Kathryn Knowles

Kathryn Knowles is a composer, cellist, and writer from Inverary, Ontario and currently based in Toronto, Ontario. Her musical works have been played in workshops by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the New Orford String Quartet, and the Penderecki String Quartet. Her work, Biarc will be premiered by the Accordion and Clarinet Duo, Joseph Petric and Martin Carpentier in late 2021.

Kathryn received honourable mention in the Writer’s Digest 89th Annual Writing Competition for her poem, Beyond the Black Horizon’s Crease, and her short story, Lester’s Bird Feeder. Her debut novel, the Relics of Illayan, the first novel in a fantasy trilogy, is set to be released in 2022.

Kathryn is interested in multidisciplinary artistic exchange, and in exploring the creative process. She holds a Bachelor of Music and a Master of International Business from Queen’s University, as well as a Master in Music Composition from the University of Toronto where she was awarded the Joseph Armand Bombardier Canadian Graduate Scholarship. During her time at U of T, Kathryn initiated and led the creation of an annual interdisciplinary conference to showcase artistic creation-based research known as the Multidisciplinary Creative Conference.

In addition to her work as a composer and writer, Kathryn is a Centre Director with Sistema Toronto, the Music Director of Music4Life String Orchestra, and the Founder of Mad Endeavour. Kathryn is a strong advocate for the accessibility and appreciation of music and art in today’s society and she values the constant pursuit and celebration of knowledge.

Ever since I was a child, I have been drawn to every aspect of language and writing.  I love writing, reading, and learning new languages. I am fluent in English and French and I’m decent at German! I happily pursue writing projects in all variety of forms: creative writing, poetry, academia, grant writing etc. (I’ve even self published a rhyming children’s book).

Beautiful imagery or a good turn of phrase – I live for that stuff. I even like the nitty gritty of grammar laws.

Click the links below to explore my writing or contact me if you are interested in seeing more!

Click here to read some poetry

To learn more about my first novel, The Relics of Illayan

Click here to read my articles 

In the stillness, a power wakes

Caerlon is a kingdom where the power of Resonance has long been bound to a single bloodline, a single all-powerful ruler.

Now, for the first time in centuries, the magic has been divided.

On the night of the new king’s coronation, something causes his magic to fracture, and Catanya, a young woman living on the outskirts of Caerlon discovers the long-kept secret of her connection to the throne.

Driven mad by his lust for power, King Cadyan sends his soldiers to hunt her down. He is determined to reclaim his birthright and uncover the truth about the legendary Relics of Illayan, which could hold the key to eternal power and immortality.

On the run, terrified and alone, Catanya must decide how-or even if-she can wield the magic of Caerlon to protect herself and save everyone she loves.

The Relics of Illayan is the first novel in a trilogy exploring a world of fantasy and adventure through the eyes of two young women as they encounter forbidden magic, warring kingdoms, and unexpected allies. This book should appeal to readers of heroic fantasy in the style of K.S Villoso, Brandon Sanderson, and Patrick Rothfuss. It’s a story that explores the impact of family and friendship and suggests that the line between good and evil is never as clear as we think.