LOS ANGELES, Calif. --

Six years ago, author Cecily von Ziegesar could have never imagined her book series, “Gossip Girl,” which the CW show is based on, would become such a cultural sensation.

“I never thought anyone would want to read the books to begin with, because I thought, ‘Who would care or relate to these people?’” she told MTV News. “The success of the books was one thing, and now it’s a household thing.”

When “The O.C.” creator Josh Schwartz decided to bring the books to the small screen, Cecily had initial concerns.

“I was worried they were going to ruin it, but then when I watched them filming the pilot and read the scripts, I got more and more hopeful, because it sounded like they wanted to stay close to the pilot,” she said. “When I saw the pilot, I was thrilled.”

Thrilled, that is, except for one character.

“I think Vanessa is one character they ruined. In the book, she’s kick-ass and has a shaved head and wears lots of black, and I think a lot of the readers who don’t usually read teen fiction identify with Vanessa,” Cecily told MTV News.

Cecily’s frustration with the character has nothing to do with the show’s casting.

“Even though I don’t like Vanessa’s character, it’s nothing against [actress] Jessica [Szohr]. I just wish Vanessa was like she is in the books a bit more,” she added.

The author, who did not have a clear picture of what the characters would look like on TV, is very pleased with the show’s casting choices.

“Leighton Meester is totally perfect for Blair, and Blake [Lively] is perfect for Serena. I was more worried they would insert Barbie-doll-looking people, which they didn’t,” she said. “I think the actors do a brilliant job. Chuck is my favorite character, and the way he looks and acts is in keeping with how he is in the beginning of the series.”

Despite her feelings about how Vanessa translated to television, she is very happy with the CW series — and said she never misses an episode of the Upper East Side drama.

“I really don’t want to be negative, because there are so many good things about the show,” she said. “I’m a very faithful watcher. And sometimes it’s better than other times, and generally I’m entertained and I think it’s great.”

Copyright 2009 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

• PRINT