The answer to the poll is 3.

excerpt from The Ecstasy

Alive authors (as of October 4, 2013, listed in alphabetical order)

Matthew Reilly - born - July 2, 1974 (age 39)

Tom Robbins - born July 22, 1936 (age 77)

Patrick Robinson - born January 21, 1940 (age 73)

Deceased authors (as of October 4, 2013)

Douglas Adams March 11, 1952 - May 11, 2001 (aged 49)

Tom Clancy April 12, 1947 - October 1, 2013 (aged 66)

Michael Crichton October 23, 1942 - November 5, 2008 (aged 66)

Joseph Heller May 1, 1923 - December 12, 1999 (aged 76)

Kurt Vonnegut November 11, 1922 - April 11, 2007 (aged 84)