I was writing before I knew it was called writing. I mean, I was making up both stories and free-form poetry before I could read. Unlike authors who were prodigies, I didn’t learn to read until I was taught it in first grade, but I certainly knew how to make up a story. Astro-Boy, a Japanese anime character, was often my companion in my early fiction, but every movie I saw or book that was read to me got at least a try to see if I would fit into its world. (Including the wonderful D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, which made a huge impression on me—after that my companions were fauns and dryads, centaurs, nymphs, and demi-gods.)
And I constantly, silently, made up stories in my head based on whatever I was doing. Like, what might happen if . . . the door to the abandoned house on our block was really the doorway to another planet. Or to a land where unfairly enslaved animals talked. Or to a kingdom where the true princess had been kidnapped by a wicked faun. I did this 24/7 and never told a soul about it until I was in high school.
But as a kid, I loved to play the princess sort of pretend with my girlfriends—and a lavish wardrobe of flower girl dresses supplied by my great-aunt who ran a bridal shop. And I loved playing—not doctor—but space explorer with my boyfriends. Although I didn’t start reading early, I did catch up very quickly to take a look at what I had missed. By fifth grade I was reading adult books; by sixth my mom was horrified to find me reading her copy of Valley of the Dolls. Now that doesn’t mean I was reading all grown-up books. I was unfailingly faithful to Nancy Drew and patterned my mystery stories on her adventures. And I read any book of any kind that had any sort of “urban magic” in it. I knew I was going to find real magic . . . right up until the moment when I realized that I was going to have to write about it instead.
As to my juvenilia, I am devastated to report that some of it has survived. Ye gods, does it suck!
Hi madalyn–
Hmm…shouldn’t it be the first book that would have the info? Also if you really read all the books it’s kind of hard to forget.
Here, I’ll give you two cluess: The town was named after the founding family, the lady whose first name was Honoria,
And the second part is for the first public building they established there: the place many people go to worship on Sundays.
So it’s (Honoria)______’s ______.
If you did read the books this should tell you~
Hey Janet–
Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m really surprised by the people who enjoyed Dark Visions (I guess my feelings for it are mized up with family sickness and writer’s block.) Thank you and all who’ve mentioned it for my “therapy!”
As for Blaise–yes, we will see her in Strange Fate, and you have just given me an idea. When I wrote Blaise’s line I had in mind a state of being: Blaise being Queen of the Galaxy or something. But now I look at it another way. Yes, I think in Strange Fate Blaise will finally articulate what she wants.
Thanks for a very fascinating message!
Hi Libby,
I’m so glad you’re enjoying Night World and Dark Visions. Forbidden Game may sound complicated but it has a pretty simple premise. Jenny buys Tom, her boyfriend a game in an all-white box for his birthday. It turns out to be a paper house with paper dolls meant to represent the players. Surprisingly Tom and the other birthday guests seem addicted to playing it. Then suddenly it all becomes real, and they are in the paper house. A boy from the Shadow World, Julian, has fallen in love with Jenny and directed her actions. Now she has to play his game . . . or lose Tom.
Most people think Tom would be no great loss anyway. OK, me included, but where would Jenny and Julian live?
Hey, Shaneelah–
I don’t mind you writing agaain, but the board authorities might, so after this, maybe write me an email at info@ljanesmith.net and put BLOGFEST in the header. Thank you!
You’re so sweet to cry just coz I answered you. I detecct the sensitive soul of an artist or writer. Anyway, you’ve paid me a great compliment and I swear I would answer every email if I could.
Now the embarrassing part: I just don’t remember that email with the ambigram, but I’m going to search until I find it. I love ambigrams. I tried once to make some but the results would make you laugh out loud! You have a unique talent. Maybe I can call on you sometime for a book!
Hello! Tell me please, when will the book “a strange fate”?
Hello! I read all your books in a very short time. so they took me, that I just could not tear myself away. Most of all I liked the book from the series “night world” and “forbidden game”. Last book I read was “strange power” of a series of “dark vision”. really want to read the continuation. I eagerly await any new books written by your hand. I am very sorry that I can read fast enough. I would like to say a huge thank you for what you continue to write and write. THANK YOU.
Hi Stasy–
I know, you are asking when Strange Fate wil be out. I am so sorry that it will probably be a while–maybe even a year. I have 500+ pages written, but there are complications. Thanks so much for your post, and I’ll do my best to get Strange Fate out as soon as pooosible.
Hi Roxy–
If you have read all three books in Dark Visions, then that is all there is to the trilogy. But there are three books in the Dark Visions trilogy, so if you have not yet read The Possessed or The Passion, you still have 2 books to go. I’m not sure what country you’re in, but if you look at the back cover or back pages of the book it may tell you when the next book is out. Thank you so much for a heartwarming message!
Yes I am a writer. I am not a professional writer but I write fan fiction. I mainly write Sailor Moon fan fiction but occasionally write other fan fiction. I have also been writing poems since about 1998 or 1999 but I don’t write as much as I use to poem wise. I have a poem I think you would like. It is call The Circle http://davisjes.deviantart.com/art/The-Circle-44857471 and I wrote it in 1999. It is one of my very earliest poems and at the time I was 13 and in Wicca. Even after this blogfest is over I would love to keep corresponding with you but I know it is hard for you to answer emails as you get such a large volume.
Jess
“And even though you may think you already know the plot, characters run off and do the strangest things.”
I know what you mean. I had a fic like where the characters I was not pairing up together kept trying to pair up.
ok I been wonting to ask you this,I ask my girlfriend what they think and there just like me,In The Vampire Diares The return did Elena and Stefan made love I know when they share blood that what vampire call it,but did they made love what human people do,It make me think they did with some clue you gave but I am not sure ,I like to think they did.
I wanted to thank you for writing such wonderful books. They helped me at a hard time in my life, and helped me to loose myself for a little while, to help time pass by. A lot of what you wrote above really reminded me of what I did as a kid. I used to dress up and go outside on my play ground and pretend all sorts of things. And I always spent most of my time in my head making things up, and day dreaming. Always playing pretend. Even when I was little and played with dolls, I would always have some kind of story to go by, I never just played with them. I would even write some of it down like a little script in case I wanted to reenact it sometime. I want to be a writer myself, I do fan fictions, random little shorts, I don’t really post it, I tend to think of my writing as bad and private, and kinda scared of what others would think of it. My biggest question is, how do you plan? I confuse myself too much and I think I try and put too much pressure on myself. And I freak out and there are several times I’ve just wanted to get up. I’m a planner, an organizer. And I do just simply write whatever comes to my head, but then I start thinking again, and yeah.
Dear L.J. Smith
Hi, how are you doing? I just wanted to tell you that i love your books and online short stories. I am at the end of Dark Visions right now and I have not been able to put it down! I just bought it on Monday, haha, my favorite character in the book has got to be Gabriel. Your stories and the characters in them have inspired me in so many ways, so much so, that I am starting my own YA book. I am loving the Vampire Diaries TV show. Even though Elena doesnt have blonde hair, I think the actress is doing a great job at portraying her.
I was just wandering, beside Strange Fate, what are some plans for the future? Will you start another series? Or will you continue the series you have now?
Also I was wandering when Forbidden Game would be re-released? That is the only series that i have not got to read of yours and I am REALLY looking forward to it!
Thank you for all the great work! Hope all is well!
Alanna
Hi, love your books, or the ones i’ve read so far, introduced to me by my youngest sister. Anyways, my question is after this next installment from the vampire diaries is released next year, will there be more after that?
Thanks,
Leslie
Thank you for your reply. It was awesome, and actually helped a lot. :) re: Shapeshifters Species Flowers.
You mentioned in your reply to me that you were hoping to redeem werewolves some day…does that mean you plan on writing a short story or two for your website or a NW novel just on them some day, to balance it all out? I know several fans that would be thrilled at that, either the short story or the novel. Plus, I always liked the idea of a werewolf finding his/her soulmate–it always felt like werewolves, even if they are shapeshifters who branched off from the rest of them, didn’t really have the focus on them a lot, so I was curious.
Thank you. :)
Hey, love your work!
Just wondering, will the main protagonists of each book be present in the last book Strange Fate? Or is it just only the four people of blue flame??
Thanks in advance :D
DD
Get updates from L.J. Smith at the Night World Facebook fan page!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Night-World-series/77061363750?ref=ts
HiL.J Smith.
Ever since I’ve read your books, I’ve been so obsessed… like I started to notice “things” about people that might make them supernatural. XD
I was so inspired by NW, that I started writing a fan ficiton about it. I hope you don’t mind…?
And I’m really looking forward to the next books you’ll be writing, and I’ve just finished Dark Visions. Comment: It was awesome.
I love your writing!
veVeon
P.S. Do you think there’ll be a movie series or something for the Night World Series?
Is it true that Shadow Souls will be early released in Canada on Amazon.com during January? I simply can’t wait to read it, even though I am an adult male.
(wierd huh?)
As for your reply to Madalyn, was it Falls Church or Fells Creek VA that the books are based? Or if you prefer that a mystery that’s fine.
It’s been such a long time, also, since I’ve read other books. I’m not sure if it’s Nightworld, but werewolves had certain stone-rings and vampires had certain stone-rings. I can’t remember for the life of me what books they were or what rings!
Best of luck to you on The Vampire Diaries (CW) television series. I hope your fan-base becomes a massive worldwide following.
I really enjoyed reading the first book of The Secret Circle.
Thanks for writing it.
Hello I am just gonna say first that I am a great fan!
I have read the entire Vampire Diaries series, the entire Night World series, the entire Secret Circle Series and am going to start Dark Visions tomorrow. I’ve also read all the small stories on your website. Oh I’m SO EXCITED! I just wanted to ask you when strange fate will PROBABLY come out, like will it come at the beginning of 2010, the end of it, or in the middle? I hope it comes out soon because i am dying to know what happens to all the characters at the end. My favourite is Jez because she is a fighter, courageous, brave, and loving. My other two favourites are Rashel and Keller because they’re fighters too. (I always seem to like fighting girls, don’t know why but I do).
I am watching the Vampire Diaries Series on t.v. every thursday (because here in Canada thats the soonest day it cmes out) and am emjoying it even if it isnt the same as the book. (although my family might think I hate it because I sometimes yell at the t.v. telling it it’s not supposed to be like that even though no one can hear my comments and I know it, but it makes me feel better, :) )
I wanted to know if you were going to maybe continue the Secret Circle Series because thats the one I just finished and even though it doesn’t seem to be as popular as the Night World Series or Vampire Diaries, I still liked it alot.
Your books really catch people’s attention because half the time you’re wondering what will happen next? what will happen when ____ finds out ______’s secret? It’s awesome being in suspense even though you might not like it when you don”t know.
I hope you continue writing more books and new series because I’ll always be in line waiting for a new one. You are my favourite author and hope I’ll meet you one day.
Come visit Canada soon! PLEASE!
Your fan,
Jen A.M.
P.s. Good Luck with your books and I hope they’ll become movie series in the future :)
I forgot to thank you for writing all those great books, well here goes:
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
please e-mail me back when you read this, I’ll be ever so grateful if you do
:D
Oh one other thing, even though I know that you might just be tired of all my comments and that i jus posted one like 5 minutes ago but i need to ask you something. I am currently trying to write an entire book. I’ve started like 3 already but that’s because every time I start one and am getting to the end of it, I seem to get another idea and write it down. Then I actually start writing it into a story and forget about the old book I started. I am literally obsessed with reading and writing and have sometimes gone until midnight reading or writing because of it. My dad has caught me a few times and then takes my books away. It really sucks sometimes because once I was like 2 pages away from finishing reading a book and he caught me and wouldn’t let me finish it. I was up so long just staring at the ceiling with wide eyes, wondering what was going to happen, thinking of different ways it’ll end and not knowing which one of them was right. I hated it. So my question is, what should I do when I get a new idea and want to write but am not done the other? because i feel really bad having that unfinished story just sitting there in my drawer, waiting to be done. I got friends who have read parts and then when I stop they get mad at me. So please help me find a way to solve my unfinished stories dilema.
Thanks in advance!
Jen A.M. :)
Hi Jess–
Aha! I knew you were a writer. Fanfic is stories and stories lead to novels. Beware! Even Sailor Moon can pull you into the world of original writing (no disrespect to the sailor senshi, of course, especially Sailor Mars.)
I think your poem was lovely. It had a strong rhythmic
basis and some truly poetic phrases–aside from being completely original and entertaining. I understand that it is hard to make a living writing poetry, but it’s good sometimes to vent your feelings that way.
It is hard to keep correponding with me–because right now I am editing one book while I should be writing two others. But put BlOGFEST in the title of your message to info@ljanesmith.net and I’ll do my best. Blessed be!
Hi!!!!
I want to thank you for writing books that totally changed my life when I was a young girl!!!!!!!!!!
The Secret Circle is my favorite of all your series and has such an elegant and pure heart to it. I noticed on your website that you have stories from other series but nothing from Secret Circle, or any mention of writing anything further even though they rivaled Vampire Diaries in scope and size. Is there a reason that you talk so little about this series? I just want you to know how tremendously meaningful this series was to me. I read it in sixth grade and it sparked my interest in magic, crystals, goddess worship, etc, so I began to study and learn. That was 17 years ago–I am 27 now and these things are the wonderful and peaceful spiritual center of my life. So, thank you for writing a great story that prompted research that brought me to the most natural expression for my spirituality!
I also really loved The Forbidden Game and Dark Visions was great too. Vampire Diaries was also a favorite. I never got into the night world series but they must be great as they have tons of fans.
I also wanted to ask, have you ever read the work of Patricia Kennealy-Morrison? Your work reminds me of each others. Hers is firmly in the fantasy-science fiction realm but you have a lot of similarities in how you develop characters and build the relationships between them. I suggest you check her out–start with The Copper Crown.
Hello Mrs.Smith
Two weeks ago,I started the Vampires Diaries and today I finished the Return :Nightfall .I enjoy reading your books but unfortunately I can not wait for the cont.I can see Elena will choose Damon and my poor Stefan will not have his name next to Elena’s on the last page of your diaries,so I will stop my journey in your Vampires D.today. with the Nightfall.
Good luck with everything.
I’m thrilled that you’re having such a successful comeback. Your books, especially the Night World series, have been some of my favorites for years and their stories and characters have held up well for me over the years.
I have one question, and it’s a small one, but I’ve been wondering for years. Does Caroline from The Vampire Diaries get her name from the Caroline St. and Forbes St. intersection in Fredericksburg, VA?
Dear Lj Smith, your writing is fantastic and well, i love how you can turn even the most basic scene into something simple…i actually went into first grade reading the harry potter books and have loved them ever since…i’ve always been trying to write a book but ended up with a bunch of failures…:-( do u have any advice? i find the hardest part is making the books sound like my own…alright were all pullin for ya good luck :-)
-Ria
P.S. could u consider comming to my hometown?
oops i meant run the most basic scene into something just enthralling and amazing to read with a bit of humor like a golden lining you are an amazing writer and all i can think of was sneaking under the covers one summer night to read the vampire diaries…i just couldn’t put it down…
*exasperated sigh* thats turn!!
Ms. Smith:
Although I have enjoyed the new tv series The Vampire Diaries, they’ve mutilated your wonderful story! It was perfect the way it was! I hate that the tv viewing world will not get the “real” story. That series has always been my favorite and since the Twilight saga came out thought you were the origianl genius (I kinda thought she stole your idea) and deserve all the fame that Stephenie Meyer has. Just wanted you to know how much I love that series! Sincerely, Tara Smith
Oh Wanted to add that I am enjoying the CW series. It is different, but thats okay–it never would have been as good, so it needs to try and be its own thing. And its a good own thing.
hi, o my gosh, what can i say? i love ur books soo much! im 14 and live in texas and i love to write books. im writing one at the moment and hope that i can send it in to be published. that is one of my many dreams i hope will come true :) cross your fingers! anyways, if you have any pointers for me, please tell me! i would so love that! thx
sincerly,
sydney smith
Why is there no Meredith in the TV series for Vampire Diaries? I don’t really mind it, I was just curious. I love how Matt and Vicky are brother and sister! It really adds to the drama!
yes i wasnt sure if i am right or wrong about this but should your book The Vampire Diaries be online for every one to read? the website is well idk if i should put it here but if you would please email me at the email address i provided in the mail part
I have read all of your books!Read the forbidden game when I was a young teenager and it got me hooked on your writings. Still love your books and I’m 27! Keep them coming you’re great
Will you be re-leasing the forbidden game series since all the other books have came out with new covers and stuff like vampire diaries and dark visions.
Hi Ms. Smith!
Congratulations on all of your success – I’ve been a fan for fifteen years and I am so happy to see all the interest in series that I have loved for a long time! I am especially excited about the interest in The Vampire Diaries – I will admit to a bit of trepidation about the CW series, but after seeing Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder in action I will definitely continue with the TV series!
I am also very much enjoying The Return series – as a now older fan, I can say that some of the more mature themes really strike a chord. I also love the focus on Damon – he’s always been my favorite character (although I’ve always liked the idea of a Bonnie & Damon pairing over him and Elena. Another reason I enjoyed Nightfall so much!) and it is so fun to see this different side of him!
Now, a question. Is there any plans in the future for you to write a completely fresh book or series? One that comes away from the series you have written in the past? Be assured that I will buy anything you write – I look forward to it!
Best of luck,
Shalott
L.J. Smith,
I think that you are an absolutely talented and amazing author. I LOVE the Vampire Diaries and give praise to you for writing such a mind blowing series in the early 90’s. If you were Elena and you had to choose…would it be Stefan or Damon?
Hello Ms. Smith and everyone else here!
It is so awesome to be reading through all of the comments left here by you and fellow fans! I read through all of your books starting when I was 8 years old (I am now 23) because I was given a gift certificate to a book store and the employee recommended The Vampire Diaries to me.
To be honest, I was a complete and total outcast in elementary, middle, and high school. So, I immersed myself in Fell’s Church, The Night World, the Zetes Institute, the Shadow World, and New Salem. Reading about the strong wills and high morals of all the girls in those books helped me decide to be the person I am now.
When younger I wanted so badly to be an author like you, however I lack the discipline needed for writing, and my creativity is somewhat limited in that department. Art though, art I excelled at. I drew inspiration from the beautiful settings and dynamic characters in your books.
Last year when I found your blog on Amazon.com I was so excited to read that you were writing again I burst into tears. I ended up calling three of my good friends that I had ordered to read your books back in high school.
(The next portion may include SPOILERS for those of you who have not read Dark Visions)
One thing I have always wanted to ask is this; Do you think you will ever write more about the Psycho Psychics from Dark Visions? I was always very curious about who they were before the dark crystal corrupted their minds and how they were recruited.
Also, if you ever go to do book signings will you have that information on your website? I check there rather frequently for extra stories and info from you.
I understand that you are a very busy lady and have all sorts of people to respond to and chapters to write, so I’ll stop taking up your time with such a long comment.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! For all of your books!
Blessed Be,
Randi Lynn
Hello,
It’s lovely to see how much success and recognition you’re receiving for your work, and that your novels continue to influence generations of people out there looking to connect with fantastic stories and amazing characters.
I wanted to as you … in “Heart of Valor,” I always wondered what happened with the characters afterward. Did you have any ideas of what might become of them, or did you end the story exactly where you wanted to? I guess I feel in love with these characters so much that I wanted to know what could become of them. Also, how do you feel about your early work as compared to the style that you’ve now become known for, which is geared more toward young adults?
On a side note, I took a road trip to California two years ago and actually got to stand in Muir Woods. I was flabbergasted when I realized where I was! And near the summer solstice, too!
Thanks for bringing so much light and joy into our lives!
I love the idea of Damon and Elena something about them together seems wild and perfect, she always seems to bring the good out in him. Hope you keep writing the vampire diaries novels they are awesome.
Hello L.J. Smith:) what do you think about the series of The Vampire Diaries?
Hello L.J. Smith! :) what do you think about the new series of The Vampire Diaries? do you watch it?
First I have to say thank you for being one of the biggest inspirations in my life with your writing.(And I know all too well how hard it is to be published professionally.) As a teenager your books helped me find my own writing voice and got me through some tough times during those awkward years. I’ve always been an outsider, someone who’s followed the beat of her own drummer, and it always pleased me that your female characters were always so strong in their own way from Rashel, Maggie, Poppy and Jez.
So, I wanted to say thank you Ms. Smith, that you helped me so much.
Second off, even though I’ve waited for “Strange Fate” for ten years, I understand why you had to take a hiatus in your writing. My condolences for your loss and I’d know I’d be lost if I was in your shoes. However, I do have to admit that I’m glad to see you being published again and I did a very happy dance around a Barnes and Noble two years ago when I saw the first reprint of The Vampire Diaries.
I’m looking forward to “Strange Fate” and the Damon trilogy.
And . . . this is personal opinion, but I hope Damon moves on from Elana, hopefully to Bonnie.
Still, thank you for everything and best luck and wishes.
Sincerely,
Jennifer
I love your books, especially The Secret Circle series. Are you going to have any short stories or books related to them? I have been a fan for over 15 years…I am 30 now. Please keep writing. I am eagerly awaiting Strange Fate, I have been waiting so long and I know you will not disappoint.
Hi Lisa Jane
First off I’d like to say how happy I am that Strange Fate will soon be published… Yay!
The first book of yours I read, Secret Vampire, was way back in 1997 — a very “short” 12 years ago. I have been a huge fan of yours ever since, seeking out the rest of your books during the next few years (this was back in the day when they were still available to buy in stores, before they became such rare commodities like golden tickets!). Never giving up hope that one day, I would walk into a bookstore, check the shelves, and finally see Strange Fate looking right back at me.
Your books have followed me through life — from 16 to 28 (and onwards!), and to 5 different countries. Reading your books is like a hug from my mum, or tomato ravioli — they have the power to heal, comfort and entertain.
I have to say that apart from the Night World series, which I absolutely adore, how much I love the Dark Vision trilogy as well. But my all-time favourite has got to be Daughters of Darkness — this easily sits in my Top 5 Books of All Time. Rereading it is like singing along to your favourite song; you know the words already, but reciting them by yourself just won’t cut it!
So please accept the gratitude of thousands. Who love your writing, your worlds, your characters (Ash! Gabriel! Maggie! Julian! Hannah! I could go on…), and sincerest best wishes for all your future projects. You know we will we be waiting for them.
Annisa
hey, just wondering,
when will meredith be put on the show?!
Hi Deanna,
You ask a very good question. If Elena and Stefan had had more time together before Stefan was kidsnapped they would probably have gotten married. Elena is 18 and Stefan is . . . really old. (I was never good at math.) Usually that would be pretty young to marry (for Elena) but she knows she will always love Stefan. But, as you will see in Shadow Souls, the next Vampire Diaries book…well, you’ll see! Thanks for your post!
Hi Hope–
I’m so glad to have written books that affected you when you were a young girl!
I’m also glad to find another Secret Circle fan, because it doesn’t have any fangs or bat wings (although maybe the witches use bat wings in their spells.) But . . . SERIOUSLY don’t go near bats as they may have rabies.
I think that it was Cassie’s elegant and pure heart that you saw, and I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the book.
And although it doesn’t say so yet on my website, I am already writing a Secret Circle novella (that’s a long story). But I’m not sure when I’ll have time to fiish it–I have so much to do. Still, I’ll try!
I am so glad that SC touched off an intereest in magic! It’s a fun concept to play with and some of the meditations, and the music touch a deep chord in me, too
I am also so pleased that you enjoyed The Forbidden Game. With the various authors you mention you seem to really enjoy fantasy. Maybe you should try writing some stories like this! Thanks so much for your post!