VAMPIRE DIARIES Controversy: LJ Smith Ousted as Author of Future Books

In case you haven't heard about the current hoopla over The Vampire Diaries series and author LJ Smith, the scoop is that she's been fired from writing further books in the series. Here is part of an email that Smith wrote to a fan.

...This is still confidential, but in my case, the consequence is that I have been fired from writing the Vampire Diaries. Midnight is the last book you will ever see by L. J. Smith in this series. I even wrote the next book, Phantom, for the book packagers and my publishers, HarperCollins.

Instead of sending me edits, they sent me a letter addressed to the anonymous ghostwriter who will be taking over the Vampire Diaries series. Because I wrote about Damon and Elena’s love—and Damon’s feelings for Bonnie, too, no doubt—I have been dropped from the series.

You may wonder how they can go on writing books without me. It’s because when I was originally called by an agent to write the first trilogy, that agent was from a book packager (someone who puts together books and sells them to publishers) and what I wrote, I wrote “for hire.” Although I didn’t even know what that meant back in 1990, when I wrote the first books, I found out soon enough. It meant that even though I wrote the series, Alloy Entertainment (the book packager) owns the series. I own nothing. And Alloy and HarperCollins wanted me to write straight Stelena, and doubtless less about Bonnie, and I wouldn’t do it. I had to follow the characters and what they were telling me in my heart. But it was a very expensive and reckless thing to do. Book packagers like meek, obedient authors who do exactly as they are told. I’m not that way.

And so now the rest of the Vampire Diaries series, however long it lasts, will be written by an anonymous ghostwriter, and not by me. I have fought and fought until even my agent wouldn’t back me. But Harper (the publisher) and Alloy are in perfect agreement. They think that you readers won’t be able to tell the difference, or won’t care. And since I wrote Phantom before they told me, that book may even sound a bit like my writing, because the ghostwriter can do anything she likes with it, all the while making every coming book strictly Stelena. I was told explicitly that I should have Elena realize that though she is fond of Damon her one true love is Stefan. I chose not to do that because it wasn’t what I felt in my heart. But that’s what the rest of the series will be because I won’t be around to say any differently.

I am very, very sad—sadder than I have ever been since my mother passed away—but there is absolutely nothing I can do. There will be no more Delena in the series—although Elena may be fond or physically attracted to Damon. I don’t know what it means for the Bamon faction. All I know is that I’m sad and hurt and horrified all at once. ~ L.J. Smith

So while it's clear that this turn of events is entirely legal, it's the moral aspect that has caused the controversy. As far as I know there hasn't been an official statement from HarperCollins or Alloy, but see below for LJ Smith's latest statement.

I read the earlier books when I was younger and enjoyed them, but haven't read the more recent ones. I do watch the TV series and love it. Gregory is my VD watching fan and while I don't know how it compares to the books, we both agree that Damon is the real draw - more interesting, more fun, more depth of character... more, more, more! It's not that there's anything wrong with Stefan, he just kind of pales in comparison. Again, I'm only going by the TV series but Damon and Elena seem to be the hotter couple and she's an idiot if she doesn't realize it and fall into his arms. I know I would!

For those interested, you can sign a Twitter petition. According to the petition you're "saying you will NOT buy any future books as they will not be written by L.J. Smith! By signing this you are officially saying you will no longer buy another "Vampire Diaries" book unless LJ. Smith is re-hired!"


But bear in mind, LJ Smith recently wrote on her blog:

First, I want to thank my readers for all their messages of support. I’ve gotten far too many emails to answer, and I really appreciate the kindness and emotional sustenance you’ve given to me at this difficult time.

Second, if you’ve asked me a question about the future books or the endgame of The Vampire Diaries and I’ve been vague about what’s in store, I’d like to take this opportunity to apologize. I really wasn’t looking forward to the day when I would have to talk about this.

Third, and most importantly, I want to ask anyone who was thinking of it, not to boycott Harper’s or anyone. It just doesn’t make sense. Although I wanted and still want more than anything to be able to continue The Vampire Diaries series myself, there’s no point in not trying the new books. (And remember, for fans of Bonnie and Damon, and strict Stefan and Elena fans, the immediate dynamics may be more to your liking.) Besides which, Midnight, which is all mine, is coming out in March, and I believe there may be some of my writing in Phantom.

Thanks again to all the fans who have shown loving and loyal kindness to me. ~L J Smith

So how do you weigh in? Are you a current reader of the series? Do you think readers will know the difference?  Will it affect your buying future books in the series?