Adapted from L.J. Smith's young adult series, The Vampire Diaries takes a decidedly different tactic from its predecessor.

L.J. Smith, the author of the Vampire Diaries novels as well as dozens of other young-adult fiction books, has died at the age of 66 after a years-long battle with a rare autoimmune disease.

LJ Smith, the author whose bestselling Vampire Diaries novels were adapted into a hit TV show, has died aged 66. The New York Times reports that the bestselling author died on March 8 in Walnut ...