Do great minds really think alike?

I have just begun reading a new series. The first book, The Vampire Diaries: Awakening was fantastic! Though as I was reading it I noticed a few similarities...

1. Italian Vampire (Male)
2. Can go out in sunlight
3. Drinks animal blood
4. Goes to school
5. Falls in love with a human
6. Craves for her blood
7. Fantasises about killing her
8. "Shape shifters"
9. Drives a Porche 911 Turbo
10. Saves the human girl a number of times

Now I bet you instantly thought 'Twilight'? Am I correct? Your think who ever wrote this book is ripping off Twilight, blah blah blah. (Keep in mind I have only read the first book, once I read the others I will post another blog assessing all the similarities between both books.)
But here's the catch...

This series written by L.J Smith, was written 18 years BEFORE Twilight.

Now is Miss Stephenie Meyer a plagiarist or do great minds think alike?

Comments welcome...

DFTBA! LuciLikeWhoa