Lisa Jane Smith, the renowned author behind the beloved series "The Vampire Diaries," has passed away at the age of 66 after a prolonged battle with an autoimmune disease. Smith's death occurred on March 8, 2025, in Walnut Creek, California, as confirmed by her partner, Julie Divola, and her sister, Judy Clifford, in statements to the New York Times.
Born on September 4, 1958, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Smith grew up in Villa Park, California. She initially pursued a career as a kindergarten teacher before venturing into writing. Her first novel, "The Night of the Solstice," was published in 1987, marking the beginning of her literary journey.
Smith gained widespread recognition with the publication of the "The Vampire Diaries" series, which debuted in the early 1990s. The original series consisted of four books that explored a love triangle involving two vampire brothers and a human girl. The books quickly captivated readers, leading to a television adaptation that premiered in 2009, further solidifying Smith's legacy.
Despite her success, Smith faced significant challenges with her publisher. After delivering the first four books, she was replaced by a ghostwriter for subsequent installments, a decision that left her feeling "trashed" and "mutilated." In a candid interview, Smith described the emotional toll of being removed from her creations as "highly traumatic," stating, "You don’t want to get me talking about how my soul feels. It feels . . . trashed. Mutilated. Worse than it's felt in a long, long, long time, like being raped in a lonely stairwell by a guy with a knife and then being blamed for it by the Supreme Court."
Despite these setbacks, Smith continued to write and published another trilogy of "The Vampire Diaries" from 2009 to 2011. However, her relationship with the publisher remained strained, leading to her eventual dismissal. Undeterred, Smith turned to fan fiction, releasing unofficial works that maintained her connection with her dedicated fanbase.
Throughout her career, Smith authored over 20 works for children and teenagers, garnering millions of readers worldwide. Her imaginative storytelling and pioneering role in supernatural fiction have left an indelible mark on the genre.
The impact of "The Vampire Diaries" extended beyond books, spawning a multi-format franchise that included spinoff series like "The Originals" and "Legacies." The show, which aired for eight seasons, featured a talented cast, including Nina Dobrev, Ian Somerhalder, and Paul Wesley, and became a cultural phenomenon among young audiences.
In a statement on her website, Smith was remembered as "a kind and gentle soul, whose brilliance, creativity, resilience, and empathy illuminated the lives of her family, friends, and fans alike." Her legacy as a storyteller will continue to inspire future generations of writers and readers.
Smith is survived by her long-time friend, Julie Divola, her sister, Judy Clifford, and her sister's children, Lauren and Brian Clifford, along with Brian's wife, Taylor Acampora, and Lauren's son, Wyatt Nicholson.
The literary world mourns the loss of Lisa Jane Smith, whose contributions to young adult fiction will not be forgotten. Her unique voice and ability to weave tales of love, loss, and the supernatural have touched countless lives, ensuring her place in the hearts of readers for years to come.
