Decide who you want to meet. While you don't have to narrow your decision down to just one person, it is essential to decide on a group of people or a specific kind of writer. Like all other people, authors from similar genres tend to frequent the same events and hangouts, so get a general idea of who you want to meet before you set out.
Try to make contact with an author by email or fan mail. Many authors take their fan mail very seriously and will often write back. Writing a serious and honest letter that does not simply flatter the author but begins a discussion is a good way to open a dialog with a famous author.
Attend literature lectures and events. Many universities and bookstores draw prominent and famous authors as speakers and book signers. Luckily, these events are often inexpensive or free, so learn the literature lecture circuit in your area to increase your chances of meeting a famous author.
Find a writer's hangout. You don't necessarily have to go to Paris or New York (though that wouldn't hurt) to meet famous authors. Many famous writers live in cities and towns all over the world where they gather in bars, cafes and restaurants. Look for the writers' venue closest to you to meet a famous author.
Visit universities that have famous authors on the faculty. You might be surprised to see a Nobel laureate or a **** Prize winner casually strolling across the quad, but this is frequently the case. Respectfully approach a famous author to say hello or make a remark about a latest book or poem. You might even be able to audit a class.
Be bold but respectful. The best way to meet authors is to approach them confidently and casually. Treat authors as you would want to be treated by someone who doesn't really know you. Don't ask prying personal questions. Keep the conversation professional and let the author volunteer information.
Find out who represents the writer. In the Acknowledgments sections of many books, you'll find the writer thanks his or her agent. If you send your letter to the writer in care of the agent, it has a better chance of reaching the writer since most fans will be sending their letters to the writer's publisher.