L.J. Smith, "The Vampire Diaries" Author, Dies at 66 After Battle with Rare Disease
"The Vampire Diaries" sunk its teeth into popular culture, didn't it? L.J. Smith, the woman behind those stories, shaped young adult fiction as we know it. It's sad to report that she passed away at 66 after a long battle with a rare autoimmune disease. Her books created worlds that many readers still cherish.
She died on March 8 after a decade long battle with a rare autoimmune disease, her partner Julie Divola and her sister Judy Clifford shared She was 66.
“Lisa was a kind and gentle soul, whose brilliance, creativity, resilience and empathy, illuminated the lives of her family, friends and fans alike,” a statement on her website read. “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.”
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Growing up in Southern California, L.J. (real name Lisa Jane Smith) had dreams of becoming a writer as a young child after a teacher, per her website, “praised a horrible poem I’d written.”
Years later, she began working on her first fantasy novel The Night of the Solstice, labelled for readers ages 8 to 12, while in high school. And as she continued to pour glimpses of her vivid imagination onto the page, she quickly gained a cult following when her vampiric series was adapted into a hit television show in 2009, starring Ian Somerhalder, Nina Dobrey & Paul Wesley, among others.
L.J. Smith wasn't just a writer; she built entire universes for young readers. Her dedication to young adult fantasy is clear in her many novels. She crafted stories that hooked teens and adults.
But beyond her most well-known series, the New York Times bestselling author penned more than 29 books—which were celebrated for exploring the supernatural as well as elements of horror, science fiction/fantasy and romance including the Night World series, as well as The Secret Circle, Dark Visions and The Forbidden Game trilogies.
And even when struggling with the enduring side effects of her disease, her agent John Silbersack expressed that her commitment to storytelling was unwavering until the very end. Indeed, he said that she completed three unpublished works before her death.
Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, L.J. Smith devoured books as a kid. Her love for stories started early. She went to college and earned her degree in English. These experiences surely shaped her writing.
“She had been quite ill,” John told the outlet, “But despite the difficulties and the pain, she was fiercely dedicated to continuing to write. She wanted to get it right, to be quite perfect.”
Along with Julie and Judy, the author is survived by her two kids Lauren Clifford and Brian Clifford, as well as a niece, a nephew and a grandnephew.
Smith didn't become a best-selling author overnight. Like many writers, she faced challenges. Her breakthrough came with her first novels. These books grabbed the attention of young readers.
Supernatural romance is at the heart of L.J. Smith's books. Her characters were often strong, especially the women. The plots? Always twisty and engaging. She wrote with a style that pulled you in.
"The Vampire Diaries" is L.J. Smith’s biggest success. The books are full of love, danger, and of course vampires. It captivated millions of readers.
The CW turned "The Vampire Diaries" into a hit TV show. While the show took liberties with the books, it widened her audience. Smith had mixed feelings about the changes.
"The Vampire Diaries" reshaped the YA paranormal romance genre. It created a huge fanbase that's still active. The series made vampires cool for a new generation.
Smith faced some issues with the series. At one point, she was dismissed, and ghostwriters took over. It caused controversy among fans and the literary world. It's a tough situation.
L.J. Smith wrote more than just "The Vampire Diaries." She explored different stories and worlds. Her other series have loyal fans, too.
"The Secret Circle" is another popular series by Smith. "Night World" also captured imaginations. Each series has its unique flavor.
Strong female leads appear throughout Smith's work. Her books often explore themes of good versus evil. There are connections between her different series if you look closely.
Smith wasn't afraid to try new things. She wrote about witches, ghosts, and other supernatural beings. This shows her range as a writer.
The autoimmune disease impacted Smith's life significantly. It presented several symptoms and challenges. Writing became harder, but she pushed on.
Smith showed great resilience while dealing with her health issues. She continued to write when she could. Her strength inspired many.
It is unknown whether Smith used her platform to raise awareness of autoimmune diseases, but her struggle may help others feel seen. That's something to admire.
L.J. Smith leaves behind a rich legacy. Her books will continue to inspire readers and writers. She made a real mark on young adult literature.
Many current YA authors cite L.J. Smith as an inspiration. Her stories helped shape the genre. Her impact is clear.
Fans share stories of how Smith's books impacted their lives. She provided a fun escape. Her books brought comfort to many.
L.J. Smith holds a special place in literary history. She will be remembered for her imaginative stories. Her work will continue to be read and enjoyed.
L.J. Smith's contribution to young adult literature can't be denied. Her worlds of vampires, witches, and magic captured our imagination. She leaves a void, but her stories live on. We'll always appreciate the worlds that she created for us.
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