When I was in Oklahoma over the summer on a mini book tour for Rose House, I noticed that my niece always had her nose in a book. Yes, she has read at least one of my books, but it wasn’t my book she had her nose in. She was reading author Stephenie Meyer along with all her friends. In fact, Twilight was all she could talk about.
I finally watched Twilight on DVD and what can I say? It was entertaining. I loved it. I can see why the teen girls and their moms can’t get enough. When I saw Stephenie Meyer on Oprah this past Friday, I was surprised at how sweet and humble she came across in her interview. According to moms everywhere, she is a good storyteller and a good role model to boot. Of course, what is good storytelling?
Not everyone agrees on what quality fiction is, so I wasn’t surprised that after Mrs. Meyer appeared on Oprah this past Friday, I began to see some FB status updates and tweets bemoaning Stephenie Meyer’s writing talent. For readers, this might all be news to you and you might not even care, but in the writing community, not all writing is considered equal. It’s tough to get published and sometimes we are baffled at what becomes a bestseller, but sometimes the frustration turns into mud-slinging.
Some writers deserve the mud. If a published author becomes an overnight sensation and they decide to chuck their humble heart out the window in exchange for conceit and fame, then they won’t be popular with the writing community. I won’t name names, but I can think of two overnight sensations right off hand whose comments in interviews send the loud and clear message that they think they are literary Gods. That’s never a good way to think about yourself in the writing world, but that’s not Stephenie Meyer.
From what I’ve read about and seen of Stephenie Meyer, I don’t think that’s how she thinks of herself. I think the negative comments directed at Meyer are unjustified. I saw her on Oprah and she came across as a humble storyteller who loves her fans, so I’m left with the probability that those who say such terrible things about her writing are really just jealous of her success.
Is it Stephenie’s fault she has millions of readers and the rest of us don’t ? I think not. Would we like to have them? Yes, but we haven’t found the magic formula and Stephenie has. We shouldn’t begrudge her that. If certain writers don’t feel her writing is worthy of success, then they need to look at the decision makers in the publishing industry and not at Stephenie. And I guess they could ask the readers, but I don’t think they will like the answer.
Like it or not, the decision makers made a good decision when they placed a bet on Twilight. Millions of readers agree that Stephanie Meyer is a fantastic writer.
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To the few of you who commented but haven’t read the TWILIGHT series books yourself, I would recommend that you do so. I had to read them to see what my granddaughter was raving about. They are VERY well written, sweet, exciting, suspenseful and squeaky clean. Take the time to do so – believe me, you will speed right through them in just a couple days. Or… if you can, rent an audio version. See – http://tinyurl.com/y9z4vev
The girl who reads it sounds just like the Bella in the movie.
I have not read the Twilight books but both my daughters have. One is not a reader and she devoured this series and is eagerly awaiting each movie release. She actually bought the books in hard cover.
My other daughter devours most books. Like me prefers a good book and coffee to other pursuits. She told me to read the Twilight books because they are well-written, and she thought I would enjoy that.
Have not tried them myself beyond watching the first movie (it was good, music fantastic). Maybe someday…
I haven’t read any of these books, but I have been tempted to peek. However, I have plenty of reading material and I’m afraid something will bother me in her books and then I’ll want to say something. Better to not read them at least for now… The first I’d heard of Twilight was from my son (when the first book came out and was not well known yet) and he said that my books were nothing in regards to sensuality compared to Twilight. He said that was why all the kids at school liked it. O-kay…. That was a teen’s POV and a boy at that. He just reported his observation. Anyway, just wanted to give you a hearty “good morning” Tina.
Much as I envy Meyer’s success, I also think it must be a little scary to be an “overnight success.” Imagine having to meet the huge expectations of all those readers, and face the inevitable wrath critics dish out when you’re that successful! I know those are problems most writers would like to have, but it still must be difficult. I mean, ouch! Stephen King says you’re terrible! In his defense, he faced his share of scorn from critics who resented his popularity, and he’s very generous in supporting beginning writers he does like, both in his column in EW and by giving cover quotes.
You read MINE? I am honored, Holly. Thank you.
Both me and my husband, Chris, enjoyed reading them last Thanksgiving. We couldn’t put them down!
As an aside, I’ve also read your books and they are purely delightful, Tina Ann.