The initial concept for the Twilight series arrived during a dream on June 2, 2003, featuring a human girl and a vampire. Stephenie Meyer completed the manuscript in three months, eventually securing a $750,000 three-book deal with Little, Brown and Company. This work launched a career that produced over 160 million sold copies worldwide.
Early Life and Education
Born Stephenie Morgan on December 24, 1973, in Hartford, Connecticut, she was the second of six children. Raised in Phoenix, Arizona, she attended Chaparral High School in Scottsdale. In 1992, she earned a National Merit Scholarship, supporting her studies at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature in 1997. During this time, she met and married Christian Meyer, and the pair eventually had three sons.
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Following the success of Twilight in 2005, Meyer expanded the narrative into a four-book series including New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. The series gained significant traction, with Breaking Dawn achieving an initial print run of 3.7 million copies. Meyer utilized elements from the Quileute Native American legends within her prose, though this drew criticism from some tribal members. Her writing often reflects her faith in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, exploring themes of mortality and agency.
Film Production and Professional Expansion
Beyond her literary career, Meyer co-founded the production company Fickle Fish Films. She participated in the film production process for the Twilight series, including both parts of the finale, Breaking Dawn. Her bibliography extends beyond vampire fiction, encompassing adult novels such as The Host, released in 2008, and The Chemist, published in 2016. She has also contributed short fiction, including the story Hell on Earth, to anthologies.
Fast facts
- Born: 1973, Hartford, Connecticut
- Education: Brigham Young University
- Notable works: Twilight, The Host
- Spouse: Christian Meyer
- Occupation: Writer, film producer, screenwriter
- First novel publication: 2005
Questions readers ask
What inspired the Twilight series?
The idea originated from a dream on June 2, 2003, about a human girl and a vampire.
Has Stephenie Meyer worked in film?
Yes, she co-founded Fickle Fish Films and produced the Twilight film series finale, Breaking Dawn.
Achievements
- Notable work: Twilight
- Notable work: The Host
- Genres: fantasy and romance
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