L.J. Smith, Creator of The Vampire Diaries, Passes Away at 66
A Legacy of Love, Loss, and Supernatural Legends
Lisa Jane Smith, known to millions of fans as L.J. Smith, the author who launched a generation’s love for supernatural romance, has died at age 66 according to BBC. Best known for The Vampire Diaries, Smith leaves behind a trail of unforgettable characters, dramatic love triangles, and an undeniable impact on the world of young adult fiction.
A Story That Sparked a Supernatural Sensation
Originally published in the early 1990s, The Vampire Diaries captivated readers with its tale of Elena Gilbert, an orphaned teen caught between two dark and alluring vampire brothers, Stefan and Damon Salvatore. Decades before the rise of the vampire trend, Smith’s gothic storytelling laid the groundwork for a wave of paranormal fiction that would later sweep pop culture.
In 2009, the books were adapted into a wildly successful CW series, running for eight seasons and turning stars Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, and Ian Somerhalder into household names. The show became a teen favorite, collecting 30 Teen Choice Awards, including six wins for Dobrev as best fantasy/sci-fi actress.
Described by The Guardian as a “deliciously pulpy supernatural soap opera,” The Vampire Diaries joined the ranks of other vampire hits like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Twilight, and True Blood, solidifying Smith’s place in vampire lore.
A Battle for Her Own Creation
Despite her role as series creator, Smith’s publishing journey wasn’t without heartbreak. The Vampire Diaries was developed under a “book packager” deal, where the publisher, not the author, retained the rights. In 2011, Smith was dropped from her own series, and her eighth unpublished manuscript was handed off to a ghostwriter. The series was later continued by another author under the pen name Aubrey Clark—while Smith’s name remained on the covers.
The decision left her devastated. In interviews, Smith described the experience as being “trashed” and “mutilated.” But she didn’t give up.
When Amazon’s Kindle Worlds launched a licensed fan fiction platform, Smith used the opportunity to reclaim her vision, releasing an unofficial trilogy that continued her version of The Vampire Diaries story. Though no longer officially connected to the series, fans rallied behind her return.
More Than Just Vampires
Smith’s influence stretched far beyond Mystic Falls. Her Night World series (1996–98) introduced readers to a hidden society of witches, werewolves, vampires, and shapeshifters living among humans. Her other popular works include The Secret Circle (also adapted into a short-lived CW series in 2011), Dark Visions, and The Forbidden Game trilogies.
She stepped away from writing for nearly a decade to care for her family during illness, a testament to her deep empathy—an emotion reflected in the layered characters she brought to life.
Remembering L.J. Smith
A statement posted to her official website read:
“Lisa was a kind and gentle soul, whose brilliance, creativity, resilience and empathy illuminated the lives of her family, friends, and fans alike. She will be remembered for her imaginative spirit, her pioneering role in supernatural fiction, and her generosity, warmth, and heart—both on and off the page.”
L.J. Smith’s stories of forbidden love, redemption, and the fight between light and darkness will continue to resonate with readers for generations. She didn’t just write supernatural fiction—she helped define it.
May her words, like her vampires, live on forever.