Hero Complex: 'Twilight' fans get emotional

Quite a few Hero Complex readers have more respect for the characters in the "Twilight" series than for the author who created them.  Author Stephenie Meyer has taken a lot of flack from fans for her decision to discontinue writing "Midnight Sun," "her planned retelling of 'Twilight' from the teenage vampire Edward's perspective," after a draft leaked on the Internet. Judging by the reader comments, it seems that the series must be especially popular among the preteen girl crowd.

puh shaw called Meyer "a frakkin' drama queen!!"

Brooke agreed: "i think she is being a little over dramatic. she needs to chill for a while, but get back to writing! she cant just say, sorry guys, my life is to depressing, im just not gonna do it."

Amirah had a creepy suggestion: "Can someone please call, email, stalk her and tell her she must write Midnight Sun...I think Im gonna cry, we just want to know what edward is thinking when he is in the Meadow with Bella and then when he stays at her house. I'm gonna cry!"

cat wrote: "Her temper tantrum doesn't make me sorry, it makes me think less of her. Fall Out Boy had a whole album released early on the net, did they throw a hissy fit and refuse to finish and release the album? No."

Hero Complex reported that it has been a rough year for Meyer, especially after the backlash to the final book in the "Twilight" series, "Breaking Dawn." The mere mention of this backlash caused Twilightfan's denial to kick in: "SHUT UP THEIR WAS NO BACKLASH ON BREAKING DAWN ! LA TIMES YOU CAN BE STUPID SOMETIMES ! AND YES I'M SAD BUT I HAVE FAITH STEPHENIE WILL WRITE IT EVENTUALLY JUST GIVE HER TIME AND REST !"

Many of the readers acted as if they knew Meyer personally, leaving the kinds of snotty comments usually reserved for schoolyard bullies. 

Steven wrote: "Stephenie is too full of herself."

jenn would make for a tough publisher: "what a big baby! she should grow up and do her job as a writer and write."

Melanie wrote: "Me=going through shock.*Cry*Come on, Stephenie, you can't do this to us! I apologize, but my opinion of you just dropped :(" 

But Desiree had a more intelligent tactic. Instead of insulting Meyer, she tried flattery: "I really don't believe she would start something and not finish it! I don't think she would really dissipoint her fans like that either! I LOVE ALL HER BOOKS!! Stephanie Meye is a wonderful writer! STEPHANIE WE ALL LOVE YOU!!! <3"

Smart move, Desiree. Want to weigh in? Share your thoughts here or in the original story. 

-- Amy Silverstein

Comments

[Loyalty]

truthfully, i think that Stephenie Meyer will do what she decides to do on the writing and/or finishing of Midnight Sun. No matter what the story will be continued if it is just in the fans heads..... hopefully though when she decides to write M.S. she will do an amazing job of letting Edward's POV through........ i think that with a little bit of time, reasurrance and reassesment, our story will continue (or in this case backtrack)

[Kim]

I am very interested & excited to see the Edward book published, I loved all of these books just like the rest of the world, but to sit here and read these mean spirited things about the author Stephenie Meyer, that is just wrong.
without her, Stephenie and her wonderful mind, you would never have been taken into that wonderful dream of Edward & Bella. I feel she has a right to be upset, and I am sorry that this person betrayed Stephenie and the rest of us. I hope with time she will put her loyal vans first and finish Midnight Sun, so I can place it along side my collection of Twilight.
Thank you Stephenie for all you have given us. Kim M

[Laura]

Writing such a long involved story is such an amazing thing to accomplish. I can not even fathom creating something like the twilight saga. I am very disappointed by the prospect that Midnight Sun may never be finished but I would never think less of Stephenie Meyer if she isn't able to do it. The reaction these young girls are having to her situation is even more disappointing than anything else.

[ily]

I have to admit that I am a little dissapointed, but it's not up to the readers...it's up to the writer. And if she thinks that right now isn't the right time to do this then that is her choice...I have faith that she will come through either way. I don't think we should be putting her down like that, look at all the wonderful books she's already written...give her props to that, not to the fact that she may not write another one just yet.

[guy]

stephenie started writing the twilight series for fun don't push her, even though I am pretty upset about it too. look if you don't like it write your own frigin books!

[Vanessa Rodriguez]

Personally, I don't see what all the hype is about. I don't think Stephanie Meyer is that great of a writer. Yes she might of had a good starting idea but her writing style was simplistic and boring. My advice is maybe she shouldn't write her retelling of Twilight. Instead she should take sometime to reflect before she puts out another crappy book like Breaking Dawn. She started okay and then just went downhill from there. Maybe fans should just get over it and give the writer her time. Maybe then she'll come out with some quality work. Even if it takes longer. Music artists do it all the time they write a whole album and than don't put it out. And than write another and put that one out. Green Day for example. Get over it find some other vampire books to read. Some advice start at Anne Rice.

[Alice]

No way - people should have more respect for the author who created the twilight universe. It's too brilliant! As upset as I am about no midnight sun (believe me, if there was a twilight mental ward, i'd commit myself) I sympathize with Stephenie and hideously angry at whoever ruined our fun! fans can't call themselves fans saying rotten things about Meyer.

[bethany]

It sounds like most of you are being the big babies over this. The ones who are not are smart for respecting her privacy, which might get her to actually finish the draft. I would not blame her if she did not want to finsh her story. After having crowds lining up to read her other highly anticipated novels it would surely be a let down to know no one is anticipating this book because they will just read it illegally over the internet. I would be happy that she put the draft up for others to read in the first place. I would also like to set a reminder that she was writing twilight for herself so she does not owe anybody a new book.

[Malia]

I think SM is just burned out of vampires and the fans. She really did acquire a high maintenance, highly fickle group of admirers who have a love hate relationship with her. Many seem see her as a girl next door writer of sorts, since her writing style is quite accessible. So many fans loved because they thought, "hey, I could maybe do what she did actually." That feeling of being on her level is hat brings on a lot of mischief. Many see her on familial terms; and with family, when someone angers you, sometimes you smack family upside the head! There's a definite blurred line there with fans, where they feel close enough and equal enough with her to basic complain or wheedle or fawn or chastize the way you would do with your sister or cousin. Not some stranger writer you've never met. Stephenie Meyer, this is your life!

[maria]

I can't imagine the stress her meteoric rise to fame has taken on her and her family. All those book tours, being consultant on the movie, trying to meet publisher's deadlines and still try to take care of her husband and kids. Think of the stress a regular mom has to deal with - Stephanie's got to have stress in spades! Then, there's all the nasty comments those selfish people make regarding the books she's poured her heart into; I'm sure it's disheartening. I'd like to see one of those critics write something as successful or entertaining as these books. After all that, to then be betrayed by having her unfinished work dispersed without her consent, it's got to be exasperating. With all that to deal with, I don't blame her for wanting to give up the limelight (and the Twilight series) to spend more time with her family and other projects. As much as I love the Twilight world, I'd be interested to see what other stories Stephanie comes up with.

[Christina]

Hey, its her life and her book. She can do whatever she wants. How do people (kids even) get off telling her how to run her life? I'm sad she's put it on hold, but she did NOT say that she wouldn't come back to it. She just needed a break. We should be happy we've gotten so much from her so fast. Harry Potter came out over a string of 10 years! I think we are lucky if she writes anything else. She's not obligated to us for anything. True fans should offer support in these tough times, not complaints.

[Rose]

I have mixed feelings about this turn of events. I am a 32 year old woman- who has always been infactuated with vampires. When a good friend of mine turned me on to the series, I was hooked immediately. I read through the series like a woman possessed.

Although at times, I did not like where Stephenie was taking us at times (I will admit I am not a fan of the character 'Jacob Black') I admired her for exploring all angles, and writng TRUTHFULLY. I believe she ended 'Breaking Dawn' very well-so that all fans were happy.

HOWEVER, I am shocked that she has discontinued her writing of 'Midnight Sun', especially after she promised on her own site that we would have Edwards version o his 1st year okknowing Bella. If her decision was based on the fact that a segment was posted on the net....then that is a very diva-ish, spoiled-brat attitude. From how supportive her fans had been to her, it is a GREAT dis-service to those of us who have supported her. She should make good onher promise.

As a writer myself, I know how difficult it can be to continue writing a story no matter how badly you want it told. Various reasons, writers block, uncertantiy- but when you know a story needs to be told...you do go back to it. It can also be that Stephenie is simply burnt out from the hoopla of 'Twilight' and needs time to just recharge her batteries and chill with her family. She does have a personal life. I just hope that one day (soon) we do get one more glimpse of the vampires we have come to know and love.

[Rachel]

I support Stephenie in what ever decision she decides to make. My hope is that one day, she will remember how much she misses writing Edward's POV. She will be compelled to finish it, but right now she is just upset. Until that day comes, I think Stephenie deserves a long vacation with her family.

[Nikita]

I am disappointed that she would give up that quickly on something. But if she wants to finish it, she will. And if she doesn't want to finish, that's her decision. I think that, as Twilight fans, we should respect her choice and NOT freak out. I'll admit that I was sad when she announced it, but if she thinks its the best choice, then don't complain, because this was what she deemed best of the sake of the story and the series.
All in all... I'm neutral in all this.

[StephDC]

I think Stephenie is doing what she thinks is right. She is hurt and needs time to heal.. It is also her decision if she wants to finishing writing Midnight Sun or not. And in no way am I put out with her. I am just so grateful for the other 4 wonderful books that she has already brought into my life. I am in a way disappointed that she is putting it off, but I think in a while Stephenie will eventually get back to Edward's story and I will be one of the people standing in line to get it.

[Ana]

I think Stephenie Meyer is a great author. The Twilight series has helped my daughter so much. My daughter has a terrible case of dyslexia, which she inherited from me. I couldn't get my daughter to read a book "for fun" because of her fear of reading. Thanks to Stephenie Meyer and her books, I've had the huge pleasure to see my daughter excited about reading. Her grades have improved, her reading and reading comprehension has improved, so no matter what these evil and hateful people say about Stephenie Meyer I will always defend her. She changed our lives!!!!!
I am sad that we wont be able to read Midnight Sun, but I don't blame her. After all those so called "Fans" have put her through in the last few weeks, I think she needs to just get away and re-think things. Its not worth it, not to put up with all the abuse and betrayal.
You can read some of the mean and ignorant things right on this page, people saying she can't write, etc. I would like to ask those people that always criticize her writing, How many books have you guys published so far??? and how many have been at #1???? Exactly!!! until you people write a book and its as successful as the Twilight Saga or as The Host, please keep your bitter mouths closed.
Don't you bitter and envious people realize that because of your abuse towards Stephenie Meyer is that we are in this mess. She is human like all of us, those things have to affect her. Use your brains people. Instead of having a huge temper tantrum over Midnight Sun not being published "for now" take a deep breath and take a good look in the mirror. Stephenie Meyer is the author of these books, she's not our slave. Her fans don't own her and she doesn't owe us anything!!!!!! So get off your high horse and leave the woman alone.

She is a very talented, kind and wonderful woman. She needs time away from it all. She's not one to hold a grudge. Once this is out of her system and she's healed she will finish it... We need to give her time to be human.

To the people that keep attaching Stephenie Meyer, stop being so obsessive compulsive!!! if you don't like her, don't read her books. Why the persecution???? if you go to a store and you don't like a shirt, you don't stand next to said shirt for months and scream to every person that walks by that you don't like that shirt. That would be crazy, right. Same thing... If you don't like her. Then leave the people that like her alone and go read something else. For example... Nicholas Sparks has a book coming out or maybe Ellen Hopkins might be right up your alley. But don't be so obsessive compulsive and keep following her and her fans around just to let everyone know you don't like her. That's crazy!!!!

[ANNABELLA]

I just read in the TBT that she is putting her book on hold indefinitely...that seriously pisses me off...i mean i paid $25 per book to not get the whole saga..
Its only a partical posting...the only place I read it on was her website..so how is it fair to all her fans not to publish the last book?..I understand she is upset she put all this work into and its just leaked but still...grow up and publish it...
If she doesnt publish the last book I will no longer buy any of her books..this is why I dont read series books..the author always makes it about them and not about the fans...

[Emily]

I really really hope that Stephenie decides to continue the story, and that it can come out atleast in the next 2 or maybe even 3 years. Cause i would just feel really awful and hollow inside if she decided to just not finish it all...

[Nostalgicmiss]

Honestly, this has all gotten out of control. I don't understand why people continue to berate Stephenie Meyer when she was the one who was violated. I understand it's disappointing, believe me I right there with the rest of the fans on that, but do they really think insulting her makes her want to continue writing?
I know I sure as hell wouldn't, reading some of the comments that are floating around out there I wouldn't bother.
In truth, I think she will finish it eventually, she just needs a little time to collect her thoughts, if she chooses to write a different story entirely for now, so be it, perhaps it will give her the incentive she needs to finish.
For now though, her fans need to be supportive, instead of looking at their selfish needs, they need to step in SM's shoes and realize just how offensive this really is.
I for one, support Stephenie no matter what she chooses to do. I just hope she realizes that there are plenty of fans who think like me out here.

[Isabel]

I love Stephenie Meyer and all her books. My favorite book is The Host, but I also like The Twilight Series.
I believe we need to give Stephenie a bit of time to spend with her family and get over all the verbal abuse some "so called fans" have send her way. With fans like that who need enemies!!!!! I understand fans have the right to dislike an author's book. I also know you have the right to voice your opinion, but how you do it makes a huge difference. I didn't like New Moon that much. But, I didn't over react and have a huge temper tantrum about it, I didn't go online and make an ass of myself just becaus I didn't like New Moon. Things in life have to be handled with respect and maturity and I do believe that's the one thing these "fans" are lacking.
She's had so much to deal with, I don't blame her one bit. I do think she will end up finishing Midnight Sun, one day. Once this calms down. She's not one to stay angry (I've been told)
She's a very nice person, lets give her time and she will get over this.

[enaid]

Stephenie has said numerous times that she didn't write these books for anybody but herself. Also, writing takes a huge emotional toll because authors put so much of themselves into the book/story/screenplay/whatever. My husband is a writer, and he has told me many times that if someone reads something he's working on before he's ready, he can't continue, it dies for him. People who think that she is being a "baby" about this and that she "needs to get over herself" obviously have no idea what it takes to write and pour your soul out for everyone to see. I feel nothing but sympathy for her and I hope that someday she will be able to go back to it with a fresh outlook.

[kay]

It's not fair to Edward for him to not be able to share his story! We love you Stephenie and we love Edward please please PLEASE finish Midnight Sun!!!!

[Jen]

Everyone needs to back off. Stephenie has other jobs too, like raising three little boys. She needs a break and is hurt deeply by the person who violated her trust. She may possibloy even be hurt by her fans who are being so judgemental and whiney. Come on, without her we would have no Edward, Bella or Jacob. We should all be cheering her on, not being mean to her.

[Charity]

I think that Stephenie will definitely finish Midnight sun eventually. I read the chapters on her website and think they are her masterpiece. It is fantastic. There is absolutely no reason that anyone who read those chapters would not pay an arm and a leg to read the rest. I would pay for a printed copy of the 12 chapters alone! The book is that good!

I think once the hurt and anger over the leak dies down, Stephenie will be able to continue writing. At that point, the leaked chapters will become the best teaser ever and her sales of Midnight Sun will be through the roof!

Midnight Sun is truly wonderful and it begs to be completed!

[Maria]

Vanessa Rodriguez, Please tell us... How many books have you published???? how many at #1???? Since you are such the expert.

Please, I'm so tired of envious people saying that Stephenie Meyer can't write!!!! I think that for a Mother of 3 who was just writing for the fun of it! I think she is amazing!!!! If she's not, then tell me why in the world are all her books still in the top 10 of best selling books????? But, please tell us all about the books you have written. Can't wait to buy one!!!!