PARIS MATCH: NEW INTERVIEW WITH STEPHENIE MEYER
Stephenie Meyer recently talked to the french magazine ‘Paris Match’, and the lovely Maddalena was kind enough to translate it for us.
Interview by Benjamin Locoge – Paris Match
Stephenie Meyer’s books are on the top 4 of French book chart. Her “Twilight Saga” is a phenomenon among teenagers and the movie has been seen by more than 3 millions people so far. Here is her exclusive French interview.When Stephenie Meyer starts writing “Twilight” in June 2003, she would have never imagined that her work would become one of the most popular saga of the decade. Her heroes are modern days “Romeo & Juliet”: Bella discovers that Edward is a vampire and tries everything is in her power to be with him. Besides this simple plot, the four books keep worldwide teenagers in an increasing suspense!
The phenomenon could only but reach France, where book sales are even higher than “Harry Potter” saga at its time. The movie is a huge success. Stephenie Meyer is today a star today, and her public appereances are very discreet.
Here is the exclusive interview.
Paris Match: How do you explain “Twilight” success?
Stephenie Meyer: It is more and more mysterious, but it’s deeply moving. When I started writing, the Vampire’s theme was a pretty strange subject. I did not think to write a novel about it. Then I was intrigued by the characters, by the story. I could not stop playing with them, to let them evolve. When I realized that it was going to be published, I imagined a saga of 4 books. In the meantime, people had already put their hands on the first book…
How did you create Edward Cullen’s character?
It’s Edward who forced me to write. It’s a gift of my subconscious. I had a dream, that I put on paper when I woke up. Edward was in it. I did not need to invent him, I knew him. It was more difficult with Bella, the saga’s heroine. It was harder to understand and define her.Did Vampire’ stories belong to your childhood?
Not at all! Since childhood my favourite writer was Jane Austen. At that time, Internet did not exist, nor Game Boy. Reading was the perfect escape. I did not think of becoming a writer.Who gave you the taste of writing?
My parents. My father used to read us some stories at night. He always stopped reading when suspense was at its high. It must have touched me somehow… I looked like I was sleeping, and then I went and pick up the book to continue reading. And the bigger is the book, the more you can read. That is the way I become addicted to books. I could read 3 or 4 books a week. Then starting writing became natural. My biggest career sacrifice is that sadly I cannot read as much as before.Where does this love for fantasy fiction come from?
From Orson Scott Card. His fantasy novel are so real… He writes about events that can never happen, his aliens are alive and in real situations. They react in a real way. You may think that it can happen, and exactly in that way. That was my goal with “Twilight”: have a fantasy world in real life. If I came up with a vampire story is only because of the dream I told you about. Until then, I never thought about it.Teenagers are so fascinated by “Twilight”…
Yes. Thanks to the books, lots of teenagers got into a bookstore and started reading. It is the greatest reward…Is a continuation possible?
I do not know yet. There are so many ways to explore, the characters can still evolve. I think Bella has a bright future… But I am not working on it at the moment. I need to leave my vampires alone, before starting over. I wrote other stories, I have other ideas. And if I want to see Eward and Bella again , I will go and bother them!Do you still have time to write?
No, because the movie took lots of my time. I was not there during the shooting, but I had my saying on the art decisions, the actors, the artwork, and even the music. When I found out that Robert Pattinson was given Eward’s role, it was a terrible moment for me. Eward existed in my head, he had a face, a smile. I was really skeptical. But when I saw him, I was immediately conquered. I can understand why girls are so attracted by him… Robert Pattinson has done a terrific and impressive job. He his exactly how I imagined Edward.What do you think of the comparison with J.K. Rowling?
We can compare a lake to an ocean: they are both filled with water, but they are not the same thing. I am a fan of her books. Even if mine are sold in a phenomenal way, there will not be another J.K. Rowling. Of course I am flattered when it is mentioned, but that’s it.How do you live your celebrity?
I do not know really. I used to live without being recognized. When I am stopped on the road, I am always shocked. People are always very kind. Some mothers come and see me telling me that they have read “Twilight” with their daughters. That they are closer now. I think it’s exciting to provoke this kind of situation.It could be the plot for a new novel, by the way.
No I will continue with the fantasy world. I need to dream, to imagine. I am not sure the real world is that fascinating. Full stop!
(Thanks Maddalena)
It’s nice to see a newer Stephenie interview! Things have quieted down a bit since the movie, so it’s nice to hear from the source herself.
What did you think of this interview? Was there anything you were surprised to hear?
she needs to write another book!!!!
OMG im the first one
cool
i was glad stephenie meyer thought robert pattinson was exactly the way she imagined
he was exactly the way I imagined him
she HAS to write another book!!!!
i would loveee if she wrote another ed/bella book…. her writing skill is superb!
I fully realize this is the ultimate wish fulfillment, but that she did not automatically shoot down the idea of a continuation, ANY continuation, is the best news I have learned since the November interview where she said she might go back to Midnight Sun after a time away from it all.
I am GASPING over this news. I mean with her imagination, can you see it?? More Edward and Bella. Renesmee and Jacob. More Edward and Bella!
I’m not sure if I will be able to sleep tonight. In honor of Bella, I am screaming: HOLY CROW!!!
Well it’s good to know she hasn’t fully given up on E&B. I just hope she doesn’t sit on it too long.
Hahaha. “Full stop!” Nice ending…
I am so glad you liked the interview! And sorry for the typos!
I was thrilled to read that E&B could come back to life someday… and I could not but share it with you!
Cannot wait for her next book!!! I just love her style!
Always glad to help!
Sorry, I’m am quivering so much I had to write again.
I am SO in agreement with Stephenie and the statement that she will continue with the fantasy world. If there is a sure thing, it is that we need an escape from the real world. I am a newshound, but the daily news is so utterly depressing these days, I look for any diversion to help cope.
Bella and Edward you are just what we need. Please Stephenie, take pity!
I knew about Dark High Noon but was surprized when a brighter future for bella was mentioned. I tend to disagree with some of the comments above. E&B couldn’t come back to life for they are still alive, they live and thrive behind the cover’s of their the books that tell their tale
I’m pretty sure that when she heard Rob had been cast as Edward, she meant it was a “terrific” rather than “terrible” moment for her, but I think we all knew that
Good job on the translation, Maddalena! The funny thing is that someone probably had to translate Stephenie’s interview from English into French, and wouldn’t it just be easier if they just gave us the original text?.. 
paris match c’est francais
Thanks! I might pop an email to Paris Match asking for the original interview in English… and surely I will not get anything! I am pretty sure that lots of the real meaning and intentions in Stephenie’s answers have been lost during the translation. And that’s a pity. Going back to Rob, the word used in French was “terrible” which means exactly the same in English. I guess she meant “hard” as she had a pretty good idea of how Edward should be, and going from dream to reality is not always easy. Nevertheless she admits that he did a terrific job of interpretation, and could not hope more for Edward!
Sorry I was a bit long
I love the way Stephenie write her book. She is so descriptive when writing about Edward and Bella and their passion for each other. She couldn’t of picked better actors to play Edward and Bella. Rob portraying Edward gets so into character that you forget that he’s not a real person. Kristen, being a long time professional in the business is a natural in portraying Bella. Together their chemistry light up the screen in bringing their special love alive. Stephenie has a way of bringing her readers excitement and anticipation. You continue reading…then you have to know what happens next…next book? Midnight Sun?
WOW! I’m excited. I really hope she does write more on E and B. Do you know when this interview took place, how recent is it?
ome! she has to write more!!! that would be amazing! or at least keep writing books. i love her writing more then i love to breath.(and i do love to breath i promise) oh and edward is my boyfriend so haha ladies he’s mine!!!
This Series is amazing. Our 14yo daughter wouldn’t read anything other than magazines… until she discovered Twilight. She devoured the 4 books, Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse & Breaking Dawn in a week and a half and then moved onto the Host, The movie Companion, the Robert Pattinson Bio, The series guide and the unorthorised series guide! This series has had an amazing impact on so many young girls and Stephenie Meyer should be proud!
Dear Stephenie,
I love your books! They are so fasinating, thrilling and exciting! It gives me a rush when i read your books! I love them so much. My friend introduced me to the book, Twilight and I loved it! I’m finished with all the books in Twilight right now. I really hope you come through with Midnight Sun or keep writing more Twilight books. No other series can compare to yours! I really hope you write more. I just love Twilight and I want more!
I love the way Stephenie write her book. She is so descriptive when writing about Edward and Bella and their passion for each other. She couldn’t of picked better actors to play Edward and Bella. Rob portraying Edward gets so into character that you forget that he’s not a real person. Kristen, being a long time professional in the business is a natural in portraying Bella. Together their chemistry light up the screen in bringing their special love alive. Stephenie has a way of bringing her readers excitement and anticipation. You continue reading…then you have to know what happens next…next book? Midnight Sun?