I drank the Kool Aid
This weekend — Saturday specifically, for about 6 hours — I read Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. Yes, I read all 500+ pages. There was just so much Edward Cullen craziness I could take from my 13-year old before I just said, “Give me that book already!”
I couldn’t put it down. I didn’t put it down. I was captivated. I don’t like suspense and usually steer clear of paranormal anything — but I bought into everything. I totally get the hype, the obsession and the frenzy.
But what I didn’t get at first, was the back cover copy:
“About three things I was absolutely positive. First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was a part of him — and I didn’t know how dominant that part might be — that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.”
I assumed it should be a surprise that Edward is a vampire. Wrong! That’s what makes you want to read the book — to find out how and why and who and what else. Knowing Edward is a vampire adds to the pull of the book, it doesn’t take away from it. I thought it ruined it for readers who didn’t know what they were getting into. Wrong again! What I thought was the secret of the book – is actually the hook.
It made me think about loglines and elevator pitches and query letters. Getting the right combination of information and intrigue that will get you an agent and then an editor is key. But if you’re not writing something paranormal – the difference between a hook and a spoiler might not be crystal clear.
Where is Alice Cullen when you need her?
I’ve been eying this book for a while…may have to pick it up…after I clean the fridge!!
I agree totally, babe. Had fun with the first book, liked the second, by the third though it became clear I am not a 13 year old schoolgirl, and put it down mid-way.
Good assessment of the pitch, too. Something I AWLEES wonder about.
I have not yet read the book, but sometimes I do feel compelled to read something like this if just to figure out what makes it so compelling. Your thoughts on queries is spot on.
I read it this weekend, too. Will cave and buy “New Moon” today *sigh* Did you happen to catch the segment on author Stephenie Meyer that they did on CBS Sunday Morning a couple weeks ago? Very interesting.
It’s a fine line we walk perfecting the query letters. Amazing how just a few words, a few lines in a letter, mean a world of difference!
I LOVED Twilight, and am trying to get my mom to read it, lol. I’m glad you loved it. Knew you would. Read Blood and Chocolate next!
My 12-year old daughter LOVES these books. She’s read them all, and is eagerly awaiting the movie version, December 12. See how hooked she is, that I know the date of the movie release?
While reading the first book, at one point, she looked up at me and said, “Stephanie Meyers is a GENIUS”. Wow. Not sure how I don’t feel the pull to read them…but thus far, I just don’t.
Second, there was a part of him — and I didn’t know how dominant that part might be — that thirsted for my blood.
And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.”
i think i dated him once!
had no desire to read this but you have made me curious