Jane Austen (Born December 16, 1775)

Famous for her keen observations on the dependency of women on marriage for social standing and economic security, with "Pride and Prejudice" being her most celebrated work.

Rudyard Kipling (Born December 30, 1865)

A Nobel Prize-winning author known for his works like "The Jungle Book," which includes tales of British soldiers in India and stories for children.

Joseph Conrad (Born December 3, 1857)

A Polish-British writer who delved into themes of human nature, isolation, and imperialism, with notable works including "Heart of Darkness" and "Lord Jim."

Shirley Jackson (Born December 14, 1916)

Renowned for her mystery and horror stories, Jackson penned over 200 short stories. Her most famous work, "The Haunting of Hill House," has also been adapted into a film.

Taylor Jenkins Reid (Born December 20, 1983)

Gained fame with "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" and is known for her engaging storytelling, with a significant following on social media platforms.

Nicholas Sparks (Born December 31, 1965)

Best known for romance novels that explore themes of love, fate, and tragedy, including "The Notebook," which has been adapted into a popular film.

Stephenie Meyer (Born December 24, 1973)

Best known for the "Twilight" series, a teenage vampire romance saga that sold over 160 million copies worldwide and was adapted into a series of successful films.

Arthur C. Clarke (Born December 16, 1917)

A seminal figure in science fiction, known for "2001: A Space Odyssey." He has been honored with an award in his name, recognizing outstanding British science fiction writers.