K. L. Bone & Erin McFadden Interview

1. What fairytale(s) have you chosen to retell and why? 
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K.L.:
Our co-written story, Shattered Moonlight, is based on Red Riding Hood. The story will be featured in the Once Upon Another World twisted fairytale box set!
 
The initial outline came about based on the idea of a girl, Celine, living in a cursed forest. A forest spirit tied to the magical Hawthorn tree tells Celine she can break the curse, if she is brave. The story then evolved with Celine being joined by a protector, a fierce wolf, who travels through the perils of the forest by her side. However, the wolf is more than he seems.
 
Erin:
We really wanted to play with the themes of innocence versus wickedness, false appearances, and even the violent tension of the classic fairy tale. The main characters gave us a lot to work with!
 
2. What makes your story unique?
 
K.L.:
Shattered Moonlight has an Irish mythical setting. Hawthorn trees, in Ireland, are sometimes referred to as ‘faerie trees.’  Celine is responsible for taking care of the Hawthorn tree, which she believes is the bridge between the mortal and immortal realms. The voice which sets her quest in motion is from the faerie realms. So we’ve taken a fairy tale and blended it with Irish mythical elements.
 
Erin:
I think another reason our story will be unique is that K.L. Bone and I have very different narrative styles, but they complement each other well. I think we created a richer story because of this, and have challenged each other to expand on our original ideas in ways we didn't even expect.
 
3. What was your favorite fairy tale growing up and why?
 
K.L.:
I loved The Swan Princess and Sleeping Beauty. The struggle to prove love can conquer all, brave princes facing monsters with their swords in hand. True love’s kiss saving the day and the medieval settings have inspired my own writing. From my main series, Black Rose, which is medieval with brave knights and princesses, to this fairy tale retelling, which will feature many of the same themes.
 
Erin:
I loved Disney's Sleeping Beauty as well because of the colors and characters. My grandparents had a book of classic fairy tales and I loved Jack and the Beanstalk as well, because of the kingdom in the sky and the thrill of that climb!
 
4. Who was your favorite villain?
 
K.L. & Erin:
Maleficent! The mistress of all evil! She’s intelligent, wickedly evil and unapologetic for her dark intentions. She frightened us as a child and definitely inspired the type of villains we love to write!
 
5. Is this a standalone or do you have more books planned?
 
K.L.:
This story is currently planned as a stand-alone, however I love writing fairytale twists and retellings. I have previously written a horror version of Rapunzel called Lamia’s Tower and have plans to write a version of the Irish fairytale Children of Lir in the near future.
 
Erin & I also love mythological stories and will be working on a joint project for late 2020 featuring the myths of King Arthur in a book titled The Lost Crown of Avalon. We’re both very excited and will have more details coming soon!
 
Erin:
Yes, so far this is a standalone, but you never can tell when “happily ever after” may turn into “but wait, there's more!”

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