L.J. Smith, also known as Lisa Jane Smith, is the New York Times #1 Bestselling author of The Vampire Diaries, The Secret Circle, The Forbidden Game, Dark Visions, Wildworld, and Night World series. She has penned over two dozen books for children and young adults, each of which she has cherished creating. Residing in the Bay Area of California, Smith is passionate about her garden, which blooms with an array of flowers, notably a diverse spectrum of roses.

Smith's love for nature extends beyond her garden. She often visits a friend's quaint cabin in the Point Reyes National Seashore area, surrounded by trees, wildlife, beaches, and hiking trails. On one of her hiking adventures, she encountered snow, adding to her rich tapestry of experiences that inform her writing. In addition to her novels, Smith maintains an active engagement with her readers through her blog, where she shares insights into her works, including fan fiction related to The Vampire Diaries.