The Literary World of YA PARANORMAL

“As an author, there is a quiet magic that exists in the act of creation—of weaving stories from the fragments of our own hearts, dreams, and imaginations. L.J. Smith understood that magic intimately. Her words weren’t just ink on paper; they were windows into alternate worlds, places where the boundaries of reality and fantasy blurred and where readers found both solace and adventure.

The Queen of YA Paranormal, L.J. Smith’s work was a masterclass in the alchemy of storytelling. For those of us who write, her legacy is a reminder of the power of vulnerability. L.J. Smith’s characters weren’t merely heroes or villains—they were beautifully flawed, deeply human, caught in the eternal dance of love, pain, and growth. Through her writing, she gave us permission to explore the shadows and light within our own souls, to make our stories as complex and multifaceted as the human experience itself.

I remember reading her work as a young writer, feeling both awe and inspiration at how effortlessly she could balance emotional depth with supernatural intrigue. She showed us that every good story is not just about what happens but about who the characters become through the trials they face. The Vampire Diaries wasn’t just about vampires, witches, and supernatural beings—it was about the timeless themes of choice, sacrifice, and redemption. It was about the internal battles we all face and the desire to find a place to belong. I won’t even begin to talk about all the ways The Secret Circle impacted my passion for writing and helped as I battled immense grief after the passing of my best friend, Jessica.

Smith’s impact on the genre was profound. She didn’t just follow trends; she shaped them. L.J. Smith’s influence stretches far beyond the pages of her books. Her storytelling encouraged us, as writers, to embrace complexity, to dig deeper, to make our characters feel real—no matter how fantastical their worlds may be. She reminded us that storytelling is an act of love, that every word is an invitation for the reader to step into a space where they can feel, dream, and perhaps even discover something new about themselves.

For those of us who have written stories inspired by her work, we owe her a debt of gratitude. Her stories gave us courage, and her characters gave us a roadmap for crafting our own. Perhaps most importantly, she taught us that every story, no matter how fantastical or dark, carries with it a piece of the author’s soul.

Though she may no longer be with us, her voice will echo in the hearts of writers and readers for generations to come. As an author, I feel a deep sense of loss—one writer to another—but also an immense gratitude. L.J. Smith’s influence will forever be woven into the tapestry of literature, a lasting testament to the way she touched our lives.

Rest in peace, L.J. Smith. Your stories will live on with every page turned and in every heart that beats a little faster with the thrill of your words. You were a gift to the world, and your work will forever remain a beacon of creativity, love, and passion.” -Brett Biaggio