'Twilight' Author Makes $40 Million Without Writing a Single Book

Despite not having written a single book in the past year, Twilight author Stephenie Meyer raked in an eye-popping $40 million from her sexy vampire tales, Forbes reports. Meyer landed the second place spot on the magazine's new ranking of the world's highest paid authors, easily eclipsing Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling. About $7 million of Meyer's 2009 windfall came from movies adapted from the Twilight series, with most of the balance attributable to previously published works. In June the third Twilight adaptation made $175 million in its first six days. Meyer still has a long way to go to catch up with the world's highest paid author, James Patterson, who snagged the #1 spot with a whopping $70 million paycheck. Unlike Meyer however, Patterson has to keep churning out thrillers; he's contracted to produce another 17 books by the end of 2012. Stephen King placed third on the list with $34 million, while Rowling languishes in last place with a measly $10 million. Of course she's already a billionaire.
Rodents Run Amok at Upstate New York Walmart
Apple CEO Tim Cook interview at D10: the liveblog
Beyonce 60-Pound Weight Loss: Queen B Flaunts New Figure During Comeback Concert Series
What's a Realistic Retirement Age?
I'm A Successful Entrepreneur But Might Get Deported
What Happened When Alex Kenjeev Paid His Student Loan in Cash
Carrie Underwood's Grunge Rock Past: 'I Was All About Pearl Jam'
Farmers Hit the Jackpot in Kansas Oil Boom
Mary J. Blige, Charity Lawsuit: Singer's Foundation Sued for Failing to Repay $250K Loan
Supposed new iPhone casings show up with tall body, tiny dock connector, tons of mystery (update: a bit of the front too)