Power in the blood Richelle Mead's 'Vampire Academy' books are on Hollywood's radar

Richelle Mead doesn't think she is much like Rose Hathaway, the tough, sarcastic 17-year-old heroine of "Vampire Academy"I've certainly never been in a fight," says the 33-year-old author of the popular book series, describing herself as a cautious person who hesitates before jumping to conclusions.
But Mead didn't have any doubts about creating a strong character like Rose.
"There was never any question that was how she was going to be," she says. "I'm so surprised when people bring that up. 'Wow, Rose is so strong.' 'Wow, a strong female character.' "
Mead, who's originally from Kalamazoo and now lives in Seattle, isn't as famous as Stephenie Meyer, who wrote the "Twilight" series. But in the world of books for teens, her success is apparent.

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