364 Responses to “Stephenie Meyer- You Deserve a Month Away on Isle Esme!”

1. Ladyphoenix4
   

   20. Aug, 2008

   Stephenie-
   You have given so many of us something greater than any gift possible. Creative sparks, friendships, strength in addition to endless daydreaming…the list goes on and on. How can I thank you enough for letting me in on your own private world that you created? The answer is, I can’t. I will thank you every single day for the summer of 08 as being the summer I woke up. Your story telling is beyond comparison. Thank You!

2. elelove2
   

   20. Aug, 2008

   Stephenie – Like many of the other TwilightMoms, I am an avid reader. Well, at least I was before kids. I still read more than te average person though, and can honestly say that I have never been touched by a story in the way that I have been touched by the Twilight saga. Seriously. I went into it expecting a great story (my sister was obsessed first – then my mom, so I knew it had to be good), but I had no idea that it could go beyond that. I could gush all day about you and your stories, but let me just stop at THANK YOU! Thank you for not letting your dream go and for bringing it to the rest of the world. Because of your tremendous storytelling I somehow rediscovered a passionate love for my husband all over again (no he’s not Edward – or Jacob, but he is wonderful and I think I’d forgotten that) and also a new level of love and respect for myself. I have no idea HOW your stories affected me in these ways, but I am eternally grateful. Thanks again!

3. pearljaimes
   

   20. Aug, 2008

   Wow, what to say. Thanks first off for taking the time to write these books and taking that dream this far. Your books are brilliant all of the way to Breaking Dawn without faulter. I love the emotions that i experience and I most enjoy the love you feel for your characters that jumps from the pages as I read them. I also love that you have taken my most favorite thing (I am a total closet Vampire) and made a great story surounding it. Along with the love I am glad you respect your characters in ways that I think send very strong messages to younger girls that read these books! A selfless Bella is what is needed in this world of Divas.

   I can’t wait for your future books (especially the trip into Edward’s Mind) I have ordered the Host and I am antsy awaiting its arrival! I know there will always be critics but I think you are brilliant and i can say i am a true fan and always plan on being one! Thank you again!

4. jenb
   

   20. Aug, 2008

   First of all, I want to say that I think what you have done for the tiny town of Forks is amazing. I grew up in Port Angeles and I used to wonder how long it would take for Forks to become a ghost town. And now I can go to my local mall (in Utah) and buy “Forks High School” T-shirts. How weird is that?? Wonderful and weird!

   Please continue the Cullen saga. I am dying to hear more about Leah. I want her to be happy too. And I want to hear how everything works out between Jacob and Renesmee. It’s such a great story! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

5. klee
   

   20. Aug, 2008

   What a wonderful place the world has become now that I have read the Twilight Saga. Geez that sounds weird…but so true. I feel like I cheated a bit though. I did not find out about Twilight until the day of the Breaking Dawn pre-release party (Thanks to Borders). All I had heard was that another vampire movie was going to come out in December…and that was all I knew! I bought Twilight that night and finished the next afternoon. I hurried back to Borders and purchased the other three and finished within 4 days. That was hard…I have read of other TwilightMoms ignoring chores and such…and I am guilty too!

   I instantly wanted to read them again! But I had to say no. I needed to give my eyes a rest. So it has been roughly 3 weeks since I finished. Ok, I have to say that if Stephanie Meyer chose to continue the story…I would be hooked. I am also anxiously awaiting Midnight Sun. I read Chapter 1 online last night…THEN I went home after work and I started Twilight again. There are these feelings that are brought up when I read about Edward and Bella and their interaction with each other. Their excitement seeps from the pages.

   As I read through the pages when Edward and Bella are together, they remind me of “young love”. That first love where nothing else mattered. Divorce wasn’t a word that you spoke of; work, children and all other responsibilities hadn’t been discovered yet. It is just the two of you.

   I have to say that I am recently separated (6 months) after 14 years of marriage and have been pretty glum about the whole thing. I haven’t been ready to date. But by reading the Twilight Saga, and bringing up those feelings, made me realize that there is a perfect match for me out there. No, I’m not delusional. Nor do I believe I will find an Edward. But I do believe that I will find that electricity, that spark, that feeling that you want to be with someone every minute of the day. The butterflies in the stomach feeling you get when you think about seeing that person. It has actually jump started my “getting back in the swing of things”. Well, jump-started for me is actually looking forward to dating and not looking away when a cute guy looks at me. Next step: Smiling back!

   What a wonderful place the world has become now that most of the world has read the Twilight Saga. Thank you for putting the words to paper.

6. vamping4edward
   

   22. Aug, 2008

   I have been obsessed by the Twilight Saga from the first day. I have read and re-read the books. I am utterly and madly in love with Edward….but truly the stories have reminded me of the romance and excitement of that first love/new love and helped me to keep romance in my heart and share it with my husband (who has been very patient with my Edward obsession). I think the writing for Breaking Dawn was spectacular and show the maturity and growth of the characters and the story. I wouldn’t change a thing. While some may not embrace it, I think you have created an incredible story that stands on it’s own with exceptional writing and story telling. Thanks for giving this gift to each of us.

7. Bella
   

   22. Aug, 2008

   Thank you Stephenie for introducing me to your wonderful characters in the Twilight series. I tell everyone I know what a wonderful, creative, engaging author you are! I am so immersed in your Twilight world that I sometimes can’t believe Edward and Bella aren’t real! They are real to me, and your stories have brought me great happiness and many hours of enjoyable reading. Any book that I will re read over and over and over again is a GREAT book to me! The only other books I’ve felt that way about were the classics — Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters, etc. I can’t thank you enough for sharing your dream with the world and letting us live a little bit of a fantasy life immersed in Edward and Bella’s world. I love you!

8. MommyTrish
   

   24. Aug, 2008

   THANK YOU!

9. obsessedmom
   

   24. Aug, 2008

   THANK YOU SO MUCH STEPHANIE!!! I am a 39 year old stay at home mom, I have a good relationship with my husband of 13 years, but I was really stuck in a rut.

   As soon as I read Twilight, my life changed. I remembered what it was like to be young and passionate about life and about love. Everytime I read Twilight it was like I received an electric shock of positive energy. I felt invinsible again, like I could do anything. This new outlook on life pushed me to stop feeling sorry for myself and make the changes necessary to make myself and my family happy. I have lost 45 lbs. by walking on the treadmill while reading Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn. My husband thought I was loosing my mind, because I couldn’t stop reading the books over and over and over again. But he noticed how happy I was and how much our love life improved when I was reading one of the steamy parts, so he never complained.

   These WONDERFUL charcters that I consider dear friends, have helped me see myself in a new light and have helped me understand how much I love my husband and my children. I have a new passion for life that I contribute 100% to you Stephanie Myers and your great gift of writing.

   I do wish that you would go to Esme’s Island with your “Edward” and relax and recharge your mind and your heart. But most of all I hope that you would return ready to revive these beautiful characters that have helped so many of us believe in magic again! I love you Stephanie and THANK YOU!

   Diana

10. nenana
    

    24. Aug, 2008

    hooray for stephanie meyer! you’ve created a wonderfully fun world for us and i love, love, love going there. thank you for sharing your dreams with us, we love them.

11. mom2six
    

    25. Aug, 2008

    The Twilight Saga has quite litterally changed my life! I’ve never been touched by a book in the way these books have touched me. They remind me of life…back when things were simple. The purity of true love is amazing! The way you have brought it to life is breath-taking an amazing! I have met some of my best friends right here on TMs. Twilight is my “escape” when real life is too much! It’s all possible because of YOU Stephenie! You have brought so much into the lives of so many! Thank you ~ for everything! You are a good person! You deserve the best!

12. kimc333
    

    25. Aug, 2008

    You are AWESOME!!! Thank you for the gift of your stories. Thank you for sharing them with the world.
    You do deserve a break on Isle Esme!! BD was a masterpiece – all of the characters & the detail was amazing. I can’t wait for MS. I love you & I pray for you & your family!

13. Cullenvamp113
    

    25. Aug, 2008

    You are the most amazing writer ever! Thank you so much for giving us Bella, Edward, and the rest of the Cullens as well as the other characters. Our lives will be forever changed because of your books. You definitely deserve a few months on Isle Esme!

14. kimberlyg
    

    25. Aug, 2008

    Stephenie, you are an amazing writer that has helped give me my life back. Five months ago I was literally suicidal, and after my sweet 17 yr old begged me to read Twilight, my life has never been the same. In the middle of a very bad marriage, your amazing writing and fantastic stories brought me to a place – even though fictional – where people still fall in love and care about each other. It brought me to Twilight Moms, and to many new friends. All of your works, extras, outtakes are wonderful and I will never be able to thank you enough. May you be blessed, as much as you’ve blessed me.

15. StephenieT
    

    27. Aug, 2008

    Stephenie I must thank you from the bottom of my heart. I bought the first book and could not put it down. I had to buy the rest before I completed the first so that I would not be without them. I read all of them in less than a week and I am so hooked. I finished the last and actually cried because I was complete with them. They were so good! So good, I even grew to appreciate Jacob though I thought it were not possible. Thank you for your beautiful mind and creativity. I will be reading them all again soon! Oh and I am a Stephenie too (also named after my Dad Stephen)
    Much Appreciation,
    Stephenie

16. KellyforEdward
    

    27. Aug, 2008

    Ms. Stephanie:

    Thank you.

    Thank you for teaching us how to accept, overcome and endure adversity. Thank you for teaching tolerance, humility and forgiveness. Thank you for sharing your talents and imagination with us, your adoring fans. Thank you for showing us the lighter side of every situation and showing us how to laugh. We all enjoy your creation, our new “friends” so much. And, I’m sure I speak for many of us when I say, we hope you continue sharing the Cullens with us, as well as the Quieutes.

    Thank you for allowing us to be part of such a special experience. It was, and will continue to be, a great pleasure.

17. jfam8
    

    27. Aug, 2008

    I love love love your books! Don’t listen to a word those psycho ‘Utah mormons’ say about your books being bad! I received an email lately warning me that it was time to have a ‘heart to heart’ if I or my daughters have been reading them. Puke. I wrote a really good anti-review to Camille Turpin’s review also and sent it back to all of those well-meaning people who have been sending it around.

    Thank you for writing books that rekindle the romance in our marriage, teach teenagers (and adults for that matter) about self-control and what true commitment is… and for creating a series that gives us all a great escape. You are an EXTREMELY talented writer. Thanks for using that talent for good.

    Thanks for sharing with us the stories in your head. Amy Jfam8

    PM me on twilightmoms.com if you would like to see my anti-review and I’ll send it to you.

18. bmoll
    

    27. Aug, 2008

    Thank you for helping me thru a tough time. July 12,2008 My 17 year old nephew died in my husband arms after being in a car accident. The truma that my family of 105 members have been thru is out rages his death has been the 1st of sad news for my family.
    Let me tell you alittle about us. My nephew is my cousins son but I’m 32 years old he always called me aunt Beckie. We have been raised as close as possible. My cousin lives in Missouri and I live in Maryland. She sent him to us for a week he was here 3 days and the unthinkable happend.
    My uncle his grand father has been diagnosed with stage 7 cancer. My other cousin husband has cancer in the brain. Me my ife has been crazy with a 4 year old who’s lungs like to partilly collapse frequently, I’m due to have surgery again for the 3rd time this year.
    You would think that we are the most unhappy family out there but thats not the case we are so happy with our lives yes there are deffintaly things we would change but we would not trade any one of us for anything.
    Your books have really helped me from having to take meds. to get thru my day. My 3 girls notice mommy alot happier now. that means the world to me. Again thank you from bottom of my heart.

19. andreajoycepage
    

    27. Aug, 2008

    Wonderful Stephenie Meyer!!
    I just love you and am so extremely grateful for you. Thankyou for giving the thrilling gift imaginable. After I read Breaking Dawn all I could think about was how strongly I wanted to tell you how much I loved the book. I wanted to tell you so badly and was so distraught that I could send you an email and had no way to write you a letter. I Loved your book. The more I think about it, the more I love it. Thinking back through all four books there is not a better way you could have ended it all. Everything was perfect. The every detail of how you made it perfect is amazing. I love every word. I love Edward even more now that he is a daddy. I love Bella more because she sacrificed so much for this beautiful child.
    I too am LDS and a mommy of two little girls 1 and 3. I was sooooooo happy that Edward did not have to take anything away from her. He gave her a child!!!!! It is so wonderful. I loved how you described their intimacy and honeymoon. It was just right. I loved oh so many things.
    I thought that Jacob’s titles for his chapters were sooo hilarious. You are so funny! I loved that Jacob nearly died of a broken heart and then was resurrected by Renesmee. I love how mad Bella got at him for imprinting on her. I love how Edward said, “Our daughter”. It made my heart melt. I loved that all of Bella’s wishes really came true. She was magnificent in the end. It was a heaven for her. I can not say enough about you or your works. I tell everyone I meet that they have to read your books.
    I am so happy I could finally thank you for your books. I love all of them so very much. It seems like they so much a part of me now. I will read them over and over again the rest of my life. Thankyou for writing it your way!!!!!!!!!!! It was just right!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Love, Andrea Page of Utah, Oregon and Idaho

20. mistymom
    

    28. Aug, 2008

    Just a note of many thanks for bringing us to the Twilight universe. You have enabled so many to escape to what many of us deem, our happy place.

    The books are indescribable, the playlists were amazing, definistely the icing on the cake. How fun was it to read a certain chapter and listen to the music at the very same time. It totally engrossed me from beginning to end. *which I thought was fabulous by the way*

    Many thanks to you for following thru, for sharing, and most of all for putting up with us fans who just can’t seem to get enough!

    Now when will you be finished with Midnight Sun ??? *wink*

    Rachell
    Huntsville, Alabama

21. lacrema
    

    01. Sep, 2008

    Stephenie,

    I am a 27-year-old new mom, and was told I “HAD TO” read your books by my 15-yr-old niece. I read Twilight, and loved it but thought it was so “angsty”… then I realized that’s exactly what it was like, being a teenager. I bought Eclipse the next day, and within a week, I had read everything but Breaking Dawn. I got BD when it came out, and am still captivated with the whole thing a MONTH later. Seriously, I think about it way more than is normal.

    I think BD was your best. It was incredibly satisfying to me, as a reader, and I am so glad that THAT is how the story went. Anything else would have been false to the characters. I LOVED the Jacob narration, too. Genius.

    I was so looking forward to MS, and now I just read the leaked version from your website, and am hoping and even PRAYING that you will finish it. It seemed to me from the series that Jacob loved her with more passion than Edward, but what I read made me much more of an Edward fan–it was almost a relief to hear his side, to see how much he really did love Bella. Please, tell the story from Edward’s side.

    Please, please, please, let us go back with you to Forks!!

    Sal Green
    a HUGE momfan from Boise, Idaho

22. Kim
    

    24. Feb, 2009

    Stephenie, my 17 yr old daughter Lindsay first introduced me to the movie back in November (after she saw it twice and then begged me to go with her for her 3rd time). I fell in love with the movie and then we went & bought all the books and took turns reading them. Since then I’ve “revamped” the entire series twice. We went back to see the movie two more times also. I’ve introduced the books to several friends who have all loved them too (maybe not as much as me, lol.) The books are just magical. I ended up telling my daughter about my first love (ironically, named Edward/Eddie). She asked me “Was he as goodlooking as Edward?” and I told her he was to ME. I was only 15 when I met him and it was literally love at first sight & unfortunately it didn’t work out for us, but today, over 20 years later, if I’m honest with myself I’m still in love & if I was to run into him somewhere I would still get those same feelings again, the butterflies & hands start shaking & inability to talk, etc. Your books brought all that back to me so strongly! Thank you so much for creating this world for us all, you deserve all the success you’ve found!! Also I have to say to whoever was involved in the decision to cast Rob as Edward….GENIUS…he was absolutely perfect!! He really gets Edward and I can’t even imagine anyone else doing it as well, or at all. (I’ve fallen more than a little bit in love with Rob also!) He’s absolutely amazing! Thank you again so much for everything!!

23. Caroline Kucab
    

    24. Feb, 2009

    I’m doubting that you will get this post because it seems I got caught up way after the majority did. I’m going to write something anyways, just in case. Stephanie, thank-you ten fold for getting me to read again. Before I had kids, I used to read a novel a week, sometimes two, but life happens and our passions often get put on the back burner. Thank you for Edward, I know he is fictional but I can’t stop thinking about him and Robert plays him beautifully. I’m also begging for you to complete Midnight Sun, take your time, I and many others will wait patiently. My heart was racing the whole time I read the early rough draft, it gives me a whole new perspective about Edward and I understood better why Robert acted certain ways when protraying Edward.
    I am currently ready The Host and once again it shows how truly gifted you are…I hope it too becomes a movie, I think it would be very cool.
    Thanks again,
    Caroline

24. Renata
    

    24. Feb, 2009

    Stephenie,
    Your ‘Twilight’ saga is the great love affair of my life! It hit me when it was least expected and most needed. This affair is impractical, inconvenient, out-of-character and not completely without guilt; Yet, there will never be a day when I regret the happiness it has brought me! It keeps me up at night before it knocks on the door of my dreams. It is the alarm clock for the mental awakening I’ve pushed snooze through for so long-the life vest when I didn’t realize I’d been treading water. This affair was a welcome diversion that pulled me out of suburbia to search for passion, if not at least, significance. It left me riveted, marked…to which there is only life after.
    Thank you.

25. Kerrie
    

    02. Mar, 2009

    I know Stpehenie will probably never read this but I just wanted to say thank you to her for making me care sooo much about her characters in the Twilight saga and for the absolute sear addictiveness of “The Host” that caused me to stay up all night to nights in a row to finish the book. I litterally could not put it down, every time I did, I just had to open it again.
    I’ve never felt such excitment since Deathly Hallows until I read “Tbe Host”

26. Barbara
    

    02. Mar, 2009

    Thank you, Stephenie Meyer for revitalizing my life, love, laughter and literary passions with your works!!! I wish you and I could talk some time– especially about your decisons to work with the Quileute Nation.

    Being a Native American tribal member, I cannot tell you how many young native women have fallen in love with your stories, characters and the dynamics of it all. It’s been a brilliant stepping stone to all kinds of life discussions with our girls. We are continuing to stabilize lives and families partly through the use of your books. THANK YOU!!!!

27. Antoinette
    

    02. Mar, 2009

    Well hello Stephenie,

    I have been trying to get an e-mail to you for ages, I just wanted to say a huge thank you from the bottom of my heart. You helped me during a really hard time in my life and for that I am truely greatful. To be honest I had no idea Twilight was even around ( I know hard to believe) but I bought the book for my daughter ( 11 at the time) she started to read it but got to the part where “Bella said he looked like a model for a hair gel commercial” she left it aside saying something about silly nonsense so one night after a really hard day I picked it up and that was that. You see my Husband was really sick at the time and during the days it was my job to be the positive one to keep everyone happy but at nightime when he would finally go to sleep instead of crying myself to sleep (like before) I now could escape into a world of dreams where no one ever got sick and were mostly happy. The funny part was I started to look like a vampire myself because I could not put the books down so I would read until the wee small hours of the morning and then have the black circles under my eyes and the pale skin.
    You are a wonderful person and I thank you again for writing such a creative story full of hope and love but you nearly gave me a heartattack in New Moon when Edward left god I started to cry which woke my husband he was concerned but I had to tell him the truth about what happened, “as long as you have your priorities right I would’nt want you to waste any tears on me lol” ah the Irish humor
    thank you once again
    Antoinette

28. Blanca
    

    07. Mar, 2009

    Stephanie,
    you are an amazing author, and I will continue to follow you always. The Twilight series left me so motivated to continue with things I thought were not possible. You and the characters of this series allow us to dream, and forge on no matter what obstacle lies in our path. I have read of your family life, and and can see absolute love. I also pray for your continued happiness, and I hope to see Midnight Sun completed. I wish you continued success, and would love to request to have an Edward version of Midnight Sun for each of the books….New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. My favorite of course is Edward, and the choosing of Robert Pattinson made sense. I now see him in each of the books. I will continue to look to your website for information on your new writings, and updates. You ARE amazing..Keep the Faith, as we all have in you….

29. Holley Murphy
    

    07. Mar, 2009

    Stephenie,
    To merely say that I have enjoyed reading your Twilght stories would be a complete understatement! I have been an avid reader most of my life and I can’t ever think back to a series of books or another author who has captured my heart the way you have! I am currently reading the entire saga for a second time and axiously awaiting the release of the Twilight DVD and (hopefully) the completion of Midnight Sun!?! Your story is an inspiring one to many 30something moms, myself included! Thanks for giving readers a story to get swept away with!

30. nikstwilightmom
    

    09. Mar, 2009

    I just want to thank you, Stephenie, for creating a captivating world that I could go to and relax. I love to read and have always enjoyed literature, that being my major in college. I am a stay-at-home mom now and use reading as a way to escape and have some fun. I have a special needs child and during a time of great stress for myself and my family, your Twilight saga landed in my lap. Reading the books helped keep me sane and grounded during a time when I felt like everything was crashing down around me. It gave me hope and a wonderful place to go when I needed a break. Thank you for following your dream and making it a reality that so many of us could enjoy! Your talent is a rare gift and I’m glad you chose to share it with the rest of us!

31. Susan
    

    09. Mar, 2009

    You, Stephanie Meyers have made my life so much happier. I have never read a book more than once, but look at me now. Have read all 4 eight times and read the Host. I cannot get Midnight sun on my computer but my Daughter is getting it for me. I am 68 years old and crazy for Twilight! Have seen the movie 6 times and bought the CD coming out the 21st. Thank you, Stephanie for the delight in my life. I feel like I am 17 like when I met my husband of 50 years. The romance is back!!!

32. Hanna
    

    10. Mar, 2009

    This is my way of saying “thank you” so you Stephenie. I started reading the books after my son was born in November 2008. The Twilight Saga has sertanly brightend up my life 100%. I was depressed after the birth and I was missing a part of me. But after reading the books all that changed. I am on my way to loosing al the babypounds I gaind durnig my pregnancy and I am happy ones more.
    I would just like to say that I would be very happy to see you continue your work on the Twilight Saga in one form or another. Nothing brings me around like new stuff on the caracters and so on.
    Keep up the brilliant work and hope to read lots more from you in the futur.
    Lots of love

33. Kathi
    

    13. Mar, 2009

    One big ditto to everything said above. Wow. You have singlehandedly created a nation.

    I have loved every single word of every book.

    As for Midnight Sun, when I found the partial draft on your website, I felt a guilt parallel to what Edward must have felt towards Bella, something he wanted so badly but hated himself for wanting it. I felt so bad for you that the leak occurred, but still, I could not stop myself.

    I loved seeing Twilight through his eyes. I remembered every conversation through Bella’s thoughts but got to look at it through Edward’s. Amazing!

    I love sitting back and watching the madness continue. I can’t imagine the roller coaster that your life has been since the day the whole thing started.

    Thanks for not letting the dream disappear. I am so inspired by you.

    Best of luck.
    Kathi

34. Sue
    

    15. Mar, 2009

    Stephanie -
    As many before me have said, “THANK YOU” for this wonderful series of books. I loved all of them!! My daughter turned me onto these books and it has been so much fun to read them and talk with her about each new turn in the story. It has been a wonderful bonding experience for us. We both read regularly the same books, but no other book or series has brought us together like the Twilight Series. She is now away at college and it keeps us connected. The special relationship between Edward and Esme is as strong of a relationship as a mom & daughter. I have most enjoyed there interactions. Hope you continue Midnight Sun as I so enjoyed Edward’s view of Twillight.. Thanks for keeping us dreaming and believing. Sue

35. Lola
    

    16. Mar, 2009

    Thanks,Stephenie.I,m looking for my dream too,and nobody like you how difficult it can be when you are a mother and have a job (two jobs at last¡¡¡).
    Your books have been like fresh air and the beginning of some important things in my life.I have more faith in me.
    Excuse my poor English.
    Lola from Spain.

36. Laurie
    

    16. Mar, 2009

    Dear Stephanie,

    I just wanted to let you know how grateful I am to you for renewing my love of reading! Before I got married, became a stepmom, and then had 2 boys of my own, it wasn’t unusual for me to sit down with a good book in the morning and forget to eat all day because I had not put the book down. Like many moms out there, when I met the love of my life and started a new chapter, I somehow lost track of many of the things I had been before, things that I enjoyed doing. Don’t get me wrong, I know how blessed I am, and I am very happy. It’s just that now I really do realize how important it is not to lose myself in all the day to day demands on my time. Thank you for creating the Twilight saga… it transcends generations, and that is rare.

    -Laurie

    P.S. Go team Edward! LOL!

37. driveslikeacullen
    

    17. Mar, 2009

    Twenty-one years ago I was starting my senior year in college. Had a wonderful boyfriend, we’d been together for two years – had plans to go to law school together. John’s sister Viv was two years ahead of me – she had been my “big sis” in our sorority and had introduced us. At the end of the 1987 spring semester things didn’t feel right between us, but I ignored it. He was tired all the time but I just figured it was stress from school. We had planned to spend the summer together, but one night he surprised me by telling me he was going to spend the summer in Europe with his best friend. Ok, fine. Sporadic postcards received over the course of the summer – read like they were written out of a tourist book.

    Things still didn’t feel right when 1987 fall semester started but ignored it again. Two weeks into the semester on the day of my 21st birthday he asked me to meet him on campus that night at the place we first met. So sure that this was going to be the “big question,” I put up signs on the sorority floor about “Candlelight tonite” to announce our engagement. You got it – no engagement. Instead I was told he had fallen in love with someone in Europe and was going there. As in next week. As in dropping out of school tomorrow. Over the months that followed I tried to call and sent letter after letter to him and Viv – no response.

    I deferred law school acceptance and two years passed – two years of trying to move on through any means possible – you can fill in the blanks. Finally went to law school in 1990. The first time I saw my future husband, a voice in my head told me clear as a bell that we were going to marry. A week before we married I sent one last letter to Viv – maybe envisioning something along the lines of the wedding scene from The Graduate. No response.

    Last fall I went back to law school to judge a moot court competition and to give a lecture about Constitutional law issues. I’d done this before knowing that Viv was a professor in the school’s English department but thought there was no chance we would meet – too much water under the bridge, too many hard feelings. Funny the way things work – this time she came and told me we needed to talk – maybe we could spend a long weekend together because there were strings that needed to be tied up. I really didn’t want to do this but persistance eventually wins out.

    So we got together last November for a “girl’s retreat.” The first thing she did was hand me a copy of Twilight and told me I was going to spend the night reading it. Now I had tried to read that book a year earlier because my daughter wanted to read it and I wasn’t too comfortable with the subject matter, but put it away after the car crash in the parking lot because I had enough teenage emo angst drama to deal with in real life. I asked Viv quite angrily what was going on, what in the world does this have to do with untied strings and was told I had to trust her. SO I read it. Angrily under protest. And was hooked.

    Next day I questioned what we were doing here and was handed New Moon and told that this was the second reading assignment. Things were swimmingly fine until that one little chapter called “The End.” All of a sudden there I was again – 21 and having my heart ripped out and stomped flat. Then came the October page. Then November. Then December. Then the jumping off the cliff scene. Then the tears. Then the book flying across the room. Told Viv I wasn’t reading anymore and that she needed to get to the point. So she started to talk.

    John started feeling bad towards the end of 1986. The eventual diagnosis that came in May of 1987 was leukemia – the bad kind – made worse by the fact that he hadn’t felt well for a while but never did anything about it. All the symptoms had logical explanations so he never saw a doctor. His summer wasn’t spent backpacking through Europe, it was spent going from doctor to doctor trying to find someone who could hold out hope. The postcards were mailed by someone else who was there – he wrote them in advance. He only came back that fall to end things because he thought it would be best to spare me and let me go on – yeppers, he thought it best to “make a clean break” by lying. But what a mess he made. In an attempt to make sure that I never found out the truth. he told his family that I broke up with him because he was sick. Of course they wanted nothing to do with me after that. We lived on opposite coasts, so it wasn’t like I was going to drive there. He did leave a letter with instructions that it was to be sent to me “when the time was right,” but apparently the time never was right because of all the anger and resentment. Every letter that I had sent was ripped up and thrown away unopened. The letter didn’t resurface again until his mom and dad “downsized” in the summer of 2008 and she found it in a box of his and figured it didn’t make any difference now because twenty years had passed so she opened and read it.

    I’m not going to repeat what was in the letter – oh the things we do to each other in the name of protection. But when I finished it, I found that after 20 years I could breathe again. Really, really breathe. When the crying was eventually done, Viv explained that the only way she could bring herself to broach the subject and explain/’justify what he did to all of us was through New Moon. And I think she was right. Now I know. I am finally at peace.

    This is not something I’ve discussed with anyone. So why write this down here? Thought of sending a letter to Ms. Meyer to tell her what the Twilight saga means to me, but no successful lawyer writes fan mail at the age of 42 without feeling totally ridiculous. So when I stumbled across this website, I figured what the heck. These books have redeemed a very painful part of my life. My daughter and I have read all four books together and I have re-read Twilight and New Moon several times on my own. I think I’ll be buying the movie this weekend. See, I have fine lines under my eyes and streaks of silver show up much faster than I can dye them away. But when I read about their first kiss and the meadow scene and the explanation he gives her at the end of New Moon that sort of matches the one I got to hear in my own life 20 years too late – oh, it is like it is eternally the morning of my 21st birthday again and all is right with the world.

    • texastwilightmom
      

      23. Mar, 2009

      I cannot begin to tell you how this post touched my heart. I sat here, at work, crying my eyes out. It is sad and wonderful at the same time. Thank you for having the generous heart to share your story.

38. tina
    

    17. Mar, 2009

    I am a 37 year old mother and wife and I love your twilight books. I love the characters. I have read all the books at least twice.

    You have created a world full old fashion undying love that everyone looks for in our lifetime.

    Thank you

39. Marketa
    

    19. Mar, 2009

    Hi Stephanie. I’m 57 years old and become 17 again as I read your books. No other books are as magical as these. You have been given a depth of writing that touches the soul.

    Please finish Midnight Sun and the other books from Edward’s POV. Twilight is a tremendous gift to share with the world. Don’t let the action of one disloyal person punish the millions that anxiously await MS and more books in this series.

    You may never realize the positive impact you’ve had on so many. You are loved and treasured. Thank you.

40. Erin
    

    20. Mar, 2009

    Stephenie,

    I’m so glad I have a way to post my thanks to you.

    I was locked away as a graduate student in the basement of BYU’s HFAC during the advent of all of you books. Somehow unaware of the literary phenomenon you were becoming as you spoke in the building across the way. So I’ve discovered your talented writing a little late in the game.

    A fellow student in my MFA program tempted me with your shiny black tomes but I (in hindsight very wisely) resisted her efforts for fear I would be distracted from my studies.

    When grad school ended I found myself in a mini-crisis state, frustrated over what to do with my time and what direction to go in life — too many choices in good directions.

    So, finding I had some time on my hands for the first time in years, I just read each of the five books that you published during my time in graduate school in the week before Halloween 2008.

    I’ve been reminded through your storylines and your example of several really important things that I wanted to thank you for inspiring. It may seem silly, but because of you my husband is finally getting the attention and gratitude he deserves for being patient the past three years.

    And, most importantly, I’ve been reminded that, of all the good choices out there in the world, the chance to have and love a family is the most important thing I can take into eternity (yet I can even still make successful creative contributions to society while doing so).

    Thank you again for both the entertaining and inspiring stories you tell and the inspiring story you, yourself have become.

41. 17..awhile
    

    20. Mar, 2009

    Dear Stephenie, I’m a 58 year old grandmother. (I’ve definitely been 17 a while) if you had any idea, when you wrote the books, how much your wonderful books would mean to grandmothers too!

    I have always been a reader, but had stopped reading for about 10 years. My previous choice of books were Stephen King and Anne Rice. You see, I’ve always loved vampires. I actually quit reading for awhile because I was out of the horror reading stage after 30 years. When my 34 year old daughter told me I would love these vampire books, she had to persuade me, telling me these weren’t like the other vampire books I had read.

    She was so right. I’ve fallen in love with the books and with the characters, every one of them. I think it’s because we still remember being 17 and the loves and crushes we had. I’ve read the books 4 times and am reading for the 5th time now. All of this since August when Breaking Dawn was released. I’m shocked that I didn’t know about your books before, but I’m glad when I did find them, they had all been released (I’m not very patient, you see).

    I’m also in love with Midnight Sun. I read your statement about the way it was released on the internet without your permission. Purposely, I didn’t try to find a copy to read because of this. When I saw that you had the first 12 chapters on your website, THEN I was able to read it and enjoy it. I love reading from Edwards POV, and truly hope that you will consider finishing this book as well as the others all from Edwards POV. You have no idea how much joy you’ve brought back into my life by simply reading your wonderful books.

    I also read The Host and loved it. It’s actually hard to read a book other than Twilight.

    Thank you for being the author that you are and I wish you the greatest success with all your endeavors in the literary field. (and every other endeavor too) Your books truly are magical and I thank you for giving them to us all.

    Barb

42. Pat
    

    20. Mar, 2009

    Stephanie, I am also an older mom…61 years old, but I guess 17 in my heart. My daughter is 31 years old and we have shared so much after both of us reading the Twilight Series. Thank you for bringing us much closer. My husband calls us “groupies,” and that’s fine with us. We have so much fun recalling all the best parts in your stories. My daughter and I both read the books in 3 weeks and are on our second go around. I read so fast the first time, I had to go back and see what I missed! I’m savoring the books the second time, and I cried just the same when I read New Moon the second time! HA! I also have the book The Host and will start that soon. It is hard to move on to something new other than the Twilight Series. I just want to thank you again for touching my heart and making me feel young again. I felt that wonderful feeling of experiencing love for the first time again. Life is richer now for me. I hope you continue to write when you can (hard with a family for sure) and that you enjoy writing your books as much as we enjoy reading them. Thank you again.

43. Sandy
    

    21. Mar, 2009

    Pat and I share the same story. I am 63 (Pat is 61)and my daughter is 35 (Pat’s daughter is 31). My daughter and I have had such fun sharing the Twilight books, movie, CD, and now the DVD. Thanks you for taking us on this glorious fanciful ride called Twilight. Romantic love never dies. Thank you, Stephanie.

44. Kelly
    

    23. Mar, 2009

    Right before the birth of my second baby a couple of my girlfriends told me about the Twilight books and movie. I don’t often get a chance to watch tv let alone read a book for fun, so I made a mental note to check it out “someday”. Then a couple others talked to me about it. Everyones story was the same…can’t put it down, takes you back to young love, etc After a crazy day cooped up in my house, in the dead of winter with a 3 year old who was having a trying week, month…well he is three so that should explain it, and a month old baby I was in tears. My husband was coming home late again ( he runs his own company) after he made a stop at the bookstore to pick up something for work. He could hear the stress in my voice and asked if he could pick me up something to cheer me up or help me relax…I asked him to get Twilight.
    As soon as I started reading I was hooked even though it was science-fiction, somthing I have never read unles required by a teacher. I read anytime I could. I read while I was breastfeeding my newborn, I read while Dora, Diego, Wonderpets, and Disney movies were playing in the background. I stayed up till 2 am reading knowing my baby would be up in an hour or two to eat, but I had to keep reading. I finally had to stop reading and make myself do housework and I rewarded myself for getting things done by reading from the series. I talked about it with all of my girlfriends and even around my parnets and husband. I read every bit of Stephenie Meyer’s website…I had become a “groupie” for the first time in my life! I was never like this even in high school! My Dad and husband have both read the series now and they couldn’t put the books down either! Mrs. Meyer is such a talented author, we have lots of discussions on her wonerful talents as a writer. Thank you for writing these books and I (as well as many others) would love to read more about our beloved vampires!! I love seeing all of these websites, especially this one with all of older fans, it makes me feel a little less obsessed.
    I fell in love with my husband when we were 17. He is my best friend and love. He is wonderful! I found myself remembering all of the amazing and wonderful things he used to say and write to me early on in our young love. He still does now, just not as often. It made me crave more of those intimate conversations and sharing our love for one another. I never grow tired of hearing how much he loves me and why. Your books helped me remember and charish that even more! And equally as important, this love story became my escape. As a fairly new stay at home mom and in a wonderful transition of adding a new baby girl to our family, I needed “me” time, which is something I don’t give myself. I was able to completely forget about the laundry and housework while I was furiously turning pages and in my own little world….the one I share with all the Twilight fans out there. So thank you for giving me characters that I thought about constantly while I was going about my daily chores. As an elementary teacher, thank you for writing children’s books that are amazing and speak to all ages and genders. These aren;t just chick books! Thank you for creating a beautiful and classy romance to fall into when I most needed a mental escape!! Thank you for creating books that I can share with my son and daughter someday and that I will be able to use them to teach them about good relationships. Thank you for writing about cool cars and putting all of that on your website too…I am a huge car fan! I haven’t ever had this kind of passion for books (or the characters in them) even though I love to read. I just can’t get enough! I even left my baby (with my parents)for the first time to go see the movie! And it takes a lot for me to leave my babies.
    I know many of us would love to have more Edward and Bella to read! I would love for you to write more romance novels on the adult level too! I am getting ready to start reading the books over again…another first for me. Thank you so much for sharing your talent with all of us!

45. Leslie
    

    24. Mar, 2009

    Stephanie…You have changed my life. You gave me a reason to smile at nothing except for the thoughts in my head. You gave me the greatest escape…my happy place. How can I ever begin to thank you? I feel like the Cullens are my own family and Bella is my best friend. Thank you so much for giving us their story. And please know how much we would all love to read more of Edward’s beautiful words…12 chapters just isn’t enough! )
    Bless you!

46. SINI29
    

    25. Mar, 2009

    My niece put me on to Twilight and just like everyione else I was hooked and could not put the books down. I want to thank you Stephanie because because like so many of us on this board this love story is something we had, have, or want. Their unconditional love for one another is beautiful. I’m reading Eclipse for the 3rd time and I’ve also read the others

47. sini29
    

    25. Mar, 2009

    more than once and each time I read them it’s like reading it for the first time. I get the same feeling, I feel all nervous like Bella. I feel like the Cullens and the rest of the characters are all my friends… I’m so happy I found this website and that other moms and wives love the books and movie as much as I do . THe only person I was able to talk to was my 13yr old cousin about it this

48. Emmy
    

    25. Mar, 2009

    Dear Stephanie:
    I recently picked up your book, Twilight, after I had become intrigued by all the hype surrounding the movie. I read Twilight in 12 hours over the course of two days. I just finished New Moon and am currently reading Eclipse. I find myself thinking of Bella and Edward constantly. I care about them as if they were my own flesh and blood. It sounds silly but true. Anyone I encounter I ask if they have read or seen the movie. I feel the need to share their story and expose everyone to your world.
    My life has been enhanced by experiencing this world that you created. I am 35 year old mom of two young boys, 5 and 8. I have been married for almost 11 years to my own “Edward”. Reading your books has reignited something deep inside that made me remember the beginning and what brought my husband and I together and what we have created because of that fire.
    At first I was like, “Why can’t you be more like Edward?” Now I see that he is somewhat like him and I realize how much I love him and how grateful I am to be able to have the relationship I have. I think he appreciates you as well for helping me figure that out.
    The movie was great, but does not compare to your writing.
    When I am reading your stories I am right there in Forks. As I read each word I was able to picture the scenery, feel the emotion — everything. You Rock!
    In closing, I don’t want this saga to ever end. I refrained from reading your draft of Midnight Sun, because I want to wait for you to put the book out when you fell you are ready. I am anxiously anticipating the time that you do. I love Bella and Edward. Like Edward said to Bella, “you are like my personal brand of heroine” — I am addicted.
    Love You, Emmy

49. Dana
    

    25. Mar, 2009

    Dear Stephenie,

    I too am a dedicated fan of your work. I’ve read all your books and really have found myself lost in the worlds you have created.

    You and I are the same age – although I am a few months older. We both have three boys, but I added a girl to the mix, just to make things interesting. And, I think we’re both in love with Edward. I have my own Edward, who has aged and matured in the last 20 years, but still has moments of utter and total brilliance.

    Thank you for giving me the opportunity, the desire, to remember those wonderful feelings of first love. I wish you much continued success and happiness. God bless.

50. Terri
    

    26. Mar, 2009

    I have a new found fondness of the beautiful Rainy, overcast, cloudy day’s the Lord blesses us with. I have you to thank for that so Thank you!
    After having a minor health issue that competely changed my life forever at the young age of 30 last October I have changed my outlook on many things and although this issue and change in outlook occured before I had read your books once I had read them (in November) it comfired and kept my grip on reality. I now am able to viemweach and everyday for what it is. A gift that is given to us, wheater that be ticking a 19 month old or making a model train movie with my 5 year old or jumping on the trampoline with my seven year old! And then I have my nights with my amazing husband which I take full advantage of every chance I get. So thank you Steph for making my life all that much richer than it already was!