Today we are very excited to share an interview with Author K.T. Anglehart (The Wise One: Book I of The Scottish Scrolls)!
Meet the Author: K.T. Anglehart
K.T. 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.
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About the Book: The Wise One: Book I of The Scottish Scrolls
Mckenna’s never thought much of her nightmares, but on her seventeenth birthday, a vivid dream of burning at the stake awakens her dormant abilities, thrusting her into a world where faeries are real, spirits hold a grudge, and a High Priestess obsessed with a 16th-century prophecy is tracking her every move.
Now, her overprotective dads, Seán and Andre, are forced to tell her the truth—they know who her birth mother is, and her life is not the surrogate story she’s always been told. Abigail, Mckenna’s mom, is some sort of mystic, and Mckenna a Wise One.
Whatever the h* that means.
With the help of a persistent little wren and the company of a newfound friend, Mckenna journeys to Ireland in search of her mother and real answers. Along the way, she learns to harness her innate magic and trust her intuition, as best she can anyway—Cillian, a kind and passionate delegate who crosses her path, is proving much harder to read.
Only her mother could truly help her halt her ill fate and prepare her for what’s to come…before she gives in to the darkness she knows is buried deep within.
~Author Chat~
YABC: What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
A blend of my favourite things! I’m drawn to witchy magic, so one of the first things I saw in my mind was my main character, Mckenna, who would discover she was not a normal teenager. Additionally, the rich tapestry of folklore, history, and the picturesque landscapes of Ireland (the setting for The Wise One) and Scotland (the sequel, The Twin Flame) held an irresistible pull for me. It was during the writing of my first book that I first set foot in these enchanting places—and they really are magical.
YABC: What new release book are you looking most forward to in 2024?
The Black Bird Oracle by my favourite author, Deborah Harkness (The Discovery of Witches). It’s coming July 16!
YABC: What’s up next for you?
I’m currently writing the third book of The Scottish Scrolls! After that, I’ve got some ideas swirling around for a standalone novel that leans more towards New Adult and magical realism.
YABC: Which was the most difficult or emotional scene to narrate?
In The Wise One, there’s a moment where Mckenna and her best friend Nissa part ways, and capturing that sense of betrayal in the story was challenging and also heartbreaking for me. I hated writing scenes where they weren’t together because I love their chemistry!
YABC: What is the main message or lesson you would like your reader to remember from this book?
There are several, and my first ever review (literally) nailed it. “Don’t be a bully, love is love, protect our beautiful planet, accept your faults, family comes first and love your friends unconditionally.” –Sarah Bell
YABC: What would you say is your superpower?
Knowing if I want someone to be part of my life after our first encounter. I’ve had the same group of 15 friends since I was twelve, and these wonderful people have become integral to who I am. Also, my husband is my high school sweetheart!
YABC: Is there an organization or cause that is close to your heart?
I’m a regular donor to Greenpeace Canada. They’re out there in the field making change every day, advocating for environmental protection. And that’s what we need right now more than ever.
YABC: What advice do you have for new writers?
Writing a book entails more than just putting words on paper. It’s about confronting self-doubt daily, maintaining persistence, self-discipline, and having the confidence to market your creation. So, my advice is to be kind to yourself—it’s a demanding journey. Focus on what ignites your passion, and do it justice. The rest is about making progress; let go of perfectionism altogether.
Title: The Wise One: Book I of The Scottish Scrolls
Author: K.T. Anglehart
Illustrator: Melissa Williams Designs
Release Date: October 26, 2020
Publisher: The Magic Dwarf Press
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Age Range: 12-99
