Julie Kane (b. 1952, US), poet, scholar and editor
Sarah Kane (1971–1999, E), playwright
Maarja Kangro (b. 1973, Es), poet and fiction writer
Eva Kantůrková (b. 1930, Cz), fiction writer and screenwriter
Nasiha Kapidžić-Hadžić (1932–1995, Y/BH), children's writer and poet
Lila Rose Kaplan (b. 1980, US), playwright
Nelly Kaplan (b. 1931, Ar), novelist, essayist and scriptwriter in French
Ekaterina Karabasheva (b. 1989, Bg), poet and fiction writer
Teréz Karacs (1808–1892, H), poet, prose writer and memoirist
Mina Karadžić (1828-1894, Sb), writer and painter
Anna Karima (1871–1949, Bg), writer and activist
Anna Louisa Karsch (1722–1791, G), poet and correspondent
Lady Kasa (笠郎女, early 8th c., J), poet
Marie Luise Kaschnitz (1901–1974, G), novelist and poet
Stoja Kašiković (1865 – post-1927, Sb), writer
Nina Kasniunas (b. 1972, US), author and political scientist
Kapka Kassabova (b. 1973, Bg/Sc), writer in English
Kassia (810 – pre-865, By), poet and composer in Greek
Lada Kaštelan (b. 1961, Y/Cr), dramatist and screenwriter
Elizabeth Kata (1912–1998, Au), novelist
Olivera Katarina (b. 1940, Sb), poet
Hoda Katebi (هدی کاتبی, living, Ir/US), fashion writer
Janina Katz (1939–2013, Po/D), poet in Danish
Gina Kaus (1893–1985, A/US), novelist, screenwriter and autobiographer
Julia Kavanagh (1824–1877, I), novelist
Joanna Kavenna (b. 1974, E), novelist and travel writer
Jackie Kay (b. 1961, Sc), poet and novelist; Trumpet
M. M. Kaye (1908–2004, E), novelist and illustrator
Susanna Kaysen (b. 1948, US), author and memoirist
Irena Kazazić (b. 1972, Sb), writer
Ke Yan (柯岩, 1929–2011, C), playwright, novelist and poet
Susanna Kearsley (b. 1966, Ca), novelist
Annie Keary (1825–1879, E), novelist and poet
Henrietta Keddie (1827–1914, Sc), novelist and children's writer
Janice Kulyk Keefer (b. 1952, Ca), novelist and poet
Nancy Keesing (1923–1993, Au), poet, novelist and non-fiction writer
Antigone Kefala (b. 1935, Au), poet and prose writer
Gwen Kelly (1922–2012, Au), fiction writer and poet
Helen Keller (1880–1968, US), essayist and autobiographer
Linda Kelly (b. 1936, E), historian of romanticism
Gene Kemp (1926–2015, E), children's writer
Oonya Kempadoo (b. 1966, E), novelist
Margery Kempe (c. 1373–1438, E), autobiographer and mystic
Latofat Kenjaeva (b. 1950, Ta), poet and writer
Betty Kennedy (1926–2017, Ca), broadcaster and author
Margaret Kennedy (1896–1967, E), novelist; The Constant Nymph
Pagan Kennedy (b. c. 1963, US), author and columnist
Hannah Kent (b. 1985, Au), writer
Jacqueline Kent (b. 1947, Au), biographer and non-fiction writer
Rivka Keren (b. 1946, H/Is), novelist in Hebrew
Josephine Kermode (Cushag, 1852–1937, IM), poet and playwright
Joan Haverty Kerouac (1931–1990, US), autobiographer
Doris Boake Kerr (Capel Boake, 1899–1945, Au), novelist
Judith Kerr (1923–1919, G/E), children's writer
Marie-Thérèse Kerschbaumer (b. 1936, A), novelist and poet
Marie Kessels (b. 1954, N), poet and prose writer
Jessie Kesson (1916–1994, Sc), writer
Yvonne Keuls (b. 1931, EI/N), novelist
Irmgard Keun (1905–1982, G), novelist
Eugénie De Keyser (1918–2012, B), writer on art in French
Farida Khalaf (b. c. 1995, Iq), ISIS escapee and author
Hamda Khamis (b. 1945, Bx), poet and columnist
Rabina Khan (b. 1972, Bd/E), writer and politician
Razia Khan (c. 1936–2011, In/Bd), writer, poet and educator
Heyran Khanim (1790–1847, Az/Ir), poet in Azerbajani and Persian
Dalal Khario (b. c. 1997, Iq), ISIS survivor and memoirist
Rabeya Khatun (b. 1935, In/Bd), novelist
Babilina Khositashvili (1884–1973, Ge), poet and feminist
Vénus Khoury-Ghata (b. 1937, L), writer in French
Mariam Khutsurauli (b. 1960, Ge), poet and fiction writer
Nadezhda Khvoshchinskaya (1824–1889, R), novelist; The Boarding School Girl
Sue Monk Kidd (b. 1948, US), novelist; The Secret Life of Bees
Susan Nalugwa Kiguli (b. 1969, U), poet and scholar
Emelihter Kihleng (living, Mn), poet in English
Lali Kiknavelidze (b. 1969, Ge), screenwriter and film director
Anne Killigrew (1660–1685, E), poet
Dorothy Kilner (1755–1836, E), children's writer
Ronyoung Kim (1926–1987, K/US), writer
Jamaica Kincaid (b. 1949, Ag/US), novelist
Annamária Kinde (b. 1956–2014, R), writer and poet in Hungarian
Aby King (b. 1977, E), author and novelist
Grace King (1852–1932, US), fiction writer and historian
Tabitha King (b. 1949, US), novelist
Mary Kingsley (1862–1900, E), explorer and science writer
Barbara Kingsolver (b. 1955, US), fiction writer, poet and essayist
Maxine Hong Kingston (b. 1940, Ch/US), novelist and academic
Eleanor Kirk (1831–1908, US), writer
Sarah Kirsch (b. 1935, G), poet and translator
Ossip Schubin (Aloisia Kirschner, 1854–1934, A), novelist
Madhu Kishwar (b. 1951, In), feminist writer
Noémi Kiss (b. 1974, H), fiction writer and essayist
Karin Kiwus (b. 1942, G), poet
Carolyn Kizer (1925–2014, US), poet
Marjun Syderbø Kjelnæs (b. 1974, Fa), children's and fiction writer and poet
Nada Klaić] (1920–1988, Y/Cr), historian
Naomi Klein (b. 1970, Ca), author and activist
Robin Klein (b. 1936, Au), children's writer
Anne Knight (1792–1860, E), children's writer
Mary Norbert Körte (b. 1934, US), poet, teacher and environmentalist
Joy Kogawa (b. 1935, Ca), novelist and poet; Obasan
Věra Kohnová (1929–1942, Cz), Holocaust diarist
[[Lydia Koidula] (1843–1886, R/E), poet in Estonian
Musine Kokalari (1918–1973, Ab), writer and politician
Zlata Kolarić-Kišur (1894–1990, A/Y) novelist in Croatian
Annette Kolb (1870–1967, G), writer
Margarete Kollisch (1893–1979, A), poet and translator
Alexandra Kollontai (1872–1952, R/SU), writer and politician
Gertrud Kolmar (1894–1943, G), poet
Ono no Komachi (825–900, J), poet
Anna Komnene (1083–1183, By), chronicler and emperor's daughter writing in Greek; Alexiad
Amalia Wilhelmina Königsmarck (1663–1740, Sw), painter, actor and poet
Maria Konopnicka (1842–1910, Po), novelist, poet and translator
Evgenia Konradi (1838–1898, R), writer, essayist and columnist
Ana Kordzaia-Samadashvili (b. 1968, Ge), novelist and literary columnist
Alice Graeme Korff (1904–1975, US), art critic
Birgithe Kosovic (b. 1972, D), novelist
Lina Kostenko (b. 1930, SU/Uk), poet
Elizabeth Kostova (b. 1964, US), novelist
Helene Kottanner (c. 1400 – post-1470, H), memoirist in German
Sofia Kovalevskaya (1859–1891, R), writer and mathematician
Heda Margolius Kovály (1919–2010, Cz/US), writer and Holocaust survivor
Alicia Kozameh (b. 1953, Ar), fiction writer and poet
Hanna Krall (b. 1937, Po), writer and novelist
Judith Krantz (1928–2019, US), author and columnist
Eliška Krásnohorská (1847–1946, A/Cz), feminist writer
Nicole Krauss (b. 1974, US), fiction writer and essayist; The History of Love
Michelle de Kretser (b. 1957, Au), novelist
Uma Krishnaswami (b. 1956, In/US), children's writer
Julia Kristeva (b. 1941, Bl/F), novelist, critic and philosopher
Gerður Kristný (b. 1970, Ic), poet and novelist
Agota Kristof (1935–2011, H), novelist in French
Vesna Krmpotić (1932–2018, Y/Cr), novelist
Yvonne Kroonenberg (b. 1950, N), non-fiction writer
[Mina Kruseman]] (1839–1922, N), playwright and memoirist
Susanna Kubelka (b. 1942, A), novelist and columnist
Žofia Kubini (fl. 17th c., H), poet in early Czech
Maxine Kumin (1925–2014, US), poet and children's novelist
Xu Kun (徐坤, b. 1965, C), fiction writer
Irma Kurti (b. 1966, Ab), poet and writer
Gerdina Hendrika Kurtz (1899–1989, N), history writer
Rachel Kushner (b. 1968, US), novelist; The Flamethrowers
Ellen Kuzwayo (1914–2006, SA), rights activist and politician
Nestan Kvinikadze (b. 1980, Ge), scriptwriter and dramatist
Jean Kwok (living, US), novelist
Joanne Kyger (1934–2017, US), poet
Goretti Kyomuhendo (b. 1965, U), novelist and activist

L

Carilda Oliver Labra (1922–2018, Cb), poet
Djanet Lachmet (b. 1948, Al/F), novelist and actor
Minna Lachs (1907–1993, A), educator and memoirist
Mercedes Lackey (b. 1950, US), fantasy novelist
Selma Lagerlöf (1858–1940, Sw), novelist and children's writer; 1909 Nobel Prize in Literature winner
Jhumpa Lahiri (b. 1967, In/US), fiction writer; Interpreter of Maladies
Ana Emilia Lahitte (1921–2013, Ar), poet, playwright and essayist
Sinikka Laine (b. 1945, Fi), young-adults' writer
Natasha Lako (b. 1948, Ab), poet and novelist
Laila Lalami (b. 1968, Mr/US), essayist and novelist; Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits
Lalleshwari (Lal Arifa; 1320–1392, In), mystic and poet in Kashmiri language
Nikita Lalwani (living, In/W), novelist
Lady Caroline Lamb (1785–1828, E), novelist
Charlotte Lamb (Sheila Holland, 1937–2000, IM), romantic novelist
Helen Lamb (1956–2017, Sc), poet
Mary Lamb (1764–1847, E), co-author of Charles Lamb
Alice Elinor Lambert (1886–1981, US), romance novelist
Anne Lamott (b. 1954, US), fiction and non-fiction author
Astrid Lampe (b. 1955, N), poet and actor
Rachida Lamrabet (b. 1970, Mr/B), novelist and playwright in Flemish
Beatrice Lamwaka (living, U), writer
Leena Lander (b. 1955, Fi), novelist
Zoila Ugarte de Landívar (1864–1969, Ec), writer and suffragist
Letitia Elizabeth Landon (L. E. L., 1802–1838, E), poet and novelist
Margaret Landon (1903–1993, US), novelist; Anna and the King of Siam
Liliane Landor (b. c. 1956, L), non-fiction writer
Michele Landsberg (b. 1939, Can), author, feminist and activist
Jane Lane (Elaine Kidner Dakers, 1905–1978, E), historical novelist and biographer
Norah Lange (1905–1972, Ar), poet, novelist and autobiographer
Katja Lange-Müller (b. 1951, G), novelist
Gertrude Langer (1908–1984, Au), art critic
Elisabeth Langgässer (1899–1950, G), poet and novelist
Eve Langley (1908–1974, Au), novelist
Coral Lansbury (1929–1991, Au), novelist and academic
Aemilia Lanyer (1569–1645, E), poet
Alda Lara (1930–1962, Al), poet
Justine Larbalestier (b. 1967), young adults' fiction writer
Lucy Larcom (1824–1893, US), poet and mill girl
Rebecca Hammond Lard (1772–1855, US), poet
Glenda Larke (living, Au), fiction and non-fiction writer
Claudia Lars (1899–1974, Sl), poet
Marianne Nøhr Larsen (b. 1963, D), anthropologist and social commentator
Nella Larsen (1891–1964, US), fiction writer
Trude Brænne Larssen (b. 1967, No), novelist
Else Lasker-Schüler (1869–1945, G), poet and playwright
Marghanita Laski (1915–1988, E), fiction writer, biographer and playwright
Ana Irma Rivera Lassén (b. 1955, P), poet, feminist and lawyer
Margrethe Lasson (1659–1738, D), poet and pioneer novelist in Danish
Agnes Latham (1905–1996, E), writer, editor and academic
Irene Latham (b. 1971, US), poet and children's writer
Mary Artemisia Lathbury (1841–1913, US), hymnist and poet
Yulia Latynina (b. 1966, R), writer
Evelyn Lau (b. 1971, Ca), poet and novelist
Margaret Laurence (1926–1987, Ca), fiction writer; The Stone Angel
Dorianne Laux (b. 1952, US), poet
Christine Lavant (1915–1973, A), religious poet and novelist
Mary Lavin (1912–1996, I), fiction writer
Nel Law (1914–1990, Au), poet, diarist and artist
Emily Lawless (1845–1913, I), novelist and poet
Patrice Lawrence (living, E), fiction writer
Louisa Lawson (1848–1920, Au), poet, writer and feminist
Mary Lawson (b. 1946, Ca), novelist; Crow Lake
Sylvia Lawson (1932–2017, Au), historian and critic
Jelena Lazarević (1365-1443, Sb), writer
Simone Lazaroo (b. 1961, Au), novelist
Ruzha Lazarova (b. 1968, Bg/F), fiction writer and playwright
Emma Lazarus (1849–1887, US), poet; "The New Colossus" (inscribed on Statue of Liberty)
Jane Leade (1624–1704, E), mystic
Caroline Woolmer Leakey (1827–1881, Au), poet and novelist
Louisa Leaman (b. 1976, E), writer on education
Danuza Leão (b. 1933, Bz), writer and columnist
Mary Leapor (1722–1746, E), poet
Diana Lebacs (b. 1947, Cu), children's writer
Paulina Lebl-Albala (1891–1967, Sb), critic
Violette Leduc (1907–1972, F), novelist and autobiographer
Andrea Lee (living, US), novelist and memoirist
Harper Lee (1926–2016, US), novelist; To Kill a Mockingbird
Harriet Lee (1757–1851, E), novelist and playwright
Ida Lee (1865–1943, Au), historian and poet
Lee Hye-gyeong (이혜경, b. 1960, K), poet
Muna Lee (1895–1965, US), poet and translator
Sophia Lee (1750–1824, E), playwright and novelist
Tanith Lee (b. 1947, E), novelist, poet and screenwriter
Valentine Leeper (1900–2001, Au), classicist and correspondent
Joy Leftow (living, US), poet
Květa Legátová (1919–2012, Cz), fiction writer and essayist
Susana Molinari Leguizamón, (ff. from 1939, Ar), poet
Ágnes Lehóczky (b. 1976, H), poet and academic
Tuija Lehtinen (b. 1954, Fi), children's writer and novelist
Leena Lehtolainen (b. 1964, Fi), crime writer
Käthe Leichter (1895–1942, A), politician and economist
Julia Leigh (b. 1970, Au), novelist and screenwriter
Laura Leiner (b. 1985, H), young adults' writer
Katerina Lemmel (1466–1533, G), correspondent and nun
Aïcha Lemsine (b. 1942, Al), novelist and rights activist
Madeleine L'Engle (1918–2007, US), novelist and children's novelist; A Wrinkle in Time
Sue Lenier (b. 1957, E), poet and playwright
Rebecca Lenkiewicz (b. 1968, E), playwright
Ellen Lenneck (Helene Weichardt, 1851–1880, G), novelist and story writer
Anna Maria Lenngren (1754–1817, Sw), writer and poet
Charlotte Lennox (c. 1730–1804 US/E), writer, poet, and dramatist
Hélène Lenoir (b. 1955, F), writer
Conchi León (b. 1973, Mx), writer
Vange Leonel (1963–2014, Bz), novelist and musician
Donna Leon (b. 1942, US), mystery novelist
Gerda Lerner (1920–2013, A/E), playwright and non-fiction author in English
Yva Léro (1912–2007, Mq), writer and artist
Katharyne Lescailje (1649–1711, N), poet
Doris Leslie (1891–1982, E), historical novelist and biographer
May Sibyl Leslie (1887–1937, E), chemist and writer
Elsie Lessa (1912–2000, Bz), writer
Doris Lessing (1919–2013, E), fiction writer, poet and biographer; 2007 Nobel Prize in Literature
Denise Levertov (1923–1997, E), US poet and essayist
Robin Levett (1925–2008, Au), travel writer and novelist
Celia Moss Levetus (1819–1873, E), poet and historian
Tanya Levin (b. 1971, Au), non-fiction writer
Gail Carson Levine (b. 1947, US), young adults' novelist
Andrea Levy (1956–2019, E), novelist; Small Island
Deborah Levy (b. 1959, SA/E), playwright, fiction writer and poet; Swimming Home
Fanny Lewald (1811–1889, G), novelist and feminist
Alethea Lewis (1749–1827, E), novelist
Corinth Morter Lewis (living, Bi), educator and poet
Eiluned Lewis (1900–1979, W), novelist and poet
Gwyneth Lewis (b. 1959, W), poet
Janet Lewis (1899–1998, US), novelist
Wendy Lewis (b. 1962, Au), non-fiction writer and playwright
Marina Lewycka (b. 1946, E), novelist
Anne Ley (c. 1599–1641, E), writer and polemicist
Li Qingzhao (李清照, fl. early 12th c., C), poet and essayist
Li Ye (李冶, died 784, C)
Marita Liabø (b. 1971, No), author
Liang Desheng (梁德繩, 1771–1847, C), poet and writer
Mechtilde Lichnowsky (1879–1958, G), poet, playwright and essayist
Isabella Lickbarrow (1784–1847, E), poet
Erika Liebman (1738–1803, Sw), poet and academic
Deborah Lifchitz (1907–1942, F), linguistics expert
Werewere Liking (b. 1950, Iv), writer and playwright
Rosa Liksom (b. 1958, Fi), fiction and children's writer
Suzanne Lilar (1901–1992, B), playwright, essayist and novelist in French
Kate Lilley (b. 1960), poet and academic
Lin Huiyin (林徽因, 1904–1955, C), architect and writer
Lin Zongsu (林宗素, 1878–1942, C), writer and suffragist
Johanna Dorothea Lindenaer (1664–1737, N), writer and memoirist
Astrid Lindgren (1907–2002, Sw), children's novelist; Pippi Longstocking
Hilarie Lindsay (b. 1922, Au), children's and non-fiction writer and poet
Joan A'Beckett Lindsay (1896–1984, Au), novelist
Rose Lindsay (1885–1978), biographer and print-maker
Eva Lindström (b. 1939, Sw), children's book illustrator and author
Merethe Lindstrøm (b. 1963, No), fiction writer; Days in the History of Silence
Ling Shuhua (凌叔华, 1904–1990, C), writer and painter
Věra Linhartová (b. 1938, Cz), writer and art historian
Elizabeth Linington (1921–1988, US), mystery novelist
Kelly Link (b. 1968, US), fiction writer and editor
Baik Sou Linne (백수린, b. 1982, K), fiction writer
Rosina Lippi (b. 1956, US), writer
Laura Lippman (b. 1958, US), crime fiction writer
Cvetka Lipuš (born 1966, Y/Sv), poet
Henriqueta Lisboa (1901–1985, Bz), poet
Helena Lisická (1930–2009, Cz), ethnographer and fairy-tale writer
Clarice Lispector (1920–1977, Bz), fiction writer; The Passion According to G. H.
Elisa Lispector (1911–1989, Bz), novelist
S. E. Lister (b. 1988, E), novelist
Carol Liston (living, Au), historian
Ellen Liston (1838–1885, Au), fiction writer and poet
Jessie Sinclair Litchfield (1883–1956, Au), poet and non-fiction writer
Liu Rushi (柳如是, 1618–1664, C), poet and courtesan
Penelope Lively (b. 1933, E), novelist and children's writer; Moon Tiger
Dorothy Livesay (1909–1996, Ca), poet
Luljeta Lleshanaku (b. 1968, Ab), poet and editor
Kate Llewellyn (b. 1936, Au), poet, diarist and travel writer
Martha Llwyd (1766–1845, W), poet and hymnist
Teresa Lo (living, US), author
Mira Lobe (1913–1995, A), children's writer
Joice NanKivell Loch, (1887–1982, Au), prose writer
Liz Lochhead (b. 1947, Sc), poet and dramatist
Attica Locke (b. 1974, US), novelist
Lilian Locke (1869–1950, Au), fiction writer
Sumner Locke (1881–1917, Au), fiction writer, poet and dramatist
Anna Rutgers van der Loeff (1910–1990, N), children's writer
Amanda Lohrey (b. 1947, Au), novelist and essayist
Mirra Lokhvitskaya (1869–1905, R), poet
Lesley Lokko (living, Gh/Sc), novelist and academic
Joan London (b. 1948, Au), fiction writer and screenwriter
Joan Long (b. 1925, Au), screenwriter and producer
Tessa de Loo (b. 1946, N), fiction writer
Julienne van Loon (b. 1970, Au), novelist and non-fiction writer
Anita Loos (1888–1981, US), screenwriter, playwright and novelist; Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
Abie Longstaff (living, Au/E), children's writer
Josefina Lopez (b. 1969, US), playwright, screenwriter and novelist
Karen Lord (b. 1968, Ba), speculative fiction writer
Gabrielle Lord (b. 1946, Au), crime fiction writer
Audre Lorde (1934–1992, US), poet
Emilie Loring (1864–1951, US), romance novelist
Isabel Losada (living, E), writer, actor and singer
Laura Glen Louis (living, US), author, poet and essayist
Regina Louise (b. 1963, US), author and child advocate
Jarmila Loukotková (1923–2007, Cz), historical novelist
Rosalie Loveling (1834–1875, B), poet, novelist and essayist in Flemish
Virginie Loveling (1836–1923, B), poet, novelist and children's writer in Flemish
Amy Lowell (1874–1925, US), poet
Lois Lowry (b. 1937, US), children's novelist
Mina Loy (1882–1966, E), poet and artist
Dulce María Loynaz (1902–1997, Cb), poet and novelist
Orietta Lozano (living, Co), poet
Lü Bicheng (呂碧城, 1883–1943, C), writer, poet and activist
Melissa Lucashenko (b. 1967, Au), fiction and non-fiction writer
Clare Boothe Luce (1903–1987, US), editor, playwright and columnist
Lya Luft (b. 1938, Bz), writer and translator
Maria Lugones (living, Ar), feminist philosopher, writer and academic
Viivi Luik (b. 1946, Es), poet and prose writer
Tamara Lujak (b. 1976, Sb), sci-fi and fantasy writer
Mária Bajzek Lukács (b. 1960, H), writer on language in Slovenian
Catharine Lumby (living, Au), academic and columnist
Jane Lumley, Baroness Lumley (1537–1578, E), translator
Violeta Luna (b. 1943, Ec), poet, essayist and critic
Ulla-Lena Lundberg (b. 1947, Fi), author in Swedish
Luo Luo (落落, living, C), novelist and film director
Alison Lurie (b. 1926, US), novelist and academic; Foreign Affairs
Pilar de Lusarreta (1914–1967, Ar), fiction writer, essayist and critic
Masiela Lusha (b. 1985, Ab/US), author and actor
Emilie Luzac (1748–1788, N/Fl), correspondent
Marta Lynch (1925–1985, Ar), fiction writer
Annabel Lyon (b. 1971, Ca), fiction writer
Elinor Lyon (1921–2008, W/E), children's writer
Dame Enid Lyons (1897–1981, Au), biographer and politician
Edith Joan Lyttleton (G. B. Lancaster, 1873–1945, Au), novelist

M

Rose Macaulay (1881–1958, E), writer
Ann-Marie MacDonald (b. 1958, Ca), novelist, playwright and actor
Betty MacDonald (1908–1958, US), writer; The Egg and I
Helen Macdonald (b. 1970, E), writer, naturalist and academic; H is for Hawk
Lilou Macé (b. 1977, Fr/US), author
Gwendolyn MacEwen (1941–1987, Ca), novelist and poet
Ana Maria Machado (b. 1941, Bz), children's writer
Gilka Machado (1893–1980, Bz), poet and activist
Maria Clara Machado (1921–2001, Bz), playwright and children's writer
Dorothea Macheiner (b. 1943, A), novelist, poet and playwright
Elisabeth MacIntyre (1916–2004, Au), children's writer
Louise Mack (1870–1935, Au), poet and novelist
Shena Mackay (b. 1944, Sc), novelist
Dorothea Mackellar (1885–1968, Au), poet and fiction writer
Serena Mackesy (b. 1960s, E), novelist
Mary Mackey (b. 1945, US), novelist, poet and academic
Patricia MacLachlan (b. 1938, US), children's novelist
Mary MacLane (1881–1929, Ca/US), writer
Charlotte MacLeod (1922–2005, Ca/US), novelist and mystery writer
Kathleen MacMahon (living, I), writer and broadcaster
Debbie Macomber (b. 1948, US), novelist
Katharine Sarah Macquoid (1824–1917, E), novelist and travel writer
Deirdre Madden (b. 1960, I), novelist
Ruth Mader (born 1974, A), screenwriter
Naomi Long Madgett (b. 1923, US), poet
Malika Madi (b. 1967, B), novelist in French
Maga Magazinović (1882–1968, Sb), writer
Audrey Magee (living, I), novelist
Nilah Magruder (living, US), illustrator and writer
Akka Mahadevi (12th c., In), poet in Old Kannada
Han Mahlsook (한말숙, b. 1931, K), novelist
Bríd Mahon (1922–2008, I), novelist and folklorist
Mahsati Ganjavi (c. 1089 – post–1159, Ir), poet
Jennifer Maiden (b. 1949, Au), poet
Ruth Maier (1920–1942, A), diarist and Holocaust victim
Barbara York Main (b. 1929, Au), arachnologist
Antonine Maillet (b. 1929, Ca), novelist, playwright and scholar
Marie Majerová (1882–1967, A/Cz), fiction writer
Barbara Makhalisa (b. 1949, Zi), novelist, editor
Eudokia Makrembolitissa (c. 1021–1096, By), poet in Greek and empress
Desanka Maksimović (1898–1993, Sb), poet
Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi (living, U), fiction writer
Rosie Malek-Yonan (b. 1965, Ay), novelist and actor
Oriel Malet (Lady Auriel Rosemary Malet Vaughan, 1923–2014, E), novelist and biographer
Nicole Malinconi (b. 1946, B), fiction writer in French
Gitta Mallasz (1907–1992, H), author of esoteric dialogues
Nathalie Mallet (living, Ca), sci-fi and fantasy writer
Françoise Mallet-Joris (b. 1930, B), novelist and essayist in French
Heather Mallick (b. 1959, Ca), columnist, author and lecturer
Zumrud Gulu-zade (b. 1932, Az), philosopher
Emily St. John Mandel (b. 1979, Ca), novelist
Zindzi Mandela (1960–2020, SA), poet
Richmal Mangnall (1769–1820, E), schoolbook writer; Mangnall's Questions
Anne Marie Mangor (1781–1865, D), cookbook writer
Delarivier Manley (c. 1670–1724, E), novelist, playwright and pamphleteer
Alana Mann (fl. 2000s, Au), writer on food
Erika Mann (1905–1969, G), writer, screenwriter and actor
Eeva-Liisa Manner (1921–1995, Fi), poet and playwright
Emily Manning (Australie, 1845–1890, Au), poet and columnist
Olivia Manning (1908–1980, E), novelist
Ruth Manning-Sanders (1886–1988, W/E), poet, author and children's writer
Chris Mansell (b. 1953, Au), poet
Katherine Mansfield (1888–1923, NZ/E), short story writer
Eduarda Mansilla (1834–1892, Ar), novelist, playwright and music critic
Fadhma Aït Mansour, (c. 1882–1967, Al), poet and singer
Latifa Ben Mansour (b. 1950, Al/F), novelist, linguist and psychoanalyst
Lisa Mantchev (living, US), fantasy novelist
Hilary Mantel (b. 1952, E), fiction writer, memoirist and essayist; Wolf Hall
Réka Mán-Várhegyi (b. 1979, R/H), fiction and children's writer
Sarah Ladipo Manyika (b. 1968, Ni/E), fiction writer and essayist
Mokbula Manzoor (b. 1938, In/Bd), novelist and writer
Lee Maracle (b. 1950, Ca), poet, novelist and storyteller
Carmen Marai (Carmen María Bassa Rodríguez, living, Ch), poet and novelist
Dacia Maraini (b. 1936, It), novelist, playwright and poet
Melina Marchetta (b. 1965, Au), novelist
Emilie Maresse-Paul (1838–1900, T), feminist
Anna Margolin (1887–1952, R/US), Yiddish poet
Beryl Markham (1902–1986, E/Ke), aviator, adventurer and author
Daphne Marlatt (b. 1942, Ca), poet
E. Marlitt (Eugenie John, 1825–1877, G), novelist
Monika Maron (b. 1941, G), essayist and political writer
Leïla Marouane (b. 1960, Al/F), novelist
Ana Marija Marović (1815–1887, Sb), poet and painter
Anne de Marquets (c. 1533–1588, F), poet
Paula Contreras Márquez (1911–2008, Sp), novelist and author
Ellen Marriage (1865–1946, E), translator from French
Ngaio Marsh (1895–1982, NZ), mystery writer; Roderick Alleyn
Paule Marshall (b. 1929, US), novelist
Lebogang Mashile (b. 1979, SA), actor, writer and poet
Una Marson (1905–1965, Ja), feminist, radio producer and poet
Patricia De Martelaere (1957–2009, B), philosopher and essayist in Flemish
Catherine Edith Macauley Martin (1847–1937, Au), novelist
Faith Martin (living, E), thriller writer
Harriet Martineau (1802–1876, E), novelist and theorist
Nela Martínez (1912–2004, Ec), political writer and activist
Kati Marton (b. 1949, H/US), current-affairs writer
Cissy van Marxveldt (1889–1948, N), children's writer
Lebogang Mashile (b. 1979, SA), actor, writer and poet
Bobbie Ann Mason (b. 1940, US), fiction writer, essayist and critic; In Country
Judi Ann Mason (1955–2009, US), playwright and screenwriter
Ursula Masson (1945–2008, W), writer and academic
Olga Masters (1919–1986, Au), fiction writer and columnist
Julijana Matanović (b. 1959, Y/Cr), fiction writer
Beverly Matherne (b. 1946, US), writer and poet
Olga Elena Mattei (b. 1933, PR/Co), poet
Christobel Mattingley (1931–2019, Au), children's writer
Ana María Matute (1925–2014, Sp), novelist
Daphne du Maurier (1907–1989, E), fiction writer; Rebecca
Megan Maxwell (b. 1965, Sp), romance novelist
Olga Maynard (1913–1994, Bz/US), non-fiction writer
DeBarra Mayo (b. 1953, US), fitness writer
Eleanor Mayo (1920–1981, US), novelist
Rosa Mayreder (1858–1938, A), feminist writer and campaigner
Friederike Mayröcker (b. 1924, A), poet and playwright
Imbolo Mbue (living, Cm), fiction writer
Constance Jane McAdam (Constance Clyde, 1872–1951, Au), writer and suffragette
Maxine McArthur (b. 1962, Au), sci-fi writer
Bunny McBride (b. 1950, US), writer and anthropologist
Eimear McBride (b. 1976, I), novelist; A Girl Is a Half-formed Thing
Anne McCaffrey (1926–2011, US), sci-fi novelist
Mary McCarthy (1912–1989, US), novelist, critic and memoirist
Shirla R. McClain (1935–1997, US), educator
Jen McClanaghan (living, US), poet
Nellie McClung (1873–1951, Ca), feminist, author and activist
Joanna McClure (b. 1930, US), poet
Elizabeth McCracken (b. 1966, US), novelist and editor
Georgiana Huntly McCrae (1804–1890, Au), diarist and painter
Sharyn McCrumb (b. 1948, US), fiction writer
Carson McCullers (1917–1967, US), novelist; The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter
Colleen McCullough (1937–2015, Au), novelist
Alice McDermott (b. 1953, US), fiction writer
Nan McDonald (1921–1974, Au), poet and editor
Ella May McFadyen (1887–1976, Au), poet and children's writer
Fiona McFarlane (b. 1978, Au), novelist
Phyllis McGinley (1905–1978, US), children's writer and poet
Fiona McGregor (b. 1965, Au), writer and artist
Lisa McInerney (b. 1981, I), fiction writer and blogger
Siobhán McHugh (living, Ir/Au), author and documentary maker
Ami McKay (b. 1968, Ca), novelist and playwright
Edith McKay (1891–1963, Au), fiction writer
Elizabeth McKenzie (b. 1958, US), author and editor
Patricia A. McKillip (b. 1948, US), sci-fi and fantasy writer
Tamara McKinley (b. 1948, Au), novelist
Mignon McLaughlin (1913–1983, US), columnist and author
Emma McLaughlin (b. 1974, US), novelist
Rhyll McMaster (b. 1947, Au), poet and novelist
Terry McMillan (b. 1951, US), novelist
Bertha McNamara (1853–1931, Au), pamphleteer
Kit McNaughton (c. 1887–1953, Au), diarist and wartime nurse
Martha McPhee (b. 1965, US), novelist; Gorgeous Lies
Richelle Mead (b. 1976, US), novelist
Gillian Mears (1964–2016, Au), fiction writer
Gwerful Mechain (fl. 1460–1500, W), poet
Mechthild of Magdeburg (c. 1207 – c. 1282–1294, G), mystic writing in Low German
Saint Mechtilde of Hackeb. (1240/1241–1298, G), religious writer in Latin
Nia Medi (living, W), novelist and actor
Vonne van der Meer (b. 1952, N), fiction writer and playwright
Selma Meerbaum-Eisinger (1924–1942, Ro/G), poet
Dora van der Meiden-Coolsma (1918–2001, N), columnist and children's writer
Doeschka Meijsing (1947–2012, N), novelist
Cecília Meireles (1901–1964, Bz), writer and educator
Tamta Melashvili (b. 1979, Ge), novelist and feminist
Ekaterine Melikishvili (1854–1928, Ge), translator and children's writer
Rosita Melo (1897–1981, Ar), poet and composer
Maile Meloy (b. 1972, US), fiction writer
Pauline Melville (b. 1948, Gy/E), writer and actor
Velma Caldwell Melville (1858–1924, US), editor and writer
Eva Menasse (b. 1970, A), novelist and columnist
Jane Mendelsohn (b. 1965, US), author
Charlotte Mendelson (b. 1972, E), novelist and editor
Mariana Cox Méndez (1871–1914, Ch), fiction writer and essayist
Susan Mendus (b. 1951, W), political philosopher
Maaza Mengiste (b. 1974, Et/US), novelist
Wolla Meranda, (1863–1951, Au), novelist
Martha Mercader (1926–2010, Ar), fiction and children's writer
Tununa Mercado (b. 1939, Ar), fiction writer and essayist
Sophie Mereau (1770–1806, G), novelist and poet
Gwen Meredith (1907–2006, Au), playwright, scriptwriter and novelist
Louisa Meredith (1812–1895, Au), non-fiction writer, poet and novelist
Edna Merey-Apinda (b. 1976, Ga), writer
Kersti Merilaas (1913–1986, Es), poet and children's writer
Marguerite Merington (1875–1951, E/US), playwright and fiction and non-fiction writer
Alda Merini (1931–2009, It), writer and poet
Louise Meriwether (b. 1923, US), novelist and essayist
Fatema Mernissi (b. 1940, Mr), academic
Helen Maud Merrill (1865–1943, US), woman of letters and poet
Catherine Merriman (living, W), fiction writer
Lina Meruane (b. 1970, Ch), writer and academic
Elizabeth Messenger (1908–1965, NZ), cookery writer and crime novelist
Claire Messud (b. 1966, US), novelist and academic; The Emperor's Children
Grace Metalious (1924–1964, US), novelist; Peyton Place
Charlotte Mew (1869–1928, E), poet
Johanne Meyer (1838–1915, D), suffragist and pacifist
Stephenie Meyer (b. 1973, US), novelist; The Host
Alice Meynell (1847–1922, E), critic and poet
Esther Meynell (1878–1955, E), author and historian; The Little Chronicle of Magdalena Bach
Malwida von Meysenbug (1816–1903, G), political writer and memoirist
Mian Mian (棉棉, b. 1970, C), fiction writer
Hanny Michaelis (1922–2007, N), poet
Karin Michaëlis (1872–1950, D), fiction and children's writer and autobiographer
Anne Michaels (b. 1958, Ca), novelist and poet
Sólrún Michelsen (b. 1948, Fa), fiction and children's writer and poet
Agnes Miegel (1879–1964, G), columnist, writer and poet
Helene Migerka (1867–1928, A), poet and prose writer
Cécile Miguel (1921–2001, B), poet, playwright and novelist in French
Aksinia Mihaylova (b. 1963, Bg), poet and translator
Jasmina Mihajlović (b. 1960, Sb), writer and critic
Jo Mihaly (1902–1989, G), diarist, novelist and dancer
Mitsukazu Mihara (三原ミツカズ, b. 1970, J), manga writer and artist
Ene Mihkelson (1944–2017, Es), poet and novelist
Sevda Mikayilova (b. 1953, Az), poet and philologist
Jung Mi-kyung (정미경, 1960–2017, K), novelist
Grace Mildmay (1552–1620, E), diarist
Dorothy Miles (1931–1993, W), poet and activist for deaf
Josephine Miles (1911–1985, US), poet and critic
Leda Mileva (1920–2013, Bg), writer and diplomat
Princess Milica of Serbia (c. 1335–1405, Sb), poet
Ognjenka Milićević (1927–2008, Sb), theater essayist
Edna St. Vincent Millay (1892–1950, US), poet
Caroline Miller (1903–1992, US), novelist
Grażyna Miller (1957–2009, Po), poet, writer and translator
Isabel Miller (Alma Routsong, 1924–1996, US), novelist; Patience and Sarah
Kirsten Miller (b. 1973, US), novelist
Leslie Adrienne Miller (b. 1956, US), poet
Madeline Miller (b. 1978, US), novelist
Rebecca Miller (b. 1962, US), novelist and writer; Jacob's Folly
Kate Millett (1934–2017, US), feminist
Arthenia J. Bates Millican (1920–2012, US), poet, fiction writer and educator
Anchee Min (閔安琪, b. 1957, Ch/US), novelist and memoir writer; Red Azalea
Denise Mina (b. 1966, Sc), crime writer and playwright
Else Holmelund Minarik (1920–2012, D/US), children's writer; Little Bear (book)|Little Bear series
Marga Minco (b. 1920, N), writer and Holocaust survivor
Liliana Díaz Mindurry (b. 1953, Ar), poet and fiction writer
Mirabai (Meera Bai; c. 1498 – c. 1547, In), Hindu poet
Ana Miranda (b. 1951, Bz), novelist
Mir-Jam (1887–1952, Sb), novelist
Gabriela Mistral (Lucila Godoy Alcayaga, 1889–1957, C), poet and feminist; Nobel Prize in Literature
Dreda Say Mitchell (Louise Emma Joseph, b. 1965, E), novelist and columnist
Elyne Mitchell (1913–2002, Au), children's writer
Gladys Mitchell (1901–1983, E), mystery novelist
Margaret Mitchell (1900–1949, US), columnist and novelist; Gone with the Wind
Susan Mitchell (b. 1944, US), poet, essayist and translator
Naomi Mitchison (1897–1999, Sc), novelist and poet
Jessica Mitford (1917–1996, E/US), author and rights activist
Mary Russell Mitford (1787–1855, E), novelist and dramatist; Our Village
Nancy Mitford (1904–1973, E), novelist and correspondent; The Pursuit of Love
Kim Mi-wol (김미월, b. 1977, K), fiction writer
Minae Mizumura (水村美苗, b. 1951, J/US), novelist, critic and essayist
Janet Mock (b. 1983, US), writer, rights activist and author
Drusilla Modjeska (b. 1946, Au), writer and editor
Moelona (Elizabeth Mary Jones, 1877–1953, W), novelist, children's writer and translator
Moero or Myro (3rd c. BC, AG), poet
Nadifa Mohamed (b. 1981, Sa/E), novelist
Malika Mokeddem (b. 1949, Al), fiction writer
Natalia Molebatsi (living, SA), poet
Mary Louisa (Mrs) Molesworth (1839–1921, E), children's novelist
Grace Mera Molisa (1947–2002, Va), poet, politician and activist
Herdis Møllehave (1936–2001, D), writer and social worker
Eva Moltesen (1871–1934, Fi/D), fiction and political writer and lexicographer
Lília Momplé (b. 1935, Mz), fiction writer
María Olivia Mönckeberg (b. 1944, Ch), essayist and academic
Aleksandra Monedzhikova, (1889–1959, Bg), geographer and historian
Aja Monet (b. 1987, US), poet, writer and activist
Libuše Moníková (1945–1998, Cz/G), writer in German
Jenn Monroe (b. 1970, US), poet and editor
Pilar Burgués Monserrat (b. 1958, Ad), fiction writer
Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (1689–1762, E), poet, diarist and correspondent
Dora Montefiore (1851–1933, Au), poet, autobiographer and suffragist
Ana Montenegro (1915–2006, Bz), author, poet and activist
Mayra Montero (b. 1952, Cb/PR), fiction writer and columnist
Graciela Montes (b. 1947, Ar), children's writer and translator
Florence Montgomery (1843–1923, E), children's writer
Lucy Maud Montgomery (1874–1942, Ca), fiction writer and poet; Anne of Green Gables
Ruth Montgomery (1912–2001, US), novelist
Amy Monticello (b. 1982, US), essayist and non-fiction writer
Teresa Wilms Montt (Tebal, 1893–1921, Ch), writer and poet
Susanna Moodie (1803–1885, Ca), diarist, novelist and poet
Anne Moody (b. 1940, US), autobiographer; Coming of Age in Mississippi
Marente de Moor (b. 1972, N), novelist and columnist
Alison Moore (b. 1971, E), novelist
C. L. Moore (1911–1987, US), fantasy writer
Lisa Moore (b. 1964, Ca), fiction writer
Lorrie Moore (b. 1957, US), fiction writer
Marianne Moore (1887–1972, US), poet
Ruth Moore (1903–1989, US), fiction writer and poet
Elizabeth Moorhead (c. 1865–1955, US), fiction writer
Finola Moorhead (b. 1947, Au), novelist, playwright and poet
Shani Mootoo (b. 1957, T), writer, artist and video maker
Terézia Mora (b. 1971, H/G), novelist and critic in German
Barbara Moraff (b. 1939, US), poet
Cherrie Moraga (b. 1952), poet, playwright and essayist
Aurora Levins Morales (b. 1954, P), essayist, poet and fiction writer
Elsa Morante (1912–1985, It), novelist
Ann Moray (1909–1981, I/US), novelist and singer
Yolanda Morazzo (1928–2009, CV), poet
Dea Trier Mørch (1941–2001, D), travel and social writer and artist
Hannah More (1745–1833, E), moralist, poet and playwright
Helga Moreira (b. 1950, P), poet
[[Nancy Morejón] (b. 1944, Cb), poet and essayist
Isabel Morel (b. 1885, Ch), writer and activist
C. E. Morgan (b. 1976, US), author
Elaine Morgan (1920–2013, W), playwright and anthropologist
Elena Puw Morgan (1900–1973, W), novelist and children's writer
Erin Morgenstern (b. 1978, US), artist and novelist; The Night Circus
Irmtraud Morgner (1933–1990, G), novelist
Elinor Mordaunt (1872–1942, Au), writer and traveler
Sally Morgan (b. 1951, Au), writer and artist
Liane Moriarty (b. 1966, Au), novelist
Margarita Morozova (1873–1958, R), memoirist
Jan Morris (James Morris, b. 1926, W/E), historian and travel writer
Mary McGarry Morris (b. 1943, US), novelist; Vanished
Meaghan Morris (b. 1950, Au), cultural writer
Myra Morris (1893–1966, Au), poet, novelist and children's writer
Sharon Morris (living, W), poet and lecturer
Toni Morrison (1931–2019, US), novelist, children's writer; 1993 Nobel Prize in Literature
Di Morrissey (b. 1943, Au), novelist
Donna Morrissey (b. 1956, Ca), novelist and screenwriter
Sally Morrison (b. 1946, Au), biographer and fiction writer
Penelope Mortimer (1918–1999, W/E), novelist
Nelle Morton (1905–1987, US), theologian, academic and civil rights leader
Stefania Mosca (1957–2009, V), writer
Hannah Moscovitch (b. 1978, Ca), playwright
Marie Moser (b. 1948, Ca), fiction writer
Ottessa Moshfegh (b. 1981, US), fiction writer and essayist
Mieke Mosmuller (b. 1951, N), novelist and physician
Sarah Moss (b. 1975, E), writer and academic
Thylias Moss (b. 1954, US), poet, children's novelist and playwright
Kate Mosse (b. 1961, E), fiction writer and broadcaster; Labyrinth
Ahlam Mosteghanemi (b. 1953, Al), novelist
Nadežka Mosusova (b. 1928, Sb), non-fiction writer
Capucine Motte (b. 1971, B), woman of letters in French
Chantal Mouffe (b. 1943, B), political theorist in French and English
Touhfat Mouhtare (living, Co), writer
Daphne Pochin Mould (b. 1920, E), non-fiction writer
Julia Moulden (b. 1956, Ca), non-fiction writer and speechwriter
Jeanine Moulin (1912–1998, B), poet and scholar
Maria Lacerda de Moura (1887–1945, Bz), anarcho-feminist writer
Mary Braidwood Mowle (1827–1857, E/Au), diarist
Ana Gloria Moya (1954–2013, Ar), novelist
Isabel Moya (1961–2018, Cb), communications professor
Esther Moyal (1878–1948, L), Jewish writer and feminist
Milena Mrazović (1863–1927, A/Y), writer in Serbian
Zorica Mršević (b. 1954, Sb), writer on gender rights
Cristina Mucci (b. 1949, Ar), writer
Lisel Mueller (1924–2020, G/US), poet
Micere Githae Mugo (b. 1942, Ke), playwright, poet and activist
Hermynia zur Mühlen (1883–1951, A/E), novelist and translator
Doris Mühringer (1920–2009, A), poet and fiction and children's writer
Willa Muir (1890–1970, Sc), writer
Hercilia Fernández de Mujía (1860–1929, Bv), writer and poet
María Josefa Mujía (1812–1888, Bv), poet
Bharati Mukherjee (b. 1940, In/US), fiction writer
Lale Müldür (b. 1956, Tu), poet and writer
Wendy Mulford (b. 1941, W), poet and feminist
Harryette Mullen (b. 1953, US), poet, fiction writer and scholar
Henrietta Müller (1846–1906, Ch/E), activist and theosophist
Herta Müller (b. 1953, Ro/G), novelist, poet and essayist; Nobel Prize winner
Inge Müller (1925–1966, G), poet
Melissa Müller (born 1967, A), novelist and biographer; Anne Frank: The Biography
Zorica Jevremović Munitić (b. 1948, Sb), playwright and literary historian
Isabel Gómez Muñoz (b. 1959, Ch), poet
Rosabetty Muñoz (b. 1960, Ch), poet and academic
Alice Munro (b. 1931, Ca), fiction writer; 2013 Nobel Prize in Literature
Johanne Münter (1844–1921, D), writer and rights activist
Rose Marie Muraro (1930–2014, Bz), sociologist and feminist writer
Iris Murdoch (1919–1999, I/E), novelist and philosopher; The Sea, the Sea
Nina Murdoch (1890–1976, Au), biographer, travel writer and poet
Mary Noailles Murfree (1850–1922, US), fiction writer
Rosario Murillo (b. 1951, Nc), poet
Sallyann J. Murphey (living, E/US), novelist
C. E. Murphy (b. 1973, US), author
Jill Murphy (b. 1949, E), writer and illustrator of children's books
Margaret Murphy (b. 1959, E), crime novelist
Joanna Murray-Smith (b. 1962, Au), playwright, screenwriter and novelist
Eugénie Musayidire (b. 1952, Rw/G), writer
Inga Muscio (b. 1966, US), writer
Susan Musgrave (b. 1951, Ca), poet and children's writer
Małgorzata Musierowicz (b. 1945, Po), children's and young adults' writer
Carol Muske-Dukes (b. 1945, US), poet, novelist and professor
Sugawara no Takasue no musume (菅原孝標女, c. 1008 – post-1059, J), diarist
Dagmar von Mutius (1919–2008, G), writer
Charlotte Mutsaers (b. 1942, N), writer and painter
Beverle Graves Myers (b. 1951, US), mystery writer

N

Farida Nabourema (b. 1990, To), writer and rights activist
Borbála Nádasdy (b. 1939, H/F), novelist and cookbook writer
Constance Naden (1858–1889, E), poet and philosopher
Azar Nafisi (b. 1948, Ir), writer and academic; Reading Lolita in Tehran
Ágnes Nemes Nagy (1922–1991, H), poet and essayist
Alice Nahon (1896–1933, B), poet in Flemish
Sarojini Naidu (Nightingale of India; 1879–1949, In), child prodigy and activist
Marie von Najmajer (1844–1904, A), historical novelist, poet and playwright
Zofia Nałkowska (1884–1954, Po), novelist and playwright
Carolina Nairne (1766–1845, Sc), song-writer
Cheng Naishan (程乃珊, 1946–2013, C), fiction and non-fiction writer
Nakatsukasa (中務, 912–991, J), poet
Bahiyyih Nakhjavani (living, Ir), novelist
Anna Nakwaska (1781–1851, Po), memoirist, novelist and children's author
Glaydah Namukasa (living, U), novelist and midwife
Heo Nanseolheon (허초희, 1563–1589, K), poet
Elma Napier (1892–1973, Sc/Do), writer and politician
Rafaela Chacón Nardi (1926–2001, Cb), poet and educator
Ruth Narramore (1923–2010, US), writer, editor and musician
Taslima Nasrin (b. 1962, In), novelist, poet and essayist
Khurshidbanu Natavan (1832–1897, Az), poet in Azerbajani and Persian
Benedikte Naubert (1752–1819, G), historical novelist
Marguerite de Navarre (1492–1549, F), poet, playwright and fiction writer; Heptameron
Ofelia Domínguez Navarro (1894–1976, Cb), writer and activist
Gloria Naylor (b. 1950, US), novelist
Marie NDiaye (b. 1967, F), novelist and playwright
Mary Anna Needell (1830–1922, E), novelist
María Negroni (b. 1951, Ar), poet and writer
Samira Negrouche (b. 1988, Al), poet, writer and physician
Alice Dunbar Nelson (1875–1935 US), poet, columnist and activist
Esther Nelson (1810–1843, IM), poet
Božena Němcová (1820–1862, A/H), Czech National Revival writer
Irène Némirovsky (1903–1942, Uk/F), novelist; Suite française
Mary Edith Nepean (1876–1960, W), romantic novelist
Adalgisa Nery (1905–1980, Bz), poet and prose writer
E. Nesbit (1858–1924, E), children's fiction writer; Five Children and It
Bára Nesvadbová (b. 1975, Cz), writer and columnist
Friederike Caroline Neuber (1697–1760, G), playwright and actor
Jill Neville (1932–1997, Au), novelist, playwright and poet
Aimee Nezhukumatathil (b. 1974, US), poet and essayist
Juliana Makuchi Nfah-Abbenyi (living, Cm), professor and writer
Lauretta Ngcobo (1931–2015, SA), novelist and essayist
Brenda Niall (b. 1930), biographer and critic
Grace Nichols (b. 1950, Gy), poet
Joyce Nicholson (1919–2001, Au), author
Mavis Nicholson (b. 1930, W), writer and broadcaster
Brenda Niall (b. 1930, Au), biographer and critic
Lorine Niedecker (1903–1970, US), poet
Aīda Niedra (1899–1972, La), novelist and poet
Henriette Nielsen (1815–1900, D), playwright and novelist
Charlotte Niese (1854–1935, G), writer and poet
Audrey Niffenegger (b. 1963, US), novelist and artist
Milena Nikolova (b. 1984, Bg), poet and writer
Deborah Niland (b. 1950, Au), children's book writer and illustrator
Jenny Nimmo (b. 1944, W), children's author and novelist
Anaïs Nin (1903–1977, F), eroticist, critic and diarist; Henry and June
Sister Nivedita (1867–1911, E), writer
Esther Nirina (1932–2004, Ma), poet
Ana María Martínez de Nisser (1812–1872, Co), writer and soldier
Ketty Nivyabandi (b. 1978, Bu), poet and rights activist
Marie Nizet (1859–1922, B), poet in French
Rebeka Njau (b. 1932, Ke), playwright and novelist
Nkiru Njoku (b. c. 1980, Ni), screenwriter
Anna de Noailles (1876–1933, Ro/F), writer in French
Cynthia Reed Nolan (1908–1976, Au), novelist and travel writer
Ingrid Noll (b. 1935, G), novelist
Oodgeroo Noonuccal (Kath Walker, 1920–1993, Au), poet, activist and educator
Saskia Noort (b. 1967, N), crime writer
Kerstin Norborg (b. 1961, Sw), writer and poet
Hedvig Charlotta Nordenflycht (1718–1763, Sw), poet and salonnière
Clara Nordström (1886–1962, Sw/G), novelist in German
Lise Nørgaard (b. 1917, D), essayist and fiction writer
Regine Normann (1867–1939, No), fiction writer
Dagmar Normet (1921–2008, Es), writer and playwright
Kathleen Norris (1880–1966, US), novelist
Marlene Norst (1930–2010, A/Au), linguist and educator
Marisela Norte (living, US), poet and writer
Gail North-Saunders (b. 1944, Bh), historian and archivist
Andre Norton (1912–2005, US), fiction writer
Caroline Norton (1808–1877, E), author, reformer and feminist
Julian of Norwich (1342–1416, E), mystic
Nossis (fl. c. 300 BC, AG), epigrammist and poet
Christine Nöstlinger (1936–2018, A), children's writer
Amélie Nothomb (b. 1966, B), novelist in French
Alice Notley (b. 1945, US), poet
Joanne Nova (living, Au), science writer and speaker
Helga M. Novak (b. 1935, G), poet and writer
Anna Novakov (b. 1959, Sb), art historian and critic
Mary Novik (b. 1945, Ca), novelist
Perpétue Nshimirimana (b. 1961, Bu), writer
Princess Nukata (額田王, c. 630–690, J), poet
Elizabeth Nunez (living, T/US), novelist and academic
Minni Nurme (1917–1994, Es), novelist and poet
Sevinj Nurugizi (b. 1964, Az), children's writer
Martina Nwakoby (b. 1937, Ni), children's writer and novelist
Flora Nwapa (1931–1993, Ni), novelist
Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani (b. 1976, Ni), novelist and essayist
Julia Nyberg (1784–1854, Sw), poet and songwriter
Colette Nys-Mazure (b. 1939, B), poet and playwright in French
Sekai Nzenza (living, Zi), writer, critic and politician

O

Ann Oakley (b. 1944, E), academic and novelist
Joyce Carol Oates (b. 1938, US), fiction writer, poet and playwright
Achy Obejas (b. 1956, Cg), writer and poet
Princess Anka Obrenović (1821–1868, Sb), first woman writer in Serbia
Silvina Ocampo (1903–1993, Ar), poet, fiction writer and playwright
Victoria Ocampo (1890–1979, Ar), critic and autobiographer
María Olimpia de Obaldía (1891–1985, Pm), poet
Charlotta Öberg (also Lotta Öberg,; 1818–1856, Sw), poet
Clara Obligado (b. 1950, Ar), fiction writer
Trifonia Melibea Obono(b. 1982, Eq), novelist, political scientist and academic
Téa Obreht (b. 1985, Sb/US), fiction writer
Princess Anka Obrenović (1821–1868, Sb), writer
Edna O'Brien (b. 1930, I), fiction writer
Kate O'Brien (1897–1974, I), novelist and playwright
Mary-Louise O'Callaghan (living, Au), non-fiction author
Silvina Ocampo (1903–1994, Ar), poet and fiction writer
Elizabeth O'Conner' (Anne Willard, 1913–2000, Au), novelist
Flannery O'Connor (1925–1964, US), fiction writer
Niamh O'Connor (ff. since 2000, I), novelist and columnist
Tyne O'Connell (b. 1960, E), novelist
Mary O'Donnell (b. 1954, I), fiction writer and poet
Mietta O'Donnell (1950–2001, Au), food writer and chef
Mary O'Donoghue (b. 1975, I), novelist and poet
Taiwo Odubiyi (b. 1965, Ni), novelist, children's writer and columnist
Okwiri Oduor (b. 1988/1989, Ke), writer
Marie Conway Oemler (1879–1932, US), novelist
Julia O'Faolain (b. 1932, I), novelist
Nuala O'Faolain (1940–2008, I), novelist, critic and memoirist
Jenny Offill (b. 1968, US), novelist and editor
Catherine O'Flynn (b. 1970, E), fiction writer; What Was Lost
Nana Oforiatta Ayim (living, Gh), writer and art historian
Barbara Ogier (1648–1720, Fl), playwright
Nina Ognianova (living, Bg), rights activist
Vida Ognjenović (b. 1941, Sb), playwright and writer
Grace Ogot (b. 1930, Ke), fiction writer
Molara Ogundipe (b. 1940, Ni), poet, critic and non-fiction writer
Sheila O'Hagan (living, I), poet
Pixie O'Harris (Rhona Olive Harris, 1903–1991, W), writer and artist
Liisi Ojamaa (1972–2019, Es), poet and critic
Mirta Ojito (b. 1964, Cb), writer and columnist
Yeo Ok (여옥, between 15th and 1st c. BC, K), poet
Irenosen Okojie (living, Ni/E), fiction writer
Nnedi Okorafor (b. 1974, Ni/US), fiction writer
Juliane Okot Bitek (living, Ke/U), diaspora poet
Ifeoma Okoye (b. 1937, Ni), fiction and children's writer
Chinelo Okparanta (b. 1981, Ni/US), fiction writer
Sofi Oksanen (b. 1977, Fi), novelist and playwright
Princess Ōku (大来皇女, 661–702, J), poet
Sharon Olds (b. 1942, US), poet
Annette K. Olesen (b. 1965, D), screenwriter
Margaret Oliphant (1828–1897, Sc), novelist
Ukamaka Olisakwe (b. 1982, Ni), screenwriter, feminist and fiction writer
Mary Oliver (b. 1935, US), poet
Narelle Oliver (1960–2016), children's author, artist and print-maker
Marly de Oliveira (c. 1938–2007, Bz), poet
Orlandina de Oliveira (b. 1943, Bz/M), social commentator
Blanche Christine Olschak (1913–1989, A), encyclopedist
Tillie Olsen (1913–2007, US), feminist fiction writer
Lisa Olstein (1972, US), poet
Nessa O'Mahony (living, I), poet
Mary O'Malley (b. 1954, I), poet
Kathleen O'Meara (1839–1888, I), novelist and biographer
Yewande Omotoso (b. 1980, Ba/SA), novelist and designer
Heather O'Neill (b. 1973, Ca), fiction writer, poet and screenwriter
Mary Devenport O'Neill (1898–1957, I), poet and dramatist
Moira O'Neill (Agnes Shakespeare Higginson, 1864–1955, I/Can), poet
Makena Onjerika (living, Ke), writer
Fuyumi Ono (小野不由美, b. 1960, J), novelist
Nuzo Onoh (b. 1962, Ni/E), horror writer
Chibundu Onuzo (b. 1991, Ni), novelist
Osonye Tess Onwueme (b. 1955, Ni), playwright, scholar and poet
Ifeoma Onyefulu (b. 1959, Ni), children's writer and novelist
Amelia Opie (1769–1853, E), novelist and biographer
Mary Oppen (1908–1990 US), poet, writer and artist
Baroness Orczy (1865–1947, H/E), novelist and illustrator; The Scarlet Pimpernel
Caitriona O'Reilly (b. 1973, I), poet and critic
Doris Orgel (born 1929, A/E), children's and non-fiction writer in English
Bukola Oriola (b. 1976, Ni/US), columnist and autobiographer
Iza Orjonikidze (1938–2010, Ge), poet and politician
Kate Orman (b. 1968, Au), sci-fi writer
Margarita Ormotsadze (b. 1981, Uk), columnist, poet and writer
Olga Orozco (1920–1999, Ar), poet and columnist
Elvira Orphée (b. 1930, Ar), fiction writer
Hanne Ørstavik (b. 1969, No), novelist
Virginia Elena Ortea (1866–1906, Do), columnist and novelist
Alicia Dujovne Ortiz (b. 1940, Ar), poet, fiction writer and biographer
Helena Araújo Ortiz (b. 1934, Cc), feminist author and critic
Eliza Orzeszkowa (1841–1910, Po), writer
Joanne van Os, fiction and children's writer and memoirist
Deb'rah Eunice Osagiede (b. 1958, Ni), pastor and writer
Beatrice Osborn (Margaret Fane, 1887–1962, Au), novelist and poet
Elvira Santa Cruz Ossa (Roxane, 1886–1960, Ch), dramatist and novelist
Martha Ostenso (1900–1963, No/Ca), novelist and screenwriter
Ljubica Ostojić (b. 1945, Y/BH), poet, writer and playwright
Maggie O'Sullivan (1908–1990, E), poet and performer
Maureen Donovan O'Sullivan (1887–1966, I), educator and historian
Joanne van Os (b. 1955 Au), fiction and children's writer and memoirist
Alice Oswald (b. 1966, E), poet
Ōtagaki Rengetsu (太田垣蓮月, 1791–1875, J), poet and calligrapher
Julie Otsuka (b. 1962, US), novelist; The Buddha in the Attic
Katrin Ottarsdóttir (b. 1957, Fa), poet and film director
Elise Otté (1818–1903, D/E), translator and grammarian
Ouida (1839–1908, E), fiction writer; Under Two Flags
Helen Ovbiagele (b. 1944, Ni), novelist
Angelika Overath (b. 1957, G), author
Caroline Overington (b. 1970, Au), author
Jan Owen (b. 1940, Au), poet
Sue Owen (b. 1942 US), humorous poet
Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor (b. 1968, Ke), fiction writer
Helen Oyeyemi (b. 1984, E), fiction writer
Emine Sevgi Özdamar (b. 1956, Tu/G), novelist and playwright
Ruth Ozeki (b. 1956 US/Ca), novelist and academic
Cynthia Ozick (b. 1928 US), critic and novelist

P

Ruth Padel (b. 1946, E), poet, critic and naturalist
Elvira Pagã (1920–2003, Bz), writer and actor
Isabel Pagan (c. 1740–1821, Sc), poet
Karen A. Page (b. 1962, US), food writer
Elaine Pagels (b. 1943, US), religious historian and writer; The Gnostic Gospels
Camille Paglia (b. 1947, US), essayist
Pagu (Patrícia Rehder Galvão, 1910–1962, Bz), writer, poet and playwright
Alina Paim (1919–2011, Bz), fiction and children's writer
Charlotte Painter (b. 1926, US), novelist and writer
Imbi Paju (b. 1959, Es/Fi), writer and filmmaker
Angela Palacious (b. 1953, Bh), Christian writer and minister
Maria Palaiologina, Queen of Serbia (c. 1300–1355, Sb), writer
Milkana G. Palavurova (b. 1974, Bg), writer on yoga and health
Marina Palei (b. 1955, SU/R), writer
Grace Paley (1922–2007, US), fiction writer, poet and activist
Connie Palmen (b. 1955, N), novelist
Helen Palmer (1917–1979, Au), author, educator and historian
Nettie Palmer (1885–1964, Au), poet, essayist and critic
Kirsti Paltto (b. 1947, Fi), Sámi playwright, fiction and children's writer
Lynn Pan (潘翎, b. 1945, C/E), non-fiction writer
Emmeline Pankhurst (1858–1928, E), activist and autobiographer
Sylvia Pankhurst (1882–1960, E), suffragist and poet
Vera Panova (1905–1973, SU), Soviet fiction writer
Bertha Pappenheim (1859–1936, A), fiction and children's writer, playwright and poet
Sara Paretsky (b. 1947, US), mystery novelist
Susan Parisi (b. 1958, Ca/Au), horror fiction writer
Paula Parisot (b. 1978, Bz), writer and illustrator
Eeva Park (b. 1950, Es), poet and fiction writer
Ruth Park (1917–2010, NZ/Au), novelist and children's writer
Catherine Langloh Parker (c. 1855–1940, Au), fiction writer and folklorist
Dorothy Parker (1893–1967, US), poet, critic and fiction writer
Una-Mary Parker (b. 1930, E), novelist
Molly Parkin (b. 1932, W), novelist and painter
Adele Parks (b. 1969, E), fiction writer
Suzan-Lori Parks (b. 1964, US), playwright and screenwriter
Sophia Parnok (1885–1933, R/SU), poet
Catherine Parr (1512–1548, E), Queen Consort
Anne Parrish (1888–1957, US), children's novelist
Anne Spencer Parry (1931–1985, Au), fantasy writer
Sarah Winifred Parry (1870–1953, W), fiction writer
Amy Parry-Williams (1910–1988, W), writer and singer
Mona Parsa (b. 1982, US), author
Alicia Partnoy (b. 1955, Ar), poet, translator and activist
Sarah Willis Parton (Fanny Fern, 1811–1872, US), novelist, columnist and children's writer
Vesna Parun (1922–2010, Y/Cr), poet
Jacqueline Pascarl (b. 1963, Au), memoirist and parents' rights advocate
Josefina Passadori (1900–1987, Ar), writer and educator
Ann Patchett (b. 1963, US), novelist; Bel Canto
Shailja Patel (living, Ke), poet and playwright
Evelyn Patuawa-Nathan (living, NZ), writer
Helena Patursson (1864–1916, Fa), writer, playwright and feminist
Hertha Pauli (1906–1973, A/US), children's and non-fiction writer in German and English
Irene Levine Paull (1908–1981, US), writer and labor activist
Karolina Pavlova (1807–1893, R), writer
Milena Pavlović-Barili (1909–1945, Sb), poet
Maria Pawlikowska-Jasnorzewska (1891–1945, Po), Polish poet
Halina Pawlowská (b. 1955), playwright and fiction writer
Patricia Payne (living, Au), screenwriter and film producer
Marcela Paz (1902–1985, Ch), children's writer
Philippa Pearce (1920–2006, E), children's writer
Edith Pearlman (b. 1936, US), fiction and non-fiction writer
Allison Pearson (b. 1960, W), columnist and novelist
Laura Pedersen (b. 1965, US), author, humorist and playwright
Ethel Pedley (1859–1898, Au), author and musician
Erica Pedretti (b. 1930, Cz/S), writer in German
Inês Pedrosa (b. 1962, Pr), fiction writer and playwright
Janet Peery (b. 1948, US), fiction writer
Amelia Blossom Pegram (b. 1935 or 1938, SA), writer and performer
Anne Penny (1729–1784, W), poet
Louise Penny (b. 1958, Ca), mystery novelist
Emily Pepys (1833–1877, E), child diarist
Jennifer Percy (living, US), writer
Charmaine Pereira (living, Ni), non-fiction writer
Ana Mercedes Perez (b. 1910, V), poet, writer and translator
Aşıq Pəri (Ashiq Peri, c. 1811 – c. 1847, Az), lyric poet
Olga Perovskaya (1902–1961, SU), children's writer
Perpetua (died AD 203, AR), writer of Latin prison diary
Lakshmi Persaud (living, T/UK), novelist
Grace Perry (1927–1987, Au), poet and editor
Julia Peterkin (1880–1961, US), fiction writer
Elizabeth Peters (b. 1927, US), mystery novelist
Ellis Peters (1913–1995, W/E), mystery writer and translator
Magdalena Petit (1903–1968, Ch), novelist and essayist
Kata Szidónia Petrőczy (1659–1708, H), writer and poet
Marine Petrossian (b. 1960, Am), poet, essayist and columnist
Lyudmila Petrushevskaya (b. 1938, SU/R), writer and dramatist
Ann Petry (1908–1997, US), fiction writer and columnist
Sophie Petzal (b. 1990, E), screenwriter
Ida Laura Pfeiffer (1797–1858, A), travel writer
Hoa Pham (living, Au), fiction and children's writer
Nancy Phelan (1913–2008, Au), novelist and travel writer
Marlene Nourbese Philip (b. 1947, Ca), poet, writer and playwright
Katherine Philips (1631–1664, E), poet
Eluned Phillips (1914–2009, W), bard and memoirist
Jayne Anne Phillips (b. 1952 US), fiction writer
J. J. Phillips (b. 1944, US), poet, novelist and civil rights activist
Joan Phipson (1912–2003, Au), children's writer
Phintys (or Phyntis, 4th or 3rd c. BC, AG), philosopher
Ife Piankhi (living, U/E), poet, singer and educator
Karoline Pichler (1769–1843, A), novelist; Agathocles
Hella Pick (b. 1929, A/E), non-fiction writer in English
Jodi Picoult (b. 1966, US), novelist
Phyllis Piddington (1910–2001, Au), fiction writer and poet
Meredith Ann Pierce (b. 1958, US), fantasy writer
Tamora Pierce (b. 1954, US), children's novelist
Marge Piercy (b. 1936, US), poet, novelist and activist
Rosamunde Pilcher (1924–2019, E), romance writer
Florencia del Pinar (15th c., Sp), poet
Winsome Pinnock (b. 1961, E), playwright
Nélida Piñon (b. 1937, Bz), novelist
Hortensia Blanch Pita (1914–2004, Cb/Mx), modern historian
Juana Rosa Pita (b. 1939, Cb/US), poet
Marie E. J. Pitt (1869–1948, Au), poet
Ruth Pitter (1897–1992, E), poet
Mary Pix (1666–1709, E), novelist and playwright
Christine de Pizan (1364–1430, It), feminist poet and rhetorician in French
Alejandra Pizarnik (1936–1972, Ar), poet
Marjorie Pizer (1920–2016, Au), poet
Tamri Pkhakadze (b. 1957, Ge), novelist and children's writer
Josefina Pla (1903–1999, Sp), poet, playwright and painter
Sylvia Plath (1932–1963, US), poet, fiction writer and essayist
Ann Plato (b. c. 1820, US), essayist
Karen Platt (fl. 2004 – present, E), garden writer
Polly Platt (1927–2008, US), writer on French life
Louise von Plessen (1725–1799, A/D), memoirist and royal lady in waiting
Anne Plumptre (1760–1818, E), fiction and political writer
Sophie Podolski (1953–1974, B), poet in French
Aliénor de Poitiers (fl. late 15th c., F), writer on etiquette
Elizabeth Polack (fl. 1830–1838, E), playwright
Gillian Polack (b. 1961, Au), fiction writer and editor
Susan Polgar (b. 1969, H/US), chess writer and grandmaster
Leonora Polkinghorne (1873–1953, Au), writer and women's activist
Velma Pollard (b. 1937, J), poet and fiction writer
Sarah Polley (b. 1979, Ca), screenwriter and activist; Away from Her
Katha Pollitt (b. 1948, US), feminist poet, essayist and critic
Elizaveta Polonskaya (1890–1969, R), poet, translator and columnist
Hannah Azieb Pool (b. 1974, E/Er), writer and columnist
Olúmìdé Pópóọlá (living, Ni/G), poet and novelist
Elizabeth Polwheele (1651 – c. 1691, E), playwright
Elena Poniatowska (b. 1932, Po/Mx), fiction writer and columnist
Marie Ponsot (1921–2019, US), poet and essayist
Maria Popova (b. 1984, Bg/US), critic
Adelheid Popp (1869–1939, A), feminist writer and autobiographer
Azalais de Porcairagues (late 12th c., F), poet in Occitan
Anna Maria Porter (1780–1832, E), poet and novelist
Dorothy Featherstone Porter (1954–2008, Au), poet
Eleanor H. Porter (1868–1920, US), children's writer; Pollyanna
Jane Porter (1776–1850, E), historical novelist and playwright
Katherine Anne Porter (1890–1980, US), columnist and novelist
Marie Porter (b. 1939), writer and welfare advocate
Ethel Portnoy (1927–2004, US/N), novelist in English
Suzanne Portnoy (b. 1961, E), writer and playwright
Dina Posada (b. 1946, Sl), poet
Francesca Bortolotto Possati (living, It), author
Birgitte Possing (b. 1952, D), historian and biographer
Emily Post (1873–1960, US), novelist
Sue-Ann Post (b. 1964, Au), comedian and writer
Halina Poświatowska (1935–1967, Po), poet
Beatrix Potter (1866–1943, E), children's writer and illustrator; The Tale of Peter Rabbit
Sarah Powell (1922–1941, F), poet
Dawn Powell (1896–1965, US), fiction writer and playwright
Patricia Powell (b. 1966, Ja), novelist
Eileen Power (1889–1940, E), economic historian and medievalist
Marguerite Agnes Power (1815–1867, I/E), novelist and commentator
Rhoda Power (1890–1957, E), educational and children's writer
Eve Pownall (1901–1982, Au), children's writer and historian
Adélia Prado (b. 1935, Bz), writer and poet
Rosa Praed (Mrs Campbell Praed, 1851–1935, Au), novelist
Katharina Prato (1818–1897, A), cookbook writer
Gabriela Preissová (1862–1946, A/Cz), playwright and fiction writer
Paula von Preradović (1887–1951, A), story writer and poet; Austrian anthem lyrics Land der Berge, Land am Strome
Jewel Prestage (1931–2014, US), political scientist
Angharad Price (living, W), novelist and academic
Evadne Price (1888–1985, Au) writer and media figure
Katharine Susannah Prichard (1883–1969, Au), fiction writer and playwright
Diane di Prima (b. 1934, US), poet
Althea Prince (b. 1945, Ag/Ca), author, editor and professor
Mary Prince (c. 1788 – post-1833, Be), autobiographer
Pauline Prior-Pitt (living, Sc), poet
Amrita Pritam (1919–2005, In), poet, novelist and essayist
Faltonia Betitia Proba (c. 306/315 – c. 353/366, AR), poet in Latin
Lenka Procházková (b. 1951, Cz), novelist and radio playwright
Adelaide Anne Procter (1825–1864, E), poet
Lilli Promet (1922–2007, Es), novelist and essayist
Francine Prose (b. 1947, US), fiction and non-fiction writer and critic
Anne Provoost (b. 1964, B), young adults' fiction writer in French
Annie Proulx (b. 1935, US), fiction writer and columnist; The Shipping News
Florence Prusmack (1920–2013, US), novelist
Myfanwy Pryce (1890–1976, E), fiction writer
Lucía Puenzo (b. 1976, Ar), novelist and film director
Esther Pugh (1834–1908, US), editor
Sheenagh Pugh (b. 1950, W), poet, novelist and translator
Marina Šur Puhlovski (living, Cr), novelist and essayist
Carmen Montoriol Puig (1893–1966, Sp), poet, writer and playwright
Odette du Puigaudeau (1894–1991, F), traveler and writer on Sahara
Adriana Puiggrós (b. 1941, Ar), non-fiction writer and educator
Alice Pung (b. 1981, Au), novelist, memoirist and lawyer
Barbara Pym (1913–1980, E), novelist
Maria Pypelinckx (1538–1608, Fl/G), correspondent in Flemish

Q

Li Qingzhao (李清照, 1084 – c. 1155 or 1081 – c. 1141, C), poet
Qiu Jin (秋瑾, 1875–1907, C), revolutionary and feminist writer
Marjorie Quarton (b. 1930, I), children's writer and novelist
Daisy May Queen (b. 1965, Ar), writer and broadcaster
Diná Silveira de Queirós (b. 1911–1982, Bz), novelist and chronicler
Rachel de Queiroz (1910–2003, Bz), fiction and non-fiction writer and playwright
Catharina Questiers (1631–1669, N), poet and playwright
Alison Quigan (fl. 1980s, NZ), playwright and actor
Betty Quin (died 1993, Au), script-writer
Anna Quindlen (b. 1953, US), novelist and columnist; Black and Blue
Rebeca Quintáns (b. 1964, Sp), research writer
Elena Quiroga (1921–1995, Sp), novelist
Christine Qunta (b. 1952, SA), writer and lawyer
Anne Margrethe Qvitzow (1652–1700, D), poet, translator and memoirist

R

Marie de Rabutin-Chantal, marquise de Sévigné (1626–1696, F), correspondent
Ann Radcliffe (1764–1823, E), novelist; The Mysteries of Udolpho
Radegund (c. 520–586, F), princess and poet in Latin
Valentina Dimitrova Radinska (b. 1951, Bg), poet
Gwynedd Rae (1892–1977, W), children's writer
Janet Milne Rae (1844–1933, Sc), fiction writer
Nigar Rafibeyli (1913–1981, Az), poet
Jennifer Rahim (b. 1963, T), educator and writer
Rizia Rahman (1939–2019, In/Bd), fiction writer
Allen Raine (Anne Adaliza Beynon Puddicombe, 1836–1908, W), novelist
Samina Raja (b. 1961, Pk), poet, writer and broadcaster
Rajashree (living, Ind), novelist
Maraea Rakuraku (living, NZ), playwright
Hilda Ram (1858–1901, B), poet and librettist in Flemish
Adele Ramos (living, Bi), poet and author
Ayn Rand (1905–1982, R/US), novelist and philosopher; The Fountainhead
Mary Randolph (1762–1828, US), domestic and cookbook author
Jennifer Rankin (1941–1979, Au), poet and playwright
Claudia Rankine (b. 1963, US), poet and playwright
Rao Xueman (饒雪漫, b. 1972, C), fiction writer
Ágnes Rapai (b. 1952, H), poet and writer
Eva Ras (b. 1941, Sb), poet and fiction writer
Fawziya Rashid (b. 1954, Bx), fiction writer
Lea Ráskay (early 16th c., H), scholar and nun
Ellen Raskin (1928–1984, US), children's writer and illustrator; The Westing Game
Patricia Ratto (b. 1962, Ar), writer and teacher
Elsa Rautee (1897–1987, Fi), poet
Dahlia Ravikovitch (1936–2005, Is), poet and peace activist
Olga Ravn (b. 1986, D), poet and novelist
Angela Rawlings (b. 1978, Ca), poet, editor and artist
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (1896–1953, US), novelist
Sarah Rayner (living, E), author and copywriter
Helen Raynor (b. 1972, W), scriptwriter
Angela Readman (b. 1973, E), poet
Pauline Réage (1907–1998, F), erotic novelist
Anica Savić Rebac (1892–1953, Sb), essayist, biographer and translator
Elisa von der Recke (Elisabeth Recke) (1754–1833, G), Courland writer and poet in German
Jaclyn Reding (b. 1966, US), historical novelist
Kerry Reed-Gilbert (1956–2019, Au), poet and author
Sarah Jane Rees (1839–1916, W), poet and teacher
Clara Reeve (1729–1807, E), novelist; The Old English Baron
Elisabeth Reichart (born 1953, A), fiction writer and playwright
Ruth Reichl (b. 1948, US), food writer and memoirist
Gayla Reid (b. 1945, Au/Ca), novelist
Kiley Reid (b. 1987, US), novelist
Lenka Reinerová (1916–2008, Cz), novelist in German
Maria Firmina dos Reis (1825–1917, Bz), novelist and activist
Małgorzata Rejmer (b. 1985, Po), fiction writer
Kati Rekai (1921–2010, H/Ca), children's travel writer
Mirkka Rekola (1931–2014, Fi), poet
Veronique Renard (b. 1965, N), writer and artist
Mary Renault (1905–1983, E), historical novelist; Fire From Heaven
Ruth Rendell (1930–2015, E), mystery novelist
Céline Renooz (1840–1928, B/F), science writer in French
Lola Taborga de Requena (1890 – c. 1950, Bv), poet
Laura Restrepo (b. 1950, Co), novelist and columnist
Magdalena Dobromila Rettigová (1785–1845), cookbook writer
Gabriele Reuter (1859–1941, G), fiction, essay and children's writer
Fanny zu Reventlow (Franziska, 1871–1918, G), political writer and feminist
Jytte Rex (b. 1942, D), writer, artist and film director
Cristina Reyes (b. 1981, Ec), poet and politician
Yasmina Reza (b. 1959, F), playwright, actor and novelist; Art
Regina Rheda (b. 1957, Bz/US), fiction and non-fiction writer
Jean Rhys (1890–1979, Do/E), novelist; Wide Sargasso Sea
Mrs. Riazuddin (b. 1928, Pk), feminist and travel writer
Esmeralda Ribeiro (b. 1958, Bz), poet and fiction writer
Catherine of Ricci (1522–1590, It), religious writer and saint
Marie Jeanne Riccoboni (1714–1792, F), novelist
Anne Rice (b. 1941, US), novelist; Vampire Chronicles
Adrienne Rich (1929–2012, US), feminist poet and essayist
Jo-Anne Richards (living, SA), columnist and author
Dorothy Richardson (1873–1957, E), fiction writer, poet and essayist
Elizabeth Richardson (1576/1577–1651, E), religious writer
Ethel Richardson (Henry Handel Richardson, 1870–1946, Au), novelist
Jutta Richter (b. 1955, G), children's and young adults' writer
Sylvie Richterová (b, 1945, Cz/It), fiction writer and essayist
Elizabeth Riddell, (1910–1998, Au), poet and columnist
Lola Ridge (1873–1941, Au/US), poet and editor
Laura Riding (1901–1991, US), poet, critic and fiction writer
Brigitte Riebe (also Laura Stern, b. 1935, G), novelist
Ane Riel (b. 1971, D), children's writer
Alifa Rifaat (1930–1996, Eg), fiction writer
Denise Riley (b. 1948, E), poet and philosopher
Raza Naqvi Wahi (b. 1914–2002, In), Urdu poet
Joan Riley (b. 1958, Ja), novelist
Mary Roberts Rinehart (1876–1958, US), novelist, playwright and poet
Signe Rink (1936–2009, D), writer and ethnologist
Luise Rinser (1911–2002, G), novelist, autobiographer and children's writer
Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie (1837–1919, E), novelist
Giovanna Rivero (b. 1972, Bv), fiction writer
Marion Roach (fl. 1980s, US), non-fiction writer
Sarah Fraser Robbins (1911–2002, US), writer and natural history educator
Antoinette Henriette Clémence Robert (1797–1872, F), novelist and playwright
Eigra Lewis Roberts (b. 1939, W), dramatist and novelist in Welsh
Emma Roberts (1794–1840, E), travel writer and poet
Kate Roberts (1891–1985, W), fiction writer in Welsh
Michèle Roberts (b. 1949, E), novelist and poet
Margaret Roberts (1937–2017, SA), author and herbalist
Nora Roberts (pen name J. D. Robb, b. 1958, US), novelist
E. Arnot Robertson (1903–1961, E), novelist
Lisa Robertson (b. 1961, Ca), poet
Eden Robinson (b. 1968, Ca), fiction writer
Hilary Robinson (b. 1972, IM), children's author
Marilynne Robinson (b. 1943, US), novelist; Gilead
Mary Robinson (1757–1800, E), poet, novelist and actor
Kim Robinson-Walcott (living, Ja), poet and editor
Aïcha Mohamed Robleh (b. 1965, Dj), writer
Mireya Robles (b. 1934, Cb/US), writer and novelist
Lucia St. Clair Robson (living, US), novelist
Charlotte Roche (b. 1978, E/G), novelist
Mazo de la Roche (1885–1961, Ca), novelist; Jalna
Sophie von La Roche (1730–1807, G), novelist
Esther Rochon (b. 1948, Ca), sci-fi novelist
Carolyn Rodgers (1940–2010, US), poet
Carmen Rodríguez (b. 1948, Ch/Ca), writer, poet and activist
Debbie Rodriguez (living, US), author
Judith Rodriguez (1936–2018, Au), poet
Jill Roe (1940–2017, Au), historian, academic and author
Astrid Roemer (b. 1947, Su/N), novelist, playwright and poet
Helena Roerich (1879–1955, R/SU), mystic
Else Roesdahl (b. 1942, D), archaeologist and historian
Monique Roffey (b. 1965, T), novelist and memoirist
Kathrin Röggla (b. 1971, A), playwright, essayist and poet
Begum Rokeya (1880–1932, In), writer and activist
Winétt de Rokha (1892–1951, Ch), poet
Betty Roland (1903–1996, Au), stage and children's writer and novelist
Dominique Rolin (1913–2012, B), novelist in French
Emma Romeu (living, Cb/Mx), environmentalist and children's writer
Robin Romm (living, US), writer
Daphne Rooke (1914–2009, SA), writer
Ginny Rorby (b. 1944, US), young adults' novelist
Heather Rose (b. 1964, Au), novelist
Henrietta Rose-Innes (b. 1971, SA), fiction writer
Petrona Rosende (1797–1893, Ar), poet and columnist
Barbara Rosiek (b. 1959, Po), writer, poet and psychologist
Alice Grant Rosman (1887–1961, Au), novelist
Anna Ross (b. 1773, E), comic opera dramatist and actor
Leone Ross (b. 1969, E), novelist, short-story writer, editor, journalist and academic
Orna Ross (b. 1960, I), author
Nancy Wilson Ross (1901–1986, US), novelist
Somerville and Ross (Edith Somerville, 1858–1949, and Violet Florence Martin, 1862–1915, I), fiction writers; The Irish R. M.
Maria Rosseels (1916–2005, B), novelist in Flemish
Christina Rossetti (1830–1894, E), poet
Veronica Rossi (b. 1973, US), young adults' novelist
Judith Rossner (1935–2005, US), novelist
Maria Elizabeth Rothmann (1875–1975, SA), writer
Veronica Roth (b. 1988, US), novelist; Divergent trilogy
Hannah Mary Rothschild (b. 1962, E), writer, philanthropist and filmmaker
Angélique de Rouillé (1756–1840, B), correspondent in French
Anne Rouse (b. 1954 US/E), poet
Alma Routsong (Isabel Miller, 1924–1996, US), novelist; Patience and Sarah
Jennifer Rowe (Emily Rodda, b. 1948), novelist
Jane Helen Rowlands (Helen o Fôn, 1891–1955, W), scholar and evangelist
Mary Rowlandson (1635–1711, US), memoirist
J. K. Rowling (b. 1965, E/Sc), novelist; Harry Potter series
Susanna Rowson (1762–1824, E/US), novelist, poet and playwright; Charlotte Temple
Hannie Rouweler (b. 1951, N), poet
Susanna Roxman (b. 1946, Sw/E), writer, poet and critic
Arundhati Roy (b. 1961, In), novelist; The God of Small Things
Gabrielle Roy (1909–1983, Ca), novelist and columnist
Kamini Roy (1864–1933, In), poet and feminist
Lucinda Roy (b. 1955, US/E), novelist
Heleen van Royen (b. 1965, N), novelist
S. J. Rozan (b. 1950, US), crime writer
Pascale Roze (b. 1954, F), playwright and novelist
Ru Zhijuan (茹志鵑, 1925–1998, C), fiction writer
Bernice Rubens (1928–2004, W), Welsh novelist
Dina Rubina (b. 1953, SU/R), writer
Renate Rubinstein (1929–1990, G/N), writer and columnist
Berta Ruck (1878–1978, W), novelist and memoirist
Anne Rudloe (1947–2012, US), marine biologist and Zen Buddhist
Helga Ruebsamen (1934–2016, N), writer
Muriel Rukeyser (1913–1980, US), feminist poet
Lupe Rumazo (b. 1933, Ec), fiction writer and essayist
Katherine Rundell (b. 1987, E), children's writer and dramatist
Kristina Rungano (b. 1963, Zi), poet and fiction writer
Rona Rupert (1934–1995, SA), writer
Joanna Russ (b. 1937, US), fiction writer and essayist
Diana E. H. Russell (b. 1938, SA), feminist writer and activist
Karen Russell (b. 1981, US), fiction writer
Rose Rwakasisi (b. 1945, U), editor, fiction writer and educator
Gig Ryan (b. 1956, Au), poet
Kay Ryan (b. 1945, US), poet and educator
Marah Ellis Ryan (1860–1934, US), novelist
Nan Ryan (living, US), romance novelist

S

Astrid Saalbach (b. 1955, B), playwright and novelist
Carola Saavedra (b. 1973, Bz), novelist
Etelvina Villanueva y Saavedra (1897–1969, Bv), poet and educator
Nelly Sachs (1891–1970, G), poet and playwright; 1966 Nobel Prize in Literature
Vita Sackville-West (1892–1962, E), writer, poet and gardener
Mary Sadler (b. 1941, SA), novelist
Elif Safak (b. 1971, Tu), writer
Françoise Sagan (1935–2004, F), playwright, novelist and screenwriter
Mamta Sagar (b. 1966, In), Kannada poet and playwright
Sarojini Sahoo (b. 1956, In), feminist and fiction writer
Nandini Sahu (b. 1973, In), poet, folklorist and academic in English
Stéphanie Félicité du Crest de Saint-Aubin (1746–1830, F), novelist, playwright and children's writer
Saigū no Nyōgo (斎宮女御, 929–985, J), poet
Maria de Villegas de Saint-Pierre (1870–1941, B), novelist in French
Pirkko Saisio (b. 1949, Fi), author and actor
Arja Salafranca (b. 1971, SA), poet
Nina Salaman (1877–1925, E), poet and translator
Fanny Zampini Salazar (1853–1931, B/It), social writer
Excilia Saldaña (1946–1999, Cb), poet and children's writer
Marta Salgado,(b. 1947, Ch), non-fiction writer
Nino Salia (1898–1992, Ge/F), historian
Vibeke Salicath (1861–1921, D), philanthropist and feminist
Zdena Salivarová (b. 1933, Cz/Ca), novelist
Blanaid Salkeld (1880–1959, I), poet, dramatist and salonnière
Lotte Salling (b. 1964, D), children's writer
Eva Sallis (Eva Hornung, born 1964, Au), novelist
Jessica Amanda Salmonson (b. 1950, US), fiction writer, essayist and editor
Rosa Julieta Montaño Salvatierra (b. 1946, Bv), feminist
Lydie Salvayre (b. 1948, F), writer
Cecilia Samartin (b. 1961, Cb/US), writer and psychologist
Fiona Sampson (b. 1968, E), poet and editor
Rhian Samuel (b. 1944, W), writer on music
María Josefa Acevedo Sánchez (1803–1861, Co), writer
Matilde Sánchez (b. 1958, Ar), writer and columnist
Sonia Sanchez (b. 1934, US), poet, playwright and children's writer
Milcha Sanchez-Scott (b. 1953, US), playwright
George Sand (1804–1876, F), novelist and playwright
Dorothy Lucy Sanders (Lucy Walker, 1907–1987, Au), romance novelist
Mari Sandoz (1896–1966, US), fiction writer and biographer
Miêtta Santiago (1903–1995, Bz), poet, lawyer and feminist
Sappho (c. 630–570 BC, AG), poet in Greek
Nafija Sarajlić (1893–1970, Tu/Y), fiction writer
Cristina Saralegui (b. 1948, Cb/US),
Dipti Saravanamuttu (b. 1960, Sk/Au), poet and columnist
Tibors de Sarenom (c. 1130–post-1198, F), poet in Occitan
Beatriz Sarlo (b. 1942, Ar), critic and non-fiction writer
Noo Saro-Wiwa (living, E/Ni), travel writer
Nathalie Sarraute (1900–1999, Ru/F), novelist and essayist
Homa Sarshar (living, Ir/US), author and feminist
May Sarton (1912–1995, B/US), poet, novelist and memoirist
Marjane Satrapi (b. 1969, Ir), graphic novelist
Gerd Grønvold Saue (b. 1930, No), critic, novelist and hymnist
Stephanie Saulter (living, Ja), sci-fi writer
Sharon Savoy (living, US), author
Ruth Sawyer (1880–1970, US), novelist and children's writer
Aline Sax (b. 1984, B), children's and young adults' writer in Flemish
Robin Sax (b. c. 1971, US), true-crime author and columnist
Dorothy L. Sayers (1893–1957, E), mystery writer and essayist
Bente Scavenius (b. 1944, D), art historian and critic
Oda Schaefer (1900–1988, G), poet and columnist
Margo Scharten-Antink (1868–1957, N), poet
Riana Scheepers (b. 1957, SA), children's books and fiction writer and poet
Caroline Schelling (1763–1809, G), essayist, critic and correspondent
Els de Schepper (b. 1965, B), writer and actor in Flemish
Sophie von Scherer (1817–1876, A), epistolary novelist
Stacy Schiff (b. 1961, US), non-fiction author and columnist
Mineke Schipper (b. 1938, N), fiction and non-fiction writer
Dorothea von Schlegel (1764–1839, G), novelist and translator
Sylvia Schlettwein (b. 1975, Na), writer, teacher, translator and literary critic
Eva Schloss (b. 1929, A), Jewish memoirist and Holocaust survivor
Annie M. G. Schmidt (1911–1995, N), songwriter and children's writer
Elke Schmitter (b. 1961, G), novelist
Pat Schneider (b. 1934, US), writer, poet and editor
Diane Schoemperlen (b. 1954, Ca), fiction writer
Elizabeth of Schönau (1129–1165, G), visionary in Latin
Patricia Schonstein (b. 1952, SA), novelist, poet and children's author
Jane Johnston Schoolcraft (1800–1842, US), poet and fiction writer
Amalie Schoppe (1791–1858, G), children's writer
Adele Schreiber-Krieger (1872–1957, A), feminist writer and politician
Olive Schreiner (1855–1920, SA), novelist, allegorist and political writer
Rikke Schubart (b. 1966, D), writer and film scholar
Julianne Schultz (b. 1956, Au), non-fiction writer and academic
Anna Maria van Schurman (1607–1678, G/N), poet, scholar and painter
Barbara Schurz (born 1973, A), writer and co-playwright
Christine Schutt (b. 1948, US), fiction writer
Carolina Schutti (b. 1976, A), fiction and non-fiction writer and educator
Brigitte Schwaiger (1949–2010, A), novelist
Simone Schwarz-Bart (b. 1938, F), playwright and novelist
Samanta Schweblin (b. 1978, Ar), fiction writer
Sandra Scofield (b. 1943 US), novelist, essayist and writers' guide author
Ann Scott (b. 1965, F), novelist
Caroline Lucy Scott (1784–1857, E), novelist and religious writer
Cathy Scott (living, US), true crime author and biographer
Jane Scott (c. 1779–1839, E), playwright and theater manager
Margaret Scott (1934–2005, Au), poet, critic and academic
Rosie Scott (1948–2017, Au), novelist
Madeleine de Scudéry (1607–1701, F), novelist
Jocelynne Scutt (b. 1947, Au), non-fiction writer and lawyer
Mary Seacole (1805–1881, E/Ja), autobiographer and nurse
Molly Elliot Seawell (1860–1916, US), essayist and fiction writer
Leïla Sebbar (b. 1941, Al/F), novelist and autobiographer
Alice Sebold (b. 1963, US), novelist
Amy Sedaris (b. 1961, US), actor, screenwriter and humorist
Catharine Sedgwick (1789–1867, US), novelist
Lisa See (b. 1955, C/US), novelist; Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
Edith Segal (1902–1997, US), poet, songwriter and choreographer
Lore Segal (b. 1928), fiction and children's writer
Anna Seghers (1900–1983, G), novelist; The Seventh Cross
Alinah Kelo Segobye (fl 2000s, Bo), development activist and archaeologist
Comtesse de Ségur (1799–1874, Ru/F), novelist
Dubravka Sekulić (b. 1980, Sb), author and architect
Isidora Sekulić (1877–1958, Sb), novelist
Taiye Selasi (b. 1979, Ni/Gh), novelist
Odete Semedo (b. 1959, GB), writer and educator
Olive Senior (b. 1941, Ja), poet and fiction writer
Danzy Senna (b. 1970, US), novelist
Raquel Señoret (1922–1990, Ch), poet
Ha Seong-nan (하성란, b. 1967, K), author
Kim Seon-wu (김선우, b. 1970, K), poet
Ruta Sepetys (b. 1967, Li/US), historical fiction writer
Kate Seredy (1899–1975, H/US), children's writer and illustrator
Gitta Sereny (1921–2012, A/E), biographer and non-fiction writer in German and English
Anna Lidia Vega Serova (b. 1968, R/Cb), poet and fiction and children's writer
Namwali Serpell (b. 1980, Z), fiction writer
Elisa Serrana (1930–2012, Ch), novelist and feminist
Marcela Serrano (b. 1951, Ch), novelist
Nina Serrano (b. 1934, US), poet, writer and storyteller
Kadija Sesay (living, E), fiction writer, poet and editor
Henriett Seth F. (b. 1980, H), poet, writer and musician
Anya Seton (1904–1990, US), historical novelist
Cynthia Propper Seton (1926–1982, US), novelist and essayist
Diane Setterfield (b. 1964, E), novelist; The Thirteenth Tale
Mary Lee Settle (1918–2005 US), novelist and memoirist; Blood Tie
Anna Seward (1747–1809, E), poet
Anna Sewell (1820–1887, E), novelist; Black Beauty
Elizabeth Sewell (1919–2001, E/US), poet, novelist and professor
Elizabeth Missing Sewell (1815–1906, E), writer on religion and education
Anne Sexton (1928–1974, US), poet
Miranda Seymour (b. 1948, E), fiction and non-fiction writer
Carole Seymour-Jones (1943–2015, W), biographer and education writer
Ippolita Maria Sforza (1446–1484, It), writer also in Latin
Mary Ann Shaffer (1934–2008, US), writer, editor and librarian; The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Marietta Shaginyan (1888–1982, R/SU), writer and activist; Mess-Mend
Husne Ara Shahed (living, Bd), writer and educator
Ruchoma Shain (1914–2013, US), rebbetzin, author and teacher
Ntozake Shange (1948–2018, US), playwright and novelist
Shangguan Wan'er (上官婉兒, c. 664–710, C), poet, writer and imperial consort
Jo Shapcott (b. 1953, E), poet, editor and lecturer
Chava Shapiro (1876–1943, R/SU), writer in Ukrainian
Emma Augusta Sharkey (1858–1802, US), writer, columnist and novelist
Jane Sharp (b. 1641, E), writer on midwifery
Shahnaz Fatmi (b. 1949, In), poet
Tatiana Shchepkina-Kupernik (1874–1952, R), writer and dramatist; Deborah
Alice Sheldon (1915–1987, US), fiction writer
Mary Shelley (1797–1851, E), novelist; Frankenstein
Bonnie Shemie (b. 1949, US/Ca), children's author and illustrator
Shen Rong (谌容, b. 1936, C), novelist and memoirist
Shen Shanbao (沈善宝, 1808–1862, C), poet and biographer
Nan Shepherd (1893–1981, Sc), novelist and poet
Verene Shepherd (b. 1951, Ja), academic
Frances Sheridan (1724–1766, I), novelist and playwright
Dorothy Sherrill (1901–1990, US), children's writer and illustrator
Kate Brownlee Sherwood (1841–1914, US), poet and columnist
Mary Martha Sherwood (1775–1851, E), children's writer
Gamar Sheyda (1881–1933, Az), poet
Carol Shields (1935–2003 US/Ca), novelist; The Stone Diaries
Izumi Shikibu (和泉式部, b. c. 976, J), poet
Murasaki Shikibu (紫式部, c. 973–1014 or 1025, J), novelist and poet; The Tale of Genji
Princess Shikishi (式子内親王, died 1201, J), poet
Aki Shimazaki (b. 1954, Ca), novelist and translator
Shin Kyeong-nim (신경림, b. 1936, K), writer
Kang Shin-jae (강신재, 1924–2001, K), novelist, essayist and playwright
Shin Kyeong-nim (신경림, b. 1936, K), writer
Sharon Shinn (b. 1957, US), novelist
Irma Shiolashvili (b. 1974, Ge), poet, translator and columnist
Warsan Shire (b. 1988, E), writer, poet and editor
Shirome (白女, 10th c., J), poet
Maria Shkapskaya (1891–1952, R/SU), poet and columnist
Susy Shock (b. 1968, Ar), writer, singer and actor
Sei Shōnagon (清少納言, 965–1010, J), writer and poet; The Pillow Book
Lola Shoneyin (b. 1974, Ni), novelist and poet
Fredegond Shove (1889–1949, E), poet
Ana María Shua (b. 1951, Ar), fiction and children's writer, poet and playwright
Shu Ting (舒婷, b. 1952, C), poet
Jenefer Shute (living, SA), novelist
Marie-Louise Sibazuri (b. 1960, Bu), writer
Anja Sicking (b. 1965, N), fiction writer
Bapsi Sidhwa (b. 1938, Pk), novelist
Mary Sidney (1561–1621, E), playwright and poet
Gonnie Siegel (1928–2005, US), feminist and business writer
Catherine of Siena (1347–1380, It), nun, philosopher and theologian
Turið Sigurðardóttir (b. 1946, Fa), literary historian
Birte Siim (b. 1945, D), political scientist
Joyce Sikakane (b. 1943, SA), columnist and activist
Joan Silber (b. 1945, US), fiction writer
Leslie Marmon Silko (b. 1948, US), Laguna Pueblo fiction writer and poet; Almanac of the Dead
Jindeok of Silla (진덕여왕, fl. 647–654, K), poet and queen
Diná Silveira de Queirós (1911–1922, Bz), novelist, playwright, essayist and children's writer
Makeda Silvera (b. 1955, Ca), fiction writer
Alessandra Silvestri-Levy (living, Bz), art writer
Ana María Simo (living, Cb/US), playwright and novelist in English
Dorothy Simpson (b. 1933, W), crime novelist
Helen Simpson (1897–1940, Au), novelist, playwright and historian
Ruth Simpson (1926–2008, US), lesbian author
Laura Sims (living, US), novelist and poet
Jo Sinclair (pen name of Ruth Seid, 1913–1995, US), writer
May Sinclair (1862–1946, E), fiction writer and poet
Ansuyah Ratipul Singh (1917–1978, SA), writer and physician
Sarah Singleton (b. 1966, E), novelist and children's writer
Johanna Sinisalo (b. 1958, Fi), sci-fi and fantasy writer
Elinor Sisulu (b. 1958, SA), writer and activist
Edith Sitwell (1887–1964, E), poet
Maj Sjöwall (b. 1935, Sw), mystery novelist
Staka Skenderova (1830–1891, Tu/A), writer in Serbian
Rebecca Skloot (b. 1972, US), science writer
Ann Masterman Skinn (1747–1789, E), novelist
Sofija Skoric (living, Sb/Ca), activist and author
Amalie Skram (1846–1905, No), novelist and feminist
Vendela Skytte (1608–1627, Sw), writer
Karin Slaughter (b. 1971, US), crime writer
Barbara Sleigh (1906–1982, E), children's writer and broadcaster; Carbonel series
Gillian Slovo (b. 1952, SA), novelist, playwright and memoirist
Anna Smaill (b. 1979, NZ), poet and novelist; The Chimes
Elizabeth Smart (1913–1986, Ca), novelist and poet
Dorothea Smartt (b. 1963, E), poet
Jane Smiley (b. 1948, US), novelist
Ali Smith (b. 1962, Sc), novelist
Amanda Smith (1837–1915, US), evangelist and autobiographer
Betty Smith (1896–1972, US), novelist; A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Charlene Leonora Smith (living, SA), biographer
Charlotte Turner Smith (1749–1806, E), poet and novelist
Dodie Smith (1896–1990, E), novelist and playwright; I Capture the Castle
Doris Buchanan Smith (1934–2002 US), children's novelist; A Taste of Blackberries
Georgina Castle Smith (1845–1933, E), children's writer and novelist
Lillian Smith (1897–1966, US), novelist and critic
Maggie Smith (b. 1977, US), poet, editor and writer
Patti Smith (b. 1946, US), poet, artist and singer-songwriter
Pauline Smith (1882–1959, SA), novelist
Stevie Smith (1902–1971, E), poet and novelist
Tracy K. Smith (b. 1972, US), poet and educator
Zadie Smith (b. 1975, E), fiction writer and essayist
Saundra Smokes (1954–2012, US), columnist and playwright
Laura J. Snyder (b. 1964, US), historian and biographer
Yan-kit So (1933–2001, C/E), food historian and cookery writer
Angelina Soares (1910–1985, Bz), feminist writer
Gaele Sobott (b. 1956, Au), fiction, children's and non-fiction author
Edith Södergran (1892–1923, Fi), poet in Swedish
Zulu Sofola (1935–1995, Ni), playwright and dramatist
Ružica Sokić (1934–2013, Sb), writer and actor
Adeola Solanke (living, E/Ni), playwright and screenwriter
Elizabeth Solopova (b. 1965, E), philologist and academic
Polyxena Solovyova (1867–1924, R), poet and translator
Cathy Song (b. 1955, US), poet
Susan Sontag (1933–2004, US), essayist and novelist
Oh Soo-yeon (오수연, b. 1964, K), author and essayist
Pilar Sordo (b. 1965, Ch), psychologist and writer
Tracy Sorensen (living, Au), novelist and academic
Fuyumi Soryo (b. 1959, J), manga writer
Carmelina Soto (1916–1994, Co), poet
María de Zayas y Sotomayor (b. 1590, Sp), novelist
Noémia de Sousa (1926–2002, Mz), poet
Auta de Souza (1876—1901, Bz), poet
Aminata Sow Fall (b. 1941, Se), novelist
Isabelle Spaak (b. 1960, B/F), fiction and non-fiction writer in French
Svetlana Spajić (b. 1971, Sb), activist and translator
Muriel Spark (1918–2006, Sc/E), novelist; The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
Terry Spear (living, US), romance novelist
Catherine Helen Spence (1825–1910, Au), novelist and social reformer
Eleanor Spence (1928–2008, Au), children's author
Vanessa Spence (b. 1961, Ja), novelist
Anne Spencer (1882–1975, US), poet
Elizabeth Spencer (1921–2018, US), fiction writer
Dale Spender (b. 1943, Au), feminist writer and scholar
Jean Maud Spender (J. M. Spender, 1901–1970), crime novelist
Leonora Speyer (1872–1956, US), poet and violinist
Hilde Spiel (1911–1990, A), essayist and critic
Lina Spies (b. 1939, SA), poet
Erica Spindler (1957, US), romance, thriller and mystery novelist
Dana Spiotta (b. 1966, US), novelist
Julia Spiridonova (Yulka, b. 1972, Bg), novelist and screenwriter
Jela Spiridonović-Savić (1891–1974, Sb), poet and fiction writer
Lize Spit (b. 1980, B), novelist in Flemish
Andrea Spofford (b. 1986, US), poet and essayist
Harriet Elizabeth Prescott Spofford (1835–1921, US), fiction writer and poet
Eintou Pearl Springer (b. 1944, T), poet and playwright
Johanna Spyri (1827–1901, S), children's writer; Heidi
Biljana Srbljanović (b. 1970, Sb), playwright
Lauren St John (b. 1966, Zi), children's novelist
Marilyn Stablein (b. 1946, US), poet, essayist and fiction writer
Ilse von Stach (1879–1941, G), playwright, novelist and poet
Madame de Staël (1766–1817, S), novelist in French
Jean Stafford (1915–1978, US), fiction writer
Albena Stambolova (b. 1957, Bg), psychologist and novelist
Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815–1902, US), columnist and essayist
Freya Stark (1893–1993, E), travel writer
Nicolette Stasko (b. 1950, Au), poet, novelist and non-fiction writer
Marie Šťastná (b. 1981, Cz), poet
Lucienne Stassaert (b. 1936, B), poet in Flemish
Lilian Staveley (1878–1928, E), Christian writer and mystic
Christina Stead (1902–1983, Au), fiction writer
Irène Stecyk (b. 1937, B), fiction writer and poet
Danielle Steel (b. 1947, US), romance novelist
Flora Annie Steel (1847–1929, E), novelist
Mirjana Stefanović (b. 1939, Sb), writer
Alicia Steimberg (1933–2012, Ar), fiction writer and translator
Charlotte von Stein (1742–1827, G), dramatist
Gertrude Stein (1874–1946, US), fiction writer, playwright and poet
Joanne Stepaniak (b. 1954, US), vegan cookbook writer
Jadene Felina Stevens (1947–2013, US), poet
Augusta Stevenson (1869–1976, US), children's writer and teacher
Margo Taft Stever (living, US), poet
Anna Louise Stevnhøj (b. 1963, D), health writer
Amanda Stewart (b. 1959, Au), poet and performer
Maria W. Stewart (1803–1897, US), feminist lecturer and columnist
Mary Stewart (b. 1916, E), mystery and romance novelist
Susan Stewart (b. 1952, US), poet, professor and critic
Maggie Stiefvater (b. 1981, US), young adults' fiction writer
Ilka Stitz (b. 1960, G), historical thriller writer
Wilma Stockenström (b. 1933, SA), writer, translator and actor
Cynthia Stockley (1873–1936, SA), novelist
Milica Stojadinović-Srpkinja (1828–1878, Sb), poet
Hilda van Stockum (1908–2006, N), children's writer and artist
Maša Stokić (b. 1966, Sb), dramatist and critic
Maria Engelbrecht Stokkenbech (1759 – post-1806, D), writer and cross-dresser
Ruth Stone (1915–2011, US), poet
Sam Stone (b. 1965, E), fiction writer and playwright
Marie Stopes (1880–1958, E), author, paleo-botanist and birth control advocate; Married Love
Alfonsina Storni (1892–1938, Ar), poet and playwright
Agnes L. Storrie (1865–1936, Au), poet and writer
Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811–1836, US), novelist; Uncle Tom's Cabin
Mari Strachan (b. 1945, W), novelist
Susan Straight (b. 1960, US), fiction writer, essayist and academic
Jennifer Strauss (b. 1933, Au), poet and academic
Hesba Stretton (1832–1911, E), children's writer
Agnes Strickland (1796–1874, E), history writer and poet
Eva Strittmatter (1930–2011, G), poet and children's writer
Rashida Strober (living, US), playwright
Elizabeth Strout (b. 1956, US), fiction writer; Olive Kitteridge
Jan Struther (1901–1953, Sc/E), hymnist and novelist
Andrea Stuart (b. 1968, Ba/E), historian and biographer
Lady Louisa Stuart (1757–1851, E), memoirist and correspondent
Toni Stuart (b. 1983, SA), poet
Heloneida Studart (1932–2007, Bz), novelist, essayist and playwright
Sarah Stup (b. 1983, US), writer
Tanja Stupar-Trifunović (b. 1977, Y/BH), poet and fiction writer
Su Hui (蘇蕙, 4th c. AD, C), poet
Su Qing (苏青, 1914–1982, C), essayist
Su Xiaoxiao (蘇小小, c. 470 – c. 501, C), poet and courtesan
Su Xuelin (蘇雪林, 1897–1999, C), scholar
Karla Suárez (b. 1969, Cb), writer
Olivia Sudjic (b. 1988, Sb/E), novelist
Meridel Le Sueur (1900–1996 US), novelist and columnist
Tea Sugareva (b. 1989, Bg), poet and drama director
Heo Su-gyeong (허수경, b. 1964, K), poet
Azalia Suhaimi (b. 1985, Ma), poet and writer
Iliriana Sulkuqi (b. 1951, Ab/US), poet and columnist
Jennifer Sullivan (b. 1945, W), children's novelist and critic
Sulpicia (fl. 1st c. BC, AR), poet in Latin
Sulpicia (fl. 1st c. AD, AR), satirist in Latin
Maud Sulter (1960–2008, Sc), poet, artist and photographer
Anne Summers (b. 1945, Au), writer and columnist
Barbara Summers (1944–2014, US), writer, educator and model
Merna Summers (b. 1933, Ca), fiction writer
Jacqueline Susann (1918–1974, US), novelist
Efua Sutherland (1924–1996, Gh), playwright, children's author and dramatist
Esi Sutherland-Addy (living, Gh), academician and rights activist
Bertha von Suttner (1843–1914, A), novelist and Nobel Prize winner
Han Suyin (周光瑚, 1916–2012, Ch), novelist, memoirist and essayist; A Many-Splendoured Thing
Eva Švankmajerová (1940–2005, Cz), writer and artist
Hanne Marie Svendsen (b. 1933, D), writer and broadcaster
Karolina Světlá (1830–1899, A), novelist in Czech
Anni Swan (1875–1958, Fi), children's book author
May Swenson (1913–1988, US), poet and playwright
Syang (Simone Dreyer Peres, b. 1968, Bz), erotic writer
Karen Syberg (b. 1945, D), writer and gender researcher
Sydney, Lady Morgan (1781–1859, I), novelist; The Wild Irish Girl
Bobbi Sykes (1943–2010, Au), poet and author
Magda Szabó (1917–2007, H), novelist, poet and playwright
Noémi Szécsi (b. 1976, H), novelist
Júlia Székely (1906–1986, H), novelist and biographer
Mária Szepes (1908–2007, H), esoteric and sci-fi novelist
Edina Szvoren (b. 1974, H), novelist, poet and musician
Wisława Szymborska (1923–2012, Po), poet

T

Gladys Taber (1899–1980, US), novelist and nature writer
Maria Tacu (1949–2010, Ro), poet and prose writer
Véronique Tadjo (b. 1955, Iv), poet, novelist and artist
Pia Tafdrup (b. 1952, D), poet, novelist and playwright
Valerie Tagwira (living, Zi), novelist
Ise no Taiu or Taifu (伊勢大輔, early 11th c., J), poet
Princess Tajima (但馬皇女, died 708, J), poet
Judit Dukai Takách (Malvina, 1795–1836, H), poet
Lisa Takeba (竹葉リサ, b. 1983, J), screenwriter
Jill Talbot (b. 1970, US), fiction and non-fiction writer and poet
Wassyla Tamzali (b. 1941, Al), writer, feminist and politician
Amy Tan (b. 1952, US), novelist
Meca Tanaka (田中メカ, b. 1976), manga writer
Shelley Tanaka (living, Ca), non-fiction children's writer
Lian Tanner (b. 1951, Au), children's author
Yelizaveta Tarakhovskaya (1891–1968, R/SU), poet, playwright and children's author
Sooni Taraporevala (b. 1957, In), screenwriter
Lisa Ysaye Tarleau (1885–1952, US), fiction writer
Judith Tarr (b. 1955, US), author
Donna Tartt (b. 1963, US), novelist
Ana Tasić (b. 1978, Sb), theater critic
Franziska Tausig (c. 1895–1989, A/C), memoirist
Malvina Tavares (1866–1939, Bz), poet and anarchist
Glenda R. Taylor (b. 1955, US), scholar and poet
Ann Taylor (1782–1866, E), poet and critic
Cory Taylor (1955–2016, Au), children's author and memoirist
Elizabeth Taylor (1912–1975, E), fiction writer; Angel
Jane Taylor (1783–1824, E), poet and novelist; "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"
Kay Glasson Taylor (Daniel Hamline, 1893–1998, Au), children's author
Susie Taylor (1848–1912, US), teacher and memoir writer
Teresia Teaiwa (1968–2017, Ki/US), poet and academic
Roma Tearne (b. 1954, Sk/E), novelist and artist
Sara Teasdale (1884–1933, US), poet
Nadezhda Teffi (1872–1952, Ru/SU), writer
Anyte of Tegea (fl. early 3rd c. BC, AG), poet in Greek
Nivaria Tejera (1929–2016, Cb/F), novelist
Telesilla (fl. 510 BC, AG), poet in Greek
Olena Teliha (1906–1942, Ru/SU), poet in Ukrainian
Janne Teller (b. 1964, D/US), novelist and essayist in English
Lygia Fagundes Telles (b. 1923, Bz), fiction writer
Ana Tena (b. 1966, Sp), writer in Ribagorçan Aragonese
Claudine Guérin de Tencin (1682–1749, F), literary patron and novelist
Kylie Tennant (1912–1988, Au), novelist, playwright and children's author
Lourdes Teodoro (b. 1946, Bz), poet and academic
Lisa St Aubin de Terán (b. 1953, E), novelist and memoirist
Mary Church Terrell (1863–1954, US), activist and columnist
Jasmina Tešanović (b. 1954, Sb), essayist, fiction writer and translator
Josephine Tey (1896–1952, Sc), mystery novelist
Celia Thaxter (1835–1894, US), poet and story writer
Marcia Theophilo (b. 1941, Bz), poet
Marianne Thieme (b. 1972, N), writer and politician
Madeleine Thien (b. 1974, Ca), fiction writer
Angela Thirkell (Leslie Parker, 1890–1961), novelist
Audrey Thomas (b. 1935, Ca), fiction writer
Caitlin Thomas (1913–1994, W), memoirist
Elean Thomas (1947–2004, Ja), poet, novelist and activist
Elizabeth Thomas (1770/1771–1855, E), Gothic novelist and religious poet
Louie Myfanwy Thomas (1908–68, W), writer and novelist
Margaret Thomas (1843–1929, Au), travel writer, poet and artist
Jeanne I. Thompson (living, Bh), playwright and lawyer
Judith Thompson (b. 1954, Ca), playwright
Mette Thomsen (b. 1970, D), novelist
Magdalene Thoresen (1819–1903, D/No), poet, fiction writer and playwright
Samantha Thornhill (living, T), poet and author
Margaret Farrand Thorp (1891–1970, US), author and academic
Rose Hartwick Thorpe (1850–1938, US), poet and writer
Kirsten Thorup (b. 1942, D), poet and fiction writer
Torfhildur Þorsteinsdóttir (1845–1918, Ic), fiction writer
Hester Thrale (Mrs Piozzi, 1741–1821, W/E), diarist and author; Anecdotes of the Late Samuel Johnson
Holly Throsby (b. 1978, Au), novelist
Tian Yuan (田原, b. 1985, C), novelist and songwriter
María Dhialma Tiberti (1928–1987, Ar), novelist and poet
Jindra Tichá (b. 1937, Cz/NZ), fiction writer and academic
Tie Ning (鐵凝, b. 1957, C), fiction writer
Petronella Johanna de Timmerman (1723–1786, N), poet and scientist
Lillian Tindyebwa (living, U), writer
Kata Tisza (b. 1980, R/H), novelist in Hungarian
Nino Tkeshelashvili (1874–1956, Ge), children's author and suffragist
Miriam Tlali (b. 1933, SA), novelist
Lily Tobias (1887–1984, W), novelist, playwright and activist
Miriam Toews (b. 1964, Ca), novelist
Ekaterine Togonidze (b. 1981, Ge), novelist and activist
Laura Tohe (b. 1952, US), author
Olga Tokarczuk (b. 1962, Po), writer and poet; Nobel prizewinner (2018)
Tatyana Tolstaya (b. 1951, SU/R), novelist, essayist and TV presenter
Glen Tomasetti (1929–2003, Au), singer-songwriter, novelist and poet
Angharad Tomos (b. 1958, W), writer and activist
Angela Topping (b. 1954, E), poet, critic and author
Elena Topuridze (1922–2004, Ge), philosopher and non-fiction writer
Fatma Aliye Topuz (1862–1936, Tu), novelist
Cécile Tormay (1876–1937, H), writer and political activist
Lucrezia Tornabuoni (1425–1482, It), poet
Ana Rosa Tornero (1907–1984, Bv), writer and reformer
Anabel Torres (b. 1948, Co), poet
Wal Torres (b. 1950, Bz), sexologist
Jessica Townsend (b. 1985, Au), children's author
Marta Traba (1923–1983, Ar), art critic and novelist
Catharine Parr Traill (1802–1899, E/Ca), author and naturalist
Maria von Trapp (1905–1987, A/US), writer; The Story of the Trapp Family Singers
Clara Augusta Jones Trask (1839–1905, US), writer
P. L. Travers (1889–1996, Au/E), children's writer
Carmen Clemente Travieso (1900–1983, V), biographer and columnist
Maria Treben (1907–1991, A), herbalist
Catherine Tregenna (living, W), playwright and scriptwriter
Natasha Trethewey (b. 1966, US), poet
Terra Trevor (living, US), writer
Rachel Trezise (b. 1978, W), fiction and non-fiction writer
Adriana Trigiani (living, It/US), writer and filmmaker
Barbara Margaret Trimble (Margaret Blake, B. M. Gill, 1921–1995, W), thriller writer
Sarah Trimmer (1741–1810, E), children's writer and critic
Geeta Tripathee(b. 1972, Np), poet, literary critic and author
Flora Tristan (1803–1844, F), writer, feminist and activist
Frances Trollope (1779–1863, E), novelist and travel writer; Domestic Manners of the Americans
Joanna Trollope (b. 1943, E), novelist
Catherine Trotter (1679–1749, Sc/E), novelist, playwright and philosopher
Trotula (11th–12th c., Sp), writer on women's medicine in Latin
Jean Trounstine (b. 1946, US), activist, author and academic
Jagoda Truhelka (1864–1957, A/Y), writer and educator
Meta Truscott (1917–2014, Au), diarist and historian
Sojourner Truth (1797–1883, US), feminist; Ain't I a Woman?
Máire Mhac an tSaoi (b. 1922, I), Irish-language scholar and poet
Eleonora Tscherning (1817–1890, D), memoirist and painter
To-wen Tseng (曾多聞, living, C/US), writer, columnist and children's writer
Novuyo Rosa Tshuma (b. 1988, Zi), writer
Mariam Tsiklauri (b. 1960, Ge), poet and children's author
Marina Tsvetaeva (1892–1941, SU), poet
Elizabeth Tudor (Lady Hasanova, b. 1978, Az), sci-fi and historical novelist
Barbara W. Tuchman (1912–1988, US), author and historian
Lily Tuck (b. 1938, US), fiction writer; The News from Paraguay
Kateřina Tučková (b. 1980, Cz), novelist
Anastasia Tumanishvili-Tsereteli (1849–1932, Ge), writer, educator and feminist
Leelo Tungal (b. 1947, Es), poet, librettist and children's writer
Evgenia Tur (1815–1892, Ru), novelist and critic
Ethel Turner (1872–1958, Au), children's author
Lilian Turner (1867–1956, Au), children's novelist
Megan Whalen Turner (b. 1965, US), fantasy writer
Telcine Turner-Rolle (1944–2012, Bh), playwright, poet and educator
Agata Tuszynska (b. 1957, Po), writer, poet and columnist
Flora May Woodard Tuttle (1868–1931, US), writer and columnist
Diana Tutton (1915–1991, E), novelist
Violet Tweedale (1862–1936, Sc), writer and poet
Chase Twichell (b. 1950, US), poet and professor
Hilda Twongyeirwe (living, U), writer and editor
Anne Tyler (b. 1941, US), fiction writer and critic

U

Rosana Ubanell (b. 1958, Sp), detective novelist
Bahriye Üçok (1919–1990, Tu), academic and rights activist
Dubravka Ugrešić (b. 1949, Y/N), fiction writer in Croatian
Hebe Uhart (b. 1936, Ar), fiction writer
Julia Urquidi (1926–2010, Ni), memoirist
Brenda Ueland (1891–1985 US/No), writer and teacher
Zoila Ugarte de Landívar (1864–1969, Ec), editor and suffragist
Jenny Uglow (b. 1940s, E), biographer
Dubravka Ugrešić (b. 1949, Y/Cr), novelist
Hebe Uhart (b. 1936, Ar), fiction writer
Uhwudong (어우동, c. 1440–1480, K), writer, poet and dancer
Lesya Ukrainka (1871–1913, Uk), poet
Adaora Lily Ulasi (b. 1932, Ni), novelist and columnist
Leonora Christina Ulfeldt (1621–1698, D), prison autobiographer
Anya Ulinich (b. 1973, R), writer
Lyudmila Ulitskaya (b. 1943, R), writer
Linn Ullmann (b. 1966, No), novelist and critic
Regina Ullmann (1884–1961, S), poet in German
Rosina Umelo (b. 1930, Ni), fiction and children's writer
Luz María Umpierre (b. 1947, PR), poet, critic and rights activist
Lily Unden (1908–1989, Lu), poet and painter
Marie Under (1883–1980, Es), poet
Terry Underwood (b. 1944, Au), author
Sigrid Undset (1882–1949, No), novelist and 1928 Nobel Prize in Literature winner
Chika Unigwe (b. 1974, Ni), fiction writer
Jane Unrue (living, US), writer and educator
Makerita Urale (fl. 1990s, NZ), playwright and film director
Azucena Grajo Uranza (1929–2012, Ph), fiction writer and playwright
Ellen Urbani (b. 1968, US), author
Joan Ure (1918–1978, Sc), poet and playwright
Ofelia Uribe de Acosta (1900–1988, Cc), suffragist and editor
Jane Urquhart (b. 1949, Ca), novelist and poet
Jessie Urquhart (1890–1948, Au), novelist and columnist
Julia Urquidi (1926–2010, Bv), memoirist
Lourdes Urrea (b. 1954, Mx), poet, novelist and young adults' writer
Arantxa Urretabizkaia (b. 1947, Sp), novelist, screenwriter and poet in Basque
Matilde Urrutia (1912–1985, Ch), memoirist
Shereen Usdin (b. 1962, SA), writer
Carmina Useros (1928–2017, Sp), writer and artist
O. V. Usha (b. 1948, In), Malayalam poet and fiction writer
Ayu Utami (b. 1968, Id), fiction writer
Kaari Utrio (b. 1942, Fi), novelist; Isabella
Arja Uusitalo (b. 1951, Fi), poet and columnist
Bea Uusma (b. 1966, Sw), children's and non-fiction writer and physician
Uvavnuk (fl. early 20th c., Ca), Inuit poet
Mellie Uyldert (1908–2009, N), astrologer and esoteric writer
Buket Uzuner (b. 1955, Tu), fiction and travel writer

V

Celestine Vaite (b. 1966, Tt), novelist
Matrena Vakhrusheva (1918–2000, SU/R), Mansi poet and storyteller
Katri Vala (1901–1944, Fi), poet
Zoé Valdés (b. 1959, Cb), novelist and poet
Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez (b. 1968, US), novelist and screenwriter
Mercedes Valdivieso (1924–1993, Ch), novelist
Aline Valek (b. 1986, Bz), writer, novelist and illustrator
Hannelore Valencak (1929–2004, A), novelist, poet and children's writer
Elcina Valencia (b. 1963, Cc), poet and teacher
Luize Valente (b. 1966, Bz), novelist and film maker
Elvira Farreras i Valentí (1913–2005, Sp), writer
Jean Valentine (b. 1934, US), poet
Jenny Valentine (b. 1970, W), children's writer
Luisa Valenzuela (b. 1938, Ar), fiction writer
Leda Valladares (1919–2012, Ar), poet and folklorist
Virginia Vallejo (b. 1949, Co/US), author and refugee
Elise Valmorbida (b. 1961, Au), fiction and non-fiction writer
Jennifer Vanasco (b. 1971, US), columnist
Jane Vandenburgh (b. 1948, US), novelist, memoirist and non-fiction writer
Galina Varlamova (b. 1951, R), Evenk philologist
Mahadevi Varma (1906–1987, In), Hindi poet and educator
Rahel Varnhagen (1771–1833, G), essayist and correspondent
M. Vasalis (1909–1998, N), poet and psychiatrist
Vibeke Vasbo (b. 1944, D), writer and activist
Ana Vásquez-Bronfman (1931–2009, Ch/F), novelist and sociologist
Elizabeth Vassilieff (1917–2007, Au), non-fiction writer and critic
Marie Vassiltchikov (1917–1978, R/G), wartime Berlin diarist
Hilda Vaughan (1892–1985, W), fiction writer
Fan Vavřincová (1917–2012, Cz), screenwriter and novelist
Mâliâraq Vebæk (1917–2012, Gd), translator, ethnographer and novelist
Tatiana Vedenska (b. 1976, SU/R), novelist
Cornelia van der Veer (1609–1674, N), poet
Carmen Acevedo Vega (1913–2006, Ec), poet and writer
Janine Pommy Vega (1942–2010, US), poet
Dolores Veintimilla (1829–1857, Ec), poet
Marieta de Veintemilla (1855–2007, Ec), writer and politician
Jacoba van Velde (1903–1985, N), novelist and dramatist
Teresa Román Vélez (b. 1925, Co), writer and chef
Svetlana Velmar-Janković (1933–2014, Sb), novelist, essayist and chronicler
Aurora Venturini (1922–2015, Ar), fiction writer, poet and essayist
Yvonne Vera (1964–2005, Zi), novelist
Anastasiya Verbitskaya (1861–1928, R/SU), novelist and dramatist
Raquel Verdesoto (1910–1999, Ec), writer, poet and activist
Sonia Romo Verdesoto (living, Ec), poet
Patricia Verdugo (1947–2008, Ch), writer and activist
Caroline Vermalle (b. 1973, F), thriller and historical novelist
Seda Vermisheva (b. 1932, Am/R), poet, economist and activist
María Sáez de Vernet (1800–1858), chronicler of Argentine Falkland settlement
Barbara Vernon (1916–1978, Au), playwright and scriptwriter
Octavia Walton Le Vert (1811–1877, US), writer
Sonja Veselinović (b. 1981, Sb), writer
Lidia Veselitskaya (1857–1936, R/SU), novelist
Stephanie Vetter (1884–1974, N/B), novelist in Dutch
Luz de Viana (1900–1995, Ch), writer and painter
Pilar de Vicente-Gella (1942–2016, Sp), writer
Marie Anne de Vichy-Chamrond, marquise du Deffand (1697–1780, F), correspondent
Soledad Fariña Vicuña (b. 1943, Ch), poet
Mary Therese Vidal (1815–1873, Au), novelist
Clara Viebig (1862–1952, G), novelist and playwright
Marie Vieux-Chauvet (1916–1973, Ha), novelist, poet and playwright
Frida Vigdorova (1915–1965, SU/R), columnist and novelist
Vicki Viidikas (1948–1998, Au), poet and prose writer
Elo Viiding (b. 1974, Es), poet
Božena Viková-Kunětická (1862–1934, A/Cz), writer and politician
Monica Vikström-Jokela (b. 1960, Fi), scriptwriter and author in Swedish
Maruxa Vilalta (b. 1932, Mx), playwright
Esther Vilar (b. 1935, Ar), non-fiction writer and playwright in German
Mariya Vilinska (1833–1907, R), novelist and translator
Clara Villarosa (b. 1930, US), writer
Marie-Catherine de Villedieu (1640–1683, F), playwright and fiction writer
Phillippa Yaa de Villiers (b. 1966, SA), poet and performance artist
Louise Leveque de Vilmorin (1902–1969, F), novelist, poet and columnist
Nada Vilotijević (b. 1953, Sb), author and professor
Paulina Vinderman (b. 1944, Ar), poet and translator
Elene Virsaladze (1911–1977, Ge), folklorist
Anna Visscher (1583–1651, N), poet and artist
Jenny Visser-Hooft (1888–1939, N), traveler and writer
Eugenia Viteri (b. 1928, Ec), novelist and anthologist
Renée Vivien (1877–1909, F), poet
María Argelia Vizcaíno (b. 1955, Cb), columnist and screenwriter
Helen Vlachos (1911–1995, Gk), autobiographer and columnist
Simone van der Vlugt (b. 1966, N), historical and young adults' fiction
Michelle Vogel (b. 1972, Au), film historian, author and editor
Clara Voghan (b. 1957, Ar), romance writer
Ellen Bryant Voigt (b. 1943, US), poet and essayist
Zinaida Volkonskaya (1792–1862, R), poet, fiction writer and playwright
Hava Volovich (1916–2000, SU/R), memoirist, actor and Gulag survivor
Élisabeth Vonarburg (b. 1947, F), sci-fi novelist
Yekaterina Vorontsova-Dashkova (1743–1810, R), memoirist
Ornela Vorpsi (b. 1968, Ab/F), writer and photographer
Ida Vos (1921–2006, N), wartime memoirist and Holocaust survivor
Vira Vovk (b. 1926, Uk/Bz), poet, novelist and playwright
Marko Vovchok (1833–1907, R), writer; Ukrainian Folk Tales
Julia Voznesenskaya (b. 1940, SU/R), writer
Susanna de Vries (b. 1936, Au), biographer
Jurgen Vsych (b. 1966, US), director and screenwriter
Beb Vuyk (1905–1991, EI/N), non-fiction writer
Divna M. Vuksanović (b. 1965, Sb), non-fiction writer and philosopher
Clara Villarosa (1884–1964, US), business writer

W

Kit de Waal (b. 1960, E/I), novelist
Elly de Waard (b. 1940, N), poet and critic
Charity Waciuma (b. 1936, Ke), novelist
Elizabeth Wagele (1939–2017, US), author and cartoonist
Alena Wagnerová (b. 1936, Cz), writer in Czech and German
Magdalena Wagnerová (b. 1960, Cz), children's and screenplay writer
Paula Wajsman (1939–1995, Ar), poet and psychologist
Vikki Wakefield (b. 1970, Au), young adults' fiction writer
Diane Wakoski (b. 1937, US), poet
Kate Walbert (b. 1961, US), fiction writer
Elizabeth Walcott-Hackshaw (b. 1964, T), writer and academic
Anne Waldman (b. 1945, US), poet
Rosmarie Waldrop (b. 1935, US), poet and translator
Brígida Walker (1863–1942, Ch), education writer
Alice Walker (b. 1944, US), fiction writer and poet
Kath Walker (1920–1993, Au), poet, fiction writer and artist
Lucy Walker (Dorothy Lucie Sanders, Au, 1907–1987), romance novelist
Margaret Walker (1915–1998, US), poet and novelist
Mildred Walker (1905–1998, US), novelist
Rebecca Walker (b. 1968, US), writer, feminist and activist
Dorothy Wall (1894–1942, Au), children's author and illustrator
Doreen Wallace (1897–1989, E), novelist
Michele Wallace (b. 1952, US), feminist author and cultural critic
Effie Waller Smith (1879–1960, US), poet
Jeannette Walls (b. 1960, US), writer and columnist; The Glass Castle
Anne Walmsley (living, E), scholar, critic and author
Carla Walschap (b. 1932, B), writer in Flemish
María Elena Walsh (1930–2011, Ar), poet, novelist and playwright
Amy Catherine Walton (1849–1939, E), children's writer
Jo Walton (b. 1964, W), fantasy and sci-fi writer
Susana, Lady Walton (1926–1983, Ar), non-fiction writer in English
Ania Walwicz (b. 1951, Au), poet
Zuhur Wanasi (b. 1936, Al), fiction writer and politician
Shangguan Wan'er (上官婉兒, c. 664–710, C), poet and prose writer
Lulu Wang (王露露, b. 1960, C/N), novelist in Dutch
Ayeta Anne Wangusa (b. 1971, U), writer and activist
Zukiswa Wanner (b. 1976, SA), columnist and novelist
Lise Warburg (b. 1932, D), tapestry writer and weaver
Harriet Ward (1808–1873, E), non-fiction and fiction writer
Jesmyn Ward (b. 1977, US), novelist and academic; Salvage the Bones
Mary Augusta Ward (Mrs Humphrey Ward, 1851–1920, E), novelist
Anna Laetitia Waring (1823–1910, W), poet and hymnist
Gertrude Chandler Warner (1890–1978, US), children's writer
Susan Warner (1819–1885, US), children's writer and songwriter
Myriam Warner-Vieyra (1939–2017, Gl), poet and novelist
Dianne Warren (b. 1950, Ca), fiction writer and playwright
Wendy Wasserstein (1950–2006, US), playwright
Sarah Waters (b. 1966, W), novelist
Elizabeth Watkin-Jones (1887–1966, W), children's writer
Mary Watson (b. 1975, SA), writer
Fiona Watt (living, E), children's author
Monique Watteau (b. 1929, B), fiction writer in French
Margaret Way (living, Au), romance novelist
Catherine Webb (b. 1986, E), novelist
Mary Webb (1881–1927, E), novelist; Precious Bane
Delia Weber (1900–1982, Do), writer and rights advocate
Heleen Sancisi-Weerdenburg (1944–2000, N), ancient historian
[[Wei Hui) (周衛慧, b. 1973), novelist
Anna Weidenholzer (b. 1984, A), writer and columnist
Simone Weil (1909–1943, F), mystic and philosopher
Hannah Weiner (1928–1997 US), poet
Jane Meade Welch (1854–1931, US), columnist and lecturer
Fay Weldon (b. 1931, E), author, essayist and playwright; The Life and Loves of a She-Devil
Dorothy Wellesley (1889–1956, E), poet
Charlotte Fowler Wells (1814–1901, US), phrenologist
Ida B. Wells (1862–1931, US), writer and sociologist
Martha Wells (b. 1964, US), novelist
Eudora Welty (1909–2001, US), fiction writer and photographer
Viola S. Wendt (1907–1986, US), poet and educator
Timberlake Wertenbaker (b. 1946, US/E), playwright and screenwriter; Our Country's Good
Dorothy West (1907–1998, US), fiction writer
Jane West (1758–1852, E), novelist, poet and playwright
Jessamyn West (1902–1984, US), fiction writer; The Friendly Persuasion
Rebecca West (1892–1983, E), novelist, essayist and travel writer; Black Lamb and Grey Falcon
Amy Westervelt (b. 1978, US), columnist and writer
Anne Wharton (1659–1685, E), poet
Edith Wharton (1862–1937, US), fiction writer; The Age of Innocence
Leslie What (b. 1955, US), fiction writer
Nadia Wheatley (b. 1949, Au), children's novelist and writer
Phillis Wheatley (1753–1784, US), poet
Dorothy Whipple (1893–1966, E), novelist
Evelyn Whitaker (1857–1903, E), novelist
Antonia White (1899–1980, E), fiction writer
Dorothy White (c. 1630–1686, E), religious writer
Ellen White (1827–1915 US), evangelist
Lilian Whiting (1847–1942, US), columnist and author
Margaret Whitlam (1919–2012, Au), social campaigner and autobiographer
Isabella Whitney (b. c. 1540 – after 1624, E), poet
Phyllis A. Whitney (1903–2008, US), mystery novelist
Nancy Wicker (living, US), art historian
Anna Wickham (1884–1947, E), poet
Zoë Wicomb (b. 1948, SA), fiction writer
Margaret Widdemer (1884–1978, US), poet and novelist
Ulrika Widström (1764–1841, Sw), poet and translator
Elisabeth of Wied (Carmen Sylva, 1843–1916, Ro), poet, playwright and Queen Consort
Blanca Wiethüchter (1947–2004, Bv), writer and historian
Kate Douglas Wiggin (1856–1923, US), educator and children's author
Marianne Wiggins (b. 1947, US), novelist
Susan Wiggs (b. 1958, US), novelist
Rosemary Wighton (1925–1994, Au), author and editor
Dora Wilcox (1873–1953, Au), poet and playwright
Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1850–1918, US), poet
Lynn Wilder (b. 1952, US), author
Charlotte Wilder (1898–1980, US), poet
Laura Ingalls Wilder (1867–1957, US), children's writer; Little House on the Prairie
Kate Wilhelm (1928–2018, US), fiction writer
Kim Wilkins (b. 1966, Au), fiction writer
Marian Wilkinson (b. 1954, Au), author and columnist
Sandrine Willems (b. 1968, B/F), writer in French
Anna Williams (1706–1783, W/E), poet and companion to Samuel Johnson
Donna Williams (1963–2017, Au), writer, musician and sculptor
Eley Williams (living, E), writer
Helen Maria Williams (1762–1827, E), novelist and poet
Jane Williams (Ysgafell, 1806–1885, W), poet and essayist
Margery Williams (1881–1944, E/US), children's writer
Maria Jane Williams (c. 1795–1873, W), folklorist and musician
Ruth Williams (1897–1962, Au), children's writer
Sherley Anne Williams (1944–1998, US), poet and novelist
Mabel Williamson (fl. mid–20th c., US), missionary
Connie Willis (b. 1945, US), sci-fi writer
Elizabeth Willis (b. 1961, US), poet, critic and professor
Dorrit Willumsen (b. 1940, D), fiction writer
Cynthia Wilson (b. 1934, Ba), fiction writer and educator
Harriet E. Wilson (1825–1900, US), novelist
Hazel Hutchins Wilson (1898–1992, US), children's writer and librarian
Jacqueline Wilson (b. 1945, E), children's writer
Krysty Wilson-Cairns (b. 1987, Sc), screenwriter
Margaret Wilson (living, Au), television writer
Margaret Wilson (1882–1973, US), novelist
Évelyne Wilwerth (b. 1947, B), poet and fiction writer in French
Tara June Winch (b. 1983, Au), fiction writer
Dallas Winmar (living, Au), playwright
Sarah Winnemucca (1841–1891, US), lecturer and autobiographer
Eliza Winstanley (Ariele, 1818–1882, Au), writer and actor
Kathleen Winter (b. 1960, Ca), fiction writer, columnist and screenwriter
Jeanette Winterson (b. 1959, E), novelist
Jane Wiseman (c. 1682–1717, E), poet and playwright
Eleanor Witcombe (1923–2018, Au), screenwriter
Monique Wittig (1935–2003, F), writer and feminist
Amy Witting (Joan Austral Fraser, 1918–2001, Au), novelist and poet
Maria Petronella Woesthoven (1760–1830, N), poet
Gabriele Wohmann (1932–2015, G), fiction writer
Sabina Wolanski (1927–2011, Au), autobiographer and Holocaust survivor
Christa Wolf (1929–2011, G), novelist, critic and essayist
Ema Wolf (b. 1948, Ar), writer and columnist
Leslie Wolfe (b. 1967, US), novelist
Maryse Wolinski (b. 1943, Al/F), novelist and screenwriter
Mary Wollstonecraft (1759–1797, E), novelist and feminist; A Vindication of the Rights of Woman
Claire Wolniewicz (b. 1966, F), writer and columnist
Frances Garnet Wolseley, 2nd Viscountess Wolseley (1872–1936, E), garden writer
Buffalo Bird Woman (1839–1932, US), Hidatsa writer
Jade Snow Wong (1922–2006, US), autobiographer and ceramicist
Nellie Wong (b. 1934, Ch/US), feminist poet; Dreams in Harrison Railroad Park
Ellen (Mrs Henry) Wood (1814–1887, E), novelist; East Lynne
Gaby Wood (b. 1971, E), columnist and critic
Molara Wood (b. 1967, Ni), writer and critic
Susan Wood (1836–1880, Au/NZ), poet and essayist
Elizabeth Wood-Ellem (1930–2012, Tg/Au), historian
Jacqueline Woodson (b. 1963, US), children's and young adults' writer
Virginia Woolf (1882–1941, E), fiction writer and essayist; Mrs. Dalloway
Angela Woollacott (b. 1955, Au), historian
Abba Goold Woolson (1838–1921, US), writer
Constance Fenimore Woolson (1840–1894, US), fiction writer
Chun Woon-young (천운영, b. 1971, K), author
Maria Petronella Woesthoven (1760–1830, N), poet
Betje Wolff (1738–1804, N), novelist
Dorothy Wordsworth (1771–1855, E), poet and diarist
Pauline Worm (1825–1883, D), writer, poet and feminist
Liliane Wouters (1930–2016, B), poet, playwright and essayist in French
Elizabeth Strong Worthington (1851–1916, US), writer
Alexis Wright (b. 1950, Au), fiction and non-fiction writer
C. D. Wright (b. 1948, US), poet
Judith Wright (1915–2000, Au), poet and environmentalist
June Wright (1919–2012, Au), crime fiction and non-fiction writer
Mary Tappan Wright (1851–1916, US), fiction writer
Patricia Wrightson (1921–2010, Au), children's writer
Lady Mary Wroth (1587–1652, E), poet
Wu Chuntao (born 1963), author and journalist
Wu Tsao (吳藻, 1799–1862, C), poet
Wu Zao (1799–1862), poet
Hella Wuolijoki (1886–1964, Es/Fi), prose writer and politician
Audrey Wurdemann (1911–1960, US), poet
Elinor Wylie (1885–1928, US), poet and novelist
Ida Alexa Ross Wylie (1885–1959, Au), novelist
Sylvia Wynter (b. 1928, Ja), novelist, dramatist and critic

X

Makhosazana Xaba (b. 1957, SA), poet
Xi Xi (西西, b. 1938, C), novelist and poet
Xia Jia (王瑶, b. 1984, C), sci-fi and fantasy writer
Xiao Hong (蕭紅, 1911–1942, C), writer
Xie Daoyun (謝道韞, pre-340 – post-399, C), poet and scholar
Xinran (薛欣然, b. 1958, Ch/E), author and columnist
Bing Xin (謝婉瑩, 1900–1999, C), writer
Empress Xu (徐皇后, 1362–1407, C), bibliographer and empress consort
Xu Hui (徐惠, 627–650, C), poet
Xu Kun (徐坤, b. 1965), fiction writer
Lady Xu Mu (許穆夫人, fl. 7th c. BC, C), poet
Xu Zihua (徐自华, 1873–1935, C), poet
Halima Xudoyberdiyeva (b. 1947, Uz), poet
Xue Susu (薛素素, c. 1564 – c. 1650, C), poet
Xue Tao (薛濤, 768–831, C), poet
Rao Xueman (饒雪漫, b. 1972, C), fiction writer and essayist

Y

Rama Yade (b. 1976, Se), non-fiction writer and politician
Elham Yaghoubian (living, Ir), novelist
Hisaye Yamamoto (1921–2011, US), fiction writer
Karen Tei Yamashita (b. 1951, US), novelist, playwright and academic
Yamato Hime no Ōkimi (倭姫王, fl. later 7th c.), poet
Wakako Yamauchi (1924–2018, US), writer
Hanya Yanagihara (b. 1974, US), novelist and travel writer; A Little Life
María Flora Yáñez (1898–1982, Ch), fiction writer
Yang Gui-ja (양귀자, b. 1955, K), novelist
Tiphanie Yanique (b. 1978, US), fiction writer, poet and essayist
Laura Yasán (b. 1960, Ar), poet
Chista Yasrebi (b. 1968, Ir), writer, critic and translator
Paula Yates (1959–2000, E), non-fiction writer
Yana Yazova (Lyuba Todorova Gancheva, 1912–1974, Bg), poet and historical novelist
Rosa Borja de Ycaza (1889–1964, Ec), writer, poet and dramatist
Ann Yearsley (1753–1806, E), poet, novelist and playwright
Tatyana Yesenina (1918–1992, R), novelist, columnist and memoirist
Anna Yevreinova (1844–1919, R), feminist writer, editor and correspondent
Anzia Yezierska (1883–1970, Po/US), fiction writer
Yi Geun-hwa (이근화, b. 1976, K), poet and educator
Yi Kyoung-ja (이경자, b. 1948, K), fiction writer
Gullu Yologlu (b. 1963, Az), non-fiction writer and ethnologist
Charlotte M. Yonge (1823–1901, E), novelist; The Heir of Redclyffe
Yoo An-jin (유안진, b. 1941, K), poet, essayist and educator
Yosano Akiko (与謝野晶子, 1878–1942, J), poet
Banana Yoshimoto (吉本ばなな, b. 1964, J), novelist
Ekaterina Petrova Yosifova (b. 1941, Bg), essayist and poet
Ella Young (1867–1956, I), poet and mythologist
Yolanda Young (b. 1968, US), author and columnist
Marguerite Young (1908–1995, US), novelist, poet and academic
So Young-en (서영은, b. 1943, K), author
Kang Young-sook (강영숙, b. 1966, K), author
Marguerite Yourcenar (1903–1987, B/US), novelist and essayist in French
Yovanna (b. 1940, Gc), poet, novelist and songwriter
Yu Xuanji (魚玄機, 844–869 or 871, C), poet
Yun-I Hyeong (윤이형, b. 1976, K), author
Mallika Yunis (living, In), novelist
Sim Yunkyung (심윤경, b. 1972, K), novelist

Z

Oksana Zabuzhko (b. 1960, Uk), poet, novelist and non-fiction writer
Rachel Zadok (b. 1972, SA), novelist
Jessica Zafra (b. 1965, Ph), essayist and columnist
Marija Jurić Zagorka (1873–1957, A), writer in Croatian
Helen Zahavi (b. 1966, E), writer; Dirty Weekend
Anna Zahorska (1882–1942, Po), poet, novelist and playwright
Stefania Zahorska (1890–1961, Po), novelist and non-fiction writer
Shama Zaidi (b. 1938, In), art critic and screenwriter
Zahida Zaidi (1930–2011, In), poet, playwright and educator
Lyubov Zakharchenko (1961–2008 SU/R), poet and songwriter
Maria Julia Zaleska (1831–1889, Po), fiction writer and essayist
Māra Zālīte (b. 1952, La), poet
Dina Zaman (1969, Ma), fiction writer, essayist and columnist
María Zambrano (1904–1991, Sp), essayist and philosopher
Daisy Zamora (b. 1950, Nc), poet
Fatma Zohra Zamoum (b. 1967, Al), writer, filmmaker and educator
Adela Zamudio (1854–1928, Bv), poet, feminist and educator
Giovanna Zangrandi (1910–1988, It), novelist
Giselda Zani (1909–1975, It), poet, fiction writer and critic
Maya Zankoul (b. 1986, L), novelist and cartoonist
Léontine Zanta (1872–1942, F), novelist and feminist
Celia Correas de Zapata (b. 1935), poet, non-fiction writer and historian
Gabriela Zapolska (1860–1921, Po), novelist, playwright and naturalist
Carol Zardetto (living, Gu), novelist and theater critic
Shaïda Zarumey (b. 1938, Ni), sociologist and poet
Zyranna Zateli (b. 1951, Gc), fiction and non-fiction writer
Marya Zaturenska (1902–1982 US), poet
Iris Zavala (b. 1936, P), poet, novelist and non-fiction writer
María de Zayas (1590–1661, Sp), literary feminist
Amina Zaydan (b. 1966, Eg), fiction writer
Katarzyna Ewa Zdanowicz-Cyganiak (b. 1979, Po), poet and social scientist
Zdenka Žebre (b. 1920, Sn), novelist and children's writer
Alki Zei (1925–2020, Gc), novelist and children's writer
Sylvia Aguilar Zéleny (b. 1973, Mx), fiction writer
Hana Zelinová (1914–2004, Sv), fiction writer and playwright
Eva Zeller (b. 1923, G), poet and novelist
Luisa Zeni (1896–1940, It), writer
Zeng Baosun (曾寶蓀, 1893–1978, C), historian and feminist
Irena Žerjal (b. 1940, Sn), poet, novelist and translator
Wu Zetian (武則天, 624–705, C), poet, essayist and Empress Regnant
Zuzka Zguriška (1900–1984, Sv), novelist, playwright and translator
Yulia Zhadovskaya (1824–1883, R), poet and novelist
Zhai Yongming (翟永明, b. 1955, C), poet
Zhang Haidi (张海迪, b. 1955, C), writer and paraplegic
Zhang Jie (張潔, b. 1937, C), fiction writer
Zhang Kangkang (张抗抗, b. 1950, C), political writer
Lijia Zhang (张丽佳, b. 1964, C), writer and novelist
Zhang Ling (张翎, b. 1957, C), fiction writer
Zhao Luorui (趙蘿蕤, 1912–1998, C), poet and translator
Zhang Xinxin (張辛欣, b. 1953, C), fiction and non-fiction writer
Zhang Yaotiao (張窈窕, 9th c., C), poet
Zhang Yueran (张悦然, b. 1982, C), fiction writer
Empress Zhangsun (長孫皇后, 601–636, C), moralist
Zhao Luanluan (趙鸞鸞, fl. later 14th c., C), poet
Vera Zhelikhovsky (1835–1896, R), writer; The General's Will
Zheng Min (郑敏, b. 1920, C), scholar and poet
Zheng Yunduan (c. 1327–1336, C), poet
Polina Zherebtsova (b. 1985, R), poet and diarist
Yilin Zhong (鍾宜霖, living, C/E), novelist, poet and screenplay writer
Maria Zhukova (1804–1855, R), writer
Zhu Shuzhen (朱淑真, c. 1135–1180, C), poet
Zhuo Wenjun (卓文君, fl. 2nd c. BC, C), poet
Valentina Zhuravleva (1993–2004 R), sci-fi novelist
Iryna Zhylenko (1941–2013, SU/Uk), poet and essayist
May Ziadeh (1886–1941, L/Pa), poet and essayist
Annejet van der Zijl (b. 1962, N), novelist and biographer
Lydia Zimmermann (b. 1966, Sp), filmmaker and screenwriter
Alice Zimmern (1855–1939, E), writer and translator
Hedda Zinner (also Elisabeth Frank, 1905–1994, G), political writer
Marketa Zinnerová (b. 1942, Cz), novelist, screenwriter and children's writer
Lydia Zinovieva-Annibal (1866–1907, R), writer
Elvania Namukwaya Zirimu (1938–1979, U), poet and dramatist
Gertrude Bonnin (Zitkala-Sa), 1876–1938, US), writer, editor and teacher
Kathinka Zitz-Halein (1801–1877, G), writer
Nina Živančević (b. 1957, Sb), playwright, poet and novelist
Bina Štampe Žmavc (b. 1951, Yu/S), poet, playwright and children's writer
Narcyza Żmichowska (1818–1876, Po), novelist and poet
Inga Žolude (b. 1984, La), fiction writer, playwright and translator
Anna Zonová (b. 1962, Cz), fiction writer
Halide Nusret Zorlutuna (1901–1984, Tu), poet, fiction writer and autobiographer
Birgit Zotz (b. 1979, A), non-fiction writer and essayist
Vera Zouroff (b. 1880, C), poet, novelist and writer
Katarina Zrinska (c. 1625–1673, A), poet in Croatian
Pilar de Zubiaurre (1884–1970, Sp), essayist and letter writer
Svetlana Žuchová (b. 1976, Yu/S), fiction writer
Berta Zuckerkandl (1864–1945, A), critic and non-fiction writer
Zuo Fen (左芬, c. AD 255–300, C), poet
Katka Zupančič (1889–1967, A-H/Yu), children's poet, fiction writer and playwright
Unica Zürn (1916–1970, G), poet and painter
Cvijeta Zuzorić (1552–1648, Dm), poet in Italian and Croatian
Rose Zwi (1928–2018, SA/Au), fiction writer
Fay Zwicky (1933–2017, Au), poet and academic
Rajzel Żychlińsky (1910–2001, Po/US), poet in Yiddish

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References

External links

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By type	Anarchist Feminist Lyric Modernist National Performance Speculative Surrealist War Women (UK early-modern)