Author discusses her vampire novels

NEW YORK - Richelle Mead's popular Vampire Academy series is taking a bite out of the publishing world.

The young adult books follow Rose Hathaway, a 17-year-old half-vampire training to be a protector against evil vampires who are out for blood.

Of course, there's romance mixed in when Rose falls for one of her instructors.

"Spirit Bound," the fifth book in the series, hit the best-seller lists when it was released last month. The sixth and final book in Rose's story will be published in December. Mead will then begin writing another six Vampire Academy books about different characters.

The author talks about her protagonist, adult readers and whether Vampire Academy will appear on the big screen or television.

Did you intend for the character of Rose to be so strong?

I'm not sure how I would write someone not strong. ... I wanted someone who has so much potential and isn't afraid to throw herself into danger. ... but she's learning self-control.

Will you be sad after you've finished the sixth book?

A little, but at the same time, as a writer I'm ready for this to end. I'm hoping the new series is sort of a compromise. I'm hoping we can finish the story the way it needs to be ... and still keep people in the

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