TEENREADS

Author Interviews: 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.

Was there a particular plot twist or unexpected event that surprised you as you were writing? How did it change the direction of the story?

Oh, absolutely—quite a few! The biggest twist came at the end of The Wise One, where someone turned out to be not at all who they seemed. I was totally pantsing my way through the first book (it was my debut, after all!), so when I reached that twist, it felt like I’d unknowingly filled in a missing piece of the puzzle. It was as if the story had been leading me there the whole time, even if I didn’t see it coming!

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How much research did you do for this book? What were some of the most interesting or challenging aspects of your research?

I did a ton of research! Since I’m neither Irish nor Scottish, nor do I have any Celtic roots (tragically), I knew I had to dive deep. Not only did I visit most of the places I wrote about, but I also immersed myself in their folklore and mythology. I take tradition and culture very seriously, so it was important to me to do justice to the rich histories I was writing about, right down to the expressions and words people use in these regions.

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Why did you choose to tell the story from this particular point of view? How did it affect the reader's experience?

The majority of the story is told from Mckenna’s point of view, but I switch perspectives when I feel it adds to the story. There’s something powerful about giving readers a peek into different characters’ motivations—like a backstage pass to their minds! Switching POV allows for a deeper connection to these characters, and I love how it adds layers to the narrative.

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Are there any significant symbols or motifs in your book? How do they contribute to the overall meaning of the story?

Absolutely! One recurring motif is the idea of nature being deeply connected to our own inner magic. The moon plays a small role throughout the story, symbolizing cycles of change, growth, and reflection, and the alignment of the sun. These elements remind the characters (and readers) of the magic within the natural world and how it mirrors the transformations we undergo personally.

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How did you decide on the ending for your book? Was it always the intended conclusion, or did it evolve as you wrote?

The ending definitely evolved as I wrote. I usually have a general sense of where I want to begin and end, but things really start to take shape as I get closer to the conclusion. I’d say it’s more like the ending finds me, rather than me forcing it into place.

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What genres do you enjoy reading and writing the most? Why are you drawn to these particular genres?

Lately, I’ve been obsessed with magical realism, though I grew up devouring traditional fantasy. I love blending magic into real-life scenarios—it makes the magic feel more grounded and tangible. There’s something enchanting about the idea that magic could be lurking just beneath the surface of our everyday lives.

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Do you have any specific writing habits or rituals that help you stay productive and creative?

Yes! I love hopping on virtual calls with a friend where we sip coffee in silence, each working on our own projects (thank you, especially, Jess and Jennifer). It’s oddly motivating to know someone else is struggling to focus right alongside me. If I’m really under pressure, though, I like to escape somewhere without distractions. For book three, I went to Scotland by myself and stayed in this cozy inn. I wrote more in that week than I ever have—and I’m a very slow writer!

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How do you handle criticism of your work? Do you find it helpful or discouraging?

It depends on the source. I don’t read random reviews unless they’re from a reputable magazine or reviewer I’ve submitted to. I trust my beta readers and my editor—they’re always incredibly helpful. My editor, in particular, is a gem. Honestly, her feedback makes my work what it is.

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Would you be interested in seeing your book adapted into a film or TV series?

Oh, 100%! Funny enough, it was originally intended to be a TV series, but I fell in love with the story so much that I had to expand it and publish it as a book. I may or may not have submitted it to a producer recently... so we’ll see!

What I’d look for in an adaptation? The atmosphere, hands down. I’d want it to capture the same magic I wove into the story and all the meticulous research I did. And please, it needs to be filmed in the actual locations I visited and described. I’d want the same charm and mysticism to enchant audiences.

What do you hope your books will be remembered for? What do you want readers to take away from your work?

I hope readers remember that it’s okay to embrace all aspects of yourself—even the so-called “bad” parts. And that we’re all connected to nature. I want them to walk away believing, just a little more, that magic really is all around us.

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