Stephen King on Stephenie Meyer
Posted by Twilight_News - 03/02/09 at 03:02 pm
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
TWILIGHT KILLED ME
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. >.<
I LOVE TWILIGHT OMGZ!!~~~~~
STOP MAKING ME LOOK BAD, TWILIGHT!!!!
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
TWILIGHT GAVE ME THESE SCARS
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.
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.
*Sorry…as ARE his opinions…
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!
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.
Twilight made me racist.
THANK YOU, STEPHEN KING, THANK YOU.
He speaks the truth.
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.
@Devon061381
PREACH ON! I agree with you 100%.
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.
@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.
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.
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
Dear twilight fans:
No.
ARE YOU PEOPLE INSANE?!?!?!? THIS IS STEPHEN KING!!!! STEPHEN MOTHER EFFING KING!!!!!!!! You do NOT insult him nor do you question his judgment.
Unbelievable…
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.
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.
@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!
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.
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.
THANK YOU MEL
that was stated perfectly
mel i agree
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.
@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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
boobies
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.
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.
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.
“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.
@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:)
Can someone flag me as abusive?
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!
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!
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.
King has a point. Stephanie needs MAJOR improvements on her writing skills.