Both were mothers who, around the time of their thirtieth birthday, first imagined a fantasy franchise that would bring them fame, fortune, and a loyal fanbase. This winter, both will provide Hollywood with an eagerly-anticipated blockbuster.
So, when I was interviewing “Twilight” novelist Stephenie Meyer this week for the story that just went live over on MTV.com, I had to ask: Has she ever met J.K. Rowling?
“No,” the affable author revealed. “But I would love to; I would love to sit down and talk with her.”
Once Meyer’s first non-”Twilight” book, entitled “The Host,” arrives in bookstores May 6th the comparisons might dwindle a bit. But while both continue to rule the world of teen-lit, she understands that they’ll always be compared to one another.
“I can see that,” she explained. “The interesting thing about the comparison is that I think you can compare my fans to her fans more easily [than me to her]. I do think that we both have people who are just really really enthusiastic, and will come miles to see you and be involved, and everybody really cares about our characters. But the [’Harry Potter’ and ‘Twilight’] stories are just so different.”
“J.K. Rowling’s audience is everybody, so that means we all have a piece of her audience,” Meyer laughed. “It’s terribly flattering to be compared to her, but there’s never going to be another J.K. Rowling; that’s a phenomenon that’s not gonna happen again.”
Still, Meyer insisted that if she ever did meet the “Potter” mastermind, they’d have plenty to talk about. “I’d like to hear her thoughts on her fans; I know she has this big group of people who say ‘Oh no, Harry should have ended up with another girl,’ and I wonder how she feels about that when they think they have a better ending than she does,” the writer said sympathetically. “I’d also like to hear her thoughts on the movies, and what things about them she enjoyed, and how she feels about privacy and e-mails and fan letters and that whole experience as a popular writer.”
“We have a few things in common,” she laughed. “It would be fun to share that common ground.”
Stephenie Meyer or J.K. Rowling: Whose writing style do you prefer?
April 10th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Stephenie is, in my opinion, just as creative and talented as JK - although the fanbases are completely different, the stories are still incredible.
Don’t kid yourself Stephenie. Us fangirls will make up for the rest of the population!
Thanks MTV too for all of these fabulous updates. You guys are doing a great job and keeping us satisfied!
April 10th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Stephenie Meyer of curse, but I think that they both are great.
April 10th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
I think that both SM and JK are phenominally brilliant in completely different ways.
Stephenie is right in saying thatthe fans are more similiar then the authors. I mean being such a big HP fan myself I can relate. I absolutely ADORE Twilight aswell, but I love them both in different ways. Both sets of fans are (for the most part) the same enthusiastic, excited people who love to read a brilliant book.
SM was right in the fact that there won’t ever be another JK. Rowling. But SM is just as high in my books. I adore them both. Very excited for ‘The Host’ and the ‘Twilight’ film.
Thanks MTV for the fantastic updates. Keep up the good work, Larry :)!
April 10th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
I don’t think one is better than the other - they both have created these amazing, magical worlds that we can’t get enough of!
April 10th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
In my oppinion I find Stephenie Meyer a better author to Start. J.K. had to work up to the amazing writing style she has, where as stephenies book has a spark that gets you after the second page. where the harry potter books only get better as they go along. though stephenie meyer’s writing also continues to improve without the series
love em both
cant wait for breaking dawn!
April 10th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
She is so freakin nice!! I mean come on, would J.K have said something like that?!! I hope they do meet, I mean she is giving us our dream by getting BD out this year, she should be able to me Rowling!!
MTV, what are you waiting for? Get on that!
April 10th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
I love both and think they are each ridiculously creative and talented. If only we could bottle peoples talent to share with everyone…imagine what the world would be like! I can’t pick one over the other because Twilight has always been there for my romantic side and Harry Potter was what got me so interested in reading again in the first place. I also think that Twilight owes a lot to the Harry Potter fandom because that’s how I first heard of Twilight-through harry potter fans. When everyone was anticipating the end of HP alot of people were recommending other books and series on websites/blogs/forums and Twilight was one of them. I would be interested to know how many fans found their way to Twilight by way of Harry Potter. I only hate that they are so often compared to each other because it’s not a competition.
April 10th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
i saw this article on phasesatwilightpodcast.com!!!!
April 10th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Ooohh… i saw this article on phasesatwilightpodcast.com!
April 10th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
J.K. Rowling and Stephenie Meyer are both great writers who have written very influential books. Both series inspire kids like me to read because they are great and even though most of the fans for Twilight are girls, the books are still really big. Harry Potter was a big thing when they were still being written and they are still big now but Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and soon-to-be Breaking Dawn are bumping it out of the top spot. Both series are awesome and I will continue to love both Edward Cullen and Harry Potter.
April 10th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
I agree with Janet when she said that a lot of Twilighters heard about Twilight through Harry Potter. I did, but I think when you are comparing the fandoms as a whole they are a bit different. Thanks for the great article as usual!
April 10th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
I would compare Stephenie Meyer to JK Rowling! both are Wonderfully brillant story tellers that know what their audience needs! We are so excited for The Host and Breaking Dawn… and Midnight Sun!!
Thanks to phasesatwilightpodcast.com for posting this first I wouldn’t have seen it for a while!
April 10th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
I’d have to say SM only because I’ve never read Harry Potter. However, I do see a lot of similarities between the fans.
Larry, thanks for all the wonderful updates regarding Twilight! It is much appreciated.
April 10th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Steph is just such a cool lady, I am sure they would have a lot to talk about, especially about the fandom. It is truly insane for JK and SM!
I love them both and all of their stories. I look forward to reading more of their works
April 10th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
I am an absolute humoungous fan of both series, and so I know how hard it is to compare the two. The series ARE so different, you can’t really choose. Harry Potter will always be number one in my heart, though Twilight is seriously right below it, practically touching first, but still…I think Harry Potter is a coming of age story, and Twilight is romance. They touch you in different ways. Strictly speaking on the writing style, I think JK is a bit more talented, but that’s not to say SM isn’t.
Stephenie is right. There will never be another phenomenon like Harry Potter. But she’s certaintly up there =] Both of their stories have completely changed my world.
April 10th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
I’ve tried to read the Harry Potter books,
but they didn’t pull my attention like the
Twilight series did.
Stephenie Meyer has such an awesome writing style,
makes you feel like you can relate and actually know the characters.
both Stephenie Meyer and J.K Rowling
do seem to have ALOT in common.
and they do share alot of the same fans.
Thanks for all of the Twilight info!
your awesome,Larry!
can’t wait for all of your other interviews.
April 10th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
It’s really cool that Stephenie is so intuned with her fan base and knows that they are a really excited bunch. I also agree that both authors would have a lot in common when discussing each others fanbase.
Thanks also to phasesatwilightpodcast.com for posting news of this article.
April 10th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
They are two very different books with very different writing styles so its pretty hard to compare them.
Harry Potter was awesome-and the movies have been, AWESOME!
i do think that Stephneie Meyer and J.K Rowling do share alot of the same fans.
I Love Stephenie Meyers writing style,
you can just automatically put yourself in the characters position and when you read the books you feel like you are actually there.
thanks for all the twilight info!
your awesome, Larry!
can’t wait for more interviews
April 10th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Sorry, but no one can be compared to Jo Rowling.
April 10th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
I found the link to this interview on twilightlexiconblog.com, and I think that both Stephenie and J.K. are extremely talented and creative women! I’m a huge fan of both series, and I would really like to hear what J.K thinks of the Harry Potter movie series!
April 10th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Stephenie is just oh so amazing. She’s a beautiful woman with so much going for her, and so does JK Rowling. They’re both wonderful women who have inspired my generation. When I was younger, it was Rowling and now I’m in love with Stephenie. They’re both so talented and I think they can completely be related to one another. So much love for the both of them
Thanks to phasesatwilightpodcast.com for putting this article up. You guys are awesome, I would never have seen it otherwise.
April 10th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Kelsi, I’m sorry, but J.K Rowling can’t compare to Stephenie.
Stephenie Meyer is more amazing than J.K Rowling.
April 10th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Excellent interview once again! Have you noticed Larry that everyone is giving you love once again?We fans love you and appreciate all the goods you giving us. Please keep them coming.
April 10th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
I think both are really good writers, in different ways, but stephenie is my favourite because she write about a girl..its just easier to understand Bella
April 10th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
I’m a huge fan of both the Twilight and Harry Potter series. I gotta say that until a certain point the Harry Potter series is really good but then it became…I don’t want to say bad but…I guess different to where it started and what grabbed my attention in the first place. As far as the Twilight series there is still one more book but I have faith that Stephenie will do a great job and so far it has been awesome.
If I had to choose I guess it would be Stephenie Meyer, I just LOVE her writing style, I mean there are very few books that get me hooked the way hers do. So many details that just give the books great depth. She is awesome.
April 10th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
STEPHENIE MEYER, OF COURSE!
I have to be honest and say I haven’t read the HP books. But I have seen the movies, and only because Robert Pattinson [Edward] was in one of them. I bet JK is really hating herself right now for killing off Cedric. ANYWAYS - Twilight is BY FAR way better than HP. I understand HP is an obsession in a world of it’s own for it’s fans. I also know that a lot of Twilighters are HP fans. But Twilight has a perfect storyline. HP has way too many characters and way too much background story to captivate an average teen who doesn’t like reading. I’m 20 years old, and truly don’t care for reading. But Twilight changed my life like no other book ever could. Even authors like Nicholas Sparks should just get over themselves because NOTHING WILL EVER TOP TWILIGHT! WE’LL PROVE THAT THIS DECEMBER BABY!
April 10th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
P.S. i found the link on twilightlexicon.com
April 10th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
They are both amazing. Larry you are amazing too for doing fantasic interviews!
April 10th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Stephenie Meyer is amazing. My favourite.
because of her I started reading.
But of course. I love JK Rowling too
April 10th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
i definitely choose Stephenie! She’s a great writer and a great person too i bet…
btw, are you guys going to post the Kristen/Robert interview today?
April 10th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Steph and J.K. Rowling really can’t be compared too much other than the crazy, will-die-unless-we-have-it fans.
Thanks Larry for continually posting new information! I am wondering, however, how you’ll be able to keep up with the demands of the fans until December. Kudos for doing such a great job.
You pretty much rock. Yeah, you do.
April 10th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
i actually think jk rowlings writing style is better… but i wouldnt say i like one of the seires better. theyre both incredible:D
April 10th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
I love both series and I think both woman are incredibly talented
Although, I do think Stephenie seems a little more approachable than J.K. does
April 10th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Jk Rowling of coasre! SM is all right but I think she often does a little over the top. BElla feints way too much. Jk does awhole world where everyone can relate to so JK is my favorite and always will be.
April 10th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Well, I can see why people say Stephenie is more talented or that they like her better, but as both a Twi-hard and a Potterphile, I just have to say that J.K Rowling cannot be surpassed. ‘Twilight’ has a fantastic storyline and captivating characters, don’t get me wrong, but the ‘Harry Potter’ series are just much better than the quick-reads that the ‘Twilight’ series is. You go more in-depth with the plotline, and you get to know the characters really well. Stephanie Meyer is most definitely a fantastic writer, but J.K. Rowling put so much creativity into her books. Compare ‘Twilight’ to ‘Harry Potter,’ and you will indefinitely see that Potter has much more thought put into it. Some might disagree with me, and that’s alright. I love both women’s work, they are phenomenal authors who have undeniably caught my attention, but when it comes to the matter of which one is surpassing, I must say J.K. Rowling.
Were they to meet each other, I think they would have very much in common. I’d love to read the interview if this is going to happen.
April 10th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
While the Harry Potter books are good, they are all completely plot driven, which is why the first book was rejected for publication so many times. I have read the entire series and it seems some of them are either hit or miss. For example, ‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’ was not at all enjoyable.
Stephenie Meyer, however, is a wonderful, and talented writer. Each one of her novels are beautifully crafted and wonderful. Mrs. Meyer’s novels are flawless! She makes her world of Vampires and Werewolves a real and believeable one - one that the reader will never question. There is no contest - Stephenie is definately the better writer! The Twilight Saga trumps the Harry Potter series any day!
April 10th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
i love the twilight series and the harry potter series… and i see them as completely different stories. I think that JK Rowling and Stephenie Meyer are some of the most influential authors of our time and they should both be applauded for their skill and success. The only thing i associate between the two are avid readers and a large fan base.
btw…stephenie meyer & the twilight series are amazing!
thanks MTV.
April 10th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
THIS IS NOT A COMPETITION!
Geez, you guys. The article is trying to point out that both are amazing writers with a huge fanbase, not saying that one is better than the other.
I think that they are both among the best YA novelists in the world. And I love that they’re both women, and mothers at that! I love them both and don’t know where I’d be without their wonderful stories and creativity in my life!
Why does this fandom always have to argue?!
April 10th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Thanks so much MTV for giving Twilight the coverage it deserves! Stephenie is amazingly talented and I’m a huge fan of both series!
April 10th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Thanks MTV!In my opinoin though I think Stephanie is more better, even though i have respect for J.K i find stephanie better. o and i found this article on twilightlexiconblog.com!
April 10th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Stephenie Meyer.
She is always try to get through to her fans and I personally appricate it. On May 6th I’m going to her book signing at the MOA in MN and it will be my secon time meeting her. I love how Meyer’s books are set in real locations with characters that are so vivid and seem like they’ll jump out at you, that the reader can believe this fantasy world of vampires can be real. They take you to another world yet it is still this one that you as the reader feel that the world is real. I just repeated myself, but you get my point, right?
Also, Stephenie Meyer’s fans can for the most part spell and speak correctly. (i.e. *coughcoughshelbycoughcough*)
And just to say I found this article at the Twilight Lexicon, where any Twilight fan can get quick, accurate, and useful on all things Twilight and Stephenie Meyer! (hey that sound like a slogan =])
April 10th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
I think both JK and Stephenie are extremely talented writers. Of course, as Stephenie pointed out, the only similarity is the fanbase. They’ve both managed to create a world that people are just completely devoted to. I absolutely adore the HP books, although I read them after all the books released and was never really an integral part of the fandom.
But the books are so different, there’s just no need for comparisons. I understand that books will always be compared to Harry Potter… people just don’t get how popular something is until they realize that it unseated HP on the bestseller list or whatever. But… Stephenie’s books are to a more limited demographic. Fact of life. I feel like I know Stephenie better because I’ve been with her and these books from the beginning.
April 10th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Both series are just spectacular. I love to write as much as I love to read, and it’s not hard for me to understand and appreciate novels that are written so beautifully. However, if I had to choose between the two, I would definitely choose the Twilight series. With the HP books, once I was finished with one I always felt that burning curiosity for what would happen next. But with Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse . . . it was (and is!) more of an obsession. I always think about the characters and am hungry for new information. I’ve never before been so attached to a book (and I’ve read many, many books) or fictional characters. Stephenie Meyer is right when she says there there’s never going to be another J.K. Rowling, but I just hope she knows that there’s never going to be another Stephenie Meyer, either. Oh, and thanks to the lex for the link and to Larry for another brilliant article!
April 10th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Personally, I like J.K. Rowling better. Stephanie Meyer is good and I enjoy reading her books, but to me Harry Potter will always be that best book. I am glad that they both have written amazing books and can’t wait to see what both write next.
April 10th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
I think JKR has a more creative and unpredictable storyline and ideas for HP than Stephenie for Twilight. Though, I do think Stephenie’s writing style is better. I still refer to JKR as my number 1 favorite author - because of the crazy goodness of Harry Potter -, but Stephenie is a very VERY close 2nd favorite!! Both series are INCREDIBLE, but I just have to say: thank Stephenie for giving us all Edward Cullen!!!
April 10th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
I think JKR has a more creative and unpredictable storyline and ideas for HP than Stephenie for Twilight. Though, I do think Stephenie’s writing style is better. I still refer to JKR as my number 1 favorite author, but Stephenie is a very VERY close 2nd favorite!! Both series are INCREDIBLE, but I just have to say: thank Stephenie for giving us all Edward Cullen!!!
April 10th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
To M.Heart-
If you only base the Harry Potter series on the movie you clearly do not have an accurate understanding of the series. The movies are not an accurate portrayal of the depth and complexity the Harry Potter books have.
I personally love both series and don’t like to compare the authors. Both women are great writers for different reasons. There is no need to compare the series just because they are both in the “fantasy” genre because they are entirely different books.
April 10th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
I think they’re both amazing writers, creating characters that people come to think of as real. I mean, they made so many kids & teens interested in books!! It’s not really fair to compare; their writing styles are both awesome.
Oh, and I found this link at the Twilight Lexicon.
April 10th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Thats a hard one, I love them both!
Stephenie has a novel thats easier for myself personally to understand.
Jo’s writing is much more in depth, so I have to study her novels more to understand them.
I can’t pick one! I love them both so much!
April 10th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
I prefer Jo, she is definitely better, but I love stephenie meyer. the harry potter fans love twilight, i found this link on mugglenet.com’s site!