L. J. Smith

"You don't love a girl because of beauty. You love her because she sings a song only you can understand."

L. J. Smith (the initials stand for Lisa Jane) is the author of a number best-selling books and series, and her writing has spawned two television series and been translated into over thirty-five languages.

She lives in the Bay Area of northern California, USA, but she gets her best ideas watching deer in the backyard of a small cabin in Inverness or walking on the rocky beaches that surround that area.

She enjoys movies and music, and often listens to her favorite songs as she writes.

What genres does L. J. Smith write in?

She is best known for young adult paranormal and supernatural fiction, often featuring vampires, witches, and romantic suspense.

What are L. J. Smith's major series and basic reading order?

Major series include The Vampire Diaries (start with The Awakening, then The Struggle, followed by later volumes and spin-offs such as The Return and Stefan's Diaries), The Secret Circle (start with The Initiation, then The Captive, then The Power), and The Forbidden Game (read The Hunter, then The Chase, then The Kill).

Where should I start if I'm new to her work?

If you like vampire romance, begin with The Awakening (The Vampire Diaries Book 1). For witch-centered stories start with The Initiation (The Secret Circle). For darker fantasy try The Hunter (The Forbidden Game Book 1).