Stephenie Meyer, Midnight Sun, and Why You Shouldn't Plagiarize

So. Step away from the computer for a few days, and you never know what you'll miss. I found out from my favorite Twilight site (www.twilightguy.com) that some idiot was responsible for illegally distributing Stephenie Meyer's new book draft online. It's called Midnight Sun, and basically re-tells the story of Twilight from Edward's perspective instead of Bella's. For the Twilight junkies (like me!) this was something to look forward to after TTM. She's had a rough draft of the first chapter posted on her website for a long time, and I've read and re-read it because it's just that awesome.

The leak was considerably longer--12 chapters and 264 pages--and apparently spread pretty far. The twilightguy post was the first I'd heard of it. Stephenie posted a response on her website where she basically says that Midnight Sun is now "on hold indefinitely." Not surprisingly, the fans have a lot to say about this.

Thankfully, there has been a huge outpouring of support for Stephenie. At the same time, there are also those who are resentful and say that she's overreacting, and she'll change her mind once she "gets over it." I'm sorry, but her response is completely understandable. I've never published anything, but I enjoy writing. At the same time, I am very wary about sharing my stories with other people. It takes a lot of courage to share your story with the world. It's like baring your soul. And now her trust has been betrayed.

Stephenie posted the leak on her page, and so I read it. I devoured all 264 pages like a junkie in need of a Twilight fix. It was good stuff, man. Real good stuff. (PS: don't do drugs) If Stephenie can find it in her heart to forgive the people who stole her work, I will be first in line to buy Midnight Sun (I was FIRST IN LINE to buy Breaking Dawn! Literally! I won the first-place spot in the Twilight trivia contest at Borders).

Stephenie, if you're reading this: Most of your fans don't like spoilers and would never think of spreading or downloading illegal, copyrighted material. I love all of your work, and I look forward to reading anything you publish in the future. Your books have been such an enjoyable part of my life, and I know I'm not alone in that statement. Thank you for opening up your heart and mind to the world.