Hyd published this under another title, “Like you can,” as evidenced by the URL address (which always reveals the original submitted title, unless it is so offensive I just cannot abide it, but that would have to be really pretty bad, and in that case, I would probably just leave the link closed).

Anyway, Hyd, in response to “Like you can"--I actually think he can write. Don’t confuse me with a fan. But unlike, say, John Grisham, his forays into literary fiction (of the short form) have been not embarrassing, and he knows how to put a story together, to sustain suspense etc. I don’t read his books, I don’t head out to movies based on his books, but I think he’s a credible reviewer for the Twilight ilk. (It would be something else maybe if they installed him as a panel judge on the National Book Award or the Pulitzer.)

I actually think he can write

Yes, but on a fifth grade level.

Yes, but on a fifth grade level.

No, his literary fiction is good. His pulp fiction is written to be pulp fiction. That is what it is.

Again, I don’t say this as a fan. I was surprised that his literary fiction was as good as it was. I’m not saying he’s Chekhov, I’m not saying he’s Carver. But, when he sets out to do so, he can write his way out of a paper bag, to be sure. And a whole lot better than “fifth grade level.”

Now go get your comma key fixed on your keyboard.

At best he’s a munchkin among literary giants.

He’s reviewing TWILIGHT. I think he’s qualified for that. And he’s probably more qualified than literary giants are, because it’s his genre, after all.

You love him don’t you?

It’s trendy to hate on Stephen King. And no doubt he’s written some pure dreck. But, for the most part, that material also happens to coincide with the period in his life when he was a cokehead and/or big ol’ drunkface.

Dickens and Twain were both wildly popular in their lifetimes, too. It seems silly to hold that against their work. Every once in a while the public can get one right.

(GoatLady and her circle are all about the Stephenie Meyer books. I have calluses on my tongue from biting it so hard for so long.)

I’m going to second (third?) Lady P and Goatboy. King has always been completely upfront about the fact that much of his work is, as he puts it, “the literary equivalent to a big mac and fries”. It’s meant to entertain and nothing more.

First of all, there’s nothing wrong with just wanting to entertain, and secondly, much of his work is good entertainment. King is a way better storyteller than many other massively popular authors, including Tom Clancy, Michael Crichton or Dean Koonz.

I think his literary fiction works on more than just an entertainment level and I also really like a lot of his short fiction.

You love him don’t you?

Nuh-uh. I love you more.