The Vampire Diaries show changed a number of details from L.J. Smith's book series, like Stefan and Damon's personalities and Elena's family members.

Author L.J. Smith, who created the 'Vampire Diaries' otherwordly book series that inspired the CW drama of the same name, died this month. She was 66.

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.

Author L.J. Smith, who created the “Vampire Diaries” book series that inspired the CW drama of the same name and contributed to pop culture’s obsession with vampires, has died.

Author L.J. Smith, who created the 'Vampire Diaries' otherwordly book series that inspired the CW drama of the same name, died this month. She was 66.