We love when a book tour introduces us to a story we can’t stop thinking about, and A Bedtime Story Beauty Meets the Beast) by L.C. Moon did exactly that. A dark, psychological Beauty and the Beast retelling, the novel captivated readers during two virtual influencer tours that reached over 70 book influencers across Instagram and TikTok. As excitement builds for Book 2, we invited L.C. Moon back for an in-depth interview to talk about dark fairy tales, emotionally complex characters, and what readers can expect next in the series.

Beauty and the Beast is such a familiar story, what inspired you to reinterpret it in a darker, more psychological way?

I don’t think it was intentional. The first time Laura and Kayne came to me, they were in the interrogation room. When he stops the men from hurting her. All I knew about them at the time was: she was pure. And he was bad. Very bad. A monster. But even he can’t bear the sight of her being hurt. He stops it. And their story unfolded from there. I wanted to understand them. They fascinated me. It was only later, once the book-loving heroine was held captive and cared for by a Mrs. Potts-type nurturing figure, that I realized I was recreating my version of the Gothic fairy tale I had been obsessed with as a child.

Fairy tales usually promise happily-ever-afters but your story is far from ordinary. What do you hope readers feel when they step into the Underworld of your series?

The fairy tales I loved were always the ones with dark undertones, where I could sense a hidden meaning beneath the surface. I hope my readers feel like they’ve uncovered a world made from the same fabric as the haunting fairy tales they cherished as children… but created for the grown-ups we’ve become, to get lost in.

A Bedtime Story explores trauma, desire, and emotional struggles. What was it like writing characters who live so much in their own shadows?

It can be draining, for sure. I feel everything the characters are experiencing, and the more emotional scenes can definitely take a toll. I’ve had moments where I needed to step back from FTFTU. And that’s okay. It’s part of the process. I think it’s hard for writers and artists in general to leave the worlds we create. But spending time in nature, with family and friends, even during creative bursts, can really help keep us grounded through the highs and lows of the creative journey.

Most books don’t come with a soundtrack, but yours does! A Bedtime Story has its own special instrumental soundtrack by Lana Chacra. How did that idea come about, and what does the music bring to the story?

This is perhaps the most magical part of Fairy Tales From The Underworld (FTFTU). My sister and I have always been close, inseparable as kids. Growing up, she played the piano, and I wrote poetry. It never occurred to us to team up on an artistic project. But in 2014, I started writing A Bedtime Story. Eventually, I shared the first draft with her. It was still in its early stages, when almost no one even knew I was writing a book. Not long after, my sister asked me to listen to her latest composition. This particular tune… it hit different. It felt… familiar? Like I could recognize the story it was trying to tell me through the emotional melody… Was it FTFTU I was listening to? I remember feeling this adrenaline rush when I asked her. Like I already knew what her answer would be. And the best part was… this moment was just as emotional for Lana. To have her music understood and recognized without her even saying a word. That… said it all. And that song, Renovanem, marked the start of our FTFTU journey.

Why did you choose a virtual influencer tour to launch your first book, and how did it feel seeing influencers interpret it in their own voices?

In today’s world, I believe a virtual influencer tour is one of the most powerful tools an author can use. It’s the best way to reach not only potential readers but the right readers. What I love about virtual tours is that platforms like Instagram and TikTok really let influencers get creative and add their own personal touch to reviews. I love seeing the raw emotions my books bring out in my readers. I also enjoy seeing the different aesthetics each person chooses to represent the book or its characters, as well as the various quotes that resonate with each reader. Additionally, I appreciate that they can tag you or invite you to collaborate on a post. This can help build meaningful connections with readers and make it feel like we’re on this journey together.

Do you think going this route helped you reach a wider audience? Was it more accessible for you and for readers?

Absolutely. What’s brilliant about virtual tours is that there is a “matching process” involved. Only interested influencers apply, and you get to choose which ones seem like a good fit. My main criterion is that I genuinely believe the influencer might enjoy the book. Beyond their following and stats, I consider what other books they’ve read and loved, their overall aesthetic if they have one, or any aspect that suggests they could be part of the target audience. At the end of the day, nothing beats a sincere recommendation!

With Book 2 coming out so soon, what can readers expect as the story continues?

To quote an ARC review: “a lot has changed, but some things remain the same.” Readers can definitely expect more twists and turns, morally grey characters, emotional angst and… intense spice, of course.

Without giving too much away, how do the characters’ journeys continue in the next book? Will readers see new sides to the characters from the first installment?

That is such an interesting question. I think readers will find that some of the characters will have changed… a lot. New characters will also be introduced… and some characters… we’ll get to see them in a new light. I honestly can’t wait to share it with my readers! I took a lot of risks with volume one, I know. And I’m really excited to see how readers react to volume two!

And lastly, to end on a fun note, if you could take the readers on a tour through your story, where would you take them first?

Why, the Malkin Mansion of course. 😉

With the next instalment coming soon, this is a great moment for readers and book influencers to discover (or rediscover) the world L.C. Moon has created. If you enjoy dark, character-driven fairy-tale retellings, take a look at the series and get ready to visit the Underworld in A Bedtime Story.