Horror and Supernatural:
* Joe Hill: King's son, he carries on the legacy of suspenseful storytelling with works like "Horns" and "NOS4A2".
* Peter Straub: While both were contemporaries, Straub's "Ghost Story" has notable King-esque elements.
* Chuck Palahniuk: Known for darkly satirical horror, Palahniuk's work often explores similar themes of societal anxieties and anxieties like King.
* Grady Hendrix: Known for combining horror with humor and exploring the darker side of popular culture.
* Jonathan Maberry: Specializes in zombie fiction and blends it with action and suspense.
* John Ajvide Lindqvist: Swedish author of the vampire novel "Let the Right One In" which was adapted into a film.
* Dan Simmons: While he leans toward science fiction, his horror novels like "Carrion Comfort" are heavily influenced by King.
* Neil Gaiman: Not strictly a horror author, but Gaiman's work, like "Coraline," often uses King's blend of the fantastical and the creepy.
Thriller/Mystery:
* Harlan Coben: Known for his twisty, suspenseful thrillers, Coben's work echoes King's ability to create relatable characters facing impossible situations.
* Michael Connelly: Connelly's detective novels, particularly featuring Harry Bosch, showcase a similar level of gritty realism and character development.
* Dennis Lehane: His novels, like "Mystic River" and "Shutter Island," share King's ability to create both atmospheric suspense and morally ambiguous characters.
General Literary Influence:
* Jonathan Franzen: Though not a horror writer, Franzen credits King for teaching him about pacing and character development.
* George Saunders: Known for his short stories, Saunders' work often features eccentric characters and a darkly comedic sensibility.
* David Foster Wallace: Wallace's novels and essays often explore complex themes of morality and societal issues, with a similar sense of dark humor and biting social commentary found in King's work.
It's important to note: While these authors are influenced by King, they have all developed their own distinct styles and voices. They use their own interpretations of King's techniques to create their own unique works.
Beyond these examples: There are many other writers across various genres who have been influenced by Stephen King, and the list keeps growing. His influence continues to inspire new generations of authors.