Fiction:
* August Derleth: Known for his contributions to the Cthulhu Mythos and his creation of the Solar Pons detective stories.
* Thornton Wilder: Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "Our Town" and "The Bridge of San Luis Rey." While born in Madison, he spent much of his childhood in Wisconsin.
* Merle Wookey: Author of the acclaimed novel "The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat" and other works of psychological fiction.
* Susan Minot: Best-selling author of novels like "Evening" and "The Long Home," known for her intricate and often dark narratives.
* John Grisham: Author of numerous bestselling legal thrillers, including "A Time to Kill," "The Firm," and "The Pelican Brief." Although born in Mississippi, Grisham was raised in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and attended law school at the University of Mississippi.
* James Jones: Author of "From Here to Eternity," a novel that explores life in the U.S. Army before World War II.
* Larry McMurtry: Author of "Lonesome Dove," a Pulitzer Prize-winning epic Western novel.
* Gail Godwin: Author of "The Odd Woman," a novel exploring the complexities of female friendships.
Nonfiction:
* Bill Bryson: Travel writer and author of "Notes from a Small Island" and "A Short History of Nearly Everything."
* David Maraniss: Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer of, among others, Barack Obama and Vince Lombardi.
* Ann Patchett: Author of "Bel Canto," a novel that explores the complexities of human nature in the face of tragedy.
This is just a small sample of the many talented authors who have made their mark on Wisconsin's literary landscape.