Bestselling author of ‘The Vampire Diaries' dies at 66
(WKBN) — Bestselling author L.J. Smith, best known for her work 'The Vampire Diaries' that became a smashing TV hit, has died at 66.
Lisa Jane Smith, known professionally as L.J. Smith, was an American author of young-adult literature, with popular works including the 'Night World' series, 'The Vampire Diaries,' 'The Secret Circle,' and New York Time's bestselling work 'Dark Visions.'
Smith died peacefully at 66 in a hospital on March 8 after a long bout with illness.
She was born on Sept. 4, 1958, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on her father's birthday, to Kathryn J. Smith and Glenn C. Smith. She grew up in Southern California, in the small town of Villa Park.
According to her author biography, Smith was happiest sitting by a crackling fire in a cabin at Point Reyes, California, or walking the beaches that surround the area.
'Nothing really dies as long as it's not forgotten.' –L.J. Smith, 'The Forbidden Game'
She penned more than 29 books over the course of her career.
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