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Stephen King on Stephenie Meyer
By Twilight_News | February 3, 2009
Having been misquoted ourselves, and having had things taken out of context oursleves, we are curious to see the entire interview in full context when it comes out this weekend. Right now the edited version leaves out the full context of Stephen King’s comments.
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:43 pm
that link is leading to a blank page…just me perhaps?
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:50 pm
ugh what a jerk! i respect the fact that he has an opinion on Meyer’s writing abilities, but i think he could have said it just a tad bit nicer =/
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Wow! Someone would want to consider getting off his high horse. In all fairness I’ve read Stephen King’s books and although entertaining, there not exactly anything to right home about.
It’s really unprofessional too for him to write off (excuse the pun) other authors. This has always been a problem with him though. He always speaks his (narrow) mind!
Also I can’t help but feel that there’s undertones of jealousy in the article snippet. He seems to be jealous of her success and the success of the Twilight movie (something one of his film adaptations has yet to achieve).
I shall be interested in reading the rest of this article soon to see what else King has to say for himself (or for others as is usually the case with him)
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:21 pm
Pha, Steven King doesn’t know what a real book was if it hit him the face. He’s just a bloody guy who is jealous of Edward’s good looks. *winks*. I don’t like him as a writer or a person so I am not surprised.
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:35 pm
He comes of as someone who considers himself and elitist. He does some articles for Vanity Fair and in those he is just as narrow minded and condescending. It makes me wonder if there is anything in life that he actually does like?
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:36 pm
if i happen to come across stephen king at fenway park this year, i can guarantee you that something will be thrown at him.
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Oh, I’m so sorry, Mr. King, but I have never found your books to be good, though some of the stories are great. Stephenie’s Twilight writing is directed to young adults (The Host was better written, but the story just wasn’t there for me like the Twilight series). I’ve read all of the HP series and JK really isn’t much more advanced the Stephenie in the first two books. With experience, she got a bit better, as has Stephenie. I wouldn’t say JK is a GOOD writer, but unlike King she keeps me engaged and interested. I believe the King books have too much detail in them, prohibiting me from using my imagination, and which kills the book. Dead. Splat. Nothing resurrected in the Pet Cemetary either.
Soooo, while King has every right to comment and state his opinion, and because we have every right to do the same, I am stating that I think he’s a bit too smug for his twisted britches!
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Ok I agree, his comment were a bit rude. I mean I get it he’s a critic, but if Stephenie Meyer couldn’t write then her books would have never sold. I’m sorry but I don’t read books that are utterly stupid. I read books that have meaning and that can make one sentence describe a whole universe. Both J.K. and Stephenie have been able to do that. So, I don’t know what book King was reading, cuz I don’t think it was anything by SM. If he did read them then at least be a bit more courteous and say your insults in a less rudely manner.
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:48 pm
how very unprofessional, its like you talking bad about ur coworker because they do the same job but differently! it makes u look stupid!
stephenie meyer is the best writer of this generation, king was like 20 yrs ago!
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:50 pm
I do not consider King to be a literary genius, but he is obviously a respected name in the biz. I will say this about his writing though, it has NEVER captured my interest the way Twilight has. I do agree that JK Rowling is a great writer. I would guess that his differing opinions of Rowling and Meyer come from the simple fact that Twilight is from a girl’s perspective and Harry Potter is from a boy’s perspective. HP therefore has a much wider audience because it appeals to both females and males. The Twilight audience is limited to primarily females. Even I (I huge fan of Twilight) must admit that certain parts of the Twilight books were a little too “damsel in distress”.
Anyway, in my book, both Rowling and Meyer eclipse King.
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Also, I cannot help but think that the only reason he would publicly criticize Meyer is that he is jealous of her undeniable success. Her books (all 5 of them) are still at the top of the charts…where are his? And who cares what he says, the numbers contradict him.
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Hmm… true or not, King said what he did, and it was pretty explicit. I don’t think the editors could really misconstrue that.
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:59 pm
It’s unfair what’s he’s doing.
The books he writes are really different from the books Stephenie writes and that’s because they are really different persons. (sorry for stating the obvious)
What I mean is that even though he’s a good writer (i can’t deny that), he’s not proving to be much mature saying things like this about other author. He should respect Stephenie if not as a writer, at least, as a person.
I know he’s not saying anything bad about ‘her’ but if he says something about her books well, they’re a part of her and he’s being really unprofessional saying things like that.
And why does he compare Meyer to Rowling?
They’re both great in what they do, in my opinion.
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Actually, King’s novels have far outsold the Twilight books.
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:05 pm
It’s not very cool of him to say that certain authors are terrible writers. It makes him sound petty and jealous. He is not the most talented writer in the world, either. I think Meyer’s stories are very creative and she has obviously affected a lot of people with the Twilight series and captured their imaginations. Isn’t that what a good writer does?
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Stephen King is one of the best writers of fiction the world has ever seen. Feel free to disagree with me on this, but as you all are defending a series that is clearly written at a 5th grade level, I can’t really respect your distorted and slightly lower level of brain functioned opinions.
Yes, Stephenie Meyer created a great universe, yes she is famous. Why? Because the reading standards in our school systems are falling at a hardcore rate and no one seems to object if middle schoolers and high schooler actually finishes a book, despite it being written at a 5th grade level, ruining the whole point of moving up in your reading ability. Stephen King is a great author who has enthralled generations of readers with his works. To the person who said that no movies of Stephen’s have acclaimed as ‘much’ as Twilight, obviously has never seen any of them. Shining, It, Cujo, Christine, Carrie, and other are part of our way of life. For example, “Redrum” and fears of clowns and the ever present paranoia of someone “Pulling a Carrie” at a local Junior Prom is ever present.
Twilight was a horrible movie and a mediocre book, having read the whole series and enjoyed them, before anyone questions my experience in the matter of Twilight, I Can say that it was simply a young adult book written at a young child level.
It is simply escape fiction with a habit of self insertion since Bella is a plain character with the barest traces of an actual personality, expecting the female reader to insert her own traits when considering Bella as a character.
And yes, Harry Potter is written at a level anyone can enjoy, but is considered higher on the sophistication level as far as writing goes.
Stephen King is a respected name in the business because his work is considered valuable literary work of his time and will always be considered so based on the different books and the broad range of scope and the ability to keep the reader hooked and always give them an ending to keep them wanting more. Whereas Twilight’s fourth book, breaking Dawn made me want to rage at the lack of violence that the series was obviously building towards. It was a great story mountain… but it just had a cliff at the climax.
And don’t get all pissy over my opinion and hate mail me. It just proves me more right about who the series was aimed toward. Immature little 12 year olds who think that Vampires sparkle.
In my day, Vampires didn’t sparkle in the sun. They EXPLODED into FLAME.
Therefore, Stephen King > Stephenie Meyer.
/comment thread
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Don’t delude yourselves, dearies. Stephen King knows what he’s talking about.
Consider the misuse of a number of words, the bad editing, the overuse of adjectives, the chunky, awkward sentences, and the lack of proper plotting and characterization.
Just because you refuse to do a proper literary analysis doesn’t mean others can’t see what’s obvious.
<3
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:08 pm
While only a fan of some of King’s earlier works, I think he churns out far too many books now with too little substance. However as someone who has been in the industry for some time, it is his perogative to say what he will about his tastes in books, movies, etc. His fans may not always agree with what he has to say but he does have the right to state what he thinks. He has long been a Rowling fan and one can say that there is a distinct difference in the styles of writing between Ms. Rowling and Ms. Meyer. It’s all a matter of taste and personally I don’t find what he said all that unprofessional but a matter of opinion with regard to her writing style.
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Erm, it appears Lindsey has beat me to it. Nice job elaborating. =)
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:11 pm
Whatever! That’s all I have to say, I know he used to be fantastic in his heyday but now he’s just another author riding the coat tails of her and JKR’s success.
I mean I noticed that his books are selling so many these days, he even branched out to write his overstated opinion in Entertainment Weekly.
He’s washed up and to be quite frank I’m not really interested in what he has to say. He’s over opinionated and creepy if you ask me.
He used to be on my favorite author list, but his newer books just have the appeal that his classics have. I find myself unable to get interested let alone excited, so why should his opinion on my favorite author matter?
It doesn’t!
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:11 pm
King highly amuses me. He’s such a condescending, arrogant bastard. I tried reading one of his books once and promptly put it away when I realized it was crap and held no interest for me. Understandingly, everyone has their own opinions - it’s what makes the world interesting rather than boring and bland if everyone thought the same way; however, that being said, there is a tactful way to deliver negative comments, rather than being rude and nasty, as he so ignorantly displayed. And besides, who died and made him literary God to finger point other authors and make snide remarks about their writing ability and how/why they are successful? I care about his opinion on other writers as much as I care what Matt Damon’s political affiliations.
Stephenie and Jo are both great writers, and both have shown growth in their abilities with each subsequent book. I loved reading all of their books.
But, alas, not all writers can be as “great” as Stephen King and publish stories about a demented dog that goes around chewing up people to death or about a car who is possessed…ya know, because, those are just BRILLIANT story ideas, the likes of which are unequaled elsewhere…
*biting sarcasm*
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:11 pm
This kin dof comment is really unprofessional, unpolite. I understand he was asked and he probably answered what he thinks of Meyer’s books. I think he was quite unfortunate on his comments. It’s a shame read something like that. Not only because I love Stephenie’s books, but because he was talking about another writer. And Stephenie is not the only writer who has her work evalluated.
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:18 pm
“And Stephenie is not the only writer who has her work evalluated.”
Exactly. Every author is criticized, and it seems neither Stephenie Meyer nor her fanbase are able to handle the criticism.
Instead of immediately stuffing fingers in ears and humming the troubles away, it would be more prudent for eyes to open and brains to begin working again.
<3
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Quote:
Because the reading standards in our school systems are falling at a hardcore rate and no one seems to object if middle schoolers and high schooler actually finishes a book, despite it being written at a 5th grade level, ruining the whole point of moving up in your reading ability.
Answer: Obviously, it is a truth universally known that standards have greatly fallen in our public school systems. We have your long-winded rant as perfect example of that, so I thank you for taking one for the team.
Quote:
Consider the misuse of a number of words, the bad editing, the overuse of adjectives, the chunky, awkward sentences, and the lack of proper plotting and characterization.
Answer:
Since King is Literary Jesus, I’m assuming that it goes without saying that he shuns all use of an Editor. Unfortunately, the rest of the lowly writing world must utilize them. With that being said, I do concur that Stephenie’s editor seemed to MIA in some of her books; one would think that for so popular of a series, a publishing company would want to “get it right.” That being said, the errors weren’t so egregious that it detracted from the story for me. It was a wonderful series, and I definitely think the writing was even better in The Host.
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:27 pm
While Stephen King has every right to criticize (just like anyone else), he should bear in mind that Twilight is to Stephenie Meyer what Carrie was to him: an unpolished first novel that almost didn’t make it to print because of self-doubt.
Writing takes practice. I doubt Mr. King would want critics carefully analyzing the structure and mechanics of Carrie because honestly, it wasn’t all that good, either. And yet it, too, became a huge hit. Oh, unknowable universe.
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Ok whereas I agree that everyone is open to criticism, there are more polite routes to take.
I stand behind my whatever status, and whereas King is an accomplished author, it doesn’t mean his opinion is higher than any of ours.
While I am here again, may I add this little gem . . . Although I respect every opinion in this thread, if you are not a Stephenie Meyer fan, why would you bother commenting here?
Is it because you want a reaction from us?
Quite frankly, there’s a little saying I think applies to this conflict . . . To each their own . . . if you don’t like it, great, but leave those of us who do alone. We’re not hurting anyone.
And calling us all mindless 12 years olds is in and of itself immature, so in essence your really no better are you!
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:31 pm
I’m not sure why my comment is awaiting moderation, so I’m reposting it.
Quote:
Because the reading standards in our school systems are falling at a hardcore rate and no one seems to object if middle schoolers and high schooler actually finishes a book, despite it being written at a 5th grade level, ruining the whole point of moving up in your reading ability.
Answer: Obviously, it is a truth universally known that standards have greatly fallen in our public school systems. We have your long-winded rant as perfect example of that, so I thank you for taking one for the team.
Quote:
Consider the misuse of a number of words, the bad editing, the overuse of adjectives, the chunky, awkward sentences, and the lack of proper plotting and characterization.
Answer:
Since King is Literary Jesus, I’m assuming that it goes without saying that he shuns all use of an Editor. Unfortunately, the rest of the lowly writing world must utilize them. With that being said, I do concur that Stephenie’s editor seemed to MIA in some of her books; one would think that for so popular of a series, a publishing company would want to “get it right.” That being said, the errors weren’t so egregious that it detracted from the story for me. It was a wonderful series, and I definitely think the writing was even better in The Host.
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:36 pm
King is no Gabriel Garcia Marquez so I don’t understand why he gets to say who is a good writer and who is not.
He can sit there and critize every writer he wants, just as long as he remembers he is not in a higher level than any of them.
True he has sold more books than Meyer but over how many years?
I thoght a good writer is someone who can engage the reader, who inspires emotions, hasn’t Meyer done that for millions? Just because teenage girls are the most vocal does not mean they are the only fans. I really wish people and the media would stop saying that.
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:37 pm
Nostalgismiss,
Did you even read my comment all the way or did you skim it? I am a Twilight fan, but I know when to draw the line when defending this sad excuse of pop-literature.
As an English education major, I am completely aware of what fiction would be appropriate to read for age levels and what levels I would deem literature.
As for maturity, I’m not one of the fans on this site calling King a “Bloody/old man” who is just “Jealous” of Edward.
I mean really?
Thats where I draw the line. You figure out as an intelligent human being where you stand.
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:40 pm
As an adult fan of the Twilight saga and also a long time Stephen King fan, I am disappointed at his statement. Stephenie has never professed to be a scholarly author, but let me just say this, her work is certainly compelling enough to attract millions of readers. Additionally, I am certain thousands of new readers were lured into the world of books by Twilight, just as they were by King’s and Rowling’s books. There feats deserve some merit by anyone’s standards. It would seem to me that some common courtesy would not have been hard for him to muster. I am disappointed in him.
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:42 pm
Anyone who says Stephen King is just jealous of Stephenie, or isn’t a good writer, and that by sharing his opinion is mean, needs to go take some painkillers and wash them down with sleeping pills.
I’m a Twilighter but at least I can admit that Stephenie sucks as a writer, and she’s SO lucky Twilight is as big as it is.
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:48 pm
and if I may add, to whoever said that in their day vampires didn’t sparkle they exploded, please excuse Stephenie Meyer for creating her own vampires and not going with the standard. Excuse her for being original.
Its Stephenie’s world, she gets to create whatever she pleases, get over it.
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Ah, he’s just a senior citizen desperate to get some opinion out there because nobody cares about his writing anymore.
Hah.
February 3rd, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Really unprofessional.
February 3rd, 2009 at 6:11 pm
Ok I’m not going to say anything bad about Stephen King because he does have a right to express his opinion. But has anyone read the comments that people have posted? Some of these people are SO rude and degrading to Stephenie. I have commented several times back to some people but I can only do so much. Please respectfully defend Stephenie to some of these ignorant people. Some things that have been said are:
1)Its great that twilight gets kids to read, but they DONT READ ANYTHING OTHER THAN TWILIGHT.
2)Ms. Meyer clearly demonstrates her lack of knowledge about literature and the purpose of characters: characters are NOT meant to be created so that any reader could step into their shoes. Characters, as everyone that has a halfway decent education should know, are meant to be people, and nothing else.
3)I find that the books are extremely anti-feminist
4)Literature isn’t all about entertainment. It’s an art form, and while everyone has an opinion, I think most would agree Hemingway, Steinbeck, Fitzgerald, Nabokov, etc. are better writers than, say, Paris Hilton. Because they entertain, but there’s something deeper in their writings.
February 3rd, 2009 at 6:45 pm
LOL
oh. my. god.
Has anyone read any of his “books” lately?? I loved Cell, but after that.. they’ve been getting a little too long and over elaborate. :/
I think once you have some dude sitting there skeching for 40 or 50 pages.. that means it’s time stop and move on w/ the damn story. lol
February 3rd, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Wow… every needs to just chill out. He speaks two sentences and your all willing to burn him at the stake. Stephenie herself has admitted she is not a great writer and said the one thing she would change about the Twilight saga is better writing. Although I do agree that the faults of the bad writing in the saga should fall more on the editors than on Meyer. She wrote a great story, and the editors failed her by falling asleep at the wheel. Does this mean the Twilight saga is any less enjoyable for most of you… no, the bad editing probably didn’t take away from the story for most people… but those that look at things from a different literary perspective, who have had proper grammar and spelling and editing drilled into them their whole lives… yeah, it did feel like hitting a speed bump in the middle of the plot every time we came across a missing word or read the word “glowering” for the fiftieth time. It doesn’t make us love the world she created any less, it just made it a lot harder to stay focused sometimes.
Is Stephen King a literary snob? Yes. Has he earned this right over the last few decades, having been writing best-sellers since before most of you were even born? Yes… yes he has.
February 3rd, 2009 at 6:50 pm
First, ouch.
Second, he’s a critic. He’s allowed to give his opinion, whether you consider it rude or not.
Third, I consider Stephenie Meyer a great storyteller, but not a great writer. I’ve read better written books. However, her story was the one to intrigue me the most. And I can’t say her writing is atrocious because it’s not. It’s just simple but it gets the point across. Plus, it’s like a type of diary, Bella’s diary, and who writes great literature in their diary?
So in the end, is it the writing or the story that matters the most?
February 3rd, 2009 at 6:52 pm
Looks like Lindsay and Sami have already got what I was going to say covered.
February 3rd, 2009 at 6:59 pm
megan,
don’t waste ur breath trying to defend Stephenie to these people. some people just have bad spirits and the have the need to belittle people who don’t fit they’re standard.
they’re probably the same people who think only 12 yr olds read the twilight saga, and if they’re sitting there picking fights with 12 yr olds than what does that tell u about them?
I just feel sorry for them because they don’t get to experience twilight. they don’t get this wonderful escape!
February 3rd, 2009 at 7:00 pm
The funny thing about Stephen King is that when he first came out as an author, many authors at that time, thought he was a terrible writer, but in due time his real talent shown through. Does he have a right to say that Stephenie Meyer can’t write. Absolutely! At least he is being honest. Why should he lie and say that he thinks she’s a great author, when he clearly disagrees with that. As many of you already know, MANY authors, not just Stephen have critizied Steph’s books, and it isn’t because they are jeleous, mean spirited, or trying to be hurtful. They aren’t trying to tear Meyers down. They are simply pointing out the flaws, that they as writers have found. You HAVE to understand, when you write all the time, when you study story theory, and or have read countless books on structure, you know exactly how a well developed story flows and when one doesn’t. This doesn’t mean that the Twilight Saga has no merit at all, but that it certainly needs work.
Stephenie’s biggest issue though is the way she deals with negativity. No author likes to hear bad things about their works, but it is often those negative remarks that allow you to get back to the drawing board and reanalyze what you’ve done wrong and especially figure out what you can do to resolve those issues later on. This is how we as writers grow. Stephenie should look at those reviews and glean important information instead of telling everyone how hurt she is because of them.
She is still a young writer and I’m sure she will develop further, if she allows herself to.
February 3rd, 2009 at 7:21 pm
I can’t believe everyone is freaking out over Stephen King’s comment.
First of all, let’s get one thing straight:
STEVEN KING IS A LEGENDARY CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN WRITER. HE STUDIED LITERATURE IN COLLEGE. LITERATURE IS HIS LIFE.
As for his comment, it was not rude, or out of context. Isn’t everyone tired of people sugar-coating things in interviews? His opinion is definetly true. I wouldn’t put it in those exact words, but they are true.
Even though I am a HUGE Twilight fan, I know that Stephenie Meyer’s writing style (or lack there of) can never compare to J.K. Rowling. J.K. Rowling is another one that STUDIED EXTENSIVELY IN COLLEGE. IT TOOK HER YEARS TO FINISH HARRY POTTER. While SM may be entertaining, she’s no Zora Neale Hurston, Emily Dickinson, Maya Angelou, or Bronte.
Lets all accept the fact that Twilight is no literary masterpiece. It’s an entertaining book.
It’s like saying that Lil’ Wayne is a better rapper than Common, because you can understand his rhymes better and he’s more popular.
So please, before you all verbally attack someone that KNOWS WHAT HE IS TALKING ABOUT, just accept his opinion. You have your opinion, sure, but it in no way can compare to the CRITIQUE of someone else with extensive knowledge and experience with Literature.
(sorry for the rant)
February 3rd, 2009 at 7:27 pm
Did I read well? How could he say such a thing? I mean,how rude is that? I don’t want to be rude to Stephen King but how could he say that?
I really busted a nerve when I read the article.
Stephenie has her own way to write and I think she writes beautifully.And I’m not saying this because I love Twilight.I really mean it because she’s fantastic and doesn’t need to have extremely rich vocabulary in her writing.She can write however she wants to and she doesn’t copy anyone.Maybe she doesn’t have the best writing style but that doesn’t mean she’s the worst writer.
I just wish Stephen King hadn’t compared Stephenie with J.K.Rowling.They’re both completey different.How much pain would it cause Stephenie if she ever happened to read that article? She already has to deal with those anti-Breaking Dawn.
I wish people would just leave their rude comments to themselves and say whatever they have to say that’s nice.
This whole thing has deeply hurt me.
I hope Stephenie never reads that.
February 3rd, 2009 at 7:29 pm
Hold on a minute!! Stephen king is a great writer! THe last book of his I read ( 10 years ago) had so many F-bombs in it I had to wash my eyes out with soap after! Seriously, it takes talent to write F**k eight hundred times in only 350 pages, have it all make since and add to the story;}
Love ya SM! you ROck! (I also hope you finish that other Twilight book… you know..the book that shall not be named!
February 3rd, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion… but he could have been a bit more professional about it. I lost some respect for Stephen King by reading that article.
February 3rd, 2009 at 7:51 pm
I think everyone needs to get over SKing. So he doesn’t like SMeyer. Big deal. Honestly. Is he shaping your opinion of her? Of her books? No? Than treat it like worthless air.
Seriously. It’s an opinion. Not everyone is going to LOVE SMeyer. Not everyone is going to love her style. So there. Move on. He doesn’t like her but you do. End of story.
No need to hate on him. He’s not worth your time and comments.
February 3rd, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Geeze.. Everyone is so mad…
I have to say, I have never read King, but he HAS been around forever- he must know something. I htink he’s entitled to his opinion. (though Pel, Alphie, that was a great stab at open-mindedness, but I really don’t think the context of that quote will change much.)
Maybe I’m a bad fan, but I’m getting a little tired of hearing about how Twilight is “a new classic”. Yeah, its good, great, maybe, but its nice to hear SOMEONE with a non-zombie-like view.
Yeah, it was rude, but there is something to be said for being blunt sometimes.
<3
February 3rd, 2009 at 7:59 pm
I’m going to play devil’s advocate. Stephenie Meyer can create characters that we all fall in love with and a world we can truly thrust ourselves into. But her writing quality isn’t astonishing. She is most certainly not a five star writer. But I don’t love her and her books because I think the writing is good. It’s average. I love her books because somehow she made me fall in love with a story and her passion for the characters shines through the pages.
Stephen King is a legend. He’s also a little above average.
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Stephen King is entitled to his own opinion. He can say whatever he wants because I really don’t give a sh*t and neither should Stephanie. I’m not going to tear Stephen King down because I’ve only read one of his books, Carrie, and I’m just not a fan of the horror/thriller genre. The only things that irks me is that he waited 4 years after Twilight was published to make his comments. Why didn’t he say this back in 2005? Why is he waiting now? If you dislike something say so from day one don’t wait until years later to comment.
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:06 pm
Mel — He probably wasn’t asked about his opinion on day one. ’cause it didn’t really matter. >.>;
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:11 pm
To me it’s a sad day when an author finds it necessary to insult a fellow author. What King needs to recognize is that Stephenie Meyer has brought a whole new generation back to the literary world. A generation that will possibly even find an interest in King’s books. I am a fan of both King and Meyer, but at this point, Stephenie Meyer gets my vote for the better author regardless of how good the books are, book sales, or whatever.
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:15 pm
“… she can’t write worth a darn.”
Nice grammar right there.
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:19 pm
LINDSAY
LISTEN UP
WHY ARE YOU HERE IF YOU THINK TWILIGHT IS A MEDIOCRE BOOK? NO ONE WANTS TO READ OVER YOUR CRUEL COMMENTS. GO FIND SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO LISTEN TO YOU WHINE AND COMPLAIN, BECAUSE THIS WEBSITE IS FOR PEOPLE WHO LIKE TWILIGHT AND STEPHENIE MEYER.
And no, I am not a twelve year old. And I am not immature.
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:19 pm
I don’t care how good you are at being a writer. It doesn’t give you the right to sit there and name author after author and have so many negative things to say about them. Even the ones that he said were decent are “sometimes awful.” Get over yourself!
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:19 pm
Im sure King really knows all about “feelings girls aren’t ready to deal with yet.”…… give me a break.
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:20 pm
I was shocked! it is sad too. I can’t think of a comment but definitely i was sad of this =(
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Although I’ll admit that Stephenie Meyer’s writing could use some polishing and better editing, she is a heck of a story teller. Stephen King is not writing high literature either,but on a good day he can tell a story as well. I just wonder why he felt the need to take an uncalled for swipe at her work. Seems a little on the petty side, but you need to understand that the man has a giant spider in the metal work on the gate to his house. Need I say more?
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Sylvia: You’d think a famous author like him would learn his correct grammer!
I do think Stephen King is a great author, but that was a bit harsh on Stephenie. She’s a fine author who came up with a great series. I do, in fact, have to agree with him that Jodi Picoult is an amazing author. However, I disagree with him on J.K. Rowling. I wasn’t that tune with the Harry Potter series. They never captivated me like Twilight or My Sister’s Keeper did.
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:22 pm
LOVE YA KING AND ROWLING!!!!!!!!
SM…HUMMM WELL I WONT SAY ANYTHING hehe
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:25 pm
“That being said, the errors weren’t so egregious that it detracted from the story for me. It was a wonderful series, and I definitely think the writing was even better in The Host.”
The errors are only a small flaw in the writing. Stephenie Meyer’s writing style is mediocre, if not simply amateur. Yes, the writing in The Host and Breaking Dawn were better, but only just *better*. To be criticized based on her writing is only fair. She is an “author” after all. She has sold many novels. Anyone is open to TAKE criticism and anyone is open to GIVE criticism.
And while the writing in The Host is bearable, the themes of the story are completely inappropriate. Spousal abuse among the highest.
And to whoever made the comment that they hoped Stephenie Meyer would never read what Stephen King had said about her, I frown upon you. I certainly hope she DOES read it, because Ms. Meyer could surely use a bit of criticism, as we all can.
If you haven’t heard, her brother (Seth, the webmaster) refuses to let an ounce of criticism reach her ears, so I suppose you shouldn’t worry because as long as she rocks (fetal position) in the corner of her room, she won’t be listening to criticism anytime soon.
<3
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:25 pm
I just read the article. What a brat! How dare he think he has the right to judge other authors like that? He is not as important or as good of a writer as he thinks he is. I know that I’m not exactly eager to go out and buy the next book of his to come out.
And Harper, I agree with you about Lindsay.
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:25 pm
TYPING IN CAPS LOCK MAKES IT LOOK LIKE YOU’RE RAISING THE VOLUME OF YOUR VOICE.
But I digress.
Really, reading all of these comments, I think that a lot of the Twilight fans need to expand their horizons. If you think that Twilight is a great work of literature that has blown your mind, wait until you try some other books! Imagine worlds that are even more detailed and exciting, and characters that are more deep and speak to you on a level that you didn’t even know you had.
Twilight was Meyer’s first book. I really doubt she thinks so highly of herself that a legend like Stephen King can make her feel bad about her writing. She’s a newcomer in the field. A rookie. She’ll get better with time.
And plus, Stephen King probably doesn’t enjoy young adult romances to begin with. He’s a horror/thriller writer.
Le sigh.
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:30 pm
Ick, what an arse.
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:31 pm
@Freyja
I’m just one of those people that feel if you dislike something say so out of the gate. He’s showered praise for Harry Potter from book one. By the way I agree with you in your previous post.
@Harper
You fell right into Lindsey’s trap.Obviously she is not a Twilight fan. When you see comments like hers just ignore it. She’s going to get on your ass for writing in CAPS and then saying you’re not 12 and not immature.
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:32 pm
Also, I forgot to say to the person who posted the comment that vampires don’t sparkle in the sun, they explode. Ahh, dude, there are no such things as vampires! So anything you want to write about them is entirely up to the author. I think Stephenie’s vampire canon is interesting and gives her a whole new way to go with them. Also, I work in a high school and I can tell you that the kids who have become interested in reading through Twilight are not just reading Twilight over and over, they are reading other things as well. Some of them are following Stephenie’s favorite books and suggestions. Others are reading books in the same genre. No matter what you may think about the series this is a good thing.
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:33 pm
What’s sort of amazing about this absurd flame war is the notion of these brain-dead Stepanie Meyer bimbos taking shots at Stephen King’s body of work. My favourite is the notion that he’s “jealous” of the film adaptation of “Twilight” because, as poor “Kevin” on this site has stated, “not one of” his “film adaptations” has achieved that success. I hope that little Kevin is about 12, because that’s the only reason for any sentient human being in the western world not to know about the billions of dollars, and the Oscars, associated with Stephen King adaptations. Weirdly, King was paying Meyer a tribute by taking her seriously enough as an author to criticize her instead of ignoring her appalling books altogether. Nothing wrong with books written for horny American tween-age bimbos, but let’s not confuse that with the body of work of the “Dickens of our modern age,” as King, the most widely-read author in history, is know acknowledged to be.
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Someone should let King know that green is not a good color on him. Obviously Stephenie is doing something right, her movie and books have had amazing turnouts while his books are essientially all the same horror concept and are turned into movies that have never gained as much publicity.
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:36 pm
has anyone seen/read The Langoliers by Stephen King? That was one of the worst movies i’ve ever seen
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Harper and Nadia:
Just because you don’t have the ability to come up with a good argument doesn’t mean you need to drop to the level of petty insults and capslock tantrums. “What are you doing here if you think this book is mediocre?!” would probably not sit well with your mods.
Just like our Twilight critique site is open to both fans and anti’s, this site is open to all who wish to speak.
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:43 pm
You people who are insulting Stephen King are ridiculous. Expand your horizons go read other things besides Twilight. I think Stephenie did a great job with books 1-3 but that doesn’t mean I think she’s a great writer because she isn’t. Grow up.
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:43 pm
It wasn’t an insult. I was actually wondering. Why would you be commenting and visiting the Twilight lexicon, a twilight FANSITE, when you don’t like the books or the movie?
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:46 pm
Lindsay: Ah! Redrum! Freaky! Hahaha. I will say this, The Shining was a great book to read, and its movie was terrible.
I haven’t seen IT, but I’m too afraid to >_<
And I’ve seen most of Carrie, and it freaks me out.
Stephen King is the essence of horror. He and Stephenie meyer have nothing in common except that they both have the name Stephen in their names.
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:46 pm
silvia, i know for one i read books other then twilight. many are better written, especially Markus Zusak’s I am the messenger and The Book Thief, along with Jodi Piccoult’s My Sister’s keeper. But Stephenie’s Meyer books are the ones I read over and over again.
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:50 pm
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February 3rd, 2009 at 8:51 pm
BOOOOO King!!
Stephenie or Rowling didn’t go around to insult his writing.That was rude. Everyone has different tastes in books, genres and writing styles. I am sure the millions of readers of the Twilight saga must have found something interesting in her writing style since they bought the books.
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Allie, those are AWESOME books. The Book thief had some of the most amazing phrases I’ve ever read. But same here, I reread twilight over and over…
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:03 pm
uh-oh.
just because he thinks stephenie meyer didn’t do a good job with the writing style doesn’t mean he has to be rude and pretty nasty when he criticizes her. he says these opinions like he’s the only writer that deserves to write and nobody else. come on, how would we have these great stories out there if nobody ever writes them because they might think their writing is bad?
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:05 pm
I just have to post my opinion here. Stephen King has a right to voice his opinion. Frankly, I didn’t think that it was that rude. Have any of you ever read the Harold Bloom article on J.K. Rowling? This is nothing compared to that. King tries to say that he understands the appeal of the books. Besides, no matter how much I love the books, even I have to admit that the writing can sometimes get clunky. She does have a tendency to use terms like obseqious, that make it look like she’s looking at a thesaurus, as she’s writing. I know that Stephen King really hates that kind of thing. We all probably have popular books or series that we don’t like. All of us have different tastes and the right to express our opinions. This is nothing to freak out about.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:05 pm
“Stephenie or Rowling didn’t go around to insult his writing.That was rude. Everyone has different tastes in books, genres and writing styles.”
I think a lot of people here have made this argument, and it’s the wrong one to look at. Stephen King was not criticizing Smeyer’s genre or plot, but her *writing*.
One does not have to love, admire, or enjoy a certain genre to criticize another’s writing. Fact.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:07 pm
ok that’s it! this guy just pisses me off!! how dare he say something like about stephenie, what a complete jackass! I agree with everyone here..he wouldn’t know a good book if it hit him in the face..grr..I wish I could just hit this guy..I swear..we twilighters should send him tons of hate mail..just to show him how many twilight fans he just pissed off!
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Here’s a link to the Harold Bloom thing. Just in case anyone’s interested.
http://wrt-brooke.syr.edu/courses/205.03/bloom.html
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:12 pm
yeah i agree with melissa, her writing can sometimes not be as fluent as it could be (although i like the words like “obseqious” that she uses), but the books are amazing and there is no need to critize stephenie meyer by saying that she is a terrible writer
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Stephen King is a very respected writer. Although I agree that his comment is too bold, I also think that Meyer’s writing is too mediocre. I think we should have a little respect for King here; he’s been in the business way longer than Meyer. By the way, I like Twilight ^__^ so I’m not bashing the series or anything. Besides, I think King is talking about her writing style not her story.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:15 pm
I agree with Beth. He sounds like an elitist, which is soo pathetic. Just because someone writes differently or he can’t understand it, doesn’t mean the author can’t write. he’s probably jealous that SM became popular way faster than he did. also, just because he’s considered “literary genius” doesn’t mean he knows everything either. he just made a billion people mad (esp. me!)
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:17 pm
Wow. I really don’t want to comment on this…
But I will say one thing…he has nerve…
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:20 pm
Why are so many of you talking about movies based on Stephen King’s books and relating them to “how horrible his writing is”?
Need I remind you of how cheesy the Twilight movie at times? I mean, it was cute and fun and Twilighty, but it was NOWHERE near the quality of the books. The movies based on King’s books were even less related to the books!
Again, I need to reiterate that more “Twi-hards” should read different books. Christ.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:21 pm
Also–
And I can honestly respect how much nerve he has…
(Please don’t kill me) I like how he just came out w/ his opinion…Despite the fact that I love Twilight, I really love his blunt-ness…
Was it rude? YES! Unprofessional? Yes. But still…
It’s ALMOST kinda funny…
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:27 pm
To the people saying stephen king is jealous? so King is jealous of a writer who is vastly less popular and vastly less published. offically, meyer has only sold like 18-22mil books *depends on which count you go by*, and stephen king is in the 350million copies range.
Meyer isnt that good of a writer, and her story telling is the reason why her books generally have a narrow audience. she however found a niche in twilight with a small group, and was able to maximize her reach within that group, which is a acomplishment.
Meyer however needs to listen to critisem though, because thats a requirement of being a published writer, you listen to your critics, and take what is said to heart.
King wasnt being cruel or meanspirited, he was being honest. Given that he is a friend of jk rowling, he probably was tired of the constant comparrison *of which there cant be one morally, because jk rowling is on a whole different level, and the books share nothing in common and are quite different* between jo and stephenie.
Rowling and stephenie have vastly different styles, and compairing the two is a insult to both, because you cant compare vastly different books fairly.
Now meyer needs to learn to accept legitimate critic that she needs alot of work, because for people like myself who are well read, its blatently obvious that she needs to learn to tighten her writing up if she wants to get close to the popularity of king or rowling, who count their books in the hundreds of millions, not the tens of millions.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:38 pm
When someone criticizes Stephenie Meyer like that I think they really haven’t read her books to any extent.It may be that he picked up one of her books and read something he didn’t like and went no further. The comment he makes about girls being afraid of sex and finding her books safe is silly.I think he is the one who is afraid of sex.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:39 pm
@warn
If King is tired of the comparisons between Meyer and Rowling then he needs to lash out at the media,not Meyer. She never had or never will compare herself to JK Rowling, and vice versa for Rowling. Even though I highly doubt that is the reason he made the comment. Besides he did Meyer a favor, with his comments he just doubled her book sales.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:51 pm
wtf!!!!!!1 i now officail hate stephen king.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:53 pm
Although I love Twilight, I gotta agree with King. I’ve been a fan of Harry Potter for a long time, and even though it was a great series with great characters, it was JKR’s writing that was really special. She interwove intricate plotlines, themes and symbolism into everything. With Twilight, I compare it to fanfiction. Stephenie Meyer is just giving what young girls want to read. And you know what? Most who defend her without even excepting other opinions are just young girls who really don’t understand great literature. You’ve got to face up to reality, yeah Twilight is awesome, but is it really a classic that will be read in English Lit classes in 50 years? What’s there to analyze and pick apart? It’s just a romance book.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:58 pm
I forgot to mention that Stephen King isn’t the only person to criticize Stephenie Meyer’s writing. He’s just the only prolific and more famous person to do it. Just google it.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:04 pm
If that’s his opinion he’s allowed to have it.
Not everyone has to like the same things.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:06 pm
This is all getting so ridiculous.
Someone above mentioned that Stephen King majored in Literature in college and is therefore better. I could be mistaken, but didn’t Stephenie also major in English Literature at BYU?
I’ll never understand why authors such as King are lauded for writing horror stories and think it an accomplishment to say the “F” word a gajillion times in a book. For someone who constantly feels the need to incessantly swear in their novels and write horror, and have the audacity to be an elitist snob, I think it’s pretty rich to be criticizing Stephenie Meyer’s abilities.
I don’t think Stephen King is a great author. I feel the same way about him that others feel about Stephenie: he appealed to a demographic and over the last 20 years has become famous…somehow…I equate it with the mind-boggling fame of Paris Hilton.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:10 pm
I’m just baffled as to why they asked him if he “paved the way” for Jo and Stephenie…
He writes adult horror novels.
They write Young Adult fantasy.
I fail to see a relation besides the fact that they are authors.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Yah, Yah… Stephen King has the right to say what he wants, but he should think a little before he speaks. He publicly slapped her in the face, and it was a really low blow.
You can like it or not, but don’t make someone feel crappy or stupid for liking something you don’t.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:16 pm
DEAR LINDSAY~
you are the lone voice of reason in this thread. ~don’t let the *~*~*haters*~*~* get you down~
with appreciation,
ontd
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:17 pm
I sincerely hope that nobody seriously considers the Twilight series to be high-quality examples of English literature. They’re an entertaining series of books that appeal to a targeted demographic, nothing more. King’s comments seem harsh, but they are true. Please do yourselves a favor and read books beyond the Twilight series; then we’ll talk.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:17 pm
I don’t think that there’s much that can be taken out of context here. I mean “Stephenie Meyer can’t write worth a darn. She’s not very good,” is pretty straightforward. While some say that if she couldn’t write then she’d never have gotten published, King writes about other authors like James Patterson and Jodi Picoult who can churn out novels like they’re some kind of machine and they’re very popular for that, but it does not make them good writers. He’s not so harsh on the Twilight books anyway, ” It’s exciting and it’s thrilling and it’s not particularly threatening because they’re not overtly sexual.” It’s not like he doesn’t understand why they’re so well liked. There’s obviously an element there that is captivating to Meyer’s audience, but it does not mean that she is a good writer. She’s decent and can obviously develop a good plot, but honestly, I think Mr. King has a point.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:21 pm
“Yah, Yah… Stephen King has the right to say what he wants, but he should think a little before he speaks. He publicly slapped her in the face, and it was a really low blow.”
smeyer should think a little (or, once in her life) before she writes.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:25 pm
I think the main point here is simply that King is critiquing Meyer’s writing in a literary context. Technically she is a poor writer. This has everything to do with training, experience, and ability. To be upset about the use of harsh language from a critic is to not fully understand a critic’s job. Critics don’t get paid, or become well known for being diplomatic. It is blunt statements that are noticed. If Stephenie is to become a writer she is going to need a thick skin.
That is not to say that she fails to tell a compelling story. I think that the number of books sold speaks to the fact that her story is compelling. Yet it is unlikely that 30 years down the road anyone will be referencing Meyer’s work as one of the great books of the decade, even in the YA category. Her books lack depth and fail to develop any real ideological or social statement.
Meyer’s work is not literature. People need to accept the Twilight series as what is has always been, cotton candy reading, sweet and sugary; a quick snack. You won’t be challenging brain cells with these novels.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:29 pm
My books bring people with taste to the yard,
and they’re like,
it’s better than yours,
damn right,
it’s better than yours,
because your “talent”,
is a big brain fart.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Those of you who are saying that you’re so mad at King, that he obviously doesn’t know good books, etc. aren’t being any better than he was when he made such a bold comment.
Quite frankly, I agree that Stephenie Meyer isn’t in the same league as JK Rowling. I’ve read all of Stephenie’s books, some a few times. Sure, they’re entertaining. I thought the Host was really touching. That’s my favourite Stephenie book. But there is a lot of skill lacking. I know, I know, “She never professed to be a skilled writer”. But you fans here are holding her up on a pedestal. But why get upset when authors who actually work on their technique and such comment upon Stephenie’s lack of technique? Learning to accept and make use of criticism is the hallmark of a good author - someone who cares about writing and is willing to hone their craft.
Hating on Stephen King for being honest (though bold) about his opinion as a veteran author who has worked on his craft through decades isn’t going to help Stephenie. I suppose there will always be fans who blindly love something, though. But being open to the possibility that, even though Stephenie wrote something that you like, she isn’t a very skillful author doesn’t mean you’re a bad fan, that you’re unintelligent, jealous, or stupid, though.
Fame has nothing to do with it. If an author loves writing and feels that this is their calling in life, books sold or money made won’t matter one bit if they love what they’re doing. It’s like any hobby or passtime - if you want to learn to play chess, are you content with being horrible and losing all the time, or do you want to improve? If you enjoy making music, are you content to not play smoothly and play the wrong notes? Chances are Stephenie already knows her shortcomings and is working on improving herself anyway.
I think we know enough about her to know that she’s not just doing this for the cash. She enjoys what she does and she wants to hone her skill. If she acknowledges that she has a lot to learn, then I think there’s no harm in us accepting that, too.
But yeah, Stephen King can be an elitist ass sometimes.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:40 pm
I’m so glad that most of the people here who have commented are level-headed enough to know the difference between good writing and a good story. I was afraid that it would be the same inane comments of how Stephen King sucks and Stephenie Meyer is this, that, and everything in between. I stand corrected! So I’m happy for that.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:42 pm
TWILIGHT KILLED ME
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:42 pm
Can people not have opinions anymore without belittling others? I mean seriously, we have are own opinions. Shut the hell up already. You aren’t going to change his views so whatever. >.<
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:43 pm
I LOVE TWILIGHT OMGZ!!~~~~~
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:45 pm
STOP MAKING ME LOOK BAD, TWILIGHT!!!!
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:47 pm
Reading this thread is both shocking and slightly annyoing, which is an odd combo for me.
1) NONE OF US KNOW EITHER AUTHORS! (except Pel and Alphie and possibly a few others of whom I am not aware, of course) We- as a whole- do not KNOW King or Meyer or what they feel about this or what they think, and this is getting a tad silly.
2) To those of you who arn’t between the ages of 12 and 15 and can’t think S.King is a BIG MEANIE. You are behaving like children, and you are part of the reason Twilight will always and forever be next to Judy Blume.
3) Lets just clear something up, no matter what you think about this: S.King has sold TONS more than S.Meyer, for whatever reason, and he has had numerous film adaptions and tv adaptions, etc, ect… Sorry to burst your bubble, but I really don’t think he has a reason to be envious.
4) TWILIGHT IS NOT A CLASSIC! IT iS NOT AMAZING! *le gasp! Did she really say that!?*
Yes, I did. I like the books, but this is beyond delusional; it is a good story, but it is NOT of the same caliber as many 21-century authors. Stop ranking S.Meyer with Anne Rice and William Faulkner and Emily Dickinson. There is NO comparison.
Yes, it is a good story. YES it is fun to read. YES I am happy its popular. YES I jhave seen the movie three times, BUT, I think we need to accept that its not some never-ending classic love story ranking with Romeo and Juliet, and thats OK- not everything has to be AMAZING to be worth the time to read.
LASTLY. S.Meyer is a big girl, she’s going to have to handle not being liked, and frankly if she can’t, (which seemes to be a problem for her here lately) then she’s going to have difficulty in the world of writing. It can be harsh and sometimes all you can do is hold your head high and get over it.
<3
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:48 pm
TWILIGHT GAVE ME THESE SCARS
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:50 pm
I had to read an excerpt on creative writing by Stephen King for my creative writing class. I don’t know why critics and authors view him as this godlike authority on all things literary. His excerpt was condescending and not in the least professional. As is his opinions on other authors. While he may be entitled to state some flaws he finds with Stephenie, or to mention that he isn’t a fan of her works, it is very high handed and conceited to make exaggerated put-downs. I’m not a fan of King, but I don’t turn around making mean comments about his ability to write. Oh, right. I’m not a best-selling-widely-revered-author-god. But if anyone’s wondering if he likes any other works of fiction or not, he DID review The Hunger Games overall positively (although he still was very picky about many things). So, yeah. Authors who are full of it bother me. That’s why I love Stephenie so much! She’s humble and grounded and essentially unchanged by her success. She’s the sort of person you’d want for a friend…plus her writing is personal to everyone for different reasons.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:52 pm
I just read the same post on one of my fave Potter sites and I must say I’m a tad disappointed. People (in general) have commented on the mistakes of the series. Well doesn’t that seem to be the editors fault?
And in my opinion Jo and Steph arecimpletely different types of writers. Steph is a character writer while Jo is more a plot centered writer.
They are different books entirely. Just because it’s not literature for the ages does that devalue someone’s enjoyment of the Saga?
Ten years ago Jo turned my generation back I to reading; now Steph is getting my sister and her friends to read.
It’s a pity really because I see far more animosity from my Potter friends and it makes me sad. They’ve got an amazing well known series and fandom going. Twilight is just getting into it’s stride; it’s like beating up your brother– hardly fair.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:53 pm
*Sorry…as ARE his opinions…
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:55 pm
Well, I see where he is coming from. I think the Twilight books are pretty good. I guess the reason we girls like it so much is because, secretly, we a part of us that really want that kind of a relationship. We all want an Edward, Jacob(who would be my choice!) , or so forth in our lives. Unfortuantly, boys can’t see that. Let’s hope that each on of us finds a Twi-guy!
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:55 pm
I don’t think anyone here is saying that the Twilight series is ‘up there’ with classic literature. But you certainly cannot say that Stephen King is comparable to “great literature.” He’s not writing things that are “great books of the decade” and I don’t recall him exemplifying “any real ideological or social statement” in his writing.
Its the elitist attitude that is everyone’s downfall.
I don’t only read the Twilight series; I’m currently reading Inkspell by Cornelia Funke and also am in the middle of a book about the 400 year history of women in America. Books are for the “3 E’s” as I like to say: education, edification, and entertainment.
I think it’s very narrow-minded of people to be criticizing what people choose to read. If someone happens to be a diehard fan of the Twilight series, more power to you (I consider myself a diehard fan). There are so many people who never read that somehow started reading Twilight and have opened up a world of words for themselves.
My husband, in the 8 years I have known him, hasn’t read a book. Because we went to the Twilight movie together, he decided he was going to read the series (I gasped). He devoured the series, then moved right on to devour Harry Potter. Now he has a list of books/series he’s slowly making headway through.
People just need to get their heads out of their asses and be glad that a whole generation of people are interested in reading again instead of spending mind-numbing hours in front of video games and endless TV shows. That should be something to rejoice.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:03 pm
Twilight made me racist.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:08 pm
THANK YOU, STEPHEN KING, THANK YOU.
He speaks the truth.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:11 pm
Wow, people are actually saying Stephen King doesn’t understand Twilight? STEPHEN KING doesn’t understand Twilight, but you do.
He wasn’t even saying anything bad about the story! Or the themes or the characters.. the lack of plots, nothing! He said her writing isn’t as good as JK Rowlings, which is true.
I think alot of the Twilighters need to take a deep breath.. and maybe good read something a bit more intelligent. Twilight is great, I love it, but it’s not deep and meaningful and it’s not mindblowing or original (Dracula can go out in the day time too and Daylight vampires don’t have fangs they have spines on the tops of their mouths.. glittery vampires are nothing compared to some of the vampire lit I’ve seen)
Twilight isn’t the best thing out there, it’s not even close to some of SK’s work. I think he has more than earnt the right to give his opinion on other peoples writing anyway.
And anybody who thinks he just can’t wrap his mind around the twisted and complicated story in the Twilight saga needs to go back to school and stick to relearning the alphabet.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:11 pm
@Devon061381
PREACH ON! I agree with you 100%.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:26 pm
Ahahahaha wow. Most of the comments here just made my faith in the human race as a cognitive species go down exponentially. I do hope some of you are being facetious. Or maybe this is just what happens when you give vacuous thirteen-year-olds internet access.
Look, listen. I know I’m a little biased on this because I grew up on Anne Rice, so I’m going to be elitist about these things. But ever since Rice retired, so to speak, we’ve all been waiting for someone to pick up the ball in the contemporary vampire fiction genre, and no one’s really been able to do it successfully. We’re disappointed that all these cookie-cutter vampire stories are coming out of the woodwork and they all look the same, and they’re all equally lame.
Whatever. I actually don’t know where I was going with this. I guess what I meant to say was Stephen King > Stephenie Meyer. And I don’t even *like* Stephen King. So this is coming from a purely objective standpoint.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:26 pm
@Joanna: King said Picoult was an excellent writer (which she is) and that she is very popular as well, which is terrific for her. He said Patterson can’t write, but is still very popular, just like he said about Meyer. I personally agree with his assessment of all the authors he critiqued. I’ve never been able to get through any Patterson book, but I least I was able to read the Twilight series. Overall I agree with your comment.
DEAR ONTD,
I love you, plz have my bbs.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:33 pm
All you Muggles who have enmity towards Twilight and Stephenie Meyer, even though her name is spelled funny, need to calm yourselves. I read and immensely enjoyed Twilight, and everyone knows how intelligent I am.
Please, take my word for it: Twilight is a work of literary genius that not even I could hope to overcome.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:36 pm
Dear Lindsay,
you are awesome. that was excellent. seriously you basically made every point. I love you for that comment. stephen king and basically most authors out there > than stephanie meyer. for realz that was an awesome post. keep it up
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:42 pm
Dear twilight fans:
No.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:44 pm
ARE YOU PEOPLE INSANE?!?!?!? THIS IS STEPHEN KING!!!! STEPHEN MOTHER EFFING KING!!!!!!!! You do NOT insult him nor do you question his judgment.
Unbelievable…
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:49 pm
WOW! I am a fan of twilight and harry potter and I was just reading some of the comments about this article on a HP fan site. Most of the comments agreed with King. Many of them said there were a lot of errors in the books which is funny because that is the editor’s fault not stephaine’s. They also said that that they read the beginning of twilight and “wanted to throw it across the room” which is sad because I hated the first 50 pages of twilight but the rest is great so they missed out.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:52 pm
Stephen King has been an author longer than Stephenie, so his experience trumps hers about a thousand times. Maybe she’ll take his criticism and improve her writing.
Everyone is acting as if this was a personal attack against them.
Do you cry and complain when your teacher/coach tells you that you can do better?
Maybe Stephen King is right, but I don’t think he meant in in a cruel way. He is just stating what he thinks. He has every right to. Don’t you and your coworkers talk about the people you worth with in such away? Don’t lie. You know you do.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:56 pm
@Gwen:
you said exactly everything i felt about this whole situation. Writer and artist are alot alike we get better with more practice and over time. Stephanie is a great writer but you can always be better. Just imagine what she created for all of us with her little experience. With a little more experience who knows where she will take us again. And when that time comes i’ll be there in line with the rest of yall to buy another series of hers that not only moves the heart but the imagination as well!
February 4th, 2009 at 12:00 am
After reading through all of the above comments, I must say that I am impressed with the maturity some people have shown. I have stated my opinion a time or two on this blog and have been blasted for it. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, you do not have to agree with it, but at least respect the fact that their opinion is their right.
Stephenie Meyer calls herself a story teller, she knows that the Twilight books are not literary masterpieces. There is no arguement there. Obviously it is the story that made Twilight big, not the writing. Though I do consider myself well-read I was not distracted by the literary short comings of the Twilight series because the story was so captivating.
I respect the fact that other people have not fallen in love with the Twilight books in the same way I have. I was horrified with the way the movie turned out (it is still eating at me), but it seems like many fans loved it. Do I understand how any could walk away from seeing the movie and think it was decent? No, I definately do not. But as I stated above, we are all entitled to our own opinion.
Some people need to chill out.
February 4th, 2009 at 12:01 am
To the people saying that anyone is a better writer than Stephenie Meyer — Why do you come on a FAN site dedicated to her books?
And I really take offense to people who indicate that those of us who enjoy Twilight are less intelligent than those who did not.
I am not a stupid person. Not even close. I am also not 12. Not even close.
And I have read a few books by Stephen King and thoroughly enjoyed. And clearly King’s writing is at a higher reading level than Meyer’s — his books are written for adults. Meyer’s are not.
I like both Meyer and King. It is possible. I read so many different books, at so many different levels of reading. To me a book (especially fiction) is meant to entertain someone — if it does that, then it is a success.
And even as a Twilight fan — I will agree with others, I do not believe King is jealous of Meyer, he is definitely very successful himself (I am still terrified of clowns because of IT, at the age of 21). He is just opinionated and has no problem sharing his opinion in a blunt manner (lots of people are like this in the world).
And having a job where you are critiqued such as a writer or an actor(actress), one must learn to take the opinion of others with a grain of salt. Not everyone will like someone/something — that’s a fact of life. So I think Stephenie Meyer will be okay if she reads this.
I also agree with the site Mods that we should perhaps wait for the full article before making too many severe judgments. Many times things are taken out of context.
February 4th, 2009 at 12:05 am
THANK YOU MEL
that was stated perfectly
February 4th, 2009 at 12:06 am
mel i agree
February 4th, 2009 at 12:09 am
Can I just say that just because you have a degree in English that does not make you any more qualified to critique or write than any other person? English is an easier major ( no offence) that is filled with biased teachers and students. I got a minor in English (because it is easy, and because I love reading) so I have some experience in the subject and the people in the field.
I do not care if Stephen King majored in Literature, I do not care if Stephenie Meyer majored in Literature, and I do not care if you are an English teacher. At the end of the day, good writing is good writing and bad writing is just that…whether you have a degree backing you up or not.
Anyway, if you have a degree in English or Literature, or whatever…good for you but please do not place yourself or anyone else on a pedistal.
February 4th, 2009 at 12:13 am
@Mel: therein lies the difference, I suppose. For you, a successful book is one that entertains, period. For me, a successful book inspires thought and emotion.
I’m not insulting anybody for liking Twilight, I’m just asking that they please read books other than Twilight before telling me that Stephenie Meyer is a ~master writer~. Frankly, those who claim her to be the “greatest writer of our generation” just make me really sad.
February 4th, 2009 at 12:17 am
I’ve never read SKing’s books (I get scared easily), but I know he’s a fantastic author. As a Twilight fan and major hardcore Harry Potter fan, I’m just glad someone widely respected in the literary world had the guts to point out the very correct difference between JK and Smeyer.
And I know a lot of Twilight fans tell non-fans that they shouldnt bash the series because theyre not best-selling authors…well, that argument is officially MOOT.
February 4th, 2009 at 12:29 am
I kind of have to agree with King. I read the books after seeing the movie (which I saw twice in theaters - hence why I would come to a Twilight fan site) and was pretty disappointed in Meyer’s writing. I finished all four books in 10 days, which is incredibly fast for me, because the story was great, but I couldn’t help but think what the story could have been in the hands of a more capable writer. I think of the author as more of a person who stumbled on a good story than an actual writer.
February 4th, 2009 at 1:13 am
im actually reading mr. Stephen King’s scariest novel THE SHINING and after reading an article about his (very harsh) comment on SM being a-not-so-good-writer, i thought it was very unprofessional of him to address her rudely in front of the media, of course he is well renowned and his books give you creeps but man, are you “that” insecure?
February 4th, 2009 at 1:39 am
I hardly post on this site, but I feel I should share a little input since everybody else is
I’ll be the first to tell you that I’m not a hardcore reader like most people on the site. In fact, with the way my life is, I’m surprised to read the name on my paycheck every other week, lol.
Anyway, I’m can’t say a whole lot about the literary stand point of the books, because honestly I could care less (I’m very laid back). Reading a book is about losing yourself in a story and not being concerned about grammar and spelling and etc. Now keep in mind, I’m not saying that none of that is important, because it is. But to flat out say that (basically) somebody’s writing stinks…that’s a bit much.
I mean, SK could have been like “Well, her writing style is a bit messy” or “She needs a little work on some of her techniques”…that’s what’s called constructive criticism. I know he’s been a writer for some time, and people put him high above others, but lets face it - SK is ahead of himself. And then to compare her to JK is getting beyond boring. *le sigh*
All I know is that by the end of the day, I (as the consumer), have a choice to either buy a book with good grammar or buy a book with good storytelling. I, personally, go for the storytelling (I’m not a fan of books that throw words with no meaning to the story whatsoever) - so why don’t we just look past all the flaws and stop being so negative.
Enjoy the story. That’s all.
February 4th, 2009 at 1:48 am
boobies
February 4th, 2009 at 1:55 am
say what you want, but stephen king (though prolific) isn’t a great writer or, it seems, a very good critic. TOLSTOY is a great writer. MARQUEZ, now that’s a great writer. king is a hack with a contract. rowling and stephenie tell good stories, particularly for young audiences (not to mention both came from nowhere to be literary hits). but stephenie had the audacity to write from her own imagination and rework a tired stereotype, and some people just can’t handle that. stephen king i guess is one of them. but he should leave the young girl psychoanalysis out of it because dude’s *never* known how to write any woman, let alone one with some semblance of morals.
February 4th, 2009 at 2:19 am
I honestly don’t think his statement was that bad. I’ve never really read anything by Stephen King, but my best friend is a HUGE fan of his and also happens to like Twilight.
I think he said it just fine. It was his opinion. I don’t think people SAY their opinions enough as it is. If somebody isn’t a joy to work with, why say they are? If somebody, in your opinion, isn’t a great writer, why lie?
He didn’t say she sucked and blah blah blah. He said that he didn’t think she wrote very well. Yeah, he phrased it as if it were a fact, but so what? He didn’t BASH her. If I read the rest of his statement correctly, he acknowledged that her approach to sexuality and the likes was very positive.
I think the issue is that JK and Stephen have a similar writing style (at least, I’m assuming). They probably have a very classical, eloquent feel to them. Stephenie is more modern and it shows.
In the end, don’t ‘write him off’ as an elitist jerk just because his opinions differ from ours.
February 4th, 2009 at 2:26 am
Lexine, you’re right. I totally forgot how JK didn’t use her imagination at all when writing the HP books. How flukey was it that they all matched up right?
I don’t know why everybody insists that Stephenie has been so original with her vampire mythology. The only part of her mythology that I haven’t already read in at least four other vampire books is the glittering part. Everything else has been done long before, even if the books aren’t as famous.
Stephenie just made up her own vampire mythology, then wrote that into the world she was already familiar with and used other already classic books to help move her plot along.
What audacity indeed.
February 4th, 2009 at 2:27 am
“Twilight” is great if you’re a middle-school female, or think like one.
For everyone else, it’s embarrassing. And you embarrass yourself if you are an adult and read that sort of stuff.
February 4th, 2009 at 2:34 am
@icklefanfan: I would have to agree that a good story also inspires emotion. And I also agree that people should definitely do a lot of reading from many different authors before claiming that someone is “the greatest writer of our generation.” I also thank you for making it clear you are not insulting Twilight fans
I know that not every person who is not a Twilight fan has the line of thinking that I was talking about in my earlier post.
Is Stephenie’s writing perfect - no; I also don’t think I can judge this too harshly because neither is my writing - which is why I haven’t taken an English course since gr12. Was the story a good one - I think so. I understand that others do not, that’s okay. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
@tara: I retract my previous comment asking why people who did not enjoy Stephenie Meyer’s writing would come to a site dedicated to her books. I’ll admit I never thought of people who were strictly movie fans and the fact that the Lex always has up-to-date information on the movies/cast. I apologize:)
February 4th, 2009 at 2:41 am
Can someone flag me as abusive?
February 4th, 2009 at 3:39 am
I am 27 the people that recommended the book to me were also in that age and older. So sorry Mr. King but it’s not just teenagers reading these books. Oh did I metion that i’m married with three kids and I love these books I hope that my kids will like them too if they choose to read them when they get older. Also I am a reader. I have read many books ranging from all styles. Never been a fan of vampires but let me tell you I became a fan when Stephenie Meyers wrote about them!
February 4th, 2009 at 3:59 am
P.S. I read Jane Austin to my 6 month old daughter! As long as people are reading does it matter. Reading opens up your imagination,vocabulary, comprehension, and so forth so wether it’s Austin, Rowling, or Meyer, READING is what counts the most!
February 4th, 2009 at 4:05 am
Are half you people idiots? I read the first 10 comments and couldn’t believe it.
And successful movie? Are you people seriously saying he has not had a successful movie made from his books? What do you call “The Green mile” or “Hearts in Atlantic”? Both critically acclaimed and have won numerous awards. Oh, and there is more I can list. Not too mention even the bad ones have had more respect given to them than what I’ve given to “twilight”’s reception.
Not to mention the countless huge success of mini-series for television he has done. “The Stand” and “kingdom Hospital”, just to name a few. Not to mention how the were receptive and the response to them.
And teenagers not reading Stephen King, I’m sorry, but I’ve known more teenagers who actually enjoyed well written horror books who were reading his books.
And for you people saying he’s being mean, that has to be the nicest criticism I have ever read. If she can not take an critique on her work, then she should not put it out there for it to be read and to receive criticism. The only way anyone can grow and get better their craft is with both good and bad criticism. It is knowing what is bad to be improved that makes you become better and knowing what is good and expanding on it that also makes you become better. If all you ever hear is how amazing you are, you will never grow as a person, author or anything.
February 4th, 2009 at 4:10 am
King has a point. Stephanie needs MAJOR improvements on her writing skills.
February 4th, 2009 at 4:18 am
Akasha, I couldn’t have said it any better.
At least he was being mature about it, it’s not like he was saying “What is this piece of crap?”
He is simply giving his opinion and saying the Stephanie Meyer is not a good writer.
Stephanie has openly bashed Wuthering Heights on a forum,(and not very maturely, I might add.) so how is this very different?
February 4th, 2009 at 4:32 am
I’m German and I have read JKRs Stephenies an some of Stepens books in english and german and I can only say, that there are many different styles and I didn’t like Stephens at all. JKR is in my opinion better than Stephenie in writing, but they are both GREAT storytellers. Stephenie has her weaknesses. Sometimes a timeline doesn’t fit, sometimes there is something not very logical but that doesn’t change the fact, that I really, really love their books. And I’m not a teenager at all. Is it that bad, that a simple touch can make you blush? It isn’t that Edward and Bella didn’t move on from that.
I remember very well how Stephen describes relationships, desire, love, women, men and sex in his books and mostly there are many, many swearwords and details involved, which are completely unnecessary. Of course he can tell us all his opinion but he should see that not only giggly teenagers or desperate housewives read Stephenies books.
February 4th, 2009 at 4:37 am
While I have yet to read Wuthering Heights, I know it’s something of a masterpiece, and well it’s not in my normal realm of literature, but for her to openly bash something so immaturely and then for this, is amazing, I just must say.
For all forms of criticism I have seen or read, it’s rather nice, helpful and a good jumping point for one to improve on.
He was asked for an opinion and gave it. Nothing more than that. I hope that people understand that and can see where he is coming from.
February 4th, 2009 at 4:42 am
*sigh* Twilighters you need to check the book you are into. Meyer fail so much.
February 4th, 2009 at 4:58 am
Ahh, the sore spot.
Do you know that literally anyone can be an author and write books? As long as one have imagination and able to dream, you can produce a book. To have it published is another matter altogether.
Then comes the ‘having readers’ for your book. You have to worry about critics and fans. Do you want your book to seat on the shelves or flying off them?
I respect authors because that’s something I’ll not become in my life. I don’t have the hard-heartedness that is needed when you become an author.
Since they are both in the same profession, I think it’s unwise and not very nice for King to say that about Meyer. It’s just like speaking ill of a co-worker, but in this case, they are propbably rivals in the market.
We all have to admit, Meyer’s books sells, at least for now. What the future holds, no one knows(unless you are Alice).
Budding authors are appearing every day. Soon, their books may take over the popular ones now and vice versa. It’s a tough world out there.
Whoever says vampires burn instead of sparkle. Well, this is what I wrote when I saw an news article about this matter.
No one knows what a vampire looks like to begin with. So whether he/she should dressed in black cape and lingered around in back alleys or dressed in fashionable clothes and drive fast cars, no one knows. Unless, you met one before, but, then again, you probably won’t be here.
It’s the same case as aliens, are they supposed to have web-feet or 3 eyes and speak in gibberish? So, who is right and who is wrong?
The same goes to wizards. Are they suppose to hold a wand and “wish” for something they want or do spells and hexes the hard way?
It’s fantasy. That’s why it appeals. In the fiction/fantasy world, anyone can be anything. It’s a world people escaped into, be it into one where you find your true love, or do spells and be the hero or get capture by out-of-the-world creatures.
Yes, Meyer’s books may not be that wonderful in the grammer/spelling aspect but that’s not really her fault is it? Who don’t make mistakes in their compositions and essays? While normal people can have spell check, she has an editor and publishing team behind her. Need I say more?
Also, someone says the story will be much more if another person thought it up. That’s the wonder of the mind and the way life goes. Life isn’t fair.
If anyone can thought it up, who needs books? Everyone can sell and publish their own books by then.
PS: I’m way past the childish 12-year-old line.
February 4th, 2009 at 5:38 am
I love Twilight but Stephen is right.
Meyer’s writing is not in any way close to the par of other authors.
just because it’s a book about vampires for those under the age of 15, its like Miley Cyrus she is famous via majority.
If it wasn’t Twilight, it would have been something else. But Twilight-Fans, do not ever delude yourself into thinking Kings comments were out of place. The man hit the nail on the head and you just have to suck it up and deal with it….like the mature people you all *obviously* are.
February 4th, 2009 at 5:41 am
Yes, King’s comment was blunt and, IMO, too harsh. But I can see where he’s coming from. True, Twilight is an entertaining read, but Jo excels in every area. The plot, characterization, themes, etc., are all far more developed and sophisticated.
But, again, King was truly too direct and I’m sure he exaggerated.
But everyone needs to just calm down. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and this just happens to be the opinion of someone more successful and well-known. Doesn’t mean he’s a better judge.
February 4th, 2009 at 5:53 am
i think it’s rather bold of stephen king to say that stephenie is a terrible writer. at least she never wrote about some mist with deadly creatures in it that took over the city casusing the main character to kill off his own son! i totally agree with #33, he’s just old and jealous because her books are the hottest ones out there right now. i also agree with #150 about the grammar. she has an editing team that should have caught those errors and they didn’t. king shouldn’t blame her entirely for something someone else missed.
February 4th, 2009 at 6:10 am
another thing….those of you who have commented badly on stephenie’s writing and say you don’t like her, i have one question…what are you doing on a site about her and her books?!
February 4th, 2009 at 6:12 am
I’ve been a fan of Stephen King for a very long time. But after reading a lot of his novels, I feel like they’re all the same. He always has the same characters with flaws and terrible past of some kind. I agree that Stephenie is still a new writer, and she has much to learn, but it’s not nice to say that she’s terrible!
February 4th, 2009 at 6:17 am
hey, danielle, don’t use the mist as an example if you haven’t read the book. cujo would have been better, the kid actually died in that one. the boy survived the mist, but they killed him off in the movie. however, the kid in cujo died in the book, but survived in the movie.
read something before offering criticism (or at least the wiki for it, damn)
The comments are now off on this thread due to incoming trolling from people claiming to be from the ONTD community. whatever points you have when they are laced with profanity and stated under multiple names ( repeats on the IP) they cease to be productive. We have better things to do than deal with incoming harassment.
February 4th, 2009 at 7:41 am
ok. he didn’t say she’s terrible. he said “(she) can’t write worth a darn.” and he’s right. she’s got the vocabulary of a junior high student eager to show off the fact that she just learned a new word (all the spell checking and proof reading in the world aren’t doing to help you when you’re favorite words are chagrin and dazzle). her descriptions are repetitive and boring and her characters lack development and chemistry. that said, her story speaks to people because they can identify with it (kinda, not really, but they like to think they do). her writing is fairly straight forward, beating you over the head with her point.as opposed to king, who’s more esoteric with his writing (the mist wasn’t about monsters in a mist, it was about paranoia and the monsters within ourselves, and again, the kid lived, hope survived, mankind struggles on)
but, we’re all entitled to an opinion, no one is stupid for voicing theirs, as long as they are willing to be educated as to why their opinion may be invalid. personally i like the twilight books, but i think they’re crap. the literary equivalent of a twinkie. and stephen king thinks so too. big deal. put on your big girl panties, suck it up and say “thanks for your thoughts, mr. king, now kindly blow it out your ass.”
February 16th, 2009 at 8:57 am
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