Win a trip to the Ice Hotel in Lapland

Teen-lit author Stephenie Meyer has announced that the next instalment of her phenomenally successful Twilight saga is “on hold indefinitely”, after an unnamed acquaintance leaked a rough draft via the internet. Meyer, who is often referred to as the new J. K. Rowling, had already posted the finished first chapter of Midnight Sun to her website. In response to the breach, the devout Mormon decided to post the entire draft on her website, so that fans choosing not to read the illegally reproduced version do not “feel they have to make a sacrifice to stay honest”.
In a preface, she writes: “I have a good idea of how the leak happened as there were very few copies of Midnight Sun that left my possession and each was unique. The manuscript that was illegally distributed on the Internet was given to trusted individuals for a good purpose. I have no comment beyond that as I believe that there was no malicious intent with the initial distribution.”
Midnight Sun would have been the fifth book in the Twilight series, which chronicles the dangerous romance between American schoolgirl Bella and handsome teenage vampire Edward, who must constantly restrain himself from sinking his fangs into her pretty white neck. The saga is underpinned by Bella’s fretting over whether to a vampire in order to consummate her relationship with Edward.
The abstinence of Meyer’s characters reflects her own strict ethical beliefs, but the unfulfilled sexual desire with which they consequently bristle, has proven wildly popular with teenage girls – selling over eight million copies worldwide. Time magazine dubbed the phenomenon “the erotics of abstinence”.
Meyer penned the first story in 2003, after she was inspired by a dream. At the time, she was an Arizona housewife, too busy taking care of her family to treat her writing as anything but a hobby. When, at her sister’s suggestion she did try to sell her work, she was ignored or rejected by 15 publishers (Rowling was turned down by 12) before the last one offered her a $750,000 three-book deal.
Some critics have accused Meyer of peddling saccharine melodrama, an offence of which Times critic Amanda Craig feels she has been particularly guilty in recent UK release Breaking Dawn (the book preceding Midnight Sun): “Sadly, what made the first book so interesting and suspenseful - the choice between an imperfect mortal life and a perfect but sterile vampire one - is here traduced. Bella gets all her heart's desires, including a perfect baby, but not before the reader feels suffocated in sugar. Pass the insulin, please! “
Industry sectors news at a glance. Interactive heatmap, video and podcast
The inside track on current trends in the charity, not for profit and social enterprise sectors
Read our exclusive 100 Years of Fleming and Bond interactive timeline, packed with original Times articles and reviews
Everything the Business Traveller needs to know to make a better trip

Find tickets for:
Shortcuts to help you find sections and articles
05/2005
£13,500
08/2008
£109,950
2005 / 55
£59,500
Great car insurance deals online
£Excellent+ executive benefits
Torres and Partners
London
£49,229 - £62,035 pro rata
Charity Commission
London/Liverpool/Taunton
Alstom Power
Europe
Six Figure
Rolls Royce
Midlands/Europe
From £89,950
Special Offers now available
At the new sophisticated
Encore Las Vegas Resort!
Cruise the Islands of Hawaii - Pride of America
List your property with two leading travel websites
Great travel insurance deals online
Contact our advertising team for advertising and sponsorship in Times Online, The Times and The Sunday Times, or place your advertisement.
Times Online Services: Dating | Jobs | Property Search | Used Cars | Holidays | Births, Marriages, Deaths
News International associated websites: Globrix | Property Finder | Milkround
Copyright 2008 Times Newspapers Ltd.
This service is provided on Times Newspapers' standard Terms and Conditions. Please read our Privacy Policy.To inquire about a licence to reproduce material from Times Online, The Times or The Sunday Times, click here.This website is published by a member of the News International Group. News International Limited, 1 Virginia St, London E98 1XY, is the holding company for the News International group and is registered in England No 81701. VAT number GB 243 8054 69.
i havent read the new leaked chapter. but if you dont finish, ill be so depressed. these books are so amazing. i just saw the movie today and thought it was spectacular.
Taylor Stebbins, Mountain Top, united states
I'm so excited and hooked onto this series i'm just now reading twilight. I don't like reading really but your books are AMAZING! They make me want to read and not put them down. They remind me of my bf and I. Please publish Midnight Sun. Thanks. Looking forward to reading:)
Meaghan, Hunts, U.S
I read the first chapter of Midnight Sun that you released. It is amazing. Edward's point of view, like you said, is even more exciting than Bella's! I really hope you finish the book and release it into the world. It'd be a tragedy for it all to end. I think Midnight Sun could be the best yet!
Hayley, Effingham, USA
please write midnight sun. i have been hooked to the series from the second i started reading twililight. you are an amazing writer and just because someone you trusted went behind your back doesn't mean you should lose well deserved sales. your true fans will wait for the release then read it.
Keeley Humphries, Birmingham, England
Stephanie,
Being LDS myself I understand where your torment is coming from. You trusted them and they violated that trust. I write a bit myself, but have never got the chance to finish it. It makes me feel so incomplete. I know you must feel the same, please finish the book. We already love it!
Nikki Lewis, Menan, United States of America
please please please write that book, the all of your books where amazing and as soon as i had a read of twilight i was hooked. i didnt want to read more than the first chapter of midnight sun mainly because i desperatly hope you finish writing the book stepenie. ITS AMAZING PLEASE WRITE IT!
c, dundee, scotland
J k rowling, did not have a tantrum when harry potter was leaked and she writes much better books. love Harry potter as it appeals to all generations and sexes while twilight series is just the current 'in' teenage fiction, harry potter will live on.
ad, london ,
Your Books Are Amazing !! Iv Read Midnight Sun, Even Though You Said It Wasnt Perfect I Was Hooked On It Like The Others. After all The Work Youve Done You Deserve A Break, But Please Please Please, Carry On With Edwards Book,
Your Fans Will Be So Happy If you Carry On.
Your An Amazing Writer x
Zoe , Liverpool, England
whoever the helll leaked that book, just did a favour 4 us all. he/she got us hooked onto the twilight series more. I have read the beginning of midnight sun and have just got 2 say 2 stephenie DO NOT STOP WRITING THAT BOOK! it is an absaloutely amazing gift u have for writing, dont stop!
Nabihah Khan, Sheffield, England
I just have to say, that though Stephenie has every right and reason to put Midnight Sun on hold, I believe that I speak for the entire Twilight community when I say that I hope that the recovery time is very, very short.
We love you Stephenie! ^-^
xxx
Zabby Carnassial
Twilight Obsessive
Zabby Carnassial, London, England
this is for stephanie, if she ever sees it.
Please for the love of all that is Holy! DO NOT STOP WRITING THAT BOOK! its amazing work and as horrible as it is that your work was leeked.... it should be considered a form of punishment for all your fans, if we dont get the chance to read Midnight Sun!
Janice , ajax, Canada
I agree that she has every right to postpone it for as long as she wants. People who leak the information, or even those who read the information should be ashamed. I think so anyways. I mean, whats the point in even reading the leaked info. It does no good if you cant read the whole book.
Andrew, Coon Rapids, USA
I agree why you don't put Midnight sun but you really should for people like me how could read your books every day!
Tori, Valasek
Tori, Spalding,
I agree with Melissa B., this does smell a lot like a publicity stunt. For the sake of crazed fans (myself included ~ I read the entire series in less than a week) I hope she gives in soon and publishes the next one. I love the concept of the book told from Edward's perspective. I need to read more!
Amy, Green Bay, USA
she has every right to postpone the series, yes they may be amaizing books, but if you really like them you can wait. if you were an author and your unfinished book leaked on the internet youd be mad too. so everyone thinking shes overrated for postponing a book just shutup and think if it was you.
autumn, uxbridge, USA
Why bother making a big deal about how you dont like her series? If you dont like the twilight series its a simple thing not to read them! You dont need to be negative and insulting. I say keep writing because i would read every book, I personally love the series and cant get enough of the story! x
Jessica, Swansea,
Stephenie Meyer is getting exactly what she wants by threatening to withhold her next book from fans. This Bella-esque tantrum is keeping her name in the limelight and allowing her to take her time writing her tripe.
It's a publicity stunt. Here's hoping everyone ignores her and she goes away.
Melissa Bindert, Fond du Lac, USA
these books are incredibly overrated. i think it is hilarious that meyer is having a little hissy fit over this happening. really? move on, get over. maybe she will do us all a favor and drop the series. here's for hoping.
August Sunn, Needham, USA
All the girls I know who have read the book are in love with Edward (except one.... fuming). Absolutely loved the series and so looking forward to Midnight Sun, please don't stop writing!! Please!
Antonia McGrath, Sydney, Australia
I feel that Mrs. Meyer is acting more than juvenile with her stunt of refusing to finish the final book in a timely manner. The fans of the series are the ones being punished. If she did not have such loyal fans, then there is a good chance that no one would even be thinking twice about this now.
Rebekah McCoy, Troy, USA
OMG. How could this happen? I was (and about a million other people) looking forward to Midnight Sun! Just posting the first twelve chapters on her site makes it worse, since we have no clue when we will get to read the rest! I (and every other Twilight fan) am very upset.
Alexandra, Canada,
These books were so amazing. I have been eagerly awaiting midnight sun since I completed Breaking Dawn. Please don't punish the rest of us because of someone else. I haven't read a for enjoyment in a long time and I couldn't put these books down. Please don't stop writing this book!
Deanna Breton, North Providence, USA
Midnight Sun being leaked was absolutely horrible, but PLEASE don't leave your fans hanging! What I read of it on your website was amazing! We need to hear the rest of Edward's story! Not just hear it, we need to be able to add it to our collection! Please have pity on us!
Angela, calgary, canada
Stepheie,
i would like to say that i have read this much since i was in school and that is elemantery. i hope that you would change your mind about the story from edwards side. yes i have read both of what you post on your web site. please finish the book so we know it all to the end.
Sheila Bocanegra , layton, utah , usa
Mrs. Meyer,
I too would like to say how much your books have meant to me. They have been a much needed relief during a very difficult time in my life. Please don't stop writing Midnight Sun- it is already an incredible book and one I hope, one day, to read.
Courtney Montague, Wellington, New Zealand
I am really sad to hear that you are not going to finish Midnight Sun. I read the first chapter on your website and the rest of the draft you posted. It is GREAT and I loved it. Please don't stop the book. Please take pity on the rest of us and give us all of Edward's story!
Donna, San Antonio, USA
The Twilight Series was an awesome read. I read the draft on your website and am so "thirsty" for more. What happened to your draft was inexcusable and I hope that the source of the "leak" is held accountable. I hope that someday you will return to finish Edward's side of it, PLEASE!
Kelly, Crystal City, USA
Mrs. Meyer,
I am a special education teacher who has recently read all your books and discovered that someone stole your manuscript. I was so enthralled by your writing and so disappointed to hear that you stopped writing Midnight Sun. You shouldn't let someone who stole your work stop you now.
Kelly, Collinsville, USA
Teenager, I certainly am not. Intrigued & captivated by the entire Twilight saga, I passionately am. The negative reviews of Breaking Dawn & the selfish posting of Midnight Sun serve me with zero patience. For those of us that DO matter, I reproach you to complete Edwards poetic viewpoint...
Marie, St. Louis, USA
I love your books, i have all of them, currently out, in hardcover.
I can understand how upset you are over this. but if no fan stole it from you directly, and you know who did this. And you said it seems it wasn't for anything malicious, then why punish your faithful readers? katie S. miami,fl
Katie, Miami, FL, USA
Dear Mrs Meyer,
i agree with all the above comments. I think that you should take some time off to get over what has happened with your draft but once you come to terms with what has happened can you PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE continue writing Midnight Sun... for your fans.
Alexis, Perth, Australia
I completely understand your devastation of what happened and do not blame you for wanting to take some time off. But I think you should also consider the feelings of your fans. I hope that you do decide to continue writing it because I have been captivated by the draft and hope to read more.
Haley, Fresno, USA
I think you should still publish it!
If you don't, then all yoru fans will be disappointed...
I've been waiting for this book since FOREVER!
besides the movie. =)
CeCe, New Orleans, LA,
I am completely addicted to the books. They are wonderful. I cannot believe someone was so inconsiderate and irresponsible. I do hope you will change your mind and finish the fifth book for your true fans! The draft on your web page left me hanging. (Even though I know what happens, it is fantastic!
Rhianna, Alabama,
I am so addicted to your books that it hurts me. I can't believe someone could be so irresponsible.... I hope that you decide to finish and publish the fifth book because I am dying to be just as addicted to it as the others... Please don't punish us for someone else's stupidity.... Thanks so much!
Mikayla, Muncie, United States
please -please -please finish midnight sun. the draft left me wanting so much more. don't punish your fan base by not finishing the book. i'm not a teenager and i finished the four books in one week. i'm hooked!
sherry, riverdale,
I absolutely LOVE your books and read them all within a few days! It is unfortunate that the fifth book got leaked, but I hope that you still end up publishing your official final version so that I can buy it and add it to the collection! I am dying for a fifth book!
kerry, abbotsford, canada
I am so very sorry that people have to be so immature. I was so looking forward to the fifth book coming out! I read all four or your books in the Twilight Series in one week. I couldn't put them down! You are amazing and have inspired many others to follow their passions, as you have. Thanks!
Emily Wilkinson, Eagle Mountain, UT, USA
Don't punish your fans for the stupidity of an insider.
Joanne, Cherry Hill,
Mrs. Meyer,
I really do hope that one day you will find the need to finish Midnight Sun because I simply love your books I cant put them down and every time I read them I cry. But I totally understand where you coming from about it being copyrighted and realeced without your permission I just wish.
christina wyatt, Twin Falls, Idaho, USA
Mrs.Meyer,
The first time i pickd up your book i fell head over heels with it,sinking my teeth into it's tempting cover. When i finished your 4th book i almost cried. please pleeease i am begging you publish midnight sun. We all are dying to sink our teeth into it. Please publish it. Your #1
Hail B-J, Brooklyn,
What a bummer to have this happen, but I'm hoping if you don't continue Midnight Sun that we can have a sequel to Host, which
I actually loved more than the Twilight Series. I love your spin on usually negative archetypes, and how you keep it light. Thank you for some really fun story telling.
Stella, grand rapids, USA
Dear STepanie, please don't stop your work on the new novel, Midnight Sun. My 16 y.o. daughter just discovered your series and she is actually READING! This is phenomenal! She has gone through the first 2 in 5 days and actually got in trouble in her painting class for reading Eclipse! PLEASE!
Jamille TWedt, Branson, USA
I respect that Stephenie Meyer must be upset. I mean, some one leaked her book online! Don't you think you would be upset, too? She's probably just gonna take some time off and be with her family. Take it easy.
I do hope she writes again, though :(
I love the series and all the characters. Its grand
Bee, Redondo Beach, USA
Mrs. Meyer, if you are reading this, I hope you know that you are the absolute best author out there. Please don't punish your fans by not giving us Midnight Sun. You said in Eclipse that you want to give us a Porsche. But, we all want Midnight Sun. Please, Please, Please reconsider.
Lots of Love
Ruk, Dhaka, Bangladesh
its not fair that someone would be so rude!! i would say more but it probably wouldn't be very appropriate! to Stephenie Meyer, i am very sorry and i think your an amazing writer!! i will be waiting patiently until your ready to put out another book!! i think your awesome!!
Tiffany Boothe, Lancaster, usa
Im am very dissappointed to hear stephanie meyers is the type of person who will let her fans down because of something else another individual did. We the fans have been looking foward to this book with a lot of enthusiasm. Its insane to punish the fans. Cause thats what shes doing.
Patricia, Sacramento, USA
I have read all your books (several times) and love them. I just finished reading the partial draft of Midnight Sun and I think it is my favorite book so far. It is soo interesting reading about the Cullen Universe. I really hope after some time that you will pick up where you left off .
allison, Mesa, USA
I am not even certain this will even make it to the eyes of Stephenie Meyer, but I feel I should say something. I understand what it feels like to have a story so close to your heart dissrespected. It hurts, and you feel betrayed almost.
Jaclyn Lucht, Grand Forks,
I am extremley dissapointed the midnight sun will not be coming out! Stephney Myer Hello!!!!!!!!!! Just because one person messed up why should we all be punshed?!?! Please wright the book!
Sarah , Tulsa,
Stephanie, I feel that whomever is responsible for the leak should not cause you to stop from continuing on with the series. Many of us have fallen in love with them and are eagerly anticipating another . I hope that you will reconsider and dazzle us once again w/ an addition to the series. Thanks.
Shannon, Kitchener, Canada
Isn't it kind of unwise to go showing drafts around anyway, and why different ones to different people? Sounds like she was suspicious. Obviously the "trusted" friend isn't. She needs to get over it and stop whining. So, move on. The real victims here are the fans.
Janette, Cedar Hill, USA
I'm a 31 y.o mother of 2 who has been bitten by the twilight bug! Who was full of excitement to know Edward would get to tell his side of the story..who is now heartbroken that it will no longer be. We love u stephenie and your fans will never loose hope!! THANK YOU & FAmilly 4 all u have givin!
Shelia D, Manteca, USA
Lucia, this is not a case of publicity impacting her privacy, like some celebrity being photographed on holiday. This is an issue of intellectual property and copyright. Ms Meyerhas every right to expect that her work is not STOLEN from her.
Gemma, Leighton Buzzard, UK
Mariam, the affected book would not inform you what happens next to the characters, it was a rewriting of the events in book 1 from Edward's perspective.
Gemma, Leighton Buzzard, UK
I bought the first two books for my 13 year old daughter to take on holiday,l picked one up and read the first chapter and that was it! I am a mature woman in her forties!! im on the third book, the books are great to get lost in a different world .
lesley, harpenden, herts
HOW CAN PPL DO THT....the twilight book is the BEST book ever written. Any one who takes the time to sit down and read 1 chapter will be lost in all sorts of thougths and emotions....this book does not deserve to be put on hold..... WE ALLL HAVE TO NO WAT HAPPENS TO RENESMEE BELLA EDWARD AND JACOB!!
Mariam Sahakyan, Los Angeles, California
Mrs.Meyer received a private idea in a dream and succeeded in making it public. She's enjoyed the benefits, and if publicity negatively impacts her work, she has no right (imo) to react as if it were a private insult, and as if her resulting actions would have only private consequences. ie] immature
Lucia F., Los Angeles, USA
I think that it would be way stupid to let such a great book go to waste, if you know what I mean. I personally love the Twilight series.(obsessed is a better word for it) And me and all of my girlfriends were so dissapointed when we found out that Midnight Sun was '' put on hold''.
Cheyenne Vigh, Maryville,TN, United States
I agree, Stephanie Meyer should reconsider and produce Midnight Sun, we all love Edward and would love to get to know him better. Me personally would be very disappointed to miss out on a good book becauseof someone elses wrong doing.
Ericka, Massachusettes
Ericka , Lawrence, essex
I do hope Stephenie Meyer will reconsider and produce Midnight Sun. The character of Edward is fascinating and very complex, or rather more complex than Bella. It would be disappointing to miss a good book because of the misconduct of others.
nancy cromer, Dothan,