In a recent article by Pop Culture News Examiner Andy Williamson, Stephen King's claims that Stephenie Meyer "can't write worth a darn" are (in attempt, at least) substantiated by a claim that "there is a big difference between writers and storytellers."
Says Williamson, "what Stephenie Meyer lacks in literary grace, she makes up for with interesting characters and a compelling plot." In essence, his claim is that while Meyer's work isn't classical in persuasion, she has a knack for plot development and character delivery that keep her readers in wait for the next thing to happen.
Well, I'm here to disagree (and I am sure that I am not the only one). Using the first two (and a half) paragraphs of New Moon as evidence, one can clearly surmise that Stephenie Meyer, indeed, meets and exceeds the elements of good writing.
I was ninety-nine point nine percent sure I was dreaming.
The reasons I was so certain were that, first, I was standing in a bright shaft of sunlight - the kind of blinding clear sun that never shone on my drizzly new home-town in Forks, Washington - and second, I was looking at my Grandma Marie. Gran had been dead for six years now, so that was solid evidence toward my dream theory.
Gran hadn't changed much; her face looked just the same as I remembered it. The skin was soft and withered, bent into a thousand tiny creases that clung gently to the bone underneath. Like a dried apricot, but with a puff f thick white hair standing out in a cloud around it.
SUNY's Geneseo Writing Guide (see here) identifies as the major elements of good writing that which:
- "reveals the author's clear sense of purpose and audience;"
- "is well organized;"
- "is lucid, simple, and direct;"
- "exhibits care and imagination in the arrangement of words, sentences and ideas;" and
- "follows appropriate conventions."
Let's start with the first and work our way down.
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Stephenie Meyer's writing clearly "reveals the author's clear sense of purpose and audience." From the very first words, she understands that she is communicating to an audience that wants to get inside Bella's head. There's no hiding the ball on this one. Meyer is writing to an audience which wants to know about Bella's dreams, her fears, and her intuitions about her surroundings. So, step one? Check.
Well organized? You betcha. Meyer tells us what she's going to tell us, frames the issue, and brings it. This sample is case and point. We know from the start what we're about to learn - Bella has had a dream, and it is disorienting. The reasons are numbered and presented efficiently. Step two? Check.
Lucidity, simplicity, and directness are three qualities that noone, not even Williamson or King, could deny of Meyer's writing. Part of the exquisite draw of the story (yes, admittedly, the story is quite entrancing also, I'll give Williamson that much) is the fact that we see it unfold without unnecessary complication. In the visual art world, there is a movement called "minimalism," and it is widely respected and appreciated by a vast number of art afficianados. That said, I don't chalk Meyer's direct and unambiguous style to minimalism, per se, but one can clearly see that she is not taking the elbow route to the rear, if you know what I mean. Step three is a big check-a-roo.
Whether Meyer's writing exhibits care and imagination in word selection, sentence structuring, idea presentation is quite subjective, isn't it? Yet, thirty million readers might go to show that there is a vast majority of the reading populace who would answer in the affirmative. In the passage above, one might argue that there was indeed care and imagination in choosing the descriptive words about the grandmother. New Moon readers will know that the description of "Gran" is crucial because it is, after all, Bella herself that she is looking at. Further, the passage's reflection upon her home town is subtle - though this is an elemental part of the storyline itself. By referring to Forks via casual mention, there was clearly some decision to that effect (and the choice to reference the most relevant part of the town to the at-hand situation -- the lack of sunlight so eloquently outlined in New Moon's predecessor Twilight). As for sentence structuring, I refer you to step three. Meyer's choice of simple and direct delivery in her phraseology is nothing to knock, and it certainly doesn't lend itself to a criticism that there is no imagination or thought behind that presentation.
Finally, Stephenie Meyer clearly "follows appropriate conventions." Though, I might argue that this last requirement is the least important of all - as there are no "conventions" to an artform that should be strictly mandated of its creator aside from basic grammatical respect and deference. Still, Meyer's writing is fluid and proper English throughout all of her works, and that puts step five in her corner.
The five steps a given, I'd like to take a look at this claim - that Stephenie Meyer is more of a storyteller than a writer.
All five of the above steps are but an accumulated instruction manual for the hopeful storyteller. No matter how much delicate, reflective prose you can fit into a paragraph, if you don't have a story to tell, what's the point? The five elements of basic writing all reflect an attempt to assist the writer in delivering something that people will want to read. With an excellent story behind it, yes, these characteristics can be quite handy.
As such, it is no offense to Meyer's writing, per se, to surmise that her story-telling ability is good. In fact, quite the contrary - her ability to formulate a pathway for the reader to find his or her self imaginatively walking down without hesitation is the backbone of her work. Yet, there is no want for imagination, either. Meyer's writing is what shapes the story into the lovely and cherished animal that it is - the Twilight series and all of its wonders.
So, no disrespect to Mr. Williamson or to Mr. King (who, I agree, is a wonderful and timeless writer/story-teller himself), but in defense of Stephenie Meyer, I must say: she is both a gifted story-teller, and she is an excellent writer.
What do you think? Is Stephenie Meyer a good story-teller, writer, or both? Why do you think so? Comment below and let us know!
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Comments
I think Stephanie Meyer's is an incredible author. I have read 3 of the books and have almost finished the last one. I am upset that its almost over! I have enjoyed every book immensely! I am so addicted and the movie has now got to be my favorite of all time! I am in love with every character and am overwhelmed with the emotions that pour from every page. I can understand the phenomenon!
i agree with you jenn i love stephanie's books ive read them all about ten times and atill love them befor i read her books i wasnt a avid reader but her books pull you in very easily and keep you hooked easy enough for people who havent really had much reading experience but great for those who have obviously she can write otherwise why would she have so many people hooked on her books answer me taht??!!!!....
I do agree that she writes correctly and is an amazing storyteller. BUT... I also think that she needs a thesaurus. I absolutely LOVE the Twilight Saga (I'm on "BD" right now...it's my 7th time reading the Saga), but I was disappointed with the writing at times. Meyer paints such beautiful and vivid pictures about all of her characters, that it's impossible to NOT fall in love with all of them. But, seriously, how many times can one use the word "murmmur" to describe how someone is talking? I pretty much chalk it up to her using a First-Person Point-of-view with writing the book -- Bella's seventeen -- so her vocabulary may be limited; but I think Meyer's gathering of words leaves something to be desired at times.
I may be feeding myself to the wolves with saying this, but I don't care. I think Stephenie Meyer is absolutely brilliant! But, again, I think she needs a thesaurus.
I don't know I think I agree that she's not a classic writer, but it is also her first stab at it so there's always room for improvement. But the story-telling is great and she can evoke emotions really well. She needs to work on editing a bit and maybe some vocabulary. She always uses grins and ramrod and a few other words. I started getting sick of them by the time Breaking Dawn came around.
Amanda,
Thanks for taking the time to write such a thoughtful and well-written response to my article ... even though I do feel like I have been properly (pardon the expression) bitch-slapped. The intention of my original post (which I encourage all to read - click the link above), was really only an attempt to do some damage repair for Mr. King after his unfortunately curt remark. I wasn’t even that convinced of my argument ... but it was the only way I thought I could segue into my intended topic without alienating Twi-hards. I couldn’t very well call the article TOP TEN STEPHEN KING BOOKS FOR TWILIGHT FANS. That would have defeated the purpose -- my intended audience would never have read it.
As I stated in my post, I have read the first two Twilight books (I am halfway through the third), and I get the appeal. I’m enjoying the series.
As it stands, it looks like I failed in my effort at not alienating Twilighters -- I was merely trying to do some peace work for Mr. King. Sorry if I offended.
Andy Williamson
It seems like I am going to have the unpopular opinion here...
Stephanie is an incredible story-teller, she developed a world in which you can lose yourself. The characters that she created are deep emotionally yet very simple to follow, which is something that is very necessary in a cast of characters this large. I read a lot, and often times find myself getting bored with the same-old-same-old type of story - she definitely kept that from happening.
Where I get really frustrated with Stephanie is the way she spends way too much time on insignificant details and then just seems to gloss over other major events. I won't get into super specifics for fear of spoiling the stories for some people, but I think that anyone who has read the books more than once will find my statement true. Vaguely though, for an example, the end of BD. Yes, I realize the book was already too long, but she really seemed to give up in the final chapters.
One thing I can mention, without spoiling anything, that was exceptionally irritating to me were the sudden nicknames for Jasper and Emmett in BD... please... if nicknames were going to be used, use them the whole time and/or use them on names that make sense - like Edward for one - but no one comes out and calls him Eddie... But in general I found this kind of randomness all over the place in BD. Don't get me wrong, it was a great story, but I felt like it didn't flow very well from Eclipse, and since Eclipse was so amazing (and my favorite of the series by far) I was really expecting BD to be on the same level, but it just wasn't to me.
No, i'm sorry but I don't agree with you. Good writing is not just a small list of things that you should abide by. Good writing is naturally being able to tell a good story. Stephenie Meyer over-describes everything. In the literary world, we call that purple prose. She spends pages describing a person's looks, or the setting when two paragraphs would suffice. Also, this woman has a limited vocabulary. How many times in the books are the words chagrin, murmur, or dazzling? WAY TOO MANY!
Also, her characters are... disappointing. Bella Swan is so weak, and I found her in New Moon to be so pathetic. I don't care HOW hurt or depressed you are, you don't go jumping off a cliff. Especially, when there are people who love you and whom would be hurt if you left them. She's also whiny, and selfish. Twilight is addicting,but Stephenie Meyer is not a good writer. Hype and anticipation don't always equal quality literature.
Summer I think you make a good point. I really love the series too, I've just finished reading it twice. But as mad as I was at Stephen King, I had to admit he was right up to a point -- I think Williamson actually really put it together well. Her writing (and although they're interesting, her characters) leaves something to be desired. I found the characters' behaviour somewhat predictable: Edward was so gentlemanly that once he got past the repression and pain and got what he wanted he got really boring. Every girl dreams of an Edward but I think in real life, to quote Gilbert in the Anne of Green Gables series, "she'd have pitched him." In fact, it's interesting that Stephenie Meyer loves those books -- the book I quoted in the series entails Anne having to come to terms with her over-elaborate romanticism and write stuff that's a little prosaic and closer to home in order to be more effective as an author.
But hey you know what, for an author who never set out to be Leo Tolstoy, who wrote her first book simply out of admitted self-indulgence and managed to pull together a fascinating plot despite a lack of confidence in her creative abilities (and a $750,000 series deal), I think the woman is amazing. Kudos to you Stephenie, you're fabulous.
Her books are a guilty pleasure -- guilty because I know I could be reading something a little more challenging, but a pleasure because they are a fabulous and enticing escape. Don't expect any more than that, and you definitely won't feel like you've come away with less.
good writer, bad writer....Who cares what the critics say. To sell that many books, have that many devoted fans, 1 movie a success and at least 2 more on the way... Hold you head up high Stephenie. I can't wait to be a "bad writer" too!
Stephanie is a wonderful story teller and author. I find myself reading her books again and again. I miss the characters, like friends I haven't visited with in far too long. I eagerly await her future projects so I will have the oppourtunity to meet whatever new and exciting characters might spring from her fertile imagination. Still fervently hoping for Midnight Sun to be finished. She is down right addictive. My own personal brand of heroine.
hey i rally love readying Twilight iam only at eclipse yet but twillight was my fave bok of all 4 i watched the movie like 100 time..... thankx every one for makin comments
I have never been big on just sitting down and reading but, I find my self hurring to get back to reading these books. I have been a big fan of Kay Hooper's book (stilling shadows)and look forward to them. I am now a big fan of Stephanie Meyer's and look foward to reading more of her work. As for Stephen King I don't care for many of his book's.
Stephenie is a excellent story teller and writer. She puts you there and leaving you wanting more. I have read the first 3 books twice and with the second reading I see things in a diffrent way but the outcome is still the same I can't get enough. I have never came across anyone as an author that has left me wanting more like the Twilight Saga has.You can't help but love all the characters and also you can look back at the heart ache you first experienced with the break up of your first love. And I hope there is more to come.
Ahhh ; I think Stephanie Meyer is jst great. I love all the books in the Twilight Saga & completley am in love with Jacob. Team Jacob ; Hehe ; Cant wait to buy all the next movie posters :)[: Off to read The Host by Stephanie <3
I entirely agree with Char's comments. While I love the Twilight series, it was only until I reached the second book before I was drawn in. As the case with The Host. I'm one third of the way through this book and have found it very difficult, up until now, to keep on reading. There is so much focus on insignificant details that I've continued reading anyway with a promise to myself that it will get better.
Please do not misunderstand, I think Stephanie Meyer is a fabulous storyteller; however, I believe she lacks the education it takes to become a good writer. In the interviews I've seen of her, she has talked about how her higher education focused on reading books, not writing them. In any case, my hat is off to Stephanie Meyer, for being the best storyteller I've ever read.
First compairing King's writing to Meyer's is like compairing Heavy Metal to Opera. You can't!
They are both amazing writers shown by how well known they are. I have never made it through one of King's books not because he's a bad writer, but because I have had no connection with the stories, I perfer movies, most of King's movies have been poorly done, but at no fault to him, others have been great. With Twilight I didn't even go to see it waiting for it to come out on DVD. After watching the movie I wanted to know more, the movies explains very little of the rest of the Collen's. (My connection I wanted more knowledge of the story) So I picked up the book and couldn't put it down. I have since read all four books in the Twilight Saga and thought they were all great And I'm sure if I would sit down and read some of King's books I would enjoy them also. I really don't think it matters to Meyer what King thinks Writer? Story-Teller? They both go hand and hand, With out a story behind the writings why would people want to read it? Bashing anyone's work is wrong I don't care who is doing the bashing.
As for Meyer using words over in her books, I say write a story down with characters and many conversations in it as a matter of fact write four full books and try to only use the same descriptive word 100 times! Bet you can't! Remember Meyer had to use words to describe the character's personality also. In person to person conversations you can see how a person says this word just a little weird or the sigh the same way over and over again, but with words it's harder because then people think you use the same word to much. And it didn't stop any one from buying the books and reading them right?
Like I said before King and Meyer are both great writers. At least Meyer was brave enough to write a great story and then put it out there so that people could get to know Edward, Bella, Emmett, Rosalie, Jasper, Carlisle, Esma and the rest of the great Characters in the books.
Thank you Stephanie Meyer.
I think the Twilight books are badly written, but I think they are addictive. The first Twilight book was the worst, with all the cliched references to Edward's beauty. New Moon is my favorite. They are fun to read.
There are times where sentence structure is a little questionable, but I was able to see that, as the Saga progressed, SM's style of writing progressed also. I'm sure if you looks at other authors' earlier works, you would find some awkward sentences and some instances of redundancies. I love Stephen King, and I have for a long time, but seeing as how his body of work is, for the most part, much different from Stephenie Meyer's, his complaints about her not being able to write "worth a darn" just make him seem like a jealous little boy.
When I read article on how Stephen King dont like Stephaine Meyer's twilight saga books. I had never read any books on Stephen King. So I asked my mother to see if she had any books on him. She wasn't very happy about it when I mention his name but she think he is good writer but his stories is kind of wacko from what she said. She suggested that I should read on a better writer and I forgot his name through. I can't really comment on Stephan King since I never read his books but I really do like Twilight saga books. At least she got young teenagers read the book. Most of teenager gave up on reading in high school because there isn't anything good to read. They are getting sick of reading Midnite Summer, Romeo & Juliet, and more. Most of time, you should be thankful those teenagers probally found time to read twilight saga while it keep them out of trouble. I brought twilight saga books because I was bored and there isn't anything to do at home. I lived in a small town that dont have anything to entertainment for our ages.
I really depends on what the individual thinks is good writing. I personally think good characterization, and the consistent and interesting development of those characters in a novel is what makes good writing.
And interesting quirky characters like Koontz's Odd Thomas and Jimmy Tock; and weaving them into the framework of the story, surrounding them with many fantastic supporting characters as well. Even Rowling had a knack for developing supporting characters, and consistently developing them ... take Malfoy for instance ... not everything is so black and white.
I think Meyer isn't a good writer in that sense that she has very rigid characterizations.
The reason why she's selling so much is because she's giving teens what they want. A perfect amazing romance that everyone wishes they could have.
It takes real skill to develop a nuanced story. And Meyer just does not posses the skill to do so.
The whole Twilight series is a long drawn-out soap opera, whereby you know the 2 main characters are gonna get together in the end, you just put a lot of useless break ups and make ups and another romantic interest etc.
I think a straight-forward love story with no nuances in characterization or deeper development and investment in the characters' supporting cast/word is okay, it's just not my kind of literature though.
And I definitely think that writing these kind of nuanced novels takes far more skill than what Meyer is doing.
In that sense. She's not a good writer.
Stephenie Meyer can't write well...
She uses purple prose, unexplained plots, and is just a horrible writer.
THERE ARE NO RULES WHEN YOU WRITE SOMETHING, IS JUST A WAY TO EECPRESS YOUR SELF
AND I THING THAT STEPHEN KINGS BOOKS ARE KIND OF CREEPY AND I ALSO THING THAT STEPHENIE MEYER CAN ACTUALLY GET YOUR SELF INSIDE THE CHARACCTER
Are you aware while walking on streets or even being at home you could suffer a terrorist attack?. Why the Pope, in his recent visit to Meddle East, talked about perverse manipulation of religions?. Do you know the way illegal inmigrant mobs work? For what reason lesbians think they are superior than men at intercourse?. Is it correct that potencies could commit crimes in protection to their military targets?.
These and other issues are touched by the new current of South American narrative. SO
y the fck r u ppl fighting abt??!! its jst simplee.... if u like how she writes nd like her books thn jst keep readng nd supporting her nd if u DONT! then jst fuck outta here,cus no one is forcing u to read it if u dont like it ~ jeezz omfg -___-
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