Lisa Jane Smith, known professionally as L. J. Smith (born September, 4, 1965) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is an American author of young-adult literature. Her books, which combine elements of the genres of supernatural, horror, science fiction/fantasy, and romance, are populated with young human and supernatural characters locked in dark vs. evil conflict. A dark antagonist typically seduces a heroine into the darkness, but in some cases, is instead reborn into the light.