Alan Ball has explored death for HBO. Now the Oscar- and Emmy-winning creator of "Six Feet Under" is setting his sights on the undead.

Ball and HBO have agreed to an exclusive two-year agreement by which he will develop new projects for the premium cable network. The first of those will be an adaptation of the "Southern Vampire" novels by Charlaine Harris.

"HBO and Alan Ball are battle-tested, a perfect creative fit," says Carolyn Strauss, president of HBO Entertainment. "His new show promises to be every bit as original and provocative as 'Six Feet Under,' which was a landmark series for the network."

The "Southern Vampire" novels tell the story of a world in which vampires have revealed their existence to the general population following the invention of synthetic blood. No longer needing human blood to sustain themselves, they become a recognized part of society. It revolves around Sookie Stackhouse, a cocktail waitress with a mind-reading problem and a vampire boyfriend.

Ball describes Harris' series as "a world that's as terrifying as it is hilarious, as well as sexy, generous and profound. I'm humbled she put her trust in me and I look forward to bringing her vision to television."

Ball will write and direct the pilot and serve as an executive producer of the series. A timetable for production hasn't been set.

"Six Feet Under" ended its five-season run on HBO in August. The show has won seven Emmys and will be eligible again next year.