According to Geekosystem.com, Cambridge University will include Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight book series in their works of literature.

Soon, students at Cambridge University will be getting a new supplement to their educations: books from Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series.

According to BBC News, a newly-opened Cambridge center for the study of children’s literature (they call it a “centre,” naturally) will cover, among other things, Twilight, the Harry Potter series, and video games as works of literature.

In an interview, the soon-to-be director of the center/centre dismissed suggestions that Twilight and other contemporary series are “trash,” and even said that academics had something to learn about the ethical development of young people from children’s series and video games:

BBC News:

Professor Maria Nikolajeva, who will be the centre’s first director, said it was important to get an understanding of what was influencing young people.

She said: “It’s easy to say that these things are just kids’ fashions or that they’re trash, but I don’t believe that’s good enough.

“If what we regard as trash is popular with young people, we need to know why and whether, as researchers and teachers, we can offer them something that addresses the same needs but also deals with these themes in a critical and ethical way.”

She added many trainee teachers did not understand the significance of the latest children’s books or films when they went into the classroom.

“Studying this can help us deal with questions which are important not only for the children themselves, but for adults as well,” she added.

I love this!! I would so ace this class. LOL! 

[Source: Geekosystem. Thanks Tweeter & MCNutters!]

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Stephenie Meyer, author of our beloved Twilight Saga, commented on her official website StephenieMeyer.com about the support and love from the Twilight fans and fansites on helping the relief efforts in Haiti.

- I’ve been very impressed with the world in general and the Twilight fansites in specific in the support and love everyone is giving Haiti. It’s amazing to see how Twilight fans have come together to help. You are wonderful people. At this point, I think it’s important for all of us to remember that the situation in Haiti is not going to be cured overnight, so… keep up the good work, and let’s all keep the Haitians in our thoughts and prayers.

Stephenie also posted some new reccomendations.

- A new book recommendation: I recently read and adored The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. It was one of those books that feel absolutely perfect and satisfying, and when you finish it you sit around wishing that you could find another book just like it.

- I realized that there was an egregious oversight on my music recommendation page. How have I never listed Metric? That’s crazy. Anyway, Fantasies was one of the best albums of 2009.

- Finally, a movie recommendation: Dear John comes out Friday the fifth of February. Thanks to my cool friend Wyck (who many of you have seen in various Twilight Saga interviews, as he is one of the producers on our movies, and who is a producer on Dear John) I got to see this one early. I will confess, I cried. Also, I discovered Channing Tatum, who I’ve somehow missed until now. Likey. Lots. Amanda Seyfried is entrancing as always, and the chemistry (chemistry is always the crux of a movie for me) between them is lovely. Though the chemistry between Channing Tatum and Richard Jenkins (who plays his father) was my favorite part.

Stephenie is absolutely right about the Haiti situation.  It’s not going to happen overnight.   So, please continue supporting the relief efforts in Haiti.  You can still donate at HopeForHaitiNow.org .

If you want to hold onto the performances, you’ll be able to pre-order and purchase the songs you heard on the telethon at the iTunes® store. The “Hope for Haiti Now” album ($7.99) and two-hour video telecast ($1.99) are also available for pre-order. Apple, the record labels and artists are all donating their proceeds to “Hope for Haiti Now.”

The funds raised by “Hope for Haiti Now” will benefit Oxfam America, Partners in Health, the Red Cross, UNICEF, United Nations World Food Program, Yele Haiti Foundation, and the Clinton Bush Haiti Foundation.

Thanks Diana!

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InStyle magazine has photos from our Twilight Saga cast and the queen bee herself Stephenie Meyer from their high school/middle school yearbook photos.

The Rebel: Kristen Stewart

SCHOOL A. E. Wright Middle School, Calabasas, California
ACTIVITIES Writing, photography
HIGH SCHOOL MEMORY “I had to stop going to school because I worked [in films] too much and my teachers resented me a lot. But I really love home school—independent study is for me.

Stewart in 7th grade, 2003 (the actress was home schooled for high school).

The Jock: Taylor Lautner

SCHOOL Valencia High School, Valencia, California
ACTIVITIES Karate, football, baseball, hip-hop dance
FAVORITE SUBJECT P.E.

Lautner in his freshman year, 2007.

The Brain: Stephenie Meyer

SCHOOL Chaparral High School, Scottsdale, Arizona
AWARDS National Merit Scholar
FAVORITE SUBJECT English
HIGH SCHOOL MEMORY “Don’t ever let anyone tell you that high school is supposed to be fun. High school is to be endured.”Meyer in her senior year, 1992

The Theater Queen: Rachelle Lefevre

SCHOOL Centennial Academy, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
NICKNAME Glowworm
ACTIVITIES Drama
YEARBOOK QUOTE “If u can’t be w/the 1 u luv, luv the 1 ur w/!”
HIGH SCHOOL MEMORY “My awkward stage extended well into high school.”

LeFevre in her senior year.

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New Moon author Stephenie Meyer has updated her site to give out a new book recommendation, The Lonely Hearts Club, and she says–

I hope you all are enjoying your holidays! Just a quick update about a book—arriving in bookstores tomorrow!—that I’m very excited about: The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg. If you’ve ever been out to one of my signings, chances are you’ve already met this debut author. If you haven’t, but you’ve read the acknowledgements in any of my books, you’ve been introduced to her there. Elizabeth has been the publicist for my books from the very beginning, and has (clearly) done an amazing job. She’s also worked with scads of other YA authors. Now her own YA novel is coming out and I’m so proud of her. Well done, Lizzy! I look forward to reading more from you soon!

Amazon describes the book by saying:

Penny is sick of boys and sick of dating. So she vows: no more. It’s a personal choice. . .and, of course, soon everyone wants to know about it. And a few other girls are inspired. A movement is born: The Lonely Hearts Club (named after the band from Sgt. Pepper). Penny is suddenly known for her nondating ways . . . which is too bad, because there’s this certain boy she can’t help but like. . . .

Sounds like a winner for these cold nights to read under a warm blanket! Thanks Steph!

[Source: StephenieMeyer.com]

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According to the Baltimore sun, 2000 to 2009 has been the Stephenie Meyer decade -

In the coming weeks, we’ll review some of the decade’s biggest books and trends, beginning with this pronouncement: I hereby declare 2000-09 to be the Stephenie Meyer decade. (That sound you just heard was Nancy hitting the floor.) Meyer’s novel “Twilight,” released in October of 2005, hit the top of the best seller lists and has hardly budged since — while being joined by others in the series. Just look at the latest list: Sarah Palin’s on top, but Meyer has the #2, #3, #4 and #7 spots with “New Moon,” “Eclipse,” “Twilight” and “Breaking Dawn.” What could she have done if she hadn’t waited until the decade was half-over to start her series?

Her tales of teen love and angst, set in a world of vampires and werewolves, have sold by the jillions and have spawned hugely successful movies — not to mention a “Team Edward” t-shirt empire. Her writing style has been skewered by accomplished authors such as Stephen King, but her fans defend her with a fervor worthy of a werewolf. And though some think her fan base consists solely of teen-age girls, many older women adore her books, too. (And at least one guy.)Is there any doubt that she’s the successor to J.K. Rowling?

Oh Mr.Rosenthal you just may be my NEW best friend! Thank you for having the guts to say it.  There is so much truth to his statement. Look at the phenomenon that the Twilight Saga has become.

I will forever hold on to my Twilight Saga book box set, so that some day my daughter can read them. That right there, shows the power this Saga has.

[Source. Thanks, Diana!]

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Author Stephenie Meyer attended the New Moon premiere last night in Los Angeles looking radiant.  

Stephenie answered some of her fans’ questions from her website, StephenieMeyer.com.  She received nearly 2000 questions!!   She answered some of the hot topic questions …from Chris Weitz to the Black Volvo.   The main answer we’ve all been waiting for is the Midnight Sun question.

To address the many, many questions about Midnight Sun:

I am not working on Midnight Sun now. I don’t have a plan for when I’ll get to it; I don’t know now what the right time for it will be.

In your questions, there were some erroneous conclusions about the situation which I’ll try to set straight. First, Midnight Sun is not finished and locked in a safe, waiting for me to be done angsting over the leak. If it were done, I would be throwing it on the bookstore shelves myself. I’d love to be able to give it to all the people who are anxiously waiting for it. Second, I am not upset about the leak. I haven’t been for a long time; I was over it after about three weeks. Third, and most important, I am not trying to punish anyone. Not the persons who leaked it, not the people who read the leak, nobody. As I said, it would make me very happy to be able to give it to anyone who wants it.

So why the hold up? Because it’s not finished and lying in a safe. It’s not done, and finishing it is not a simple matter of sitting down in front of my computer and typing out the words; the words have to be there in my head to type out, and right now, they’re not. I have to be in the zone to write any story, and trying to force myself into that zone is a waste of time, I’ve found. I’ll get back to Midnight Sun when the story is compelling to me again. Just because people want it so badly does not make it more write-able; kind of the opposite, actually. I need to be alone with a story to write, and Midnight Sun feels really crowded, if you know what I mean.

People write for different reasons. I have always written to make myself happy. If I’m enjoying a story, feeling the creativity flow, engrossed in a world, then I write and I write fast. If I’m not into it, I can’t write. I’ve never been someone who writes on demand and I can’t imagine working that way. As cool as it would be to say to my favorite author, “You know, I’d really like to read a great book about a narwhal mafia. Write that for me, ‘kay?” or even “I’d love a sequel to that last one,” that’s not how it works. How it works is that my favorite author writes a new book about whatever he/she is interested in. Maybe it takes a year, maybe it takes five. If it’s something I want to read, I buy it or I check it out at the library. If not, I find something else to read. The end.

(All of this goes for writing about vampires in general, too. Vampires and I? We’re on a break.)

I’m pretty sure this won’t slow the pleadings and the demands, but I didn’t want you to think I was ignoring the question.

In the meantime, there are so many great books out there. I’ve got some recommendations on my site, and any librarian would love to show you more options. Same goes for independent bookstore employees. Ask for guidance, and they will fill your arms with awesomeness!

Alrighty then.  I hope this satisfies your questions on Midnight Sun.  No?  Yeah, me neither.  

I’m patient though, Mrs. Meyer.  I can wait.  No pressure here.  None. 

*taps finger on table*  Sooooo, you in the Midnight Sun zone yet Steph?  LOL! 

[Source: StephenieMeyer.com. Thanks 30yroldtwifan, ShannonSparkles and Sparks!]

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In the interview Stephenie discusses how she wrote Twilight, what effect it had on her marriage while writing it, and how happy she is with Kristen and Rob as Bella and Edward. She also reveals a secret to us that her mother is to thank for why New Moon ended the way it did -

Stephenie says there is one secret she’s never revealed before. “There was a different ending to New Moon originally,” she says. “It was a much quieter book. It was very much all in Bella’s head.”

Stephenie says fans have her mother to thank for New Moon’s current dramatic ending. “My mom’s like: ‘You know, Stephenie, maybe a little more action at the end would be a good idea. Maybe you need that,’” Stephenie says. “And she was right, as usual.”

Her mother’s suggestion prompted Stephenie to introduce the Volturi, an all-powerful coven of vampires living in Italy, sooner than she’d planned. “That’s kind of my favorite part now, and it’s there because my mom told me it would be better that way.”

Thank you Stephenie’s Mom! You can read the rest of the write up from Oprah here.

There is also another video of Stephenie on Oprah’s website. Where she discusses writing more novels for the Twilight Saga. Saying that Bella and Edward’s story after Breaking Dawn is in her head, and she knows how it plays out. However, she isn’t sure if she’ll continue that story or not, as she needs a break from Vampires. And would like to write 2 more The Host books. They do ask about Midnight Sun. Stephenie is very tight lipped saying that she still isn’t sure if she’ll finish it.You can watch the video here!

[Thanks, 30yearoldtwifan, Diana, Emma,and Realmenglitter!]

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The Female Force: Stephenie Meyer graphic novel that serves as a biography of the Twilight author in comic book form that we covered before has recently been released for $6.99.

In coordination with the book’s release, a “motion comic” version which animates and narrates the graphic novel is also available from the iTunes store for $1.99. It’s called Twilight Unbound: Stephenie Meyer and clocks in at around 12 minutes and will play on all iPods that support video or through iTunes itself.

Also, If you have an iPhone or iPod Touch, don’t forget about Twilight apps that might help you pass the time while you’re waiting in line for the movie next week! Here are some of our favorites:

• Twilight Tracker: The Official Summit App with news updates, movie countdown, Twitter/Facebook connectivity
• Scene It? Twilight: Twilight-themed quizzes, puzzles and mini-games
• New Moon Official Illustrated Movie Companion Reader: Read the New Moon Official Illustrated Movie Companion on your iPhone
• Twilight Reader: Read Twilight on your iPhone
• New Moon Reader: Read New Moon on your iPhone
• Eclipse Reader: Read Eclipse on your iPhone
• Breaking Dawn Reader: Read Breaking Dawn on your iPhone
• Twilight Unbound: The Stephenie Meyer Story App: App version of the Twilight Unbound motion comic

After the break, check out the first 3 minutes of the Twilight Unbound: Stephenie Meyer motion comic. The narration makes everything seem very….serious…and maybe a bit over the top. Decide for yourself. Check it out after the break.

[click to continue…]

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As we previously posted earlier, author Stephenie Meyer will be on the Oprah Winfrey Show Friday the 13th (check your local listings for times).  This is Stephenie’s ‘one and only’ interview for the upcoming release of New Moon. 

Five years ago Stephenie Meyer was a stay at home mom raising three kids. Now, she is a literary rock star and the author behind the “Twilight” series. Join us for a LIVE show Friday, November 13th as Oprah talks to Stephenie about her success and gives us an exclusive look at the latest movie in the series, “New Moon.”

It’s her one and only interview before the premiere of the film, so you won’t want to miss it!

Check out Oprah’s Facebook page and get updates of Stephenie’s interview tomorrow here! 

Oprah.com has a section Everything You Need to Know About The Twilight Sagaon her website.  Watch an exclusive interview with Kellan Lutz (aka Emmett Cullen),  test your smarts with the Twilight Saga quiz and read excerpt from Twilight. 

I’m not superstitious or anything, I think Stephenie is going to rock it on Oprah!  *rubs lucky rabbit’s foot*   Looking forward to watching her interview with Oprah tomorrow!  

[Source: Oprah.com , OprahFB.  Thank you Stephanie @ Harpo!]

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