K.T. Anglehart
Katrina Tortorici Anglehart is an award-winning author from Montreal, with a multilingual prowess in English, French, Italian, and “Spanglish”. A dedicated academic, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, a graduate certificate in Scriptwriting, and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. Inspired by the wizarding world, the land of Narnia, and parallel planes, she penned The Wise One, inviting readers to connect with nature and its ever- present magic. Her exploration of the landscapes and folklore of Ireland and Scotland greatly influenced her debut YA urban fantasy, marking the inception of The Scottish Scrolls series. K.T. Anglehart is a passionate advocate for bunnies, thanks to her late Netherland Dwarf, Magic—the inspiration behind her imprint, The Magic Dwarf Press. When she’s not writing or diving into magical reads, she revels in hiking, antiquing, and Netflix binges alongside her high school- sweetheart-turned-husband, Andy. They currently live in Toronto with their three pets: Nessie, a mysterious rescue dog from Puerto Rico, and their whimsical bunnies, Onyx and Stirling.
Marina Raydun: You are multilingual, speaking English, French, Italian, and Spanish! That’s super impressive! How do you feel this affects your creative process?
K.T. Anglehart: Growing up in Montreal, it’s considered “normal” to be bilingual in both English and French, and I consider myself fortunate to have been born into an Italian family. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have maintained and practiced it with my grandparents, some aunts and uncles, and even my little cousins as they grew up. Although I learned Spanish in high school and thoroughly enjoyed it, my proficiency currently leans more towards “Spanglish”! I definitely believe that exposure to diverse languages and cultures has broadened my perspective on life. As a writer, observation is a key aspect, and through these experiences, I feel better equipped to convey the intricacies of the human experience in my writing, if that makes any sense!
MR: What made you pivot from journalism to creative writing?
KTA: I pursued journalism because I knew I wanted to make a living as a writer, not specifically to report the news—it seemed like the more “practical” career path. Despite the program’s merits, I soon realized it wasn’t my calling. Deep down I’ve always had the ambition to write books and, hopefully, for television someday. My true passion lies in crafting characters, captivating and motivating audiences through storytelling.
MR: Your writing sits comfortably in the fantasy genre. How about your reading preferences?
KTA: I read across genres! As an eleven-year-old, I was (of course) drawn to Harry Potter and enchanted by stories blending realism with magical urban settings, like in A Discovery of Witches—and anything witchy, really—while also being a fan of high fantasy. Funnily enough, my absolute favourite book is the American classic Catcher in the Rye. I understand it’s a controversial choice, but as a teenager, it evoked emotions in me that no other book has matched so far, and I have a hard time explaining why. These days, you’ll find me immersed in books on Scottish folklore, history, and witchcraft as I work on writing Book 3 of The Scottish Scrolls!
MR: What first inspired you to write The Wise One, book one of The Scottish Scrolls?
KTA: A blend of my lifelong passions! Magic, witchcraft, folklore, mythology, and breathtaking scenery. The Wise One began as a TV script during my Master’s in Creative Writing, but when my screenwriting course ended, I couldn’t bear to part with the story. I transformed it into a book and designated it as my thesis project. As for what inspired the story and setting, my Irish high school English teacher used to regale us with tales of Ireland, and I believe that, coupled with the UK setting in the Harry Potter films, drew me to these enchanting places. The Wise One is rooted in environmental themes, and with my belief that magic and nature are intertwined, the book naturally delves into themes of environmental stewardship, which aligns with the prophecy my main character (Mckenna) is tied to.
MR: You take much of your inspiration from Irish and Scottish folklore. Have you visited?
KTA: Oh, yes! My husband, Andy, and I were planning our Ireland and Scotland honeymoon just as I was outlining The Wise One. Being there, learning about the history, soaking in the culture, and being surrounded by such stunning landscapes is what inspired so much of the storyline. I’ve now been to Scotland three times. (I’m actually here right now, working on book three!)
MR: What is your writing routine like?
KTA: I take it easy in the morning with a coffee and whatever show I’m binging, and then late morning is when I dive in. I last about three to four hours. Once mid-afternoon hits, I slow down quite a bit. That’s when I pay the most attention to the pup and the bunnies! Luckily, my dog, Nessie is a sleepy head…
MR: What is the one topic you will never write about?
KTA: Real world wars.
MR: What is your favorite book-to-screen adaptation?
KTA: If we’re talking films, The Lord of the Rings—all of them. As for TV adaptations, I think A Discovery of Witches is super well done. 1
MR: What do you think about driving alone in your car?
KTA: I live in Toronto, so mostly, I’m thinking, “How did this person manage to get a license?”
To learn more about K.T. Anglehart, please visit https://www.ktanglehart.com/