In Defense of Stephenie Meyer
September 6th, 2008 by --KALEB NATION--
As I’m sure most of you have already heard, Midnight Sun, the promised future book from Stephenie Meyer, has been put on hold indefinitely after about 150 pages of it was leaked online.
The leaked file contained direct photographic scans of a spiral-bound notebook with hand-numbered pages, posted online by a website of anti-Twilighters. After the initial buzz across the internet, Stephenie found out and announced that due to the ordeal, she has stopped writing on the book, and gave the chapters away for free on her site. This prompted an uproar of media attention, causing many anti-Twilighters to immediately lash out at Stephenie and proclaim that she is only making it worse by dropping the book, calling her reaction ‘childish’.
These people are gravely misguided. If you are looking for someone who is childish, turn instead to a certain group of so-called Twilighters who have taken what they wanted from Stephenie and then stabbed her in the back on the way out.
In recent months, I have seen a surge of hate directed at Stephenie from people who formerly called themselves her fans, surpassing any resemblance of even remotely constructive criticism and instead trashing her latest book, Breaking Dawn, over its very plot, as if they have any right to dictate what happens in any of Stephenie books. Even worse, Stephenie herself has fallen victim of completely irrelevant attacks. I honestly do not see what being a Mormon or Stephenie’s hairstyle has to do with writing or books. And yet people in recent months have relentlessly attacked Stephenie as if because she is famous, she is some sort of sub-human who deserves whatever she gets: be it a battering of hateful websites or the illegal distribution of her unfinished novel.
Just because Stephenie is a celebrity author does not mean that she writes her books any different than any other writer out there. Stephenie did not write to get famous. In fact, Twilight came out at a time when vampire and romance books were far from ‘in’. She just wrote a story, and became popular so fast she still hasn’t had a chance to come to terms with how famous she really is. It wasn’t until recent months, after being all over MTV, one of TIME’s Most Influential People, and on major news, that she removed her family photo from her website to protect her children from media scrutiny.
People are proclaiming that ‘Stephenie should know better than to give drafts out to her friends’ but they are overlooking the fact that Midnight Sun has been partially written for years. These pages were done long before Stephenie was world famous, and probably given or shown to people before she ever dreamed that her works would even be leak-worthy.
Blaming Stephenie for trusting her friends is absolutely idiotic. At the moment, I have 100 pages of my second book floating amongst my friends, which won’t even be heard of by the world until months after my first book comes out (even my publishers have not seen any of it). These pages are rough, unedited early cuts that I let certain people read just to see what they think about it.
Even though I am a literary flea, if I were ever to become half as popular as Stephenie, and one of my trusted friends were to distribute my unfinished draft publicly, I would not only feel enormously betrayed but I would probably react in exactly the same way and feel like withdrawing from the work entirely. People who are not writers do not understand the large amounts of emotion required to write a book. Things grow as you write them- ideas are used and ideas are tossed out. You are basically putting a piece of your soul into it, and if somehow it is taken while still growing, it is like someone has stolen your secret diary and read the most embarrassing lines to the world.
Other people, again, compare Stephenie to JK Rowling, and say that Harry Potter was leaked plenty of times and was still released. But there is absolutely no comparison. When Harry Potter was leaked, it was always finished, edited copies of the book that was about to go to printers. This is an incomplete, unpolished draft printed by Stephenie herself that was never meant to be seen by anyone besides people she knew. A better comparison would be someone breaking into JK Rowling’s home and stealing her writing notebooks.
I can only imagine how it is for Stephenie right now. The ordeal was all across the newspapers and covered the front of Yahoo.com for two days, more popular even than Britney Spears agreeing to be at the VMA’s. The entire world has gotten a peek at something that was incomplete.
I wrote a few months ago about how Stephenie is like a mother to all of her fans. It seemed that everyone agreed with me. Times have obviously changed. Take a step back, look around at what is happening, and try to imagine how she must feel now: these people she trusted as her fans suddenly turning against her.
I am not against criticism. I am not against people who do not enjoy Twilight, or Breaking Dawn, or even people who do not like Stephenie in general. But the relentless battering of Stephenie from her own former fans has come to such a maddening point, I honestly don’t blame her if she decides never to release Midnight Sun at all– or at least until her real fans show some respect for all she has put up with so far.
If you want to show your support for Stephenie Meyer in the wake of all the negative people trying to bring her down, please consider this petition that was emailed to me by one of her fans. I think now is the time for the real fans to come together.
ADDED: I decided to make some Support Stephenie Meyer buttons for people to post on their Myspace/Xanga pages. Check them out on the TwilightGuy downloads page, and show your support to Stephenie.
Posted in Stephenie Meyer
September 6th, 2008 at 12:06 am
[...] have written my response to the Midnight Sun leak on my other website. It is a lot longer than I usually blog, but I hope it helps to fully say how I feel about this. As [...]
September 6th, 2008 at 12:16 am
Finally, a reaction to the Midnight Sun leak that I understand, and agree with. Thank you for writing this.
September 6th, 2008 at 12:24 am
_ just signed petition_
“Blaming Stephenie for trusting her friends is absolutely idiotic.”
I agree. Besides, she didn’t know what was going to happen anyway. Stephenie is no Alice.
“these people she trusted as her fans suddenly turning against her.”
Yes. When I heard of the leak I was so angry and sad.
I will wait, though. And I will hope that MS gets published.
I guess she also needs time for her family, anda break from writing.
=D
September 6th, 2008 at 12:26 am
WORD, Kaleb. Word.
I agreed with every single word you said.
September 6th, 2008 at 12:55 am
This is the first response to the MS leak that I have read that is well written and thought out. I agree with everything you said. But as I have come to realize with all things ‘Twilight’ the fans seem to see what they want to see and not look at the facts. They overlook the fact that MS has been a work in progress for a very long time, and that the copies in question that were leaked could have in fact been handed out long ago. But that doesn’t matter to some fans. Nice post.
September 6th, 2008 at 1:00 am
Kaleb,
Very well said! I hope Stephanie is enjoying her family, writing to her hearts delight and ignoring the internet entirely right now. Why is it that naysayers are always heard louder over the supporters? Signed the petition!
September 6th, 2008 at 1:07 am
Thank you so much for this amazing response to not only the M.S. leak, but also to the bashing of Breaking Dawn and Stephenie personally. This is all that needs to be said.
People who are continuing to brutally pick apart every tiny aspect of these issues are completely missing the point. It’s not our argument to hash out. It’s not up to us or anyone besides Stephenie Meyer what Stephenie Meyer does with Stephenie Meyer’s work. Opinions are one thing, but demands and threats are completely out of line.
Thank you Kaleb, for using your platform to spread this message. I hope the fans who look up to you and visit your site on a regular basis will follow your lead.
And thank you so much for including a link to my petition in this. I hope people will ignore the bad stigma that online petitions have and at least go check out the site. It’s different, I promise.
It’s time to Respect Stephenie Meyer Now!
-Meagen
September 6th, 2008 at 1:15 am
I agree 100%. It’s became so bad that I stopped frequently every single twilight website & forum except this one. She’s amazing, she can write whatever she wishes. At the Chicago even she said this was how it was meant to be…Who has the right to tell her how she should end her series? Thank you for this amazing post!
September 6th, 2008 at 1:22 am
“The leaked file contained direct photographic scans of a spiral-bound notebook with hand-numbered pages, posted online by a website of anti-Twilighters.”
Do you know which site initially posted the leaked file? I’m just curious because the leaked version I had first come across was definitely not posted on an anti-Twilighter site.
“I honestly do not see what being a Mormon or Stephenie’s hairstyle has to do with writing or books.” I definitely agree that the Stephenie Meyer-bashing needs to stop. Now, I don’t necessarily feel that people cannot be angry about her decision to take a hiatus from Midnight Sun - their right to argue this is justifiable in my mind - but to be attacking Meyer herself as a person and calling her names that really should not be used just isn’t right. It’s beyond distasteful and disrespectful. But actually, a lot of general bashing within the Twilight fanbase needs to stop. This whole verbal war between Twilight fans is a bit ridiculous. Both sides are at fault - I do think some fans are way too hateful but I think it’s also unfair for the extreme Twihards to be labeling people who aren’t completely in love with anything Meyer-related as non-fans (I would be careful in using conclusions such as “these people she trusted as her fans suddenly turning against her”). It continuously adds fuel to the Midnight Sun fire and I doubt that it makes things easier for Meyer.
Thanks for your opinions. It’s refreshing to read something that is not plagued with unnecessary expletives or CAPS-LOCK abuse.
September 6th, 2008 at 1:34 am
I signed the petition. [#403]
My post:
I do not feel that I have a right to comment … but I will try my best. It’s hard to explain, but as an aspiring writer myself, I feel, or can empathize, just a smidgen of what Stephanie Meyer is feeling. Imagine someone publishing your private diary online. Some may argue that people write blogs all the time and put them online, but a personal diary is VERY different from blog. And that is what Midnight Sun was to Stephanie, in a way. Her private thoughts, rough sketchings and ideas coming together in a story that wasn’t even halfway completed yet. A bit of herself was in that, and that got stolen from her. I truly love her work and hope that, in time, her heartbreak will heal enough so that she can finish the book. Whether she publishes it is beyond the point right now, just finishing it for herself would be enough for me, ease some of the pain I feel for her. Stephanie, if you are reading this (which I doubt, sadly as SO many people are in support of you XD ) just … put on some amazing music, spend time with your family and know that we all feel for you and your REAL fans just want you to know that. Much love and happiness to you and yours.
RK
September 6th, 2008 at 2:21 am
I totally agree with you Kaleb! Its terrible how people are treating her! I was shocked yesterday when my mom said that Stephenie shouldn’t have trusted anyone in the first place! So that made me think, “does that mean I shouldn’t trust my own mother with my unfinished novel or not trust m boyfriend? All in the fear that they’ll leak it one day?” no! I trust people with it, of course, I’m not handing out copies. I let people read it off my laptop. But I totally understand why she would trust people. Especially if she had handed those drafts out years ago! I hate that they consider her reaction to the leak as “childish” because its not. Writers pour their hearts into their writing (as you sai) and that’s why I totally agree with her response. Although it saddens me to never get Midnight Sun, I think people should give her a break. Let her live her life for a while. Stop treating her like she’s betrayed everyone. She hasn’t!
Thanks for a great post Kaleb!
September 6th, 2008 at 2:34 am
I agree! I hope she takes a well deserved break. And I hope the real fans and Stephenie can move past this terrible incident. Maybe someday when she is in a better place she will be able to continue on writing Midnight Sun; until then I’ll be giving her my support.
September 6th, 2008 at 2:39 am
i am completely agaisnt the fact that midnight sun was leaked, and i feel that peoples shuold stop harrasing and abusing stephenie meyer over the net.
and its true, all you true twilighters out there, we need to get together and show stephenie our support, not force her to continue her writing of midnight sun, but to show her there are still true twilighters out there and we totally respect her choice!!
whoever those idiots are out there, they better be sorry for wat theyve done and for those imbecile’s who are harrasing her and bullying her well just !@#$%^&*()_ and if you really honestly >not jeaulously< strongly feel that way, fine. its your opinion and its a free world but KEEP IT TO YOURSELVES!!!
September 6th, 2008 at 2:47 am
Hey Kaleb~
I just wanted to say that your little rant moved me - in just a few minutes, you said everything I wanted to say. I’m a writer as well, and not only do I fully sympathize with Stephenie, but I also feel angry with those that used to be Twilighters.
On a lighter note, I wanted to wish you happy reading. My husband, after hearing me rave about the book - and reading through all four books a second time - became intrigued and picked up Twilight a little over two weeks ago. He just started Breaking Dawn *snicker*. I hope you wind up enjoying it as much as he has.
Again, thanks for sticking up for Stephenie; as a true Twilighter and core SM fan, I know that sometimes it takes a more well-known voice to really get people to stop and think about what they’re really saying, and for what reasons.
-Rita
September 6th, 2008 at 3:12 am
What gives? I commented a while ago and its not here….
September 6th, 2008 at 3:51 am
I agree with everything you say here, except for maybe the part about people commenting on the plot of Breaking Dawn. I think people absolutely have the right to voice their opinions on the plot of the latest novel.
I know it’s a huge debate in the literary world right now (especially for poets), whether writing is for the writer or the reader. My opinion on the matter would take us into a far too drawn out tangent, but I think no matter which way you swing in your opinion, you have to realize that if your work is out for the world to see then you have to be prepared for any sort of criticism.
It’s like people who post their stories online then get pissed off when someone leaves a comment saying it sucks. People have the right to their opinion, and if you don’t want to hear that opinion then don’t put your work out there in the first place.
That does not include things like the midnight sun leak, however. For people to bash an unedited first draft is really ruthless, or else just ignorant of the writing process. I think this leak was completely disrespectful towards Stephenie, and even moreso that it was obviously leaked by someone she trusted.
September 6th, 2008 at 4:00 am
I forgot to add, in at least a small way I can empathize with Meyer here. Some poems and short stories of mine were recently published in a local literary journal. I was really excited because I was really proud of all the work I’d submitted for publishing, but when I got the book, there were poems in it that I had never submitted. They were part of a portfolio I sent in for a reading series, but it was in no way related to the book. Many of the poems were more writing excercises than finished works, and of the few that were ones I wanted included, one was missing an entire line. I wanted to give the journals to my friends and family, but now I don’t even let anyone read it because it’s not work I really feel good about. So I completely understand why she may not want to ever publish Midnight Sun. The whole experience was just made bad by this leak. If people want to bash the book once it’s officially out — having been proof-read, edited, and ok’d — then fine. But what’s going on right now is completely vicious.
September 6th, 2008 at 4:54 am
I totally agree. I’m sure Stephenie Meyer has experienced an incredible emotional blow because of this leak. I’m not a writer, just a fan of this series and I’m stung by this betrayal, so I can’t possibly imagine what she’s feeling. Of course she has every right to put the novel on hold. Shame on those pathetic vindictive people who had to sink so low as to attack something so many people truly cared about, just to make themselves feel better.
September 6th, 2008 at 5:57 am
You talk about how Stephenie’s “real” fans not shown her respect. I believe it is totally the other way around, she has let her real fans down.
I have a friend who is obsessed with Twilight, even more than I. 2 weeks ago she came down with Bells palsy. She’s had to delay starting college, she cant sleep, she’s in an awful lot of pain and looks like a horror movie freak (her words, not mine). So, knowing how low she was i told her about the leak, offering her the link if she wanted.
Despite how low she was, she declined, prefering to wait for the finished article.
Now she feels even worse. She hasnt done anything wrong, and the book she has been so looking forward to is not going to be finished. She wont even read the draft Stephenie released because she knows it’s not going to be finished and she’ll be even more dissapointed once she reached the end.
Is that any way to treat a “real” fan?
She needs to remember, her fans did not release this, someone she trusted did.
We fans have done nothing wrong yet we are being punshed.
This is why i have lost respect for Stephenie. I still love her work, but as a human being… Well, she needs to grow up and learn some life lessons.
September 6th, 2008 at 6:00 am
Finally! Kaleb I so completely agree with everything you said here. When I read about her releasing the chapters, I just felt absolutely ill, literally, because I felt so horrible that she had been betrayed by the people who claim to have once loved her. I do not blame her in any way for stopping work and it would serve us right if she never wrote another word, but I hope that eventually, when this furor dies down, she can come back. Like Tracy above, I have removed myself from the Twilight fandom because the idiots are completely ruining what was a wonderful, happy thing for me and I decided I don’t need the stress. Yours is the only site I will come to now because I know I can trust you. Thank you for writing this.
September 6th, 2008 at 6:56 am
That was exactly what I think!
The real fans have to stick together now and support Stephenie. After so much disappointment in the last time with the reactions about Breaking Dawn and now the leak she needs to see that her fans still love her.
I am not going to read Midnight Sun online. I support Stephenie and that wasn’t the way she wanted it to be.
I hope she is going to finish Midnight Sun someday, but I would understand it if she didn’t.
Thanks Kaleb for writing this! I hope ppl will read this and think about it. You rock =)
September 6th, 2008 at 7:13 am
[...] have written my response to the Midnight Sun leak on my other website. It is a lot longer than I usually blog, but I hope it helps to fully say how I feel about this. As [...]
September 6th, 2008 at 8:05 am
I completely agree. I signed that petition, and hope that Stephenie feels better. I won’t read Midnight Sun because it’s not the way she meant for me to see it. I will wait and hope she will be able to one day pick it up again and finish it.
September 6th, 2008 at 8:34 am
I have also signed the petition. this is finally something nice..i havent heard anything nice at all about this leak.. and i agree that it is stupid for her to trust her friends..friends are suppose to be trusted…Kaleb, i agree with everything u said. and thanks for voiceing you thoughts…
September 6th, 2008 at 8:34 am
Kaleb, you are wise beyond your years. Thanks for your thoughts from a writer’s point of view. I greatly appreciate authors, as putting my thoughts into words is torture to me.
In response to #17 (Cat), or others who feel Stephenie is “punishing” her fans by putting MS on hold - I believe Stephenie is concerned that continuing to write MS in her current state of mind would result in a much different product than had the leak not occurred, and possibly not be as satisfying to herself or to the fans. I’m sure she will continue, if or when it feels right. And if not, oh well, life is full of disappointments, get used to it. My hope is that she will continue to write her stories, and not decide to put down her pen forever, and become a nurse or firefighter or …you know what I mean, stop being a writer.
September 6th, 2008 at 8:43 am
I really hate this real/true fan stuff. I was one of the ones unhappy with the way BD ended up and had a few criticisms, however i never bashed her or got into how bella looks like her or her mormon values or whatever. I just generally just didnt like the story. So now im not a true fan? i still read the Host and liked that. And i do believe that SM has every right to be upset about the reactions of BD and the MS leak but i am disappointed with how she blames her fans. The way she compared it to robert pattison being cast and that we hyped the book up too much. And now she is scolding us for reading MS. i read it not really knowing it was a real draft but i was still curious. I think she should be upset with those who began the leak and first spread it not every fan who was curious.
September 6th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Childish is the right word for these so called fans.
Biggest entitlement complex I’ve ever seen.
And, let’s face it, most of them ARE children, and showing it.
…spoiled children no less.
September 6th, 2008 at 9:31 am
Well said Kaleb, her REAL FANS are still 100% behind her!
September 6th, 2008 at 9:42 am
I agree. Some of her fans have reacted poorly to her decision. While it pains me, I support her no matter what she does. I do hope she reconsiders, but I know she is hurt–and it takes time. I have refused to read the leaked chapters, even still on her site. I feel wrong for doing it, and I feel like it’s hurting Steph. She really doesn’t want her fandom to read the unfinished version and I will continue to wait.
September 6th, 2008 at 9:45 am
I totally understand how Steph feels. Im a writer, too, and I only let a small portion of people on my deviantArt read unfinished drafts. My two best friends on there, and one who was insanely curious. I hate for anyone to read any of my work before it’s remotely edited. I almost literally bit somebody when the tried to grab my writing notebook from me. Those books are horribly rough and contain all sorts of typos and crap. You do get attatched to your work, and in some way it becomes almost like your brain-child, so to speak. No-one would want to have their child mocked or betrayed, would they?
September 6th, 2008 at 10:02 am
I agree 100 thousand percent!!!!!!!!!!! Even if people do not like the Twilight series (and how could anyone not?) they should not take it out on the author!
September 6th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Great post, Kaleb! Everyone has his or her own right to criticize the BOOKS, but not to attack an author on his/her religion or on a personal level.
September 6th, 2008 at 10:18 am
SO TRUE!
I am so glad you posted this, Kaleb. The bashing of Stephenie Meyer needs to stop! She is a wonderful author, and fans don’t have a “right” to dictate what she writes. It is absolutely ridiculous, and very childish. She has a completely valid reason for halting the writing of Midnight Sun, and i think she needs a break! Releasing two books in a year and going on tours all over the place…that is so much! I think it would be good for her to leave this for a while and have time with her family!
I am still hoping that it gets published, but if it should not, Stephenie Meyer is still the best!
September 6th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Well, I agreed before that the leak was a terrible betrayal, but this opened my eyes a little bit more.
I didn’t really realize that Midnight Sun might have been in progress for a while, and I now see that it really wasn’t mistake on Stephenie’s part to trust and share with her friends the unedited manuscript.
Thanks Kaleb, for opening my eyes a little more. It helps to see this in a writers point of view.
September 6th, 2008 at 10:30 am
Thank you for saying what needed to be said! I agree with most of what you said but I do disagree with the fact that you called the peaple who didn’t like Breaking Dawn “So called fans” Don’t get me wrong I liked the book (though I didn’t love it like her others). You can still dislike one of a writers books and still be a fan of theirs. I don’t happen to like/love all the books by some of my favorite writers. I do understand though what you ment when you said that you never even heard any constructive criticism on the book. Its hard to find but its out there. When I am talking with my friends about a book (any book) I tell them what I liked in the book AND what I disliked in the book and thay do the same. Poeple need to learn to respect other peoples opinnions. Its can be hard to find good constructive criticism at times but its out there. Now some of the reasons why people didn’t like it was explaned on her site when you go to “Breaking Dawn FAQs”. But I do admit I think its sad that she needs one.
On a different note. I do like the way she has delt with all this, after all she could have said on her site WHO leaked it and blamed them but she didn’t. Though the person was disrespectful of her she was still respectful to him/her.
With all that being said I still respect Stephenie as a writer and I will continue to read all of her books. And I hope she is taking a probalbly much needed vacation and is enjoying spending time with her family.
September 6th, 2008 at 10:35 am
[...] out of the box is Kaleb, Mr. Twilight Guy himself, who provides an analysis on his blog entitled "In Defense of Stephenie Meyer. He talks about recent events from an [...]
September 6th, 2008 at 10:49 am
I agree with every single thing you said. its time for stephenies real fans to step up to the plate and show her that we still care.
September 6th, 2008 at 10:52 am
kaleb, there needs to be more men/people in the world like you.
love from nyc,
katie
(thevampiregirl)
September 6th, 2008 at 11:07 am
thank you, this could not have been said any better and follows my thoughts on the subject exactly.
September 6th, 2008 at 11:21 am
kaleb,
i agree with a lot of what you said but i think that all the fans regardless
wheather they are pro stephanie meyers or a hater are all true fans.
it takes to much energy to create an anti- steph website or to lurk in forums for hours at a time ranting negatively about a book or an author.
its just that those fans that are lashing out are hurt by either the ending of the saga (breaking dawn) or by the hold on midnight sun.
you also have to keep in mind that a large portion of her fans are very young. teenagers dont always make the right decisions and when they are over whelmed by strong emotions they may need to lash out. however, anyone that lashes out risks hurting the feeings of others.
so i agree with you on many levels except on the detail of true fans. haveing fans is not always a positive experiance. it is unfortunate that the leak occurred.
im 28 years old and i actually cried over it.
September 6th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Writers unite! It is so important for those of you who have influence and credibility with Twilight fans to speak your minds. You have risen to the occasion by helping to “calm the waters.” I wish more authors would do this. A fanfiction.net writer (a good one!) who calls herself J. Plash also wrote to her readers from a writer’s perspective about this issue, and more should do so. In effect, you and other reasoned voices might assist some of these fans in “distress” (OK, they are shrill, childish whiners) get a grip and realize how badly they are behaving. Thank you again for your comments — I hope they are widely linked.
September 6th, 2008 at 11:36 am
Amen Kaleb. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
The writing process is very personal and depends entirely upon mood and emotion. I hope someday Stephenie’s mood is where it needs to be to continue MS, but if that never happens, I still respect her.
September 6th, 2008 at 11:36 am
Kaleb, Thank you for your well written response to the leak of Breaking Dawn. I wish I were able to ewxpress my thoughts and feelings so well! I am so utterly dumbfounded by the sense of entitlement that so many so-called fans have expressed, as if Stephenie were bound to bend to their every will! An how people could think that she is intending to “punish” her fans by putting the book on hold is absolutley inconceivable to me! Stepehenie has always treated her fans with love and appreciation. Her decision to stop writing was because she feels she CAN’T write the book anymore, not because she wants to punish her fans. Writing is a very emotionally charged thing for Stephenie, and I totally understand how her current emotional state would change the feel of the rest of the book. She needs to be able to get back to the mental and emotional place she was when she first began writing MS. I just feel so bad for all that Stephenie has suffered! Thank you for the link to the petition. I will check it out.
September 6th, 2008 at 11:40 am
THANK-YOU, Kaleb, for posting exactly what a lot of us are thinking. The leak itself was horrible, but the blacklash that Stephenie’s getting for postponing MS is far worse. All of these people complaining is not only childish, but absolutely ridiculous.
I hate the sense of entitlement these people seem to be having. “Oh, I’m a ‘fan’ of Stephenie’s, so she MUST give me what I want in Breaking Dawn, not what she was. I bought her books, so she’d better get to work on MS and forget that she was basically betrayed. I DESERVE better from Stephenie.” Please.
I feel like, especially after all of this undeserved criticism, Stephenie owes her fans nothing. Heck, I wouldn’t blame the woman if she stopped publishing whatsoever. I would be crushed, personally, but I could understand her motives.
September 6th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Kaleb, this is great. I’m really impressed by what you said, and it’s good for everyone to finally hear a writer’s perspective because, though I only currently write fanfiction, I understand some of what Stephenie is feeling, and it breaks my heart to hear the way people call her childish or say she betrayed her fans by the events in Breaking Dawn (most of which were written before Twilight was published), or the hold on Midnight Sun. I loved BD and I’m disappointed about the MS cancellation, but I’m angry with those who leaked it and in full support of Stephenie’s decision. I don’t think true fans would be so disrespectful. They can be disappointed, they can hate Breaking Dawn with a passion, but they couldn’t be this cruel.
I really don’t like it when people bring JK Rowling into anything having to do with Twilight. Jo was my idol before Steph came along, and now they share that spot equally, but they’re nothing alike and I don’t like the comparisons.
September 6th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Well said Kaleb. Very well said.
As an aside: I wonder if ‘it was given to trusted individuals for a good purpose’ implies it was one of the movie people who leaked it? I have a hard time thinking that a close friend would have posted it online, but someone from the set who had access to it…hmm. Total gossipy rumor type questioning and not really worth discussing, but I am curious who leaked it.
September 6th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Thank you so much for your words Kaleb. This is the first long and emotional post about the Midnight Sun leak that I have seen. I completely agree about how terrible it would be to have a draft of a novel posted on the internet without permission like this, and I’m not even into writing. I can’t believe that anyone would criticize someone so horribly. All those people should feel repulsed by themselves. Ack, I feel a rant coming on…
Anyways, thank you so much Kaleb, I needed to read that.
By the way, what is your view about reading Midnight Sun now that it is posted on Stephenie’s site?
September 6th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
very well said… at first, I thought there must have been more to the story, and I will admit that I was extremely sad, but I do think that Stephenie’s true fans should ban together and support her through this. She has given us so much of herself in those 4 books… those AMAZINGLY written, unable to put down 4 books… and she has every right in the world to be as upset as she is. I know I would be. But…. this blog says it all perfectly.
September 6th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Kaleb Said:”Even though I am a literary flea,”…
My friend IF you were nothing more than a flea, after this blog you are a STAR…
Thank you for posting this.
I am one of those people who would love nothing more than for a copy of Midnight Sun to be published. The first 12 chapters are extraordinary, but Steph deserves tons of respect. All the bashing is horrible.
What is wrong with the human population??? Who are these people who think others “OWE” them.
She has been like a sister, friend and mother to her fans. She is a truly good person and I thank her for that, not to mention her stories that have done so much for myself and so many others.
September 6th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Oh, what a mess. I do feel bad for Stephenie and I can only begin to understand how upset and violated and downright sad she feels. However. I absolutely think her reaction was a wrong one. ‘Yeah, well, now you’re not going to have the book at all’. Yes, there are many people who were awful about Breaking Down. I personally didnt like it. There were things in it that I did enjoy, but very few and the general direction was so very wrong - just my opinion. But I continue to be so unbelievably grateful to Meyer for giving us the world of Twilight. And the gift of Edward:} I was so looking forward to his side of the story. Ive told many friends about Twilight, we all bought the books, very few of us liked BD but we continue to be loyal and grateful fans. And now something that was promised and worked on and so anticipated is being taken away. Frankly, Im disappointed in Meyer. Would it be so difficult to say - im taking a year {or however long} off, gonna play with my boys, write other stuff and when im in a happier frame of mine, fear not, true fans :} you will get Midnight Sun. I rather think that would be a grown up way to do things.
September 6th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Wow…..finally someone that feels the same way I do. Sometimes I am ashamed to say that I am a part of the Twilight fan base just because of how they act so horribly. But I really do think that Stephenie is great and I hate that this has happened. I would understand if she did decide not to publish Midnight Sun, because I would feel the same way. Very well said!!
September 6th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Oh my goodness, all I have to say is Amen. Everything you said, you hit right on. And I’d like to point out that there seems to be more haters. We all know that thats not true, but we need more of a strong support. My friend and I have a twi-tube channel youtube.com/jaykay1615 and we point out to the public our thoughts on the petition. It was such a fuss that the writer of the petition contacted us.! And sounded really ridiculous! But we proved our point and she left us alone. We got her so heated up that she made her own youtube acct to prove her point as well!
I’d say thats a big deal. Anyways, if you want to check out our channel its
http://www.youtube.com/jaykay1615
-Krystina
September 6th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Kaleb, I totally agree with what you said. It’s awful the way that Stephenie Meyer’s “fans” have turned aginst her and are now bashing her just because they don’t agree with how the Twilight saga turned out or because they don’t think that a Mormon should be writing a book like this.
I will be honest when I say that I wasn’t a huge fan of Breaking Dawn, but what I won’t go and do is send the woman that worked for years on perfecting the series hate mail because I don’t agree with how she chose to end her series. It’s completely rediculous.
I don’t blame her one bit for being skeptical about releasing Midnight Sun because of the leak. I am a writer too, and so I know what kind of experience it must have been for something that near and dear to her to be defiled, so to speak.
Stephenie Meyer is one of the greatest writers teen fiction authors of my time and I will totally support her choices no matter what they are.
September 6th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Thank-you so much for writing that. I support Stephenie Meyer, though I haven’t even found the time to go to her site to read her version of Midnight Sun. I do hope she doesn’t get too distressed.
September 6th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
You have a way with words. Thank you for posting this. It is very much needed with everything going on.
September 6th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
That was one hundred percent brilliant and accurate! Even though there seems to be so many “fans” who have turned against everything “Twilight” or Stephenie Meyer, I bet there are a ton more people who still love and support Stephenie and her works.
When I first found out about the leak, I was so mad, I just wanted to cry. Not because I wouldn’t get “Midnight Sun” but because there are people in the world that would do something as hurtful and spiteful as that to any other human being.
Well it’s been a few days since Stephenie posted “Midnight Sun” on her website for all, but I have still refused to read it, all in respect for Mrs. Meyer. This does not mean I am against any who did read it nor do I hold any ill feelings toward them.
So now I have a question. Kaleb, do you plan on reading the tweleve chapters Sthephenie has posted on her website anyway?
September 6th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
I totally agree with everything you said, I myself was recently bashed for standing up for her but I have not taken my post off and I will not because I love Stephenie and I will always admire her! Thank you for posting this!
September 6th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
I don’t usually post comments, but this was such a spot-on post that I had to. It’s awful that some fans, simply because they like the works that Stephenie has written before, feel an entitlement to act like total brats when they don’t like her new book. I loved Breaking Dawn, and I know people who did not who are still capable of being respectful human beings. I do hope Stephenie gets back to Midnight Sun some day, but I understand that she can’t right now. I’ll always love the Twilight books and The Host, and whatever Stephenie writes next, I’ll be sure to check it out.
September 6th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
I haven’t signed anything or whatever, right now I’m dis-involving myself from well, a lot of things internet wise.
But if no one has yet, someone should make an “I support Stephanie Meyer” button, that would totally rock.
September 6th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
[...] »Kaleb Nation [Twilight Guy] has posted a new blog “In Defense Of Stephenie.” [...]
September 6th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
People are criticizing her hair style? Wow.
I can’t imagine blaming Stephenie for trusting her friends. Isn’t that what friends are FOR? It’s so hard to write without constructive criticism. Giving out drafts of something is absolutely necessary to a writer.
September 6th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Also, why on earth are the Anti’s so dang vicious?! Seriously, some people act like She meant to bash THEM and THEIR vampire rules, but golly, aren’t vampire’s fictional creatures anyway? Who IS the rulemaker of what vampires will look like or be capable of anyway?
No offense to anyone, of course.
September 6th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Thank you, Kaleb, for writing something that actually has heart! I had the same ideas as you, but could not put them into words as I am not a writer feeling betrayed, but you did. I hope Stephenie sees this and knows that fans love her! I’m signing the petition.
September 6th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
the idea that people are angry at Stephenie for trust her friends is insane. if you can’t trust your friends then who is left for you to trust. Stephenie was simply trying to make Midnight Sun the best that it could possible be and someone went and ruined that for everyone. anyone that can not see needs to really look at what has happened and put themselves in Stephenie position.
September 6th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Kaleb,
Thanks for putting your opinion up. Stephenie Meyer has been wronged. First by whoever leaked her work, and second by all the fans who turned against her when things didn’t go thier way. It’s very not OK. Thanks for posting
>M
September 6th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
I feel so…idk. Just. Depressed. Not because Midnight Sun isn’t coming out(although i am sad about that) but im just so shocked that people who claim to be fans of SM and her books could be so incredibly unloyal and rude to her. People who once looked up to her now trashing her. Its not right at all.
Idk. I SUPPORT YOU STEPH!!! FOREVER AND ALWAYS.
September 6th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
You’re officially my hero now XD. Thank you so much!
September 6th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Kaleb,
I agree with you completely. Thanks for posting this.
Fame is a fickle thing… but I think that personal attacks on her and illegal distribution of her work are absurd.
September 6th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Brava Kaleb. This was wonderfully written and reflects several of my own opinons. Thank you.
September 6th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Thank GOD. Someone who agrees with us. She deserves better than this, I think it is totally and irrevocably unfair to her. Thanks Kaleb, you kind of rock. A lot.
Added Note: She seriously is like the mother to her fans. I cannot even fathom what it would be like for a mom to have her kids turn on her and say, “Yea, well we are going to trash you now.”
September 6th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Thank you Kaleb! I am so glad to hear an opinion that is strongly supporting Stephenie. Thank you for pointing out that Stephenie is not being childish but the fans who are saying so are. Thanks again.
September 6th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
I have been so angry at the so called “fans” as well. I am sick of people whining that she added too much of this and not enough of that. Write your own book if you don’t like someones writing. These are her books. You either like them or you don’t. I read an article after it was leaked and was shocked at the cruel things people were saying. I was pissed at the one who leaked it, not Stephenie. People need to get their priorities right, because Stephenie is not the problem. That person needs the wrath of her true fans.
September 6th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Sweet, just got my “Team Stephenie” button up on my blog. Thanks for making them
September 6th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Thank you, Kaleb, for displaying your opinion in a polite, common-sense manner. My main reason for posting this, however, is to rant a little on a common misconception among the public. So many comments on the leak that I’ve read go something like this: “I can’t believe Stephenie is punishing her fans like this!” or “She’s just hurting her true fans.” or “She thinks she’s getting revenge, but she’s just disappointing her supporters.” This is absolutely ridiculus. Why are so many people acting like little kids who’ve been denied candy? Stephenie is not putting the book on hold because she’s trying to “punish her fans” or “get revenge”. Stephenie is stopping because she feels betrayed and needs to heal. Whether or not you agree with this, do not degrade Stephenie with comments like the ones above. Stephenie Meyer is not petty or self-absorbed enough to try and “punish” her fans, so don’t make her out to be.
September 6th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
I agree with you 100% and I just wanted to say thx for an opinion I can understand and relate to.
September 6th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
i totally disagree with this. i mean, she should be grateful that people still want to read her books. if i was a writer, i wouldn’t care if my writing got leaked, and i poured my heart and soul into it. i’ll give the fans what they want. it is childish. it’s like if a child had a toy and another child wanted to play with it, and the first child got mad and stormed off and said “i hate that toy now.” that’s what Stephenie Meyer did with Midnight Sun. once someone got a hold of Midnight Sun, she stormed off and said “i hate that book now” basically.
that’s my opinion. so don’t sit there and bash my with hatrid comments because i’m allowed to have my opinion and so are you.
g’day!
September 6th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
I have to completely disagree with you as a writer. To react they way she did when she was ultimately the one to blame for giving the manuscript to people (who in the publishing world does this?) is unprofessional of an author.
Artist in every genre face this issue. Millions of dollars are lost when musicians have their albums leaked on line AND yet they still push through, finish their album, and release it.
Stephenie? No. She in turns acts like a bratty little child. I find it hard to believe her refusal to finish the book is entirely related to MS. I think it ties in with the backlash against BD.
As an author, you never take things out on your fans. She did the one thing you can never do.
Also please stop comparing her to JLK. There is no comparison there.
September 6th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
okay, when i first heard about Midnight Sun not going to be finished, I kind of freaked. I wanted to read certain sections of the book to understand Edward’s reasoning and reactions towards them. (sadly all of those parts were AFTER chapter 12…which stinks). but then when I read the SM had stopped thinking she wasn’t going to be able to write properly, or happily anymore…I completely understood. I’ve written before and I’ve reacted the same way when my mood changes. The story changes along with it and in some ways…ruins it. I completely and totally support Stephenie Meyer’s decision. I will always wish to see Midnight Sun completed and awesome as I’m sure it would be. This reason for: #1 my own enjoyment and understanding, but #2 the way Stephenie Meyer talked about “always wanting Midnight Sun there on the shelf right next to Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn”…or something along those lines.
so to all who are angry with Mrs. Stephenie Meyer…I say good day!
September 6th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
To Comment #76 - Your comment is a perfect example of THE PROBLEM. You describe Stephenie’s decision to suspend completion of MS as “childish”. Actually, her decision is a very well thought-out, mature response to the current wave of negativity. The “haters” are like a fast growing cancer. The only way to stop the cancer is the remove its fuel. It’s best for everyone for Stephenie to wait until the haters move on to something else to *itch about. People who view Stephenie’s decision as a punishment, are only showing how immature they are. Such an attitude is very self-centered. Everything is not about you.
September 6th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Just publish this unique unfinished unpolished manuscript. I would think it would be such a fabulous addition to the twilight collection.
I love how Stephenie chose to deal with the bad way she was treated. Each of her fans and the anti-twilighter’s gain such an inside look at the publishing world and (hopefully) gain a new respect for copyright laws for all authors etc. & etc.
September 6th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
My reaction is two-sided, and it confuses even me…. Whereas I am disappointed in Stephenie for pretty much telling us that she’s quitting, I also find myself supporting her as a writer. I do feel some malice over the idea of being punished for something that I didn’t read…and yet, I agree that that betrayal must have been tough for her.
All of this press isn’t helping my situation, reading about first someone who thinks extremely badly of her decision, then someone who supports it, back and forth…it’s making my head spin.
September 6th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Exactly!!!! You just put into great words what I have been thinking of ever since this happened. I know exactly how Stephenie feels, although on a much smaller scale. I too am a writer, and I was about 50 pages or so into my first major novel when a good friend of mine found out I was writing it. I found out later when she admitted it that she had STOLEN my notebook and read the completely unedited and really very rough draft of the work. I had never felt so betrayed or violated in my life!!! In turn, I didn’t continue the work for 3 months, and only recently started working on it again, ironically, right after I read Breaking Dawn. She had every right to discontinue the work, no matter how much we all were looking forward to it, because quite frankly having your personal work, your personal journey, looked at before you are prepared to show it is absolutely horrifying. Stephenie is the best, and deserves all the support we can give her.
September 6th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
I completely agree Kaleb, Stephenie has always been like a ‘mother’ and what you said about “People who are not writers do not understand the large amounts of emotion required to write a book…. You are basically putting a piece of your soul into it, and if somehow it is taken while still growing, it is like someone has stolen your secret diary and read the most embarrassing lines to the world….” is completely true. When I write and/or post a fanfiction or original work online it’s like I’m putting a piece of myself out there for everyone to see. If I were to lose my notebook or laptop and then find my stories posted somewhere on the internet I would be beyond depressed.
To number 77: He didn’t compare JK to Stephenie, or vice versa. What he said was “…there is absolutely no comparison.” So get your facts straight before you post.
To number 76: So it’s all about the fans huh? “i wouldn’t care if my writing got leaked, and i poured my heart and soul into it. i’ll give the fans what they want.” None of the books would exist if she hadn’t put Twilight out there. She doesn’t answer to the fans, they are her books. Get over yourself.
September 6th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
I agree wholeheartedly. I cannot believe the way people turned on Stephenie once “Breaking Dawn” came out, a book I truly enjoyed. I refused to read the “Midnight Sun” leak, so I’m very glad that she posted it on her website. I think that all of the things she’s been accused of recently are absolutely ludicrous. Stephenie has been nothing but good to her fans and I don’t blame her for the way she reacted to the leak. I just hope that she continues MS one day soon because what I’ve read so far is fantastic. I also hope the “Twilight” movie is a huge hit and that people will stop being so obnoxious towards Stephenie. I was sick of all the undeserved bashing as soon as it started.
September 6th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Thank goodness someone understands! People have been so cruel to her recently that I was about to start swinging my fists! Thank you so much Kaleb for writing this for her. You’re amazingly kind!
September 6th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
wow Orietta Rose. why do you have to get so hateful “get over yourself” now that’s childish.
and yes, Stephenie’s books are for her, i never said they weren’t.
i simply said “If i was a writer.”
all writers are different.
but Stephenie, is just a childish one.
and when she says “These books were written for herself.” that’s basically being SELFISH. if they were for her, why bother publishing them.
anyway, she needs to be grateful and stop being such a baby.
PUBLISH MIDNIGHT SUN!
September 6th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
I COMPLETELY agree with you and feel that this betrayal by her own fans is despicable. Also, the draft is 264 pages long… >.< I read each and every page filled with love and longing once she posted it. I didn’t even know it had been linked until she made the post stating how she pry wouldn’t release it now. I wish she’d release the name and home address of her Judas…
September 6th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
@Someone you’ll… : Another example of someone who passes judgment onto Stephenie without knowing her, with only pieces of the facts, and with no care at all for how Stephenie might feel. Grow up and stop saying mean things about people you do not know. Or at least try reading my post and realizing that Stephenie is a human being, not a machine that simply pens books on demand.
September 6th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Kaleb, please stop getting defensive. i’m not going to argue about someone who i don’t even know. i’m just saying her actions have disappointed me.
September 6th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
In response to #77:
“She in turns acts like a bratty little child. I find it hard to believe her refusal to finish the book is entirely related to MS. I think it ties in with the backlash against BD.”
Maybe you’re right, maybe it is. BD was ridiculous; people bashing Stephenie for the way she wrapped the books up, even attacking her herself. Now the same thing has happened around MS, A BOOK THAT WASN’T EVEN READY FOR THE WORLD TO SEE. This isn’t like some artist having their songs leaked online; this is like an artist having the rough draft to a song he’s kicking around his head leaked online. If I was a songwriter and I saw pictures of lyrics photocopied straight out of my notebook leaked online, especially knowing that the only way it go there was through the (completely illegal) betrayal of a friend … I can’t say that I would keep going and finish that song. And I do not blame Stephenie for stopping her writing of this book, even if it is temporary. Writing is an emotional process, and if you’re heart’s not in it, what comes out is pure crap. She needs to move on, find another project (maybe her mermaids) and start over. Then, after she gets her head in a better place, maybe she can return to MS. That’s not being bratty — if anything, it’s more devotion to the fans, refusing to put out something that’s going to be substandard.
September 6th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
I agree with you. =] The way people have been treating her is complete BS. I’m happy to see people are stepping up and supporting Steph. She didn’t deserve any of this. The Breaking Dawn reaction or the Midnight Sun leak. I have to say though, Midnight Sun is FABOULOUS. I’ll wait forever for that book to come out.
September 6th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
I just signed. thanks for the link.
And even though I’m not a writer (except for some fanfic) and I might not totally get the attachment to the characters and books in that sense- I AM a fan and a book lover. And as a fan I feel kind of betrayed by this.
I don’t care if you do hate Twilight or if you hate Breaking Dawn, or think SMeyer is a terrible writer or that she’s overreacting and selfish or whatever.
She is a PERSON. She doesn’t deserve to be criticized and betrayed like this. No one should have their work that they gave out to trusted people posted online.
Not only is posting such a huge part of the rough draft of her book online illegal and a betrayal to SMeyer, it’s also a betrayal to the fans of the series who might never get to read Midnight Sun the way it’s meant to be read because somebody acted stupid and did the wrong thing.
And it is not okay to bash her just because you don’t agree with her views or her writing.
I’m going to stop here because I’m in a bad mood now.
September 6th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Hear, Hear Kaleb!
September 6th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
I had to say something here.
@ Someone you’ll probably hate after this, #76:
“it is childish. it’s like if a child had a toy and another child wanted to play with it, and the first child got mad and stormed off and said ‘i hate that toy now.’”
No.
This is like if that said child invented a new toy, had the rough blueprints of it’s design stolen by the second child, and then they got posted online for everyone to see. THEN, the first child’s friends laughed and called him stupid for crying about it. This is like that.
So please don’t critize her for being angry and not wanting to write anymore. She is a human being.
September 6th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
She has a right to feel the way she does and withdraw from her work entirely, as you put it.
However, this isn’t something “all writers” would do. I wouldn’t associate this reaction of hers with the fact that she’s a writer. I am one too and I wouldn’t have dealt with a situation like this in the same way Meyer did. It’s down to her personality more likely.
Secondly, she didn’t trust “friends” with the manuscript, she gave copies out to people involved with the production of the Twilight movie. Maybe she considers them to be “friends” too, I don’t know. Nevertheless, it’s a common rule for most authors NOT to show their work to ANYONE (unless it’s the editor) while it’s in progress. It’s just -I’m sorry- extremely naive and borderline silly to do so (This is aimed at you too Kaleb, 100 pages of an unpublished book “floating around” = bad news) It’s a mistake a rookie would’ve made, and Meyer is no novice to the publishing industry.
All in all though, why everyone’s taking this whole thing so seriously is just beyond me. Music bands have their work leaked online EVERY DAY. Unfinished too. I’m not saying it’s legal or it’s right, but life goes on. In a digital era, this is a risk artists should be prepared to face.
Personally I think her decision to let everyone know MS is “on hold indefinitely” reeks of unprofessionalism. She’s entitled to drop it BUT I would’ve worded it differently, especially considering she’s dealing with a young audience for the most part, who are prone to feel very passionate about things like these. Her making a huge deal out of it (even if it did affect her greatly, which I completely understand) was not, in my opinion, the right move; it can even be construed as nothing more than a marketing strategy to drive the attention away from the lackluster “Breaking Dawn” and garner more “fan support” than ever (All these petitions and “PLEASE FINISH MIDNIGHT SUN, STEPH” campaigns going on are proof enough) Though if it was INDEED intended as a P.R. maneuver, then it was, on the contrary, a brilliant move.
One last thought - no author should be like a “mother” to any of her fans. Obviously an emotional bond will be developed between the devoted reader and their favourite writer, but this doesn’t mean fans should be considered “trustworthy” entities who will -and must- always support you. They have every right to withdraw their support when they feel you have failed them. Of course, malicious attacks are always out of order, but if a fan decides that Meyer’s reaction to the leak is disappointing, they’re perfectly entitled to do so, and no one, least of all Meyer herself, should feel any worse for it. It’s only natural; you shouldn’t aim to please everyone all the time because you most certainly won’t achieve it, and it’s ridiculous to feel hurt if certain “fans” don’t agree with your decision to drop the book. They love this story, and their emotional response is gonna be necessarily varied.
In the (paraphrased) words of Thomas More, everyone should be true to their conscience.
September 6th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Kaleb
If I were not a happily married woman… who is a little too old… I would have to say WILL YOU MARRY ME?!?!?! Just because it was my favorite question in the chat we did
I agree completely with everything you wrote.
~Georgia