I would say these are my top writers... (Score 1)

In no particular order i would pick: Tanith Lee, Tad Williams, Robert Jordan, Frank Herbert, Gene Wolf, Ann McAffry, Vernor Vince, Jack Vance, William Gibson, Douglas Adams, David and Leigh Eddings, Roger Zelaszny and some more. All of these range from SF to Fantasy and some have both. I also like Tom Clancy and other writers in different genres but mainly read Fantasy. As for an open mind....read what you like and be done with it.