August 14, 2008
Readers Gone Wild (A.K.A: “There’s a thin line between love and hate….”)
(This is a VERY long post about the latest brouhaha in the land of publishing)
What do JK Rowling, Diana Gabaldon, JRR Tolkien, Nora Roberts, C.S. Lewis, Laurell K. Hamilton and J.R. Ward have in common? They’re all bestselling authors and they’ve each written a popular series. Most writers would kill for success like theirs. Hell, just look at a few of the benefits: (1) Artistic fulfillment (2) Critical acclaim (3) $$$$ (4) Name recognition and (5) Enthusiastic fans. Sounds great, huh?
Well, unfortunately there’s a dark side to #5…
Enthusiastic Fans
This wouldn’t seem to be a problem at first blush. Considering how hard we all work, who wouldn’t love to bask in the adulation? However, every rose has its thorns, and as you’ll soon see, adulation can be fleeting.
Case in point: After a successful debut novel, followed by two equally popular sequels (#2, #3), and a movie that hits theaters in December, this
author is learning how hostile fans can get when their expectations aren’t met. Whether or not you’re familiar with these books doesn’t matter. What does is that this alarming turn of events could happen to any writer.
WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILERS
Following the August release of the fourth vampire romance novel in her successful YA series, Stephenie Meyer appears to have amassed a legion of angry fans. This is purely my own guesstimate, but I’d say more than half of her readers hated the book—-with a passion. 
From what I’ve gleaned, part of their dissatisfaction may be summed up in the following quote from a jaded fan: “I always felt that, in the end, no matter which path [the heroine] chose, she would have to experience loss.” (emphasis mine)
Apparently some think the author ruined the series by injecting a Deus ex machina HEA, one that left no room for what many feel should have been a bittersweet ending. More than a few disgruntled readers say it sends teenage girls the wrong message. (Whatever that means) Add to this complaints about the novel’s supposed pro-life slant, editorial reviews citing a freakish plot, gratuitous gore, meandering pacing and bewildering characterizations. Some readers even claim the 764 page book, which sold a record 1.3 million copies the first day, reads like bad fanfiction. Others have taken issue with the author herself and are posting copies of letters they’re sending to the publisher. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Here’s an excerpt from a comment made on Amazon by an outraged fan:
“I’m so sick of [Meyer] and her psychotic devotees trying to force us to like a book that shouldn’t have made it past the publishers … What’s fueling my anger now is the arrogence [sic] she has towards it. It’s ok, [SM] if you screwed up on the quality. You are only human. But admit that we might be on to something. Don’t try to shut us up or make it seem like WE’RE the stupid ones. That’s insulting to our point of view. I’m tired of [SM] and her fans trying to tell us how we’re supposed to feel about the book. We hate it. That’s our g*dda*n right. Forgive us for understanding the minimum quality that should be expected from a publishable book.”
That comment is tame compared to some others I’ve read. Some fans are even rallying like-minded individuals to return the books en masse for full refunds. Others have actually threatened to burn their copies.
I’ve since received my copy of the novel, but I haven’t cracked it open yet. There are at least 80 other books in my TBR pile ahead of it. Even so, I’m looking forward to reading this last installment, and the prospect of a happy ending to this series doesn’t offend me in the least. 
On the contrary, I’ve been hoping for an HEA from the start. Heck, I write romance. HEAs are in my DNA!
While I may have complained when a book has disappointed me in the past, this is beyond extreme. No author can meet everyone’s expectations. It’s impossible. I’m not a rabid fangirl, but as a writer my sympathy leans toward Meyer. As for her angry readership, perhaps they’re so pissed with the direction she took the characters that everything in the story reads wrong to them. Even the stuff they’d normally accept. Whatever the case, Entertainment Weekly gave the book a D, while Time gave it an A-. 
It’s called SUBJECTIVITY. All things considered, I can’t help but wonder if I’d have the wherewithal to handle a backlash like this. 
Would you? To be honest, I’ve never really wanted that kind of mega success. I value my privacy too much. And my sanity. 
So here’s my question: After such a phenomenal rise to the top, how would you cope with a situation like this? Your characters have become public property and every decision you make for them is scrutinized/criticized to the umpteenth degree.
Now a very large (and vocal) chunk of your fanbase has turned on you. How would you react? Would you:
1. Fantasize about yelling 
2. Ignore the negativity and move on.
3. Defend your book. 
4. Do a mea culpa. 
5. Go into hiding until Armageddon. 
6. Other. 
Although it might be a waste of time, I’d probably try to defend the CHOICES I made in the writing of the book. I might explain why I did this or that, but hopefully not in an arrogant way, like, ‘I know best, kiss my commas’.
But honestly–in the end, it’s my creation, and I’m only gonna go so far in its defense. As a reader, you’re free to dislike it. You’re free to never buy another.
But you’re not free to assault me personally. Get a life, for God’s sake.
I haven’t read the series; although, I have read and heard most of the hubbub about it. In the end, it is the writer’s story to tell. One thing is for sure though, like it or not, there is DISCUSSION going on. That in and of itself is what will keep the sales going. People will read it to see what all the fuss is about. Hence, the objective is filled - selling books!
The sad thing is, if she had chosen to have Bella experience loss of some kind, readers would have been upset about the choice that led to the loss… Sometimes, you just can’t win.
First, kiss my commas’ that will now be my new saying. I love that.
To answer you question: I’d go WTF? first. Then I’d choose option 5 then number 2, because writing is what I was born to do. If I’m ever confronted head on I won’t tell the reader they’re an a$$hat, but I will say I wrote the best book I could, I’m sorry it didn’t meet your expectations.
To a certain extent I can see both sides of the issue. I just wrote a book that I cringe every time I think of it because I can come up with a million ways on how I could have written that story better. Some readers will love it. Some will probably send me hate mail and tell me to never pick up a pen and paper. Some will point out everything I wanted to change. Those readers are going to be the ones that will make me want to a number 4. Being a writer is a very shaky line, because if I go with 4 then I’m insulting everyone who loved the book.
What’s a writer to do?
Oh, well, you asked that question.
Now as a reader…I’ve never been rabid, but I have wondered if my favorite author had been off their game. Was the book rushed to make it to their deadline? Did they argue with their husband and is that why the romance fell flat? Or for the really horrible reads, were they temporarily on crack or meds? There have been times I wanted to write a very, very long letter, but decided against it. Mainly because I’m lazy and mainly because I just don’t care enough to tell the author you’re an a$$hat for writing that book.
Okay, since this comment might already be at novel length I shall go back to lurking.
I have not read any of the series (didn’t even know what the book/series was about until many days into the uproar) so I dont’ know what’s what exactly. But I have read folks that made me throw–yes throw–the book across the room and I never ever bought another one from them. Yes, I was upset when it didn’t turn out the way I wanted, but in the end it was the authors choice, not mine. Now my choice is to not pay for their works again.
As a wirter. . . . like Lynn said, her sales are probably going up on this book–the next who knows….
me personally, in my head I’d totally be #1
while on face value, I’d turn to Urkel . . . “Did I do that?” 
I’d probably try to defend the CHOICES I made in the writing of the book. I might explain why I did this or that, but hopefully not in an arrogant way, like, ‘I know best, kiss my commas’.
See, I’d be tempted to explain myself too, but then if you explain, you run the risk of having to explain more, again and again. I’ve read through a bunch of these angry comments, and a lot of these people just want to argue, and it doesn’t matter what you say or how well-reasoned your points are. Quite frankly, some are a bit too upset. To the point where I’m like, um…. it’s a book, okay? You know … fiction? They act as if Meyer drowned a bag of kittens. I’ve never seen anything like it.
Get a life, for God’s sake.
The sad thing is, if she had chosen to have Bella experience loss of some kind, readers would have been upset about the choice that led to the loss… Sometimes, you just can’t win.
Exactly. If she’d chosen Jacob, the “Team Edward” people would’ve gone ballistic. Choosing Edward, marriage and a baby has angered people for a host of reasons. Too many to even cite here. But the main thing is that they feel Meyer took the easy way out.
As far as I’m concerned, they’re her characters and she can do whatever the hell she wants with them. People have a right not to buy her books, and she has a right to write her characters any way she sees fit.
To a certain extent I can see both sides of the issue. I just wrote a book that I cringe every time I think of it because I can come up with a million ways on how I could have written that story better.
I know exactly what you mean. I’ve been looking over a story I wrote and rewrote too many times to mention, a story I thought was basically done. Looking at it again, I can still find fault. It’s a quagmire because as writers, we always think we can do things better. We’re our own worst enemies sometimes.
Now as a reader…I’ve never been rabid, but I have wondered if my favorite author had been off their game. Was the book rushed to make it to their deadline?
Some people have suggested this about Breaking Dawn. Having not read the book yet, I’m reserving judgment. But I wouldn’t be surprised. With the hype the series has received, no doubt Meyer was under a lot of pressure to write fast. That’s the scariest thing. To be under a deadline that doesn’t allow for the time to create the best book you can. This is why I’ve always admired Sandra Brown, in that she said outright that she needs at least a year for each book. She’s one of the most consistent writers I know.
All in all, I’ve read books that made me want to slap somebody, books that made me want to rip them to shreds, but I could never go after an author like some of these readers have done. There are personal insults galore flying around. It’s sad.
Yes, I was upset when it didn’t turn out the way I wanted, but in the end it was the authors choice, not mine. Now my choice is to not pay for their works again.
Exactly! I’ve read comments that made me blush. It’s almost as if they view these characters as real people. That’s the greatest compliment a reader can pay a writer, but in this case, many have gone overboard. This is fiction. Edward isn’t real. Bella isn’t real! Jeez.
As a reader, if I don’t like something, I just don’t buy it anymore. And then that’s the end of it. All this melodrama is completely unnecessary.
me personally, in my head I’d totally be #1
while on face value, I’d turn to Urkel . . . “Did I do that?”
I can totally agree with this. That would be my knee-jerk reaction, though I wouldn’t actually say it, I’d be thinking it. Criticism is one thing, but this has become a virtual bloodbath. A writer can only take but so much. I’m surprised Meyer is holding up as well as she is. Kudos to her.
One more thing I forgot to mention.
SPOILER:
I read that many people are pissed because Meyer faded to black during the love scene. A lot of readers (myself included) have waited for 3 books for these characters to finally come together, but Meyer closed the door. I’m a little disappointed, but I’m still going to read the book. Every YA novel doesn’t have go all Judy Bloom for it to be good. Though I will admit that if it had been me, I would’ve included a very tasteful PG13 love scene.
Good topic, Tanya.
I think when an author has become as public a person as Meyer, the fans take an almost ownership interest. Too many fans feel the author “owes” them the kind of book they want. Also, people who hate the book are going to be more vocal than people who loved it. How she reacts is the defining moment.
Certain authors (I won’t name names but her initials are LKH) actually get into it with their readers. I don’t understand this and it totally turns me off.
If I were either of those authors I’d simply say “sorry you don’t like the book.” What else are you going to say? I don’t think they owe any reader an explanation. Readers will talk with their wallets. That is really all it boils down to.
I think when an author has become as public a person as Meyer, the fans take an almost ownership interest. Too many fans feel the author “owes” them the kind of book they want.
I also think the “ownership” thing has a lot to do with the characters. They believe they own Edward and should have a say in what happens to him. I’ve read the posts and some of these girls act like they’re head over heels in love with this guy. I want to scream: HE ISN’T REAL! HE’S A CHARACTER, FOR GOD’S SAKE!
Certain authors (I won’t name names but her initials are LKH) actually get into it with their readers. I don’t understand this and it totally turns me off.
Any time an author gets into it with his/her fans it’s going to end badly. There’s just no point to it.
If I were either of those authors I’d simply say “sorry you don’t like the book.” What else are you going to say? I don’t think they owe any reader an explanation. Readers will talk with their wallets. That is really all it boils down to.
Exactly. I just don’t see the point in going bonkers over a book I didn’t like. I’m just shocked by some of the things these people are writing. If you don’t like an author, then vote with your wallet. All these histrionics aren’t necessary.
Before I read everyone elses answers, if Meyers did indeed jump the shark and break the rules of her own world (and i’ve heard this not just on amazon but on a private list from an author’s daughter), IMO those readers have a right to be pissed. That said, I hope I NEVER do anything like this cuz I’d probably do 1 and 5.
I’ll be honest and also say that I”m really torn. I’ve read books that were so bad I sent them back (but I didn’t’ FINISH them and THEN send them back) and I damned sure didn’t burn them. We get TONS of books at work and I can barely find homes for them but I’d NEVER think of throwing one in the garbage.
Before I read everyone elses answers, if Meyers did indeed jump the shark and break the rules of her own world (and i’ve heard this not just on amazon but on a private list from an author’s daughter), IMO those readers have a right to be pissed.
I don’t disagree. If she broke her own rules, then yes, the readers have a right to be upset. I’ve said this all along. However, what they don’t have a right to do is insult Meyer. Disappointment is fine. Being PO’d is fine. However, anger and rage isn’t. That to me says they need to get a freaking life. Again, they act like she kicked a baby.
I’ve complained when a book has disappointed me, and I’ve vowed never to read the author again, but I draw the line with personal insults. I also draw the line with going all over the internet screeching about the same points over and over again, trying to stir others into a frenzy, which is what a lot of these folks are doing.
Burning books? Now that’s just batshit crazy if you ask me. You know somebody’s even written a very long winded petition highlighting everything they thought was wrong with the book? Last I checked there were close to 900 signatures on it.
I don’t know. If it were me, again, I’d probably bitch about it once (by writing a post or something–without mentioning names or titles), then I’d put the book on my shelf and never buy the author again. And that would be the END of it. You wouldn’t see me all over the internet ranting and raving about how much of an idiot I think the author is, and how dare her for doing blah, blah, blah. I’m just not into all the melodrama. If a book disappoints me, I talk about what disappointed me, and I talk in general terms. I don’t like mentioning names or titles for the simple fact that I wouldn’t want somebody doing that to me.
One other thing Cece, you said: I hope I NEVER do anything like this cuz I’d probably do 1 and 5.
Okay, would you actually DO #1 or would you just FANTASIZE about doing #1?
I’d let my publist, editor, agent deal with it, and just keep my head down and write. Life is too short, yanno?
I’d let my publist, editor, agent deal with it, and just keep my head down and write.
There you go.
>>I wouldn’t want somebody doing that to me.
Amen……….and I’d bet that we authors, in general, view things different than the average reader.
I hope to high heaven I could keep my head and NOT do #1 but you know, I’ve got a bad temper. Ask Denise, she’s seen me in action. At the same time I totally agree w/the fact that readers are entitled to their opinion and to not like everything you write.
I’d bet that we authors, in general, view things different than the average reader.
That’s it entirely. A writer knows what it takes to create a book, so we’re a bit more forgiving. The average reader (who isn’t a writer) probably doesn’t give a flying fig.